The SAQ is happy to present its very first edition of AstroVino: pseudo-predictions with real suggestions in accordance with your sign. After all, just because Mercury is in retrograde (again) doesn't mean you can't drink well.
Aries
As a creative and intense little creature, you dive headfirst into life and new projects. True to nature, your year starts strong with plenty of that legendary energy. Is it because you were good during the holidays, or because you discovered a new trend that boosts batteries? Either way, it suits you well. Since you thrive on challenges, it's quite possible that you'll go dry in January. Otherwise you can dare this top-notch bubbly at the end of a busy week, as usual. For your challenge, another kind of bubbly awaits, proudly adorned with the bear.
Trad: Domaine Fouet Pour Ma Gueule | Low: Boréale Hors Sentier IPA
Taurus
Just because it’s a new year, doesn’t mean we’re gonna go ahead and change it all, right Taurus? You welcome this new lunar cycle with the constancy that characterizes you so well, even if you’re already in resolution mode, or rather evolution mode. Changing your winning formula isn’t in the cards, but doing things even better, now that speaks to you. That’s why we know you’ll appreciate the perfectionism of Miguel Torres, a producer who pampers his vines with the same attention to detail as you do with your plants. This faux-jito, a big hit, might also be just the thing for your discerning palate.
Trad: Torres Sangre De Toro Catalunya | Low: Jardin Verde Mojito Zero
Gemini
Your motto this January: Let’s not worry over a change of digit. No matter what surprises the new year has in store for you, you will approach everything with your “better to laugh than cry about it” attitude. So, bring on the challenges, you’re gonna have fun with them. You will be going out quite a bit more and crushing those evenings; but be careful of fragile souls that don’t share your carefree spirit, and of your own well-hidden sensitive cord. Maybe sometimes you should stay home with a select group of friends and a nice bottle of Grü-Ve. In moderate mode, this French bubbly from France will hit the spot.
Trad: Crazy Creatures Grüner Veltliner | Low: Moderato Colombard
Cancer
Dear Cancer, don't let last-year nostalgia hinder this new beginning. We know your legendary sensitivity, but you must look forward and exploit your creativity to channel the negative emotions that come with the winter blues. Exercise, as cliché as it may be, would be a saving avenue for you, as well as chill hobbies like painting by numbers 2.0. Rest is essential during the snowy season as challenges will flourish in spring. New job, new beau? Change is coming.
Trad: Domaine Le Grand Saint-Charles Farniente | Low: Romeo's Gin Tonic
Leo
True to form, you shined brightly during the holidays, literally and figuratively. While the new year brings calm and introspection for your peers, you give yourself body and soul to the new project that drives you, one you absolutely want to share with your loved ones. Whether you're planning a group trip or a cottage reno to spend your summers, be careful not to let your perfectionism exhaust you or others. Slowly but surely and keep your eye on the prize, while sipping this luxury cognac.
Trad: Rémy Martin VSOP Petite Champagne | Low: Torres Natureo 0.0
Virgo
After hectic months and relentless holidays, a well-deserved rest would be fantastic. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until later this year because your winter still promises to be busy. Even your usual devotion to your loved ones is on hold, which worries many. A few more weeks at full speed and you will have to review your priorities for fear of burning out. You’ll need a vacation, stat. In the meantime, treat yourself to something sunny and exotic like this delicious tequila or this reliable Italian aperitif. Cheers!
Trad: Cherry River Tequila Silver | Low: Noroi Esprit-D'Italie
Libra
Maybe Valentine's Day is already taking over your new year, but for you there’s so much love in the air, we could cut it with a knife. We know your deep attraction to aesthetics, but make sure that Cupid aims a beautiful person, inside and out, otherwise your infatuation will fade, and you will need to get out of a delicate situation, without your usual hesitation. You got that, Libra? Go for it, or move on. To make your list of pros and cons, pour yourself a glass of this lovely Quebec rosé. You got this.
Trad: Domaine Amalgames à Cœur Joie 2023 | Low: Spritzol .5
Scorpio
You’re all about rebuilding everything, so the new year doesn’t scare you. On the contrary, you welcome it with all the passion you are capable of. But as the stars are rather stingy when it comes to projects this season, be careful not to interfere, or worse, lead someone else's. Without set goals, don't let your anxiety take over; this is all temporary. A little introspection during the cold season will help you refocus. Think of its as the old cocoon/butterfly image, and as you wait to transform again, you can sip on this Washington Cabernet, or a low-alcohol IPA if you've given yourself a(nother) challenge.
Trad: Palencia Monarcha Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 | Low: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
Sagittarius
Yes, you really enjoyed seeing all the relatives, but now you feel a great need for space. Your enthusiasm and liveliness have faded, and you must not force anything, otherwise your rigid side will take over and possibly break bonds that will be difficult to repair. You need to appease your natural duality and surrender to your inner zen. Listen to your instincts and treat yourself to a yoga retreat or weekend at the spa, or simply cozy up at home with a good book and a glass of this pretty, uncompromising white wine.
Trad: No Compromise Carricante 2023 | Low: Noroi Havana Mojito Framboises
Capricorn
Dear Capricorn, this more solitary season naturally suits you very well and you will be very happy to enjoy winter sports in solo mode: snowshoeing and cross-country skiing will recharge your batteries. And you'll need it, because work will be very demanding, especially with some colleagues who will test the hard-earned trust you thought was established. You’ll have to be flexible but beware of compromises that could haunt you. Your close circle will give you good advice over slow-cooked dishes and a good bottle of this organic red.
Trad: Nicolas Grosbois La Cuisine de ma Mère | Low: Martini Vibrante
Aquarius
While everyone wants to chill, you’re full of energy and still want to go out to enjoy aaaaaall the activities, even the more obscure ones. Be prepared to look elsewhere than your usual group and perhaps invest yourself in a new mission to channel this beautiful energy. In short, you’ll have to "pour a little water into your wine". But not in this delicious red of course, no reason to spoil such a carefully produced cuvée. You can also look to your creative side and mix up low-alcohol cocktails with this almond liqueur.
Trad: La Fleur Anne Saint-Émilion | Low: Monsieur Cocktail Noa Saveur d'Amaretto
Pisces
At the start of the year, you’ll be even more mysterious than usual and those around you will struggle to unlock your secret. Could there be a drastic change haunting or tempting you? Before making a big decision, make sure this is not your inner dreamer projecting this desire, and that it can actually withstand reality, otherwise you could find yourself at the bottom of a cage of your own creation. Introspection, visualization, creation, passion; this is quite an intense start for you, dear Pisces. We suggest you deliberate over this gin, or to keep a clear head, this low-alcohol cooler.
Trad: Fou Gin | Low: Seventh Heaven Lime Non-alcoolisé
If you’re looking for more suggestions, turn to our experts or employee top picks.