The regular season clock is ticking down to zero, and the dust is finally settling on the long season.
Today, we tip our hats (and corkscrews) to two pairings representing teams whose valiant efforts fell just short. Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for – we dive into the first group of official 2025 Hockey WineUp Playoff Wines! These bottles represent the Wild Card teams, the underdogs, the giant-killers-in-waiting, all geared up to shake up the first round.
Let the real games (and the serious wine pairings) begin!
On the Bubble: The Near Misses
1. Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir (Columbus Blue Jackets Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: The Blue Jackets emptied the tank down the stretch but ultimately found themselves on the outside looking in. Their associated wine, the Cono Sur Pinot Noir, has long been a Hockey WineUp favourite – a true MVP of value.
The Scout: This Chilean Pinot consistently delivers smooth, easy-drinking enjoyment at a price that’s tough to beat. Think of it as a reliable, everyday player. However, playoff rosters are tight! With 16 official playoff pairings vying for spots (plus our Cava and Vinho Verde holdovers from Parts 1 & 2), we need to make space for the contenders. It’s a fantastic regular-season sipper, but we’re respectfully benching it for this year’s Cup chase.
2. Toro Bravo Tempranillo Merlot (Calgary Flames Pairing)
Recommendation: Retire for the Season
The Sip: The Flames generated some heat late in the season but couldn’t quite ignite a playoff run. Pairing them with Toro Bravo was a fun, nostalgic nod back to Hockey WineUp’s inaugural 2020 season.
The Scout: Like digging out a vintage jersey, this Spanish red blend brought back good memories – a bit of kick, loads of value. But playoff hockey is all about the now. While nostalgia is nice, our focus shifts to the teams and wines battling for glory over the next two months. Time to cellar this memory and embrace the current playoff contenders.
Wild Card Wonders: Let the Playoffs Begin!
(Reminder: All wines from here on are official Playoff Roster picks!)
1. Lighthall Vineyards ‘Progression’ Sparkling Wine 2022 (Ottawa Senators Pairing)
The Sip: They battled, they persevered, and they’re IN! The Ottawa Senators grabbed a Wild Card spot, proving some early-season doubters wrong. Now, can they make some noise?
The Scout: Finding this specific vintage might now be as making the playoffs after being almost last place in November!
Pro Tip: The equally vibrant 2024 version is often available direct from Lighthall Vineyards in Prince Edward County: https://www.lighthallvineyards.com/shop/2024-progression). Regardless of vintage, this Charmat method sparkler perfectly captures the Sens’ effervescent energy entering the playoffs. It’s crisp, lively, and ideal for celebrating unexpected wins or just enjoying the thrill of playoff hockey. Pop this for puck drop!
2. Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon ‘Corbarol’ 2022 (Montreal Canadiens Pairing)
The Sip: Les Habitants sont arrivés! Never, ever count out the Canadiens. Evoking memories of improbable runs like the legendary ’93 campaign or the arrival of a rookie goalie in 1971, Montreal snagged the last Wild Card spot in the East. Could Saint Roch be smiling upon them again?
The Scout: A potential giant-killer needs a wine with character and backbone. This blend of Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Viognier from the South of France delivers just that. ‘Corbarol’ offers a fresh and crisp experience to your palate. With a fuller body and a long, satisfying finish, this wine is meant to be savored—perfect for reflecting the depth a team needs for a long playoff run. It feels substantial, yet versatile. Pour a glass, embrace the hope, and dream of another parade down Sainte-Catherine Street.
3. Real Companhia Velha Vintage Port 2007 (Minnesota Wild Pairing)
The Sip: The Wild scratched and clawed their way into the postseason dance. With the legendary Marc-Andre Fleury potentially guarding the net for his final playoff run, could Minnesota write a Hollywood ending?
The Scout: You know Hockey WineUp’s stance on Port: YES! Especially for the playoffs. A deep run requires moments of reflection and a wine built for the ages. This 2007 Vintage Port is precisely that – powerful, complex, and evolving, much like a gruelling seven-game series. It’s the ultimate sipper for late-night overtime thrillers or celebrating a hard-won advancement. If the Wild make a serious push, this is the championship-calibre wine worthy of the journey.
4. Badenhorst ‘Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc 2023 (St. Louis Blues Pairing)
The Sip: Doubting the Blues late in the season? Rookie mistake. This team practically wrote the book on flipping the switch and turning regular-season momentum into playoff magic (Exhibit A: 2019 Stanley Cup).
The Scout: This South African Chenin Blanc is pure springtime brilliance in a glass – vibrant, zesty, with notes of citrus and stone fruit. It’s incredibly refreshing and food-friendly, making it the perfect wine for those tense afternoon playoff games that stretch into the evening. Like the Blues’ potential, this wine has energy and surprising stamina. Let’s hope we’re enjoying the bright, versatile ‘Secateurs’ well into the second or third round!
Get Ready for More Action!
The Wild Card matchups promise drama, and their wine pairings are primed and ready! We’ve got bubbles for hope, robust reds for the grind, Port for the potential glory, and crisp white for the springtime surge.
Stay tuned for Hockey WineUp Playoff Guide Part 4 and 5, where we dive deeper into the remaining 12 Playoff Wines! The excitement is just beginning!
© 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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