Welcome to Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
The regular season is over and all of the first round match-ups are locked in. Today we take a look at the 2025 Eastern Conference wine match-ups. Ready for the Hockey WineUp predictions for which bottle will have the right stuff to advance to Round 2?
Let’s Go!
Match-up 1: First vs. Worst? – Capitals vs. Canadiens
The Contenders: Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port (Washington Capitals) vs. Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon Corbarol 2022 (Montreal Canadiens)
HWU Prediction: Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon Corbarol 2022 (Montreal)
The Sip: Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: 1st place Caps versus the 8th seed Habs. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. But this is Hockey WineUp, where the wine tells the tale! Representing Washington, the smooth, sophisticated Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny – consistent, reliable, much like the veteran Caps core. But facing it is the vibrant, character-rich Saint-Roch Corbarol 2022 from the South of France, backing the hopeful Canadiens. As we raved about in Part 3, this Roussillon white blend has the exact kind of backbone that is also fresh and crisp. It is the type of wine perfect for an underdog playoff run. It feels dynamic, versatile, and ready to surprise – just what Montreal needs. While the Tawny offers quality and comfort, the Corbarol simply pulses with more energy and upset potential.
Match-up 2: Battle of Ontario – Maple Leafs vs. Senators
The Contenders: Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto Maple Leafs) vs. Lighthall Vineyards ‘Progression’ Sparkling Wine 2022 (Ottawa Senators)
HWU Prediction: Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto)
The Sip: It has been a long time since the NHL has had a Battle of Ontario! Ottawa enters the fray with the bubbly enthusiasm of Lighthall ‘Progression’ Sparkling, a fantastic Ontario sparkler perfectly suited to their playoff arrival (as noted in Part 3). Toronto answers with the nuanced intensity of Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir. Thomas Bachelder is a maestro of Niagara Pinot, and this bottle sings with bright cherry fruit, electric energy, and that signature regional minerality – a sort of wet stone ‘saltiness.’ It beautifully mirrors the focused, gritty intensity coach Craig Berube demands, the very character Toronto needs to finally go deep. While the Lighthall brings the party, the poise, depth, and determined energy of the Bachelder Pinot make it our confident choice to advance in this all-Ontario wine showdown.
Matchup 3: Sunshine State Showdown – Lightning vs. Panthers
The Contenders: Sicus ‘Cru Blanc’ 2011 (Tampa Bay Lightning) vs. Rivarose Brut Prestige Rosé Sparkling (Florida Panthers)
HWU Prediction: Sicus ‘Cru Blanc’ 2011 (Tampa Bay)
The Sip: Time for a bubbly battle between the Sunshine State rivals! Representing the Panthers, the Rivarose Brut Prestige Rosé from Provence – the global capital of Rosé. But Tampa Bay counters with a truly special bottle: the Sicus ‘Cru Blanc’ 2011. Forget standard Cava – this is unique Spanish sparkling wine that has stunning complexity and depth that will make you think you are drinking Champagne. While the Rivarose is a nice sipper, the unique character, profound depth, and sheer class of the Sicus give it the edge in this sparkling clash.
Matchup 4: Metropolitan Division Mayhem – Hurricanes vs. Devils
The Contenders: Domaine Pyrène Côtes de Gascogne ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina Hurricanes) vs. Bachelder Lowrey Vineyard Old Vines Pinot Noir 2020 (New Jersey Devils)
HWU Prediction: Domaine Pyrène Côtes de Gascogne ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina)
The Sip: Okay, deep breaths everyone – this prediction might cause some debate! New Jersey brings serious star power with the Bachelder Lowrey Vineyard Old Vines Pinot Noir 2020. It’s a stunningly complex, terroir-driven wine from one of Niagara’s most revered sites – truly elite stuff. However, it’s up against the Domaine Pyrène ‘Cuvée Marine’ from Gascogny, France, backing the relentless Carolina Hurricanes. This white blend is incredible and pops in your glass with acidity, vibrant grapefruit notes, and a distinct sea-spray salinity. It absolutely screams SPRING and high-tempo playoff hockey! While we deeply admire the Lowrey Pinot, context is key in the playoffs. The energy of Pyrène mirrors the Canes’ fast, swarming style, making it the perfect choice for right now. It’s a tough call, but the Gascogne white gets the nod for its sheer playoff-perfect vibrancy.
Let the Eastern Conference Series Begin!
The stage is set for some incredible Round 1 battles in the East, and the wine pairings are adding another layer of delicious drama!
Stay tuned for Hockey WineUp Playoff Guide Part 5, where we shift our focus to the Eastern Conference and ignite the Round 1 Wine Wars out East!
© 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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