We’re back with more books and bottles for Father’s Day.
What are we starting with this time?
We’re starting with Ten Garments Every Man Should Own: A Practical Guide to Building a Permanent Wardrobe by Pedro Mendes. This is an accessible field guide to classic menswear, no matter what dad’s age or budget or the fact he still loves those painter pants from the 80s with all the side pockets. Each chapter covers an essential piece – shirt, jacket, hat, leather shoes, etc – in an entertaining way.
Drea’s Wine Co. Drea’s Rosé 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Since we want Dad to fit into the latest skinny jean cuffed pant, we’ll keep the wine light too with a pret-a-rosé. This is Drea’s Rosé from Niagara that also pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or Portobello mushrooms.
I have Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life by Delia Ephron. It’s about second chances when it comes to life and love and reads like a movie, which isn’t surprising given Delia is the author of romantic comedies like You’ve Got Mail. She shares her late-in-life love story as well as battle with cancer in this funny, moving memoir.
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada
I’d pair this book with Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir from BC, known as the heartbreak grape, as there’s plenty of that in Delia’s story but she manages to balance tears and laughter. This Pinot is sensuous and silky smooth with ripe berry notes. It would pair well with grilled chicken.
I should note that all of the Canadian wines ship across the country right to your door, so there’s never been a better time or an easier way to support our homegrown businesses from coast to coast.
I have another moving memoir. This one is Love or Die Trying: How I Lost It All, Died, and Came Back for Life by Toronto author Bob Ramsay. Bob was at the peak of his corporate career, when he ended up in a drug treatment centre for cocaine addiction. After his release, he fell in love with a woman who was a doctor. But just as his life was getting better, his heart stopped, he actually technically died, though they were able to bring him back. This is a love story set against the backdrop of addiction, recovery, and the grit in believing it’s never too late to start over.
Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina
I’d pair this book with the Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina. This wine, like the book, has a meaty middle and a satisfying finish. It’ll also pair well with hamburgers with all the fixins because isn’t that what life throws at us?
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson. Bill is my favourite travel writer, with books like In A Sunburned Country and The Lost Continent. In fact, his first travel book opened with the immortal line, “I come from Des Moines. Somebody had to.” This is his hilarious memoir of growing up in the 1950s. It’s truly “laugh-out-loud funny.”
When he was six, he found an old college football sweater with lightning bolt and wore his underpants over his jeans like Superman. His stories are heartwarming.
Lenz Moser Prestige Grüner Veltliner
Niederösterreich, Kremstal, Austria
I’d pair this book with the Lenz Moser Gruner Veltliner from Austria. It’s light and carefree, like the book, but is also juicy and delicious. Pair it with grilled seafood.
Next, Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen is perfect for those who aspire to write their own story. Anna is a multi-award winning author who believes that we can clarify what’s important in our lives by writing about it. When we write, we pay closer attention to our lives and reflect on their meaning. That’s certainly what I’m doing now with my own memoir, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Depression and Drinking Too Much. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending.
Emmolo No 5 Sparkling
California, United States
I’d pair this book with Emmolo sparkling wine from California. Bubbly is the wine of celebration, so what better way to toast Dad. Sip on this wine as you wait for the BBQ to heat up, or pair it with grilled seafood.
Watch the first segment part 1 of our conversation here: Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Dad: Books and Bottles for Father’s Day
You can find all the wines and books Natalie recommended on her website at nataliemaclean.com.
Printed with permission from CTV
