Here are some of my top picks and best value wines from the June 25 Vintages Release. You’ll find all 75 wines here that I’ve recommended from a wide range of price points, styles, scores and food pairings. (Make sure you have some back-up choices in case some of these are sold out.) You can also put my best value and top rated wines into your custom shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. Then follow your wine bliss! Natalie [table id=8 /] You get all of my recommendations when you subscribe to my wine reviews […]
Stoneleigh Wines and some great summer reads
Sponsored Post With summer finally here, avid readers are finding time to unwind and enjoy a good book. Whether in the backyard, at the beach, or on the dock, summer’s slower pace allows time to tackle that book club reading list. And what better accompaniment to a compelling story than a cool, crisp white wine, or a complex red? Stoneleigh® Wines from Marlborough, New Zealand are the Official Wine Partner of Random House of Canada Limited. Together, they have a range of book recommendations and accompanying wine suggestions. [table id=3 /] [table id=5 /] [table id=6 /] […]
Let’s take the party outside: barbecue cheeseburger and wine pairing
There’s only one thing better than eating and drinking, and that is eating and drinking outdoors. We waited patiently through the winter and remained calm and humble when spring brought us a little warmth. But now the moment has arrived. We can boldly step outside with our plates of food and glasses of wine and celebrate the arrival of summer. Let’s organize a good old-fashioned family BBQ party. The key words for this party are “simple” and “fun.” We are going to please everyone and make the most delicious hamburgers ever – Three-Cheese Burgers. And here’s the brilliant part. We […]
Wine Label Scan Mobile App Featured on Business News Network (BNN)
I’m thrilled that our new (free) wine label-scanning mobile app will be featured on the Business News Network (BNN) on June 7 at 8 p.m. There’ll be a demo of how the Natalie MacLean Wine Picks & Pairings app works and help consumers find terrific wines in the LCBO and other liquor stores across the country. Tune in then, and I’d love to hear what you think of version 2.1 that Apple just approved this afternoon with new features and bug fixes!
LCBO Vintages Release June 11: Father’s Day wines, big Australian and Italian red wines, zesty white wines
The LCBO Vintages June 11 Release features some terrific wines for Father’s Day, full-bodied, fleshy red wines from Italy, zippy whites for summer salads and seafood, and robust Australian shiraz and cabernet for your barbecue. I’ve highlighted some of my best value and top rated picks here. You can find all 49 wines that I’ve reviewed here as well as here on the site. I’d love to know what your favs are! White Wine 2010 Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc, Acongagua Valley, Chile: VC: Founded by Chilean superstar Eduardo Chadwick of Viña Errazuriz fame and California’s Robert Mondavi (Chadwick now owns solely […]
Wine and War: the French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure
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. […]
