Between January and March, the 35 locations of Milestone’s Grill & Bar across Canada are serving up some special winter dishes paired with R.H. Phillips California Wines.

My favourite pairing at a recent tasting: the Toasted Head Merlot, with an entree of grilled lamb sirloin, rubbed with fragrant Moroccan spices and served with a puree of butternut squash and goat cheese.

At $8.95 a glass - or $36 a bottle - in the restaurant, its well-priced, like the rest of this generous menu.  Try other seasonal specialties, including fat PEI mussels and prawns in a mild Thai coconut curry sauce (a great starter for two); the Kobe meatloaf, served with crispy onion strings and savoury gorgonzola bread pudding; and the white chocolate, walnut and cranberry brownie - a dense nut and cranberry-studded cake in a pool of warm caramel sauce. Definitely stick-to-your-ribs, hearty winter fare.

TOASTED HEAD MERLOT

California

under $20

The Toasted Head tier of R.H. Phillips wines are slightly better than their bargain Dunnigan Hills brands, and it shows in this tasty Merlot blend. With 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and a shot of Petit Verdot, it’s a wine with just a touch of tannin, a smoky and minty character, and a bright acidity that makes it perfect with this subtly spiced lamb and sweet squash dish. A red wine that’s easy to enjoy with food.