9 Valentine’s Wines to Wow & Woo Your Beloved

By |2022-02-11T10:09:31-08:00February 11th, 2022|Latest Posts, Wine|

Valentine’s beckons—so the Hired Belly has been working diligently on the Gentle Art of Seduction. Only in theory, you understand. But in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day it feels appropriate to suggest a few wines (and bites) to serve your beloved. You might be surprised how much of a challenge narrowing such a selection can [...]

Maverick Estate Winery Purchased by Local Partners

By |2020-05-17T19:59:09-07:00April 30th, 2020|Latest Posts, Wine|

Maverick has been purchased by Tinhorn Creek alumni Jan Nelson (former marketing manager) and former winemaker Andrew Windsor. They add up to a potent partnership that bodes well for Maverick's ongoing success.   Full release as follows: OLIVER, British Columbia – April 29, 2020 – Partners Jan Nelson and winemaker Andrew Windsor are thrilled to [...]

A Thanksgiving Toast to BC Bubble

By |2019-10-25T09:34:17-07:00October 10th, 2019|Latest Posts, Wine|

BC Bubble is on a roll. There's nothing really surprising about that in itself. But what is curious is why it's taken so long. I've been thinking about (and tasting) a lot of  BC sparklers recently. Often as not with a toast to Harry McWatters—the godfather of  BC Bubble. The 21 bottle ‘sabre salute’ at Harry's [...]

VIWF = Vancouver International Wine Festival: California and Plenty More

By |2019-01-18T11:14:32-08:00January 13th, 2019|Wine, Latest Posts, Wine Reviews|

A sure sign this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival is right around the corner is the media preview. Last week's tasting of wines to be featured at various events was the perfect warm-up for the Feb 23 to March 3 festival. The 37 globe trotting offerings, poured in Blue Water Cafe’s beautifully appointed cellar room, [...]

Imbibe Iberia and Plenty More: a Winefest Windfall

By |2018-02-14T09:53:09-08:00February 13th, 2018|Wine|

Iberia calls! There’s both a happy and sad reality to the Vancouver International Wine Festival (Feb 24th to March 4th). It really is a case of "too many wines, too little time." Not only does it enjoy the reputation of being among the best of its kind, anywhere, this year’s festival has the added distinction of [...]

Argentina: Work Horse Wines Deliver Value

By |2018-01-21T15:05:00-08:00August 17th, 2017|Wine, Wine Reviews|

  Argentina in the spotlight Argentina is this month's focus at BC Liquor Stores. Special deals and free tastings celebrate the South American producer through September 2nd. It’s interesting how Argentina continues to broaden its appeal beyond Malbec—although, there’s no arguing with the success of the country’s favourite grape. Known for producing soft and supple [...]

Four Good Reasons to Dive into Supermarine

By |2022-06-10T09:15:02-07:00August 20th, 2015|Dining|

Supermarine: A new and original seafood spot for Kits A Chat with James Iranzad... James Iranzad co-owns Supermarine with Josh Pape After I wrote my piece on Supermarine (1685 Yew St., Vancouver, 604-739-4677) for the Courier, I thought it would be interesting to find out what’s behind James Iranzad and Josh Pape’s [...]

De-Hilling: Vital in Prince Edward County

By |2023-03-04T08:13:56-08:00May 17th, 2015|Wine|

De-hilling at Waring House Vineyard, in Picton, Ontario I’m still sifting through the voluminous results of last week’s All Canadian Wine Championships, in which BC fared very well. The competition is held in Prince Edward County (about 275 kms. northeast of Niagara), widely regarded as one of North America’s most up and [...]

Rockin’ Rioja: A Clutch of Food Friendly Reds

By |2018-01-21T15:05:11-08:00April 19th, 2015|Wine|

...Don't try this at home. It’s been a bit of whirl on the wine circuit this past week. All the more reason to get back to posting, so at least I can figure out where I’ve been. (Just kidding!) Though sometimes the best way to take stock, truly, is to sift through the [...]

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