Can you believe it? We’re already five exhilarating days into the Stanley Cup Playoffs (as of Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025)! The hits are crunchier, the stakes are higher, and the drama is unfolding nightly. That means it’s time for our first Playoff Edition of Wednesday WineUp-date – your mid-week check-in on the intense Round 1 bottle battles!
How are those Hockey WineUp predictions holding up? Which wine pairings are thriving under pressure, and which need a big third period comeback? Grab a glass (maybe one of the contenders?) and let’s dive into this week’s Wine and Hockey update!
Ready? Let’s Go!
Eastern Conference: Mid-Series Sip Check
Matchup: Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto Maple Leafs) vs. Lighthall Vineyards ‘Progression’ Sparkling Wine 2022 (Ottawa Senators)
Status: Bachelder Pinot Noir leads 2-0.
HWU Flashback: Seems like that Bachelder Pinot’s focused poise and determined energy are setting the tone early against Ottawa’s celebratory bubbles!
Matchup: Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port (Washington Capitals) vs. Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon Corbarol 2022 (Montreal Canadiens)
Status: Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port leads 1-0 (Game 2 tonight).
HWU Flashback: Our predicted underdog Corbarol, with all its guts and character, needs to make a statement tonight against the smooth consistency of the Tawny Port favourite. Can the giant-killer spirit awaken?
Matchup: Domaine Pyrène Côtes de Gascogne ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina Hurricanes) vs. Bachelder Lowrey Vineyard Old Vines Pinot Noir 2020 (New Jersey Devils)
Status: ‘Cuvée Marine’ leads 2-0.
HWU Flashback: Wow! The electric, springtime vibrancy of the ‘Cuvée Marine’ is definitely matching the playoff tempo early on, just like we hoped! Is that sea-spray salinity washing over the Devils?
Matchup: Sicus ‘Cru Blanc’ 2011 (Tampa Bay Lightning) vs. Rivarose Brut Prestige Rosé Sparkling (Florida Panthers)
- Status: Rivarose Rosé Sparkling leads 1-0 (Game 2 tomorrow).
- HWU Flashback: Intrigue in the Sunshine State! The chic Provençal delight drew first blood. Let’s see if the complex, intense Sicus starts showcasing its championship pedigree tomorrow night.
Western Conference: Mid-Series Sip Check
Matchup: Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Winnipeg Jets) vs. Badenhorst ‘Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc 2023 (St. Louis Blues)
Status: Churchill’s Tawny Port leads 2-0.
HWU Flashback: The reigning HWU Champion Tawny is certainly showing off its proven depth and class early, taking control against the zesty Chenin challenger.
Matchup: Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009 (Vegas Golden Knights) vs. Real Companhia Velha Vintage Port 2007 (Minnesota Wild)
Status: Series Tied 1-1.
HWU Flashback: This Port vs. Port Power Play is living up to its heavyweight billing! Our pick, the Real Companhia Velha Vintage Port 2007 (powered by that Flower narrative?), is locked in a fierce battle. This wine match-up feels destined for the long haul!
Matchup: Vina Real Reserva 2016 (Dallas Stars) vs. Le Mont Sec 2019 Domaine Huet Vouvray (Colorado Avalanche)
Status: Series Tied 1-1 (Game 3 tonight).
HWU Flashback: Fascinating! The electrifying star power of the Huet Vouvray hasn’t managed to pull away from the steady, structured Rioja just yet. Tonight’s game feels pivotal in this clash of styles!
Matchup: Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (L.A. Kings) vs. Kopke Fine Ruby Port (Edmonton Oilers)
Status: Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva leads 1-0 (Game 2 tonight).
HWU Flashback: The classy, structured Rioja landed the first punch with its proven staying power. Can it continue to defend against the upfront attack of the Ruby Port in Game 2?
Plenty of Wine and Hockey Left!
A few games down, and the Round 1 bottle battles are already delivering twists and turns! Some HWU predictions look strong, others are facing early tests, and some match-ups are absolute nail-biters.
It’s the best time of year! Keep watching the games, keep cheering for your teams (and your preferred wine pairings!), and keep enjoying the ride. We’ll be back with more Playoff WineUp-dates soon!
© 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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