The long weekend kicks off summer entertaining and if you’re looking for some exciting wines to try, our next guest has you covered! Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com.
Hi Natalie!
Great to be here with you!
Let’s start with your first wine.
Winemaker’s Cut Incognito Rosé Dealcoholized Wine
Oliver, B.C.
We’re starting with a twist—a dealcoholized rosé that doesn’t compromise on flavour. This Incognito Rosé from Winemaker’s Cut in British Columbia has all the hallmarks of a summer sipper: bright strawberries, fresh citrus, and a dry, refreshing finish. I’d pair this with watermelon salad, soft cheeses or grilled shrimp skewers.
I also have their sparkling alcohol-free piquette that has tangy pink grapefruit and a fizzy freshness. Great with grilled veggies or a charcuterie board.
You can use this wine or another alcohol-free one in a simple mocktail:
Rosé Berry Fizz
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Winemaker’s Cut Incognito Rosé Dealcoholized Wine
- 2 oz sparkling water
- A few fresh raspberries
- Ice
Method:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the rosé then sparkling water. The host will top up the glass with sparkling water.
- Drop in a few raspberries.
- Stir gently and sip.
Note: I’ll have a bowl of fresh raspberries plus and ice bucket and cocktail tools for visuals.
Fascinating fact: Before winemaker Michal Mosny emigrated to Canada from Slovakia in 2011, he was a professional conductor and composer, believing that music can profoundly influence mood, emotion—and now, fermentation. Classical music plays throughout the estate. There are 13 speakers in the vineyard and five in the cellar.
His new line of low- and no-alcohol wines was born out of necessity during the severe frosts of 2024 in BC. They didn’t just pivot—they created a whole new experience, including “The Opera Room” tasting space. This may be the only vineyard in the world that blends Mozart and Merlot.
What’s next on your list?
Vineland Estates Winery Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling
Niagara, Ontario
This Riesling from Vineland Estates is electric with mouth-watering acidity and notes of lime zest and peach blossom. Ideal for grilled sausages, chicken sandwiches and fish tacos.
This is your go-to poolside wine when the temperature soars. Serve it cool and refreshing by putting it in the fridge for 30 minutes or an ice bucket for 20.
Fascinating fact: Vineland has been a cornerstone of Canadian wine for 45 years. Their property is steeped in history, dating back to Queen Victoria’s land grants. Their wine shop is in a restored 1877 log barn that’s like a wooden cathedral, and their award-winning restaurant is built around a carefully preserved, original pioneer homestead.
And what are we sipping next?
Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé
Beamsville Bench, Ontario
The Locust Lane Rosé from Hidden Bench is dry, elegant and bursting with red cherry, rhubarb and a hint of wild herbs. Perfect with goat cheese, grilled veggies or a beet and arugula salad.
This wine is perfect for your backyard barbecue get-togethers as it’ll appeal to a wide range of palates but isn’t too heavy with oak or alcohol.
Fascinating fact: While on a ski hill in Austria in 2003, Harald Theil performed CPR on his best friend for 17 minutes. He saved his friend’s life and changed his own by founding Hidden Bench.
Today he crafts wines from estate-grown, certified organic grapes. His Old World, minimal-interventionist approach means these wines have depth, character and story, much like their maker.
What’s your final recommendation to celebrate Canada Day?
Painted Rock Red Icon
Skaha Bench, B.C.
Let’s end with a bold statement. The Red Icon is a blend of estate-grown Bordeaux varieties, rich with black cherry, mocha and baking spices. Pair it with lamb burgers, juicy steak or grilled portobello mushrooms.
When you want to celebrate Canada Day or other special moments this summer like weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, this is your go-to wine.
Fascinating fact: Painted Rock has a global reputation for quality. Founded by John and Trish Skinner in 2004, they still bottle from grapes grown on their own vineyards despite the 2024 Okanagan freezes.
Their daughter Lauren now works alongside them, continuing their mission of putting Canadian wine on the world stage. Their 2020 Red Icon was named a Decanter magazine Wine of the Year, the only Canadian wine to be included.
Natalie, thank you for these fantastic Canadian wines!
Where can we find you online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of Global’s Morning Show.
