Heather is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Obladee, a Wine Bar in Halifax. A sommelier, national and regional wine judge and wine educator and writer, she’s a fixture of the local wine and food community.
Get to know Heather
What’s your best holiday hosting tip?
For me, there are four crucial elements to any gathering: sparkling wine, good food, good lighting and good music. Appetizers don’t need to be complicated. This may come as a surprise: but most people are coming to see you, not the food.
When hosting, do you have an favourite food to pair with sparkling wine?
I come from a family of chip lovers. And though it’s been suggested many times before, salt and vinegar chips (the kettle cooked kind) are heaven with bubbly. However, take care that the acid on the wine is not too high - otherwise the acid+acid combo can be a little over the top.
What’s your favourite wine taste profile from myNSLC.com?
Light & Fruity Reds. Lighter bodied reds are so versatile. They’re great with or without food and come alive with a very slight chill. They are fruity and savoury with higher acidity - three of my must-haves for any wine.
View our Wine Discovery Guide
When is it best to serve a sparkling wine?
At the beginning of the evening and/or throughout the meal (if the food suits). It’s not a wine that follows heavier, or red wines well. If you’re going to be moving onto more robust wines later in the evening, it’s best to start off with Sparkling.
Here's how to make a Cranberry mimosa to welcome guests.
Do you have any sparkling wine product tips?
A lot of people think all sparkling wines taste the same, but it’s just not so! My advice is to find a style that appeals to you most, and then learn how to seek out that style in a shop or on a wine list. If you prefer mineral, high-toned bubblies, look for ones from cooler-climate regions like NS, England or Champagne. By contrast, fruitier, fleshier sparkling’s often come from warmer regions like California, Italy or Australia
What’s your favourite holiday tradition?
It’s not so much a tradition, but I love the collective switching-off that happens during the holidays. Our lives are so busy and structured and the holidays permit us to abandon that for a few days. It’s ok to have no plan, to get up late, stay up late, eat chocolate at breakfast. When else can you do these things?
Discover more suggestions to make the most of your holidays.