When a medieval masterpiece meets a bottle of Chénas: the unexpected story of Rogier van der Weyden’s The Last Judgment, Domaine Jules Desjourneys, and one very recognizable angel.

A cloudy glass of my grandfather's homemade wine became the starting point for exploring Hungary's remarkable native grape varieties - from the legendary Furmint of Tokaj to the rare volcanic wines of Somló and Badacsony - and the stories, traditions, and landscapes they still carry today.

In Rome, I arrived expecting carbonara but discovered tripe, quinto quarto, and the rich traditions behind cucina povera. A story of Roman food, forgotten cuts, and the Verdicchio wine that brought it all together.

A recent trip to Rome inspired a fun thought experiment: if Italy's greatest artists were wines, what would they be? From Giotto to Modigliani, I've paired iconic artists with iconic Italian wines, exploring the personalities, places, and stories they share. It's entirely subjective, a little geeky, and written for anyone who loves art, wine, or both. Saluti! 🍷🎨

One minute I was surrounded by wines from sunny France and Spain. The next, I was driving through what looked suspiciously like January in my Calgary neighbourhood... on June 30. Join me for a Canada Day toast to cool-climate vineyards and a delicious coast-to-coast menu celebrating the best flavours our country has to offer.

I've always been drawn to France's Jura region, so this piece explores its distinctive wines through a Jura-inspired menu featuring Morel Chicken with oxidative white wine, Trousseau with cheese, and dessert wine pairing ideas. Part travel story, part wine guide, and part mushroom obsession.

Discover the origins of sparkling wine in Limoux, where bubbles were bottled long before Champagne. This story explores Blanquette de Limoux's history and pairs it with classic Tarragon Chicken to bring France's oldest sparkling tradition to the table.

Explore Korea's rich food and drinking culture, from its culinary traditions and fermented flavours to the history of Korean alcohol and Hallyu's global influence. Along the way, discover bold, unexpected wine pairings that complement spice, sweetness, and umami.

A winter escape to Spain's Basque Country, where San Sebastián's pintxos bars, Txakoli, Bilbao's art, and a deep-rooted food culture come together in a region defined by bold flavours, fierce identity, and unforgettable hospitality.

Our visit to Château-Grillet, the tiny Rhône jewel famous for its rare, golden-hued Viognier, turned into a memorable little fiasco. Slightly defeated but undeterred, we cracked open a humbler bottle of Viognier with an even humbler petit beurre along the Rhône. Simple, unpretentious, and unexpectedly magical. Proof that even a missed tasting can make for the perfect picnic. Santé!

Celebrate Easter with the flavours of the Loire Valley, where pâté berrichon and French goat's cheese pair beautifully with crisp Sancerre Blanc. Discover how these fresh, mineral-driven wines bring balance and elegance to the Easter table.

Truite aux amandes is one of those simple dishes that feels effortlessly special—flaky trout, golden almonds, and a buttery lemon sauce. Paired with a crisp Riesling from Trimbach, it’s a perfect introduction to Alsace, its terroir, and the incredible versatility of its wines.

Mangalica pork and morel mushrooms are a natural match—rich, earthy, and full of character. Paired with a light, spicy Szekszárd Kadarka, the dish comes together with the perfect balance of depth, freshness, and Hungarian tradition.

Rigójancsi is a Hungarian classic: layers of chocolate sponge, rich cream, and dark chocolate with a story as romantic as its flavour. Paired with a violin-shaped bottle, it’s a sweet tribute to Hungary’s love of music, culture, and indulgence.

Pissaladière is a classic Niçoise onion and anchovy tart. Not a pizza. A thick, bread-like crust is topped with slow-caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives: no tomato, no cheese, by design. Paired with a dry Provençal rosé, it’s an instant escape from Calgary’s winter to the south of France. Comforting, snackable, and perfect Friday-night movie food.

Coq au Vin is French comfort food at its best: slow-cooked chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions in a rich, savoury sauce. Paired with Château-Fuissé Juliénas, the lively Gamay brings bright fruit and freshness that keeps the dish feeling rustic yet refined.

Paprika isn’t just a spice. It’s the heart of Hungarian cooking. From traditional stews to unexpected twists, this three-course menu explores how one red powder can build depth, cross borders, and bring a whole meal together.

A glass of Sicilian Nero d'Avola, a rich and full-bodied red wine sourced from the picturesque Baroque town of Noto. This exquisite wine pairs beautifully with a savoury dish of Eggplant Parmigiana, featuring layers of tender, sautéed eggplant, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all baked to perfection in a comforting tomato sauce.

Swiss meringues with Gruyère double cream are pure indulgence: crisp, airy meringues, rich cream, and bright berries. Add Champagne or a sweet late-harvest wine, and it becomes a simple little celebration on a plate.

Pantelleria is a tiny volcanic speck between Sicily and Africa, a place where wind, sun, and sea shape everything, including its vibrant Zibibbo wines. Floral, citrusy, and touched with salt, they taste like the island’s own heartbeat. Paired with delicate sole and the island’s legendary capers, the flavours form a bright, aromatic trio that turns a simple dish into a sun-soaked Mediterranean escape.