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1. Cold, spicy Gewürztraminer in a hot tub on a starry starry, night. Soft music or absolute silence. Alone or with the one you love. Ahhhh. Food for the soul.

2. After some rigorous winter sport, heat up a big mug of mulled plonk to enjoy while roasting hot dogs by a roaring bonfire. Sip and munch and laugh. Save the S’mores for the hot chocolate

3. Sip a wonderfully crisp rose on the patio on a warm summer afternoon, chat with your spouse & occasionally throw the ball for the dog. Make everything take as L - O - N - G as you can. Sigh.

4. At a winery picnic table with some cheese, fresh baguette and your favorite from the wine tasting. (Hint: choose the wine to match the weather, not the cheese!)

5. Roast turkey and stuffing at Christmas celebrated with lots of family and friends and a bottle or two of Sparkling Shiraz. (Sparkling Shiraz is getting more common outside of Australia, but try the Seaview – good, fun and cheap!)

6. A lazy Saturday night, a funny movie (Shrek anyone?), a big bowl of buttered popcorn, and a creamy barrel fermented Chardonnay. (If you’re from BC, See Ya Later Ranch has a tasty one – not too oaky) Snuggle up on the couch and laugh till it hurts!

7. Savour a big, juicy barbequed steak with a bunch of friends, potluck salads and a few bottles of gutsy Zinfandel. (If you can’t find a decent Zin for the price, try an Aussie Shiraz)

8. Winding up a great meal with fresh strawberry shortcake accompanied by a lightly fizzy, slightly sweet Muscato D’Asti. Pure, simple flavours with the promise of springtime.

9. Oh, and chocolate. Really good chocolate can be one of life’s experiences all on its own, but crank it up a notch. To really splurge for a romantic evening, light the fire and feed each other tiny bites of the best dark chocolate you can find with tiny sips of luscious vintage port. Or, if it’s just to satisfy that craving, reach for the chocolate chips and Tawny!

10. Any impromptu occasion with good food, great company and whatever you have on hand!