Introduction I have to confess: I am obsessed with Alicia Florrick, the successful attorney on The Good Wife, and Olivia Pope, the high-powered Washington D.C. “fixer” on Scandal. In this episode, I’m going to share with you my secret obsession with the wine drinking habits of these women on television and what I believe that says about our cultural relationship with wine. Highlights How have alcoholic beverages featured with women on TV changed over time? What do Alicia Florrick and Olivia Pope have in common with Philip Marlowe? How does wine act as a key plot device on Scandal? […]
Shiraz
Gift Wines: Tips on How Not to Send the Wrong Message in a Bottle
Leanne and I chat about how to find the right gift wine for everyone on your list on CTV News. Meanwhile, we’re chatting about the same topic with the Associated Press: Wine Gift-Giving Tips for Novice Vinophiles Trendy, tasty and one-size-fits-all, wine is a versatile holiday gift, whether you’re on your way to a house-warming or looking out for something for the in-laws. But navigating the world of wine can be a trial for the novice vinophile. Enter wine experts, who have a few tips on how not to send the wrong message in a bottle. Recon The […]
Best Summer Wines for Barbecue + Seafood: CTV News
In part two of our regular wine chat, Leanne and I talk about the best wines for summer, whether it’s zesty whites, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, for seafood; and robust red wines, such as Shiraz, Cabernet and Malbec, for BBQs. All of my wine picks are under $20, including several that scored 90+ points. Stock up now! Posted with permission of CTV
Icon: Flagship Wines from British Columbia’s Best Wineries (Video)
I consider our guest this evening the godfather of Canadian wine writing, such is both the quality and the quantity of his work. Beginning with regular wine columns in the Financial Post and the Vancouver Sun in 1974, he published his first book, The World of Canadian Wines, in 1984 and has since written fourteen books on Canada’s and British Columbia’s wines and wine culture. And he joins me live now from Vancouver: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club John Schreiner! Note: YouTube has the audio and video out of sync. So either close your eyes and listen, or you […]
Shiraz or Syrah? New Film Exposes the Truth
Do you know the differences, and the secret stories behind these grapes? Would you like to know why you love one style and not another? Our guest this evening is making a movie that will turn the wine world on its head, and change the way we think about Shiraz and Syrah. Director and producer Rudolf McClain joins me live from his home in Sonoma County, California. Click on the arrow above to watch the video. P.S. Join us Sunday October 22, at 6 pm eastern with Heidemarie Fischer Pfaffl of Weingut R&A Pfaffl. www.nataliemaclean.com/live Want to know when we […]
5 Tips to Pick the Best Thanksgiving Wines: Gobbling Good
In the CTV News video above, we chat about how no other holiday celebrates the gift of wine like Thanksgiving. Wine is a taste of the harvest along with all the delicious dishes on the table. But actually choosing a bottle can feel like a thankless task, especially with so many flavors to match. Relax. Have a drink. Try some of my suggestions for great wines to pair with Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. These are some of my favourite wines for Thanksgiving. Here are my five quick tips for choosing a terrific Thanksgiving wine: 1. Start with bubbly. […]
Video: Penfolds Wine Tasting of Grange, RWT, Magill, Bin 707
Penfolds’ DLynn Proctor Captivates the Audience What a spectacular evening writer Rachelle O’Connor and I had with DLynn Proctor, Brand Ambassador Penfolds Americas, as he guided us through a fascinating and entertaining tasting of Penfolds’ most iconic wines and vintages, including the 2002 flagship vintage of Grange. We broadcast 7 Facebook Live Stream videos in real time to capture the entire event at the Cordon Bleu’s Signatures Restaurant, and to include people coast to coast via social media who could not attend in person. Don’t miss DLynn’s answer to a final question in the this video … […]
San Pedro Winery: An Overnight Success 150 Years in the Making (of Wine)
Tania Thomas Wine Expert, Rogers Daytime Television Our wine writing team was treated to an engaging guided tasting, expertly led by Viña San Pedro’s passionate Enologist of 1865 Single Vineyard and Castillo de Molina labels, Matias Cruzat. After perfecting his craft in the wineries across California, USA and South Africa, Matias returned home to Chile and was soon recruited as a winemaker for the winery’s Premium brands. Photo: Tania Thomas The winery was established in the Curicó Valley in 1865 by the Correa Albano brothers and started with varieties brought over from Europe. Today, with 1,200 […]
Red, White and Bluesfest with Lindeman’s Wines
Our team of wine writers and sommeliers are attending the Ottawa Bluesfest courtesy of Lindeman’s Wines this year. Stay tuned for more photos and commentary as the festival unfolds. Enter this Lindeman’s Wines Contest, and you could win one of 100 prizes that will make you smile. #WhatMakesYouSmile Rachelle O’Connor Wine Writer & Competition Judge It was a perfect Friday in Ottawa for one of North America’s best outdoor live music festivals “Bluesfest” – made more exciting as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday this year. We were happy to spot the Lindeman’s sign from the entrance and made our […]
Errazuriz Wines: Chile’s Cool Climate Grapes Shine
This is the first in a series of team tastings by top reviewers in our community, most of whom are graduates of either the Algonquin College Sommelier Program or La Cite Collegiale Sommelier Program. They share with us their overall impressions from the tasting, as well as reviews of each of the wines presented. You’ll also find their reviews shared on Twitter and Facebook as they are all very active on social media. “The Errazuriz wine tasting at Daly’s restaurant in Ottawa on September 26th was an absolute treat. Francisco Baettig, head winemaker at Errazuriz, is a supremely knowledgeable and […]
