The air is getting warmer, the chirps are getting louder, and the quest for the Cup is about to begin! Playoff hockey is just 10 days away (as of April 8th, 2025), and Hockey WineUp is here to make sure your wine rack is as ready as the teams hitting the ice.
Before we dive into the pairings for the 16 contenders, let’s take a look back. Some teams (and their associated wines) are not going to make the playoffs. The big question is: should any of these “early exit” wines stay on your roster for playoff enjoyment, or is it time to send them down for the season?
Here’s our take on the wines paired with teams heading to the golf course instead of a quest for the Cup:
2025 Non-Playoff Wine Review
1. Curvos Vinho Verde (Nashville Predators Pairing)
Recommendation: Keep on the Roster!
The Sip: Don’t let the Predators missing the cut sour you on this gem! The Curvos Vinho Verde was our inaugural Hockey WineUp Champion for a reason. It’s practically built for enjoying hockey during spring weather. Light, crisp, and refreshing with zesty citrus and a delightful hint of spritz – it screams sunshine and warmer playoff evenings.
The Scout: Hailing from northern Portugal, this Loureiro showcases vibrant character. It’s perfect for those spontaneous moments, like an unexpected overtime winner. Stock up – you’ll want this versatile white throughout April and May.
2. Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port (Chicago Blackhawks Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: Much like the Blackhawks’ hopes this year, this wine’s time isn’t now. While a fantastic, warming nightcap during the cold regular season, Port feels a bit heavy for the intensity and (hopefully) warmer weather of the playoffs.
The Scout: With Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port crowned the 2025 Hockey WineUp Champion in the Port category, your playoff Port needs are already covered. Let the LBV rest until next fall.
3. Bouchard Père & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse (Pittsburgh Penguins Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: It was a tough season in Pittsburgh, watching Sid navigate a team that just couldn’t find playoff gear. While there was always a glimmer of hope they might sneak in, it wasn’t meant to be.
The Scout: Let’s put this Penguins season (and maybe this specific pairing) behind us. While a quality Pouilly-Fuisse is always appreciated, the playoffs call for a different energy. Time to cellar this one and focus on the playoff battles ahead with fresh pairings.
4. Loios White (San Jose Sharks Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: The Sharks are looking towards a brighter future, but this season is firmly in the rearview mirror. This Portuguese white is a decent, affordable drop.
The Scout: Think of it as a reliable bench player. If you absolutely can’t find our recommended Curvos Vinho Verde, Loios could fill in. However, with 16 exciting playoff-specific wine pairings coming your way in Part 2, you’ll want to save your roster spots (and budget) for those.
5. Borges Vintage Port 2015 (Boston Bruins Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: The Bruins missing the playoffs? It feels unnatural, like seeing Bobby Orr in a Blackhawks jersey. It just doesn’t sit right for many hockey fans.
The Scout: As mentioned with the Fladgate LBV, our playoff Port needs are already settled with the reigning Tawny champion. This quality Vintage Port deserves appreciation, but its powerful, structured style isn’t the vibe we’re going for during the high-energy, springtime playoff run. Save it for a contemplative evening in a future season.
6. Vinum Vita Est Barolo DOCG Terre del Barolo (Philadelphia Flyers Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: The Flyers ended their campaign with a significant change, parting ways with head coach John Tortorella, signaling a shift in identity. This big, bold Barolo might have suited the Flyers’ gritty style in the past, but there’s no guarantees it will work in the future.
The Scout: As Philly looks to redefine itself, perhaps it’s time to shelf this pairing for the playoffs too. Barolo demands attention and contemplation, often better suited for hearty meals and cooler weather.
Get Ready for Puck Drop!
So, we’ve cleared the bench and made some tough cuts. While some of these wines are excellent in their own right, only the Curvos Vinho Verde truly earns a spot on the playoff roster from this group.
Stay tuned for Hockey WineUp Playoff Guide Part 2, where we’ll add another 6 wines to the playoff conversation! Get your glasses ready!
© 2025 Nicholas Shalagan and Hockey WineUp. All rights reserved. Hockey WineUp is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHL or its teams.
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