Hello, and welcome back to the Hockey WineUp Playoffs – it’s time for Round 2!
What an absolutely incredible finish to Round 1! The hockey gods were definitely smiling (or maybe just entertained?) during that wild Game 7 between Dallas and Colorado, with Mikko Rantanen putting on a clinic (3G, 1A) to send the Stars through. And how about the sheer grit of the Winnipeg Jets? With Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Hockey WineUp’s 2025 Wine of the Year!) just seconds from elimination, Cole Perfetti ties it, and Adam Lowry wins it late in double OT! Wow.
The intensity is only going up from here. Are you ready for the Round 2 pairings and predictions?
Let’s Go!
Western Conference
Match-up 1: Battle of the Iberian Peninsula – Jets vs. Stars
The Contenders: Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Winnipeg Jets) vs. Vina Real Reserva 2016 (Dallas Stars)
HWU Prediction: Vina Real Reserva 2016 (Dallas Stars)
The Sip: Our reigning HWU Champion, the Churchill’s Tawny, faces another tough test against the Vina Real Reserva. Both these pairings survived grueling seven-game battles in Round 1. The Vina Real Rioja is truly built for the long haul; the more time you spend with it, the more its nuanced complexities reveal themselves, making it a fantastic wine experience. From a pure wine perspective in this specific matchup, the Rioja offers a compelling edge, even against the esteemed HWU Champion Tawny.
Match-up 2: Port vs. Port.. Again – Golden Knights vs. Oilers
The Contenders: Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009 (Vegas Golden Knights) vs. Kopke Fine Ruby Port (Edmonton Oilers)
HWU Prediction: Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009 (Vegas Golden Knights)
The Sip: This selection really comes down to style preference within the Port category: the depth and complexity of Vintage Port versus the bright fruitiness of Ruby Port. Since we’re savoring the wine itself, the edge goes to the Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009. As with any Port vs. Port series, expect a long, potentially complex outcome… best enjoyed while sipping Port, naturally!
Eastern Conference
Match-up 1: Play-offs Repeat – Maple Leafs vs. Panthers
The Contenders: Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto Maple Leafs) vs. Lighthall Vineyards Rivarose Brut Prestige Rosé Sparkling (Florida Panthers)
HWU Prediction: Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto)
The Sip: On the ice, many believe Florida has Toronto’s number, but in the glass… that’s where Hockey WineUp operates! The delightful Rivarose Sparkling Rosé from Provence danced its way through Round 1. However, the unique terroir of the Niagara Peninsula, combined with Thomas Bachelder’s skillful mastery in crafting this Pinot Noir, gives the Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ the nod from us in this Round 2 pairing.
Match-up 2: Top Seed Test – Capitals vs. Hurricanes
The Contenders: Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port (Washington Capitals) vs. Domaine Pyrène Côtes de Gascogne ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina Hurricanes)
HWU Prediction: Domaine Pyrène Côtes de Gascogne ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina Hurricanes)
The Sip: Some might think HWU betting against Port is unusual, but hear us out! As we highlighted in Round 1, the Domaine Pyrène ‘Cuvée Marine’ perfectly reflects the relentless style of the Hurricanes. This white blend just pops with vibrant acidity, zesty grapefruit, and that distinct sea-spray salinity. It absolutely screams SPRING and the high-tempo energy of playoff hockey, giving it the edge in this Eastern Conference showdown.
Let Round 2 Begin!
The stage is set, the pairings are intriguing, and the predictions are locked in. Cheers to all the incredible playoff action still ahead of us! Enjoy the games!
© 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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