Pacific Breeze is a small urban garage winery located in an industrial park in New Westminster, just off Stewardson Way. Opened in 2005, it has had more than it’s fair share of acclaim, picking up numerous awards for its wines starting with its very first vintage. Until 2014, it didn’t make any wines that qualified as VQA, as all of their grapes have come from California, Oregon and Washington (VQA wines must be made from BC grapes). However, their new releases include a Merlot made from grapes sourced in Kaleden, near Penticton, a Pinot Gris from Summerland and a Chardonnay from Naramata. Let’s hope they continue to expand their BC wine portfolio.
The current Pacific Breeze line-up of over a dozen wines, includes the following whites: Fume Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and a late harvest Riesling. Red wines include three red blends, three Cabernet Sauvignons, a reserve Merlot, a Cabernet Franc and a Zinfandel.
Originally, Frank Gregus and Maurice Hamilton were home-winemakers with a local winemaking group and they did well, winning medals for their wines; unlike the others in the group or in any other winemaking group however, they decided to take the plunge and followed their dream to open a commercial winery; in no small part, thanks to the understanding and support of spouses who shared their passion. However, the realities of keeping their day jobs and running a winery at the same time soon took its toll and changes were made with respect to staffing the winery. It’s not been an easy road, especially with some of their adventures in importing grapes during those first few years and with the later need to expand their operation, but it has all worked out well. Their tenacity has paid off and they are now busy getting ready for their tenth vintage.
Full disclosure – I am a big fan of their wines, especially their Killer Cab, their Assaszin, and their Chardonnays, which are made from grapes sourced from a top vineyard in Carneros, California. I have several in my cellar and I make it a point to stop by for any of their new releases. I’ll be heading back soon to buy more of their amazing Reserve Chardonnay. Do yourself a favour and drop by their cozy tasting room sometime soon to sample a few of their award winning wines for yourself, and learn more about the Pacific Breeze story. You can also check out their web site at: http://www.pacificbreezewinery.com/
