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by Nicole MacKay, Wine Writer & Consultant

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    • Vine
    • Dine
  • Cellar Management
  • Writing Portfolio
  • About
    • Policies
  • Wine

    Pinot Noir: A Rundown of 5 Prime Picks Under $25

    I’ve had some great feedback on a couple of articles lately that highlight quality bottles under $25. First, my published piece for TASTE Magazine called Top Tier Cabs Under $25. Then, Global Chardonnays: 5 Under $25. Today, we’re taking a look…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Kirkland Gigondas
    Wine

    Costco Wine Buyers’ Guide: The Best Kirkland Signature Series Bottles

    I never thought I’d say this, but daaaaayum Costco, I’m impressed! Before researching this article, I’d never stepped foot in a Costco liquor store. Erin had written about Costco in her Calgary Wine Buyers’ Guide a couple of years ago.…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Wine

    Chardonnay: 5 Picks From Around the Global Under $25

    I had an article published recently for TASTE Magazine called Top Tier Cabs Under $25. Apparently that price point is a sweet spot because I got requests to continue the theme! Today, we’re taking a look at chardonnays under $25…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Map of Portugal
    Wine

    Take a Trip through Portugal to Explore its Wine Identity

    Admittedly, I know a lot more about the wine industry in Portugal than I do about the country itself. I shared a few tidbits earlier this year following a Wines of Portugal showcase in Vancouver. A quick Google search told…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Vine,  Wine

    Summerhill Pyramid Winery: New Chapter & New Vision

    My connection to Summerhill Pyramid Winery dates back to the late ’80s. Since I was 5, my family spent our summers camping at West Bay Beach Resort on the Westside of Kelowna. I’d lay on a lounge chair for hours…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Wine

    How to Expand the Spanish Wine Landscape According to Telmo Rodriguez

    In 1994, gastronomy in Spain consisted of paella and sangria; One food and one drink known the world over as ‘Spanish’. In that same year, Telmo Rodriguez began traveling across the country in search of workable vineyards to create a…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Vine,  Wine

    O’Rourke Peak Cellars Astonishing $100 Million Project in Lake Country

    It seems that authenticity and boutique-style experiences are trending. Wineries are giving visitors unique and personalized tours or the taste of one-off samples of experimental wines in order to be memorable. However, these experiences translate to visitors in vastly different…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Wine

    Trialto Showcase Takes Us Through New Zealand, California & Walla Walla

    I’ve never been speed dating but if I had, I’d imagine it to be fairly similar to a recent experience at a portfolio showcase for Trialto. I was invited to interview 3 of Trialto’s wine producers at one of my…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • Fontanafredda Barolo
    Dine,  Wine

    5 Best Restaurant and Wine Picks to Savour this Fall

    Fall is a busy time of year. Between prepping for Halloween and catching up on TV’s season premieres – meal prep and planned dinners tend to go by the wayside. It’s hard to always be on our A-game, but meals…

    By Nicole MacKay
  • wine snob glass from www.easytigerco.com
    Dine,  Wine

    I’m not a wine snob, but sometimes I think like one

    The wine world can get information-heavy pretty quick. The encyclopaedias are thick; the barrels are deep and the snobbery can get ridiculous. However, being a wine snob is a thing of the past. Thankfully, those hoity-toity tides are turning with…

    By Nicole MacKay
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ABOUT Nicole Mackay

Nicole is a Wine Writer, Consultant and Marketing Specialists who holds her Level 3 Certification from the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust.

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Jan 6/2021 – 2021 Drinks Calendar
Dec 30/2020 – NYE Sparkling Wine Guide
Dec 23/2020 – Wines for Your Xmas Meal
Dec 16/2020 – The Best Wines to Gift
Dec 9/2020 – 4 Special Wines Under $25
Dec 2/2020 – Set Yourself Up For Success

Recent Posts

  • Get Organized With the Social Sips 2021 Drinks Calendar
  • Holiday Wine Guide 2020: Pop These Sparkling Wines For New Year’s Eve
  • Holiday Wine Guide 2020: Tempting Wines For Your Holiday Meal
  • Holiday Wine Guide 2020: The Best Wines to Gift
  • How To Become a Champagne Expert

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socialsips

Nicole MacKay 🍷 wine writer
🥂 Pol Roger Brut Réserve Champagne 🥂 It's 🥂 Pol Roger Brut Réserve Champagne 🥂 

It's been a crazy year, let's celebrate the possibilities of 2021 with the Social Sips Sparkling Wine Guide! @pol_roger Non-Vintage Brut is equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This house style stays in the cellars, resting on its lees, for four years before its distinct character is ready to be shared with the public.Visit SocialSips.ca (link in profile) for this week’s guide: ✨ Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve ✨

Reasons To Pop A Bottle: Let’s cheers to 2020 being over and celebrate the possibilities ahead of us. This Champagne is an elegant and authentic way to bring in the new year and should definitely be on the menu of sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve.
🥂 Freixenet Prosecco DOC 🥂 It's been a cra 🥂 Freixenet Prosecco DOC 🥂 

It's been a crazy year, let's celebrate the possibilities of 2021 with the Social Sips Sparkling Wine Guide! @freixenetca Prosecco is vibrant and fresh. The aromas dance with flowers and citrus with crisp apple and mouth-filling juicy peach flavours on the palate. Visit SocialSips.ca (link in profile) for this week’s guide: ✨ Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve ✨

Reasons To Pop A Bottle: Freixenet has been perfecting its sparkling wine for more than 150 years. This DOC Prosecco is an easy-drinking, sparkling sensation perfect with or without food.
This picture is going to mess with my feed estheti This picture is going to mess with my feed esthetic so badly 🤦‍♀️

BUT - I think it’s important during these last few days of 2020 to acknowledge how far we’ve come. Not only in facing the challenges of this year, but in our own journeys through life. 

This is a picture of me during winery orientation at my first job in the industry: tasting bar host at @quailsgate circa summer 2004. 

With optimism, we’re about to enter 2021. Our journeys will continue in spite of COVID - and it’ll be amazing 🤩 Think big, you never know where it’ll take you.
I wouldn’t recommend this with your favourite 💰expensive💰 bottle, but anything less than $30 is worth experimenting with and mixing at least one glass as a cocktail. 🍸 

I’m turning to VinePair.com’s extensive recipe library for The Wintry Night cocktail:

- 4 ounces extra brut sparkling rosé
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon simple syrup (simmer 4 cinnamon sticks with 2 cups water. Stir in 1.5 cups of sugar until dissolved then let cool)
- Splash of blood orange bitters
- Orange peel for garnish

Cheers!
🥂 Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava 🥂 It's 🥂 Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava 🥂 

It's been a crazy year, let's celebrate the possibilities of 2021 with the Social Sips Sparkling Wine Guide! @freixenet Cava is made from native varieties (35% Macabeo, 40% Parellada and 25% Xarel·lo) and in the traditional method - which means it’s got some of the same autolytic characters that you’d find in Champagne. Visit SocialSips.ca (link in profile) for this week’s guide: ✨ Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve ✨

Reasons To Pop A Bottle: Cheers to (hopeful) travel in 2021 as you sip and envision where this wine is from, the rolling hills of Penedès, just southwest of Barcelona. Pair with Manchego cheese and olives for an authentic Spanish experience
🥂 Fresita Sparkling Wine With Strawberries 🥂 🥂 Fresita Sparkling Wine With Strawberries 🥂 

It's been a crazy year, let's celebrate the possibilities of 2021 with the Social Sips Sparkling Wine Guide! Fresita is a balanced combination of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscatel with only 8 percent alcohol. Bold and bright aromas with light and refreshing flavors. Mouth-filling and lengthy finish. Visit SocialSips.ca (link in profile) for this week’s guide: ✨ Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve ✨

Reasons To Pop A Bottle: Perfect for starting your New Year’s Eve early and sipping on while cooking dinner. Also great for sangria by adding a handful of frozen cranberries or blackberries to your glass.
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