Good people collaborate and bring great wines to the market HQ Wine + Spirits is the newest beverage alcohol sales agency in British Columbia. Owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, who also own Okanagan Crush Pad winery in Summerland, the new agency will sell the Haywire and Narrative labels, and debuts with wineries from … Read more
The wines that Val Tait, viticulturalist and winemaker at Bench 1775, makes all have their own character and are enjoyable in their own right, yet there is a common thread running through them that speaks to her style and commitment to quality. Look for these wines at the Vancouver International Wine Festival – February … Read more
2015 Chardonnay (Crofters) Houghton Margaret River, Australia $16.99 This Aussie chardonnay is delicate and elegant. Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of citrus, ripe apple, vanilla and butter. Well balanced. The oak is well integrated with the fruit followed by a medium-plus finish. This is a good value wine. 2013 Cabernet … Read more
Super Bowl parties vary depending on the host and the guests. Everything from the fancy with phyllo wrapped, baked brie to the casual crowd eating potato chips out of the bag. Let’s get this over with by clearly stating there are lots of women who love football, know all about football and then there … Read more
2012 Serious Syrah Pacific Breeze New Westminster, BC $22.99 This is Pacific Breeze’s first foray into Syrah. The grapes were sourced from Washington and California. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Black pepper, blackberries, earthy, sweet spice and vanilla notes on the nose. Very well balanced. The flavours follow the nose. The finish is medium-long … Read more
Over the holidays I was lucky enough to be invited to taste some Italian wines, not currently available in BC. Mireille Sauvé, of The Wine Umbrella, hosted the event where we sampled ten wines all from the Veneto region in northern Italy. We were greeted with an impressive Prosecco and after a bit of … Read more
My wine background began as a home winemaker, some thirty odd years ago. Years later I trained to be a judge and eventually became the guild master for the BC Guild of Wine Judges. After retiring from teaching, I’ve devoted my time to writing and educating about wine, primarily with My Van City. Sometimes … Read more
On Wednesday, April 5 2017, the Okanagan Falls Winery Association (OFWA) will host a spring release tasting of some of BC’s best new wines. The consumer event will take place at The Loft at Earls Yaletown. The spectacular Okanagan Falls region produces exceptional quality wines that have been recognized around the world. The … Read more
Jenn Carter @ Joie Farm, • Jennifer Molgat @ The View Winery, • Charlie Baessler @ Corcelettes Winery, • Sarah Lefebvre @ Hester Creek, • Rick Thrussell @ Sage Hill Wines • Pauline Gagnon @ Black Hills Winery, • George Oake @ Quails Gate In addition to … Read more
2014 Voulez View Rouge The View Kelowna, BC $19.90 Voulez View uses a touch (15%) of Merlot to add some elegance to the Pinotage base. Sweet spice, cherries, plum, dark berries and a hint of chocolate on the nose. Well balanced with silky smooth ripe tannins. Velvety on the palate with flavours that echo the … Read more