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. […]
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 […]
