Victoria Day … Growing up in the United Kingdom (are we still allowed to call it that?) I never really understood why ‘stat’ holidays were called ‘Bank’ holidays. Other than the banks (with their already ludicrous ‘bankers’ hours’) were closed all day. Not to say that Victoria Day makes any [...]
For reasons related to the pandemic, while invited, I wasn’t able to judge at this year’s British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. But having just seen the results, there are a few things that strike me as being worth noting in particular. In 2018 the BC Wine Awards (formerly the long-running Okanagan Wine Festival judging) [...]
BC Sparkling wines continue to enjoy growing success and acceptance, with good reason.
Argentina has been in the spotlight this month at BC Liquor Stores, with a special promo through until early September. That means several good value Argentine wines—including not a few Malbecs ;-) —are still on offer (for even better value) until Sept 5th. Argentine Malbec has turned out to be one of the most enduring [...]
This month is South Africa’s time to shine at BC Liquor Stores. The pandemic has shut down the array of events and in-store tastings that usually go along with these thematics. But never mind. There’s still no shortage of decent drops to be found. One of the oldest ‘new world’ producers, South Africa’s industry dates [...]
Last time I checked there were well over 75 different varieties of vinifera grown in BC. That’s not surprising. Compared to the rest of the wine world, this corner of the Pacific Northwest is still a youngster. In other words, we’ve only recently begun to ‘drill down’ on what does best in a specific area. [...]
Few people outside of friends and family know about the Hired Belly’s somewhat devout—nay, near angelic—upbringing. It will come as a surprise to some that today’s brash, hard-nosed swirler and spitter was raised as a pure and innocent, dulcet-toned boy-chorister at England’s Chichester Cathedral. […]
It’s easy to miss vinAmité Cellars. The family-run winery is on the east side of Highway 97, almost still ‘in town’, on Oliver’s southern limits. Unseen from the road is the vineyard and a delightful terrace overlooking the vines. The view—best enjoyed with a glass or two on a comfortable settee—looks east and south down the valley. […]
Updated, Dec 2, 2020 The thoughtful humans at Bizou + Yukon have unleashed a handy ‘Weekend Wine’—in a bag. The Let’s Wander ‘pooch pouch’ is not only convenient, it also has a lower impact on the environment than glass, says head human Christine Coletta. Plus “It’s easy to transport and, of course, the wine is [...]
A sure sign of spring is the return of the BC Common White Blend (vini album misceo communi). This familiar visitor brings reassuring proof that warmer temperatures are right around the corner. Chances are you’ll find it catching a few rays in a sunny corner of your patio or deck—or chilling in the birdbath—around lunchtime, [...]
