Pairing Wine and Yoga to Unwined with Morgan Perry

Introduction In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Morgan Perry who pairs wine and yoga in her Vino Vinyasa classes. More than marketing or whimsy, it’s actually rooted in a holistic lifestyle philosophy. Enjoy!   Highlights Why did Morgan decide to pair wine and yoga? What is a yoga vinyasa class experience like? What are vinyasa and shavasana? Why does Morgan believe yoga enhances the wine tasting experience? How has Morgan wine-ified some of the yoga poses for her classes? Are Morgan’s classes tailored to the type of wine being tasted? What are Morgan’s thoughts […]

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San Pedro Tasting Past and Present

Photo: Andrea Shapiro Jane Staples Wine, Food &Travel Writer,Accredited Sommelier Viña Tarapacá and San Pedro 1865 Winetasting at ZOE’S LOUNGE Exciting things are happening in Chile’s winemaking industry! The world is recognizing the fine craftsmanship and distinctive personality of Chilean wines. Chile is also becoming a world leader in organic and sustainable viticulture. I recently attended a tutored tasting with two award-winning winemakers, Sebastian Ruiz from Viña Tarapacá and Matias Cruzat from San Pedro 1865. Our team of wine writers happily gathered at the comfortable Zoe’s Lounge in Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier. Matias Cruzat Photo: Jane Staples Each winemaker led highly […]

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Wine and Books: Holiday Gifts – Breakfast Television

This past Thursday, we chatted about book and bottle pairings as holiday gifts on Breakfast Television. Words and wine seem like a natural pairing to me … here are my favourites. What are yours?   1. Books are Beautiful The publisher selected 30 classic works of literature and assigned each a beautiful colour. Then the editors organized them in a rainbow of words so spectacular that you’re going to want to line them up on your shelves and just look at them.               Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut, South East Australia, Australia: Green […]

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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 […]

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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    

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Video: A Sensory Journey Through Austrian Wines

This spring, I attended a stellar tasting of Austrian wines at Toronto’s Alo, named Canada’s Best New Restaurant by several publications. In the video above, Birgitta Samavarchian of the Austrian Wine Marketing Group, explains why the country’s iconic  grape, Gruner Veltliner, is a white wine unlike any other. This is a sampling the wines we tasted, but you can access more than 300 Austrian Wine Reviews here, along with those of our team members at Ottawa-based tastings. The dishes that Alo presented to pair with the wines were simply spectacular. These pictures tell a thousand words (and sensory sensations).   […]

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Joel Gott Wines Video: California Roots and Gourmet Burgers

In 1996, our guest this evening  purchased a few tons of Zinfandel and with the help of his then-girlfriend (now wife)—and winemaker at Joseph Phelps—Sarah, produced his first vintage of wine. It received wide praise from critics, which was all the encouragement he needed to produce additional varietals. And he joins me live now from Napa,  Joel Gott, Owner & Winemaker at Joel Gott Wines!. How are the regions of Santa Barbara and Napa Valley different, and what should we look for when buying these wines? Why did this fifth-generation winemaker start a wildly popular gourmet burger restaurant? What are his […]

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Fancy Farm Girl Sue-Ann Staff Makes Down-to-Earth Wines (Video)

Our guest this evening is a fifth-generation grape grower who grew up on the largest privately-owned vineyard in Canada, the Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery. Today, she is one of Canada’s top winemakers, winning more than 500 national and international wine awards, including being twice recognized by the International Wine and Spirits Awards of London, England as one of the top four “Women in Wine” in the world . And she joins me live now from her winery: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Sue-Ann Staff! What was the exact moment when you realized that you wanted to make wine? […]

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Tasting Spring Fresh #Wine from Austria with Rudi Rabl

We were joined by special guest, Rudi Rabl, founder and winemaker at Austria’s Rabl Winery discussing the Ultimate Wine for Spring. Click on the arrow above to watch the video. Listen to Rudi’s story about becoming the 12th generation of Rabl winemaking. Learn about the flexibility of Grüner Veltliner. Discover the best pairings for Grüner Veltliner.   If you’d like to read the 33 comments for this tasting, or make a comment yourself, visit: https://www.facebook.com/natdecants/videos/10155115055649845/ You’ll find upcoming and past Live Tasting Videos here.   Here’s a sampling of our lively discussion from our tasting… Lynn van der Linde · […]

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Austrian Wine Pairings for Pasta, Gazpacho and Souvlaki

Sponsored Post by the Wines of Austria The culinary diversity of the Mediterranean kitchen is as popular as ever. And that’s a good reason for the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) to deal with the theme Mediterranean Cooking & Austrian Wine. This much loved food goes far beyond pizza and pasta. Also Spanish tapas and gazpacho are experiencing a revival, especially as summer hits. In any case, Mediterranean cooking accompanied by Austrian quality wines – light and fresh, in particular – promises to deliver an array of wonderful culinary experiences. Mediterranean Delectables Paired with Fine Wines In general, dishes such […]

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