Wine and War: the French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure Don & Petie Kladstrup The story of how French winemakers were able to preserve their wines from the occupying Germans during World War II is expertly told in Wine & War: The French, the Nazis & the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure by Don and Petie Kladstrup. The French used such clever tactics as creating false cellar walls behind which they hid their best vintages, smuggling Allied soldiers out in their barrels and passing off poor vintages to the German troops. It’s a thrilling read for […]
Welcome to the new site and blog!
After six months of research, development and pinot noir, we’re finally ready with the new site and blog. I hope you find it useful, yet fun. Please let me know what suggestions you have by commenting here or just e-mail me at [email protected]. I raise my glass to you! Natalie
Wine & Food Events
You can find a full listing of upcoming wine and food events here. If you’d like to submit an event, please use this quick form. Enjoy! Natalie
Touring the Eastside Kelowna Wine Trail
By Michael Fagin Winemaker Anthony (Tony) Lewis told us that all you need to enjoy his wine is some music, art and good chemistry. The music came first with the rock band called Storytyme. Tony and his two brothers played in the band and had a fun seven year run that ended in 2008. The brothers kept the good times flowing as Tony became the winemaker perfecting his skill in chemistry and the art of winemaking. Tony’s brother Phil gives the artistic touch to the wine bottles. My wife and I are slowly decorating our house with these wonderfully crafted […]
Explore BC Trip Ideas for Wining and Dining
Sponsored Post British Columbia is one of the best places to spend a vacation filled with sipping local wines and sampling homegrown food. Check out BC trip ideas, which will tempt you to have a wonderfully indulgent summer. Here’s a snapshot of the trip ideas you’ll find: • Stop and taste award-winning Gewurztraminers along Corkscrew Drive near Penticton. • Try a blackberry port-style wine at a First Nations–owned winery on Vancouver Island. • Go on a chef-led tour through Vancouver’s Granville Island Public Market, where its stalls are filled to the brim with fresh fruit, vegetables, local meats and cheeses. […]
Chris’s Green Onion and Pink Peppercorn Marinated Flank Steak
Sponsored Post “How’s this for hip? …a super hot Merlot-Cabernet combo that is locally grown and produced in the Niagara Region. Sporting fresh black fruit and hints of coca, it’s great for sipping alone or with cheese or grilled meat.” – Globetrotting – Food and Drink Spring 2011 Spring is here and what better way to celebrate spring than with TREND wines, designed to be fabulous by Steven and Chris! The TREND wine collection will embrace spring this year and be showcased at the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa starting May 6th with a grand opening amongst the tulips at […]
Steven’s Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Steven’s Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti “We get rave reviews on our un-oaked Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend. It’s so versatile, as a refreshing aperitif, or paired with white fish, poultry or salad greens. We love asking guests what flavours they taste in it. Some say orchard fruits, others comment on its melon or citrus nuances.” – Steven and Chris Spring is here and what better way to celebrate spring than with TREND wines, designed to be fabulous by Steven and Chris! The TREND wine collection will embrace spring this year and be showcased at the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa starting May 6th […]
April 2 New Wine Reviews: Vintages Release
Number of Wines Recommended: 62 Review date: April 2, 2011 The highlights in this Vintages release include… 2009 Inniskillin Riesling Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Bring-you-to-your-knees mouth-watering aromas and flavours of lime, white peach, and green apple. Juicy and vibrant: this wine cries out for food. Although it’s medium dry, it tastes bone-dry to me. Drink: 2011-2016. 105387 12% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. 2009 Domaine Roux Père & Fils Chardonnay Les Chaumes Chassagne-Montrachet 1Er Cru, A.C., Burgundy, France VC : This is a simply gorgeous wine. The complex nose carries tones of vanilla, apple, citrus, […]
2011 California Wine Fair Tour
Raise Your Glass to California! California vintners have always prided themselves on staying true to their west coast roots by creating world-class wines that add enjoyment to life. The California Wine Fair pays homage to California’s diversity in the glass and one-of-a kind lifestyle. Come sample the wonderful wines that have made California stand out on the international wine stage with their vibrant, spirited and full of flavour characteristics. Join owners, winemakers and friends from the vineyards as they invite you to drink in the famous, sun-kissed wine country of the Golden State at this year’s tasting and share […]
Red, White and Drunk All Over on Mt. Everest
Sometimes, I get the most amazing e-mails … people who’ve been out at sea for months and have read my book, others who decided to changed careers as a result. I’ve always thought of Red, White and Drunk All Over as a light-hearted, diverting read, but these human stories touch me. So I was floored to get the e-mail below a few days ago … From: Hannah Iland Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 To: Natalie MacLean Subject: Lukla, Nepal Dear Natalie, I worked at Navarra restaurant for close to two years and had the pleasure of serving you and […]
