One of my favourite writers, Clifton Fadiman, said that if food is the body of good living, wine is its soul. This robust red comforts both body and soul. There are also still lots of terrific wines in stores from the June 8 LCBO Vintages Release … you’ll find 14 of my reviews in the Catalogue, plus 67 wines reviewed on the site. That should keep you going for a while, don’t you think? Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $9.95 | Save: $1.50 (Usually $11.45) Natalie’s Score: 88/100 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Chile Delicious! Full-bodied, savoury, meaty […]
Norm Hardie Wine + Pizza Pairings
After winning the Best Canadian Wine with Pizza for his County Pinot Noir in The Great Canadian Wine Match, Norm Hardie has shared with us his favourite wine and pizza pairings based on the pizzas made daily at his winery in an outdoor wood-burning oven from May to late fall. Like his wines, Norm says, there is no exact recipe for the pizzas, which vary based on seasonal ingredients as well as the daily heat and humidity. Here are Norm’s favourite pizzas with his County Pinot Noir: Margherita: tomato, fior di latte, basil Cochon: tomato, fior di latte, basil, salami […]
1000 Islands Wine & Food Festival
What better way to enjoy a weekend than with a visit to a beautiful waterfront community, a fiesta with some friendly faces, and a good glass of your favourite wine? And that’s just what The Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau is offering the weekend on June 14th and 15th in picturesque Brockville, Ontario at the fourth annual 1000 Islands Wine and Food Festival. This delicious event is taking place at the Brockville Memorial Centre, and is working in partnership with Brockville’s Tall Ships Festival and 1000 Islands Jazz Festival, making this one weekend event you do not want to miss! […]
Wine of the Week: Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc, Chile
I guess this week’s bargain bottle will have to celebrate Thirsty Thursday rather than Wine Wednesday. Never too late though for a tasty wine that’s well-priced. Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $11.45 | Save: $1.50 (Usually $12.95) Natalie’s Score: 89/100 Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc A lovely citrus-infused Sauvignon Blanc that has a rich mouth-filling texture and vibrant, refreshing acidity. Not too grassy, just lime-zesty. Perfect as an aperitif or accompaniment to seafood, vegetarian dishes and salads. Drink: 2010-2013 LCBO Code: 263574 Sugar Code: Extra Dry Find this wine in your closest LCBO stores now. Feel free […]
Maple and Cream Cheese Squares Recipe
Celebrate Canada Day the Canadian way Summer is almost underway and Canada Day is fast approaching. If you’re looking for Patriotic menu inspiration, look no further. Nothing screams Canada more than maple. Now combine the deliciously sweet flavour of maple syrup with the rich and creamy texture of 100% Canadian Cream Cheese, and you have yourself the perfect Canada Day treat. These delectable Maple and Cream Cheese Squares will have your taste buds singing “O Canada” in no time. As for Canuck-approved wine pairings, I can recommend a variety of different local varieties from Canada’s finest wineries in Niagara, Ontario. […]
Garlic-Ginger Shrimp With Quinoa Recipe Paired with Alpine Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Garlic-Ginger Shrimp With Quinoa By Liz Pearson Fresh tasting, totally delicious, fast and easy! That is how I would describe this meal. It’s fantastic. It’s great for lunch or dinner and company will love it too. Shrimp is a lean source of protein and rich in nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, choline, magnesium, zinc and copper. Although shrimp does contain cholesterol, for most people, in moderation, shrimp can easily fit into a healthy diet. As for quinoa, it is considered a whole grain and is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, magnesium and folate. I hope you enjoy this meal as much […]
1000 Islands Wine & Food Festival
Something for everyone at the festival! Is your spouse a wine fan? Spend the weekend in Brockville and take in the 1000 Islands Wine & Food Festival so they can enjoy themselves and sample some of the delicious wines provided by our exhibitors this year. For lovers of beer and spirits, the festival is pleased to provide options in this area as well. Stop by the festival before or after attending some of the other great events taking place that weekend (such as the Tall Ships Festival), and the 1000 Islands Jazz Festival. What better to go with your wine, […]
Best Canadian Wines with Chicken: Zoomer Magazine
Here’s my recent column in Zoomer Magazine about The Great Canadian Wine Match with the finalists for the best Canadian wine with chicken. Just 4 days left to vote! Posted with permission of Zoomer Magazine.
LCBO Ottawa Rideau and SAQ Gatineau Wine Tastings
Here’s a list of wines offered for tasting at the Rideau Street LCBO in Ottawa and the SAQ Selection Store in Gatineau across from the casino. I’ll update this as I get new lists of the wines. You may also want to inquire about the classes held at these stores that provide additional opportunities to taste more wines. Here are the wine tastings in Toronto and Oakville. I find it doesn’t take long to taste the wines and I fit it in when I’m doing errands in the neighbourhood where the store is located. There is a minimum fee […]
LCBO Vintages Wine Tasting Bars Toronto and Oakville
Here’s a list of LCBO stores in Toronto and Oakville that offer regular tastings of premium wines. I’ll update this as I get new lists of the wines on offer. You may also want to inquire about the classes held at these stores that provide additional opportunities to taste more wines. Here are the wine tastings in Ottawa and Gatineau (SAQ). I find it doesn’t take long to taste the wines and I fit it in when I’m doing errands in the neighbourhood where the store is located. There is a minimum fee to taste the wines that varies […]