Staff Picks

Jason MacLeod

Wine Category Manager, Sommelier

Holiday Movie Pairing: Jack Frost (1997)

Spent quite a few holidays growing up with my dad and one of my uncles hunkered down in the basement celebrating their “Freddy Krueger Christmas” marathons.  They didn’t necessarily limit themselves to the Nightmare on Elm street franchise though as they ripped through whatever Blockbuster had to offer in the gore department.  With that in mind, sit down with a glass of Donnhoff Riesling and campy horror flick Jack Frost (circa 1997).  This German white is a safe bet that will pair well with most movie snacks and it won’t stain your couch when you get scared out of your seat (or find yourself belly laughing at the ridiculousness).

Jason MacPhee

Wine Category Manager

Holiday Movie Pairing: Spirited

I don’t have any traditions around Holiday movies except drinking JD shore Rum cream mixed with Fireball while watching Elf, fighting with the lights, and putting up the tree. Sooooo I just paired my favorite Christmas Movie with a wine from San Leonardo, an absolutely stunning winery where I can picture Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell shooting their next musical together while sipping on crisp northern Italian Sauvignon Blanc. This could be a stretch but the movie and wine pairing are great.

Lucas Mader

Refreshment Category Manager, Cicerone

Holiday Movie Pairing: Die Hard

Die Hard was filmed in California, and Gray Whale Gin is from California. 

Die Hard is a film, and Gray Whale Gin is co-owned by a filmmaker. 

How’s that for a connection? If I was trapped inside an office tower for a Christmas party while the party was overtaken by bad guys, I’d absolutely be hiding behind the bar sipping on Gin and Tonics. And since things would be a little stressful, I’d probably be reaching for some top-shelf Gin, like this Gray Whale Gin! 

It’s loaded with refreshing notes of lime zest, almonds, juniper, kombu, and mint aromatics along with a lovely weighty texture. It’s the perfect gin to sip on while you wait for Bruce Willis to save the day, or while you’re at home watching Christmas movies.

Kathryn Harding

Director of Customer Experience, Sommelier

Holiday Movie Pairing: White Christmas

In the heart of the Rhône Valley, where tradition dances with terroir, is the timeless Château St. Cosme. This Cote du Rhone shows notes of black cherries, blueberries and hints of herbs de Provence. The palate is full of juicy dark fruit alongside subtle hints of thyme and a touch of cracked pepper. Curling up with a glass of this and watching the spectacular dancing scenes in the movie White Christmas will keep you warm and cozy on a cold night. Cheers to the classics!

Rae Tilley

Retail Supervisor, Order Desk Associate

Holiday Movie Pairing: The Holiday

One of my favorite traditions is curling up to watch The Holiday with my mother. To us, there is nothing that says “Christmas vibes” more than Kate Winslet’s cozy countryside cottage or 2006 Jude Law… and what better to pair with this beloved movie than my mother’s beloved Chablis? 

Toeing the line between crisp and flavourful, this 2021 Chablis is made from 100% French chardonnay grapes and sees only stainless steel tanks during fermentation. Malolactic fermentation balances the acidity and adds depth to the palate. On the nose: white florality with a hint of citrus! On the palate: ripe, juicy green pear with another hint of lemony citrus to keep things even keeled and delicious.  

Alanna McIntyre

Product Specialist, Sommelier

Holiday Movie Pairing: Love Actually

The holiday season is all about “joy” right?  But actually, this isn’t always the case.  This time of year can be hard for many; it’s a time where one can feel the absence of a lost love more deeply or pine for the magic of Christmas’ past.  The holidays bring mixed bittersweet emotions and right now I want sweetness over bitterness so I’ll be drinking this comforting creamy chocolaty rum cream.  I rarely drink cream beverages, but by golly, this one is “to die for”!  This is a holiday bar staple (you might want more than one bottle).  Enjoy neat, on the rocks, in your coffee or paired with a late night bowl of chocolate cereal (a stellar combo according Kate Fraser).   

Gaby McCotter

Retail Manager

Holiday Movie Pairing: Miracle on 34th Street

Just like the fruit punch you used to (and maybe still) drink, this yummy version of the classic bright red and ultra refreshing juice is a perfect sipper while watching movies. Willibald has made a delicious adult-version,  but somehow kept the sugar content at 2g/can, and it still tastes the same. I feel like it’s a pretty colour that adds to the festive feel of the holidays. Fruit punch is a nostalgic drink for me and the movie Miracle on 34th street is as well. Being a child and thinking about the existence of Santa Clause and enjoying the spirit of Christmas.

Ryan Almeida

eCommerce Manager

Holiday Movie Pairing: The Office “A Benihana Christmas”

In its first few seasons, it could be argued that The Office was one of the most awkward (and funny) shows to ever air on television (yes, I said television) and their Christmas episodes are modern classics. “A Benihana Christmas” is up there in terms of awkwardness and hilarity; Andy (Nard Dog) likes to mix eggnog and sake  when he frequents the Japanese restaurant chain that most of this episode takes place in so maybe don’t be like Andy and mix those two liquids but in the spirit of the episode, grab a bottle of Sho Chiku Bai Organic Nama Sake and expand your horizons.

Kate Fraser

Retail Supervisor

Holiday Movie Pairing: I’ll Be Home for Christmas

JTT was my first male love and Bordeaux was my first love in the wine world, so this pairing makes sense in my mind.
I’ll be Home for Christmas follows Jake (JTT) as he hitchhikes his way home for Christmas, with a special appearance from Jessica Biel as his GF, Allie. Loads of hijinks and comedy along the way, Chateau Brehat is a perfect wine pairing to have while you chuckle along to this super cheesy late 90s Christmas romcom.

Stefan Nielsen

Retail Supervisor, Sommelier

Holiday Movie Pairing: Pringle All the Way

At first glance, you would think “surely there’s no connection between the criminally underrated Arnold Schwarzeneggar 1996 action/comedy Jingle All the Way and Slovenian Pinot Grigio!” And you would be absolutely correct in that assumption. However, it’s honestly my favourite Christmas movie of all time and is guaranteed to make me tear up at the end. Something about kids learning the true meaning of Christmas just gets me. Which brings me to Movia… an excellent producer and Bishop’s Cellar’s first ever Slovenian wine! This is a country and style dear to my heart – a visit there in 2019 was life-changing and I drank some of the very best wine of my life on that trip.

Matt Hodgson

Retail Supervisor

Holiday Movie Pairing: A Very Sunny Christmas

Possibly my favourite show and one of my favourite beers, this is a match made in heaven. This Christmas special is pure chaos, with a dash of heartfelt moments tucked deep in there. Delirium is a sneaky beer in that it’s incredibly easy drinking but high in alcohol. Hazy, highly carbonated, complex aromas and flavours leaving you with a perfect warm fuzzy feeling for these upcoming cold winter nights. If it’s still available, treat yourself to the mini keg. 

*Caution, neither of these are exactly for the faint of heart.

Genny

Customer Service Sales Associate, Sommelier

Holiday Movie Pairing: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

I love this white Bordeaux from Chateau Grand Launay made from 100% biodynamically farmed Sauvignon Gris. Think of all the lovely citrus and gooseberry of a classic Sauvignon Blanc and add a little depth, weight and texture. This will impress your Sauvignon Blanc diehards and “off the beaten path” wine nerds alike. This wine might not steal Christmas, but it’ll certainly steal the show.

Fernando

Customer Service Sales Associate

Holiday Movie Pairing: Star Wars Holiday Special

If you’re reading this then I highly recommend watching the Star Wars Holiday Special. It has a rating of 2.1/10 on IMBD. Now pair this with an astonishing wine to give you and your loved ones a questionably unforgettable holiday season. The Saint Urbain should do the trick. Notes of melon, peach, rounded texture, and aged in Austrian oak!

Daniela

Customer Service Sales Associate

Holiday Movie Pairing: Harvey

Harvey is not exactly a Christmas movie, but it stars James Stewart (from It’s a Wonderful Life), so I would say any fans of Jimmy, like myself, consider that enough to call it a great movie for the holidays!

This is the story of Elmwood P. Dowd, a kindhearted man who befriended Harvey, an invisible, tall white rabbit – known as a “pooka” in Celtic mythology, Harvey is a benign but mischievous creature. The problem is, Elmwood’s friends and family cannot see Harvey, so they deem Elmwood crazy and attempt to have him committed.

This movie discusses matters such as keeping up appearances in society and what is considered to be normal, even if it means trying to take away the kind essence of others, while also being so wholesome and pure that it cannot help but tug at your heartstrings.

For an amazing drink to enjoy while watching this movie, I bring you the recipe to make a tasty carrotini with the Edinburgh Gooseberry and Elderflower Gin, a mouthwatering balance of tart gooseberries and sweet elderflowers that will make any cocktail go from good, to incredible:

Combine 1 ½oz gin, ¾oz orange juice, 1oz carrot juice, ½oz lemon juice, and ½oz simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist, or a carrot twist if you want a little snack too. Cheers!

Allie Barter

Customer Service Sales Associate

Vacation Picks

Shellebrate! Barkeep cocktails are back at it again! They take tasty cocktails and put them in a can, so you can enjoy something classy on the go. Their newest release is the ‘Melo Collins’, which is a Barkeep twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. They elevate the palate by adding flavors of honeydew, mint, and gentian root which adds a relaxing touch to the zip that comes from the gin and lemon. What do you get when you cross a porcupine with a turtle? A slow poke!!! So hurry up and come get a ‘Melo Collins’ before you lose out.

Leslie

Customer Service Sales Associate

Cozy, Movie Night Favourites

This Australian Pinot Noir is the perfect wine for a cozy night on the couch watching your favourite movie cuddled under your favourite blanket by yourself or with your favourite person or animal!

This wine tastes of the forest with notes of cherry, peppercorn, moss, damp earth and more. It’s savory and juicy and bright – everything a Pinot Noir lover looks for in a wine. So pick your movie,  make a mushroom inspired pizza and enjoy this delicious Pinot,  which I guarantee will become your favourite wine.  More importantly it’s on sale!!!

David

Customer Service Sales Associate

Holiday Movie Pairing: Sense and Sensibility

When Mr. Dashwood dies, his wife and three daughters — Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret — are left with an inheritance of only £500 a year. With such a pittance, it’s a good thing they have this sensibly priced Chardonnay to rely on for their Christmas party needs!

If I need a good cry, Sense and Sensibility is one of my favourites. Ang Lee’s first feature directed outside Asia, Emma Thompson’s first (and utterly fantastic) screenplay, and riveting chemistry between her and Hugh Grant, not to mention Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet, Jane Austen’s work has never looked better on screen.

Coastal Estates Chardonnay is a sensible, reliable, standard, and I buy a sensible number of bottles each month. If you want something with a little bit of everything – fruity, oaky, a bit of butter and silky smooth – you can’t find a better expression at this price.

Sam

Customer Service Sales Associate

Holiday Movie Pairing: Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

An absurd choice for a Christmas movie and an even more absurd choice for a beer. An obnoxious side story from the guardians of the galaxy featuring Kevin Bacon, that’s hilarious and downright strange but heartwarming none the less. It can only call for a very strange style of beer to pair along with it, the milkshake IPA is achieved by adding lactose sugars to your typical New England IPA. Bellwoods took that and blessed us with the Milkshark which also adds vanilla, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Insane sounding but fantastically delicious, rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. It’s an IPA wearing a smoothie as a trench coat.

Tianjun

Holiday Movie Pairing: Violent Night

When Trudy asks Santa if he could have anything in this world, what would it be, he wishes that he could see Mrs. Clause again. See, even Santa wants to go home and be with his family, and he only works once a year. So if now you feel like a night off, you have every reason to do so…

If you ask me what to bring to a Christmas movie night, I choose the 2020 L&W Ancienne Riesling.  This cold-hardy grape always reminds me of the winter. While enduring the cold winter weather here in Nova Scotia, it brings this elegant floral aroma, silky texture, citrus, stone fruit flavors and some discreet oakiness from a neutral Austria cask maturation.