We know of no more fervent advocate for the advancement of sake than Masa Shiroki. The dynamo behind Granville Island’s Artisan Sake never rests in his efforts to convert more people to the idea of matching sake with food. His latest undertaking involved a six course dinner at ShuRaku Sake Bar and Bistro [...]
Around this time of year, wine tastings happen with increasing velocity, as every country-winery-region-producer-importer wants to pour their prized elixir for media—or even for real wine buyers—during the crucial pre-holiday buying period. Every now and then, one comes along that leaves a lasting impression, such as this past week’s Wine Australia extravaganza in [...]
As executive director of the BC Wine Institute (1992-2001), Coletta also introduced BC wines to the London International Wine Fair
Riedel’s supremacy as a stemware producer is no surprise: we’ve been a convert for years, and have a not too shabby lineup of their glasses for everyday tasting at home.
And the winners are ... The moment of truth at Government House comes when the wraps are pulled off the winning wines. That’s the challenge of tasting blind: you just hope that the winners span an appropriate range of style, producer and price. It’s no small coincidence that the actual judging is run by Marjorie [...]
Tempranillo thrives in Jumilla's harsh semi arid climate - Tim Pawsey photo Murcia, Spain. As you tour this parched semi-arid corner of eastern Spain, two realities are inescapable: the sun rules and water is a scarce commodity. The harshly beautiful landscape is marked by massive limestone outcrops that punctuate the seemingly always clear [...]
The Hired Belly has just finished participating in one of the more interesting competitions on the Canadian judging calendar. The Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines were introduced by former Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Iona Campagnolo in 2003. The judging is different from many for a number of reasons, none [...]
Why it's (always) the right time for BC rosé Meyer Family Vineyards (Naramata Bench) Rosé - Tim Pawsey photo Not long ago it was almost impossible to find a decent rosé around these parts. But that's all changed in recent years. Today, rosé is hotter than pink itself. What's driving the rosé revolution? [...]
(Besides the fact they’re just darn tasty drops...) The Paarl Valley is just one of many breathtaking spots in South Africa's scenic and varied winelands, Tim Pawsey photo By the time June is over, you’ll know two things, for sure. 1. Soccer is the world’s game—played by more [...]
Clean and Lean, New Winery is Really ‘Very Riesling’ Tantalus Vineyards has emerged as the Okanagan’s de facto flagship Riesling producer—and rightly so. For the last few years the winery operated out of the former Pinot Reach facility—a delightful, if somewhat rustic arrangement not entirely conducive to the [...]
