Top Holiday Wine Gifts
Hectic is the word on the street right now! You need to leave a Christmas party early because you have a second one to go to on the same night. At the office, the bottles start to pop up at noon while everyone is trying to empty their inbox before the holidays. And what about those gifts you haven’t bought yet? Yes, this frantic time of the year can cause a lot of stress. Do yourself a favour and save a trip to the liquor store. Waiting in the huge line-up will only take time away from something else you could be doing. At My Wine Canada, you can buy online and the bottles will be directly delivered to your door. With picks from East to West, I have the perfect selection to get through the holidays. My gift to you. Merry Merry!
To Toast With...
Benjamin Bridge Brut 2008, Nova Scotia $49.95
Chances are, your friends and family will be reaching out for a bottle of Champagne to welcome the New Year. Why be like everyone else? In blind tastings, Benjamin Bridge’s bubbles have been mistaken for Champagne many times thanks to their similar terroir. It’s top notch and it feels good to know that it’s made in Canada. This is your New Year's Eve bubbly!
With the bird...
Little Farm Winery, Blind Creek Vineyard Rosé 2015, Similkameen Valley, BC $25
13th Street Winery, June's Vineyard Riesling 2014, Niagara Peninsula, ON $19.95
It’s always challenging to pick a wine to go with turkey. It’s not the bird itself that makes it difficult but everything else that goes with it. Here are two perfect partners. And yes, you can drink rosé during winter time!
Meat Pies...
Le Vieux Pin, ‘Cuvée Classique’ Syrah 2014, Okanagan Valley, BC $50
When you live in Québec, meat pie is often served as a side dish at table… Light no. Delicious, yes. Whether you are québécois or not, having meat pie at the table should be an annual tradition. When I grew up a Northern Rhône Syrah was the wine that made the pie sing. Then came Cuvée Classique from Le Vieux Pin… One of Okanagan’s very best Syrah and truly a match made in heaven.
To Give To Those You Love...
Eau Claire Distillery, Parlour Gin, Alberta $50.95
Stocking up the liquor cabinet is part of the holidays’ ritual. Why not introduce your friends to something new this year? Bring a good tonic (it’s all about having the right tonic – I like Fever Tree) and make a refreshing G&T with this delicious gin from Alberta to kick off the night.
To Share...
Coteau Rougemont, Cidre de Glace NV, Québec $20
Bigger gatherings are the perfect occasion to share a bottle of sweet wine. Ice cider is a Quebec speciality that goes especially well with blue cheese and my favourite: tarte tatin.
You can get all of these fantastic holiday wines - and more - at MyWineCanada.com. Plus, there's still time to receive these for the holidays.
Michelle Bouffard is a wine and spirits educator and a writer who splits her time between Montréal & Vancouver. She is the president of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. She Tweets @michellebwine and Instagrams @michellebouffard.
