Hockey WineUp Port Ritual
Not every game is going to be reason for opening a bottle of wine which is why this article will introduce you to Late Bottle Vintage Port!
Port is a fortified wine made from grapes grown along the Douoro River in Portugal. It is important to know the different styles of port and understanding the unique styles will take years. For beginners it is important to learn about the differences between Vintage, Late Bottle Vintage (LBV), Tawny, and Ruby Port. The best place to start understanding more about port is by learning about the history of port, lucky for us “The Vintage Port Site” has this information readily available for those who want to read more.
Every year around St. George’s day (April 23, 2021) the major Port Houses declare whether or not the grapes from 2 years earlier will be classified as Vintage Port. As a result, the third week of April is like Christmas and New Year’s Eve for Port lovers. When quantities allow for it a Vintage declaration will result in the bottling of Vintage port and Late Bottle Vintage Port – more on this below.
Port wine is a special treat. Vintage Port is unfiltered and can age/evolve in the bottle for well over 40 years. Unfiltered LBV Port can be consumed immediately or left to age for another 10 to 20 years. Generally speaking LBV Port will be good for about 3 weeks after opening the bottle which makes it a great option to have available for enjoying a glass while watching a game on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night. The Hockey WineUp Port Ritual can be seen below
LBV + Hockey
Late Bottle Vintage Port is made from the same grapes that are used for Vintage Port. The difference is that Vintage Port is bottled unfiltered after 2 years of aging in the barrel, LBV is bottled either filtered or unfiltered after 4-6 years of aging in the barrel. Port is an excellent option for sipping and enjoying over the course of an entire period. The Hockey WineUp Port Ritual uses Late Bottle Vintage Port, Universal Wine Glass, and traditional food pairings that serve as a wonderful evening snack to have while watching the game.
Hockey WineUp Port Ritual
This ritual is to be used with Late Bottle Vintage Port, Tawny Port, Ruby Port. This is a no fuss one glass ritual that includes cheese, walnuts, and honey. Designed for deepening your appreciation of Port, the Hockey WineUp Port Ritual is a perfect pairing for when you don’t want to open up a Team Pairing.
How to enjoy Port while watching hockey 7:00 pm puck drop
6:30 Pre-game show
Port Wine is traditionally consumed as an end of the evening beverage. The Port Wine Ritual really picks up at 8:00 pm or after the first period. This means that you will use the pre-game show, opening ceremonies, and first period of the game to anticipate your glass of port.
1st intermission
The first intermission is when you will prepare your Port and food. Here are the steps for preparing your Port for the second period
- Pour yourself a glass of Port (4 oz). Place your glass of port on a table within clear sight so that you can appreciate the colour and build anticipation.
- Cut yourself a wedge of Stilton Cheese and place on cheese/cutting board.
- Place a handful (approx. 1 cup) of Walnuts in a bowl/ramekin and place it on the cheese/cutting board
- Pour Honey into a ramekin or drizzle honey over the Walnuts
- Place your cheese/cutting board on a table and place your glass of Port with it.
Start of the second period
- As the second period starts, tilt your glass slightly and look at the wine. Try to do this against a white backdrop.
- Make a mental note of the intensity of the colour in the middle and at the edges.
- Smell – swirl your Port to release aromas and stick your nose into your glass to take a deep sniff of the Port. Have a second sniff of the Port. What do you think of the smell?
- When you are ready, get the most out of your first sip of the Port by:
- Swishing it around your mouth so it coats your tongue and gums
- Let the wine hit your cheeks on both sides of your mouth
- “Chew your wine”
- Allow the wine to sit over your tongue before swallowing.
- Take sips of the glass of Port throughout the second period while enjoying your Stilton, Walnuts, and Honey.
Repeat
Enjoying your Port and want another glass? Feel free to pour a second 4 oz glass to have during the third period.
© 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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