Wine and memoir make a heady pairing, and Natalie MacLean, one of Canada’s best-known wine writers, proves she can blend them as deftly as a winemaker layers aromas in a glass of Pinot Noir. Her book Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much is not your usual wine writing—there are no tasting notes tucked neatly into the margins, no lists of “top ten bottles under $20.” Instead, this is a raw, personal, and fiery memoir that pulls the cork on MacLean’s life at a time when everything—career, marriage, reputation—seemed to be fermenting into chaos. https://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/books/wine-witch-on-fire/
At its heart, this is a survival story, and like any good wine tale, it is both deeply personal and universal. MacLean writes candidly about the end of her marriage, the sting of online attacks that questioned her credibility as a critic, and the uncomfortable realization that the convivial glass of wine at day’s end had sometimes become more of a crutch than a pleasure. These admissions give the book its authenticity. She does not shy away from her own missteps; instead, she lays them bare with the vulnerability of someone determined to find clarity through the haze.
But make no mistake—this isn’t a somber confessional. MacLean’s wit and storytelling keep the narrative lively, even when the subject matter is heavy. She weaves in the language of wine throughout, using it as metaphor and mirror. A bruised heart becomes a cork tainted with TCA; the swirl of gossip and defamation is like a flawed vintage marred by rot. These parallels elevate the book beyond memoir into something richer: a meditation on resilience, identity, and the way we tether our lives to what we drink, eat, and celebrate.
MacLean draws powerful parallels between her personal struggles and the historical persecution of women accused of witchcraft. She likens the scrutiny, shaming, and professional attacks she endures to the witch hunts of the past, where women who spoke too boldly, challenged authority, or simply did not conform were vilified and punished. By invoking the imagery of witches—women condemned for their independence, intuition, or strength—MacLean underscores how society continues to police and punish women who step outside prescribed roles. Her narrative positions the “wine witch” as both a symbol of resilience and a reclamation of power, turning a label of scorn into one of defiance and self-empowerment.
My friend, wine connoisseur and vineyard explorer, Chuck Byers provided his insight into the author’s work: “Natalie Mclean is one of Canada’s foremost experts and educators in Wine. Her book, Wine Witches on Fire. shows the difficulty women have to face in not only the world of wine but also in any business venture. This is a must read and, in many ways, reminds me of another book concerning sports called Skating on Thin Ice by Walter Dekeseredy!”
Food and wine lovers will appreciate the sensory detail MacLean brings to the page. The descriptions of wine are lush without tipping into pretension—she has that rare ability to make you taste the blackberry, smoke, or violet in your mind’s palate. Yet, she also interrogates her own relationship with alcohol, a subject that many in the wine world prefer to skirt. It’s refreshing, and at times sobering, to see a critic so open about the fine line between appreciation and dependence.
Speaking of food and taste, check out Natalie’s Mini Ricotta And Basil Frittatas in our Recipe section. Paired with a crisp salad and a glass of chilled white wine, you’ve got an easy and quick brunch for your family and friends.
The book also speaks to the modern realities of online reputation and cancel culture. As she recounts the professional defamation she endured, MacLean highlights how quickly digital rumor can spread, and how much grit it takes to stand back up when the industry you love seems to be shutting its cellar door in your face. Her ultimate rise from the ashes feels both hard-won and celebratory—like opening a well-aged bottle after years of patience.
For those who come to Wine Witch on Fire expecting a straightforward wine book, be prepared: this is a memoir first, but one infused with the aromas and lessons of the vineyard. For anyone who has faced public scrutiny, personal upheaval, or simply wondered how to rebuild after a devastating season, MacLean offers a glass half-full perspective—tempered with honesty and just enough spice. Purchase this insightful book at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/books/wine-witch-on-fire/ or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
Pair this book not with a grand cru Burgundy, but perhaps with a humble yet soulful bottle—something that has weathered storms and still sings. Much like MacLean herself, it’s proof that even from fire, something beautiful can rise.
Contents and images used with permission by Dundurn Press. https://www.dundurn.com/books_/t22117/a9781459751194-wine-witch-on-fire