Tightrope: BC’s First Certified Sustainable Winery
Tightrope Winery & Vineyard (Naramata Bench) has announced it’s the first Certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing BC.
South Africa in the Spotlight: Chenin Blanc and more
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 [...]
10 BC Rosés to Relish in Isolation + Toast Dr. Bonnie
Well, it seems that Dr. Bonnie Henry has just made rosé even cooler than we thought was possible. In addition to being the go-to authority on all things Corona-viral, you’ve probably also noticed that BC’s top doc has some pretty impressive fashion smarts. So much so that she’s inspired the province’s most in-demand shoemaker to [...]
Tasting History: 5th Element VQA Red Blend 2005
Recently I opened a bottle of Golden Mile Cellars 5th Element Red Blend 2005. It was sent to me by the BC Wine Institute as part of the BC VQA 30th. anniversary. I thought this bottle was noteworthy for any number of reasons, not the least of which was its age. There was a time [...]
VIWF = Vancouver International Wine Festival: California and Plenty More
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, [...]
Quails’ Gate Estate Grows Back to the Future
Over decades of following BC wineries, I'm convinced few have been as well planned as Quails' Gate. I've watched the Stewart family's operation blossom from tanks in a garage to a full-service hospitality complex. It's now among the most sophisticated and well-run I've encountered. During a recent visit, I was again struck by the sheer [...]
Natural Wines Blossom in Canada’s Okanagan
Natural wines. Coming to a glass near you, soon. Natural Wine Defined What’s a natural wine, you might ask? It means the wine in your glass is in the purest possible form. It's the closest it can be to the fruit that was in the vineyard, preferably organically or bio-dynamically farmed. Most likely it’s made with [...]
Sea Star Spreads its Wings on Saturna
Sea Star Rising A handful of wineries has sprung up on BC’s Gulf Islands over the last few years. Yet, none have impressed as much as Sea Star Estate Farm & Vineyards. The picturesque winery is perched on a bluff on North Pender Island (between Vancouver and Victoria). Its vines seem to march right down [...]
Argentina: Work Horse Wines Deliver Value
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 [...]
Amovino: It’s How to Say ‘I Love Wine’
Amovino is the name of a new agency making its mark on the BC wine scene. It’s the brainchild of Jessica Luongo and Marisa Varas. They're a couple of smart, young women who decided to pool their experience and resources. I’ve been following this new enterprise with interest. I got to know Jessica Luongo during [...]