With the Vancouver Tattoo Show at the end of May, ink is on everybody’s mind and two B.C. brands are coming together to spotlight one of Vancouver’s original tattoo artists. On May 25, B.C.’s top Okanagan wine brand, Vintage Ink, is partnering with iconic shop Palace Tattoo to pay homage to one of Canada’s original vintage inkers, Doc Forbes. Tattoo and art lovers can come together at this event for a free sampling of Vintage Ink wines or get one of 10 complimentary tattoos inspired by Doc Forbes’ iconic flash designs on display at Palace Tattoo.
The event will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. PDT, where tattoos will be inked on a first-come, first-serve basis* surrounded by the largest collection of Doc Forbes’ art and meticulously sourced decor that serves as a time capsule to Vancouver culture. After getting a tattoo, attendees can leave the event with a free bottle of Vintage Ink to take home and enjoy.
Vintage Ink and Palace Tattoo share a fondness for celebrating the originals, the ones who find identity in their creativity and find pride in their communities. The Vintage Ink winemakers are masters of their craft, producing premium wines using locally-cultivated Okanagan grapes and experimenting with wine aging in tequila and whisky barrels.
“Doc Forbes’ art was of distinct taste and character – the very qualities Vintage Ink strives to capture in each and every bottle,” says Emmanuelle Voirin, Marketing Director, Lifestyle and Accessible brands at Arterra Canada. “The Palace Tattoo owners are champions of preserving quality, original work and ensuring it lives on.”
Traveling extensively with carnivals and circuses until he settled in Vancouver, steps from where Palace Tattoo is located today, Doc was an early user of the electric tattoo machine. With naval ports nearby, his ink sailed as far and wide as the navy did, making him one of the first Canadian tattoo artists to be internationally known.
“Something too fine and too ornate will not stand the test of time. Our mission is to return tattooing to its fundamentals” says Palace Tattoo co-owner Chirs Hold. “We like to see a bit of ourselves reflected back in the brands we support. As we got to know Vintage Ink, we saw the passion they have for unique winemaking reflected in the creativity of their product, from what’s inside the bottle to what’s on it.”
Attendees can enjoy the atmosphere of the retro tattoo parlour, learn about Vancouver’s original tattoo artists with Palace Tattoo owners Chris Hold and Nick Wako and arrive early to secure a complimentary tattoo from a series of pre-selected art.* Individuals who are not getting a tattoo can look at Doc Forbes art and sample some of Vintage Ink’s most popular labels. Vintage Ink wines are also available for purchase at BC Liquor stores, select private wine stores and online at Great Estates Okanagan.
Vintage Ink Whisky Barrel Red
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Rich dark fruits, smoky vanilla notes and subtle whisky undertones on the nose. The aromas carry onto the palate with red and dark fruits and an intense vanilla cream with hints of whisky flavours. The tannins are supple and luscious, with balanced acidity and a long finish.
Winemaker Notes
The fruit was picked at optimal ripeness and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine then went through secondary fermentation and a portion was aged and finished in whisky barrels. The remainder was aged with French and American oak. The final blend consists of: 60% Merlot, 20% Merlot, 11% Shiraz, 3% Malbec, 3% Tempranillo, 3% Petit Verdot.
Food Pairing Notes
Try this unique red wine with Sticky BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, Smoked Brisket, and Bold, hard cheeses.
Vintage Ink Wicked White
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Tangerine, lemon, peach, pineapple, orange blossom, and lime burst forth on the nose and palate with full intensity. The well-balanced ratio of acidity to sweetness ensures that each sip will be just as refreshing as the one before it. This wine is fruity, refreshing, versatile, and approachable.
Winemaker Notes
A blend of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio and Viognier. Three grape varietals that when given the opportunity to ripen to their full potential give off intensely aromatic fruit flavours. We brought these three amigos together to drop a fruit bomb on your taste buds
Food Pairing Notes
Wicked White has what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with spicy food, so bring it on. Try it with Szechwan chicken stir fry, Pork vindaloo, or maybe a jalapeno and bacon flatbread. Gouda, Stilton, ricotta or mozzarella pair well.
Vintage Ink Pink Ink
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Bright acidity with aromas of crabapple, watermelon, raspberries, strawberries and yellow peach. Off-dry, pleasant and fruity, this wine is perfect with food or on its own.
Production Notes
A mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Each parcel was brought in separately and pressed lightly in order to leave behind dark colours and tannins. Fermented separately in stainless steel tank, it was later blended together in order to achieve a balance of fruitiness and crisp acidity.
Food Pairing Notes
It’s perfect with a nice juicy Hamburger, pepperoni pizza, barbecued brisket, or apple and goat cheese salad with walnuts. Cheese: feta, goat’s cheese.
*Those individuals who are getting tattooed at the event must abstain from alcohol consumption before and after their session and fill out a waiver upon arrival. For clarity, individuals who receive a complimentary tattoo are not permitted to consume samples of Vintage Ink wines at the event. All attendees must be 19+. Vintage Ink and Palace Tattoo cannot guarantee tattoo sessions. Palace Tattoo will perform 10 complimentary tattoos throughout the entirety of the event.
Media release, image and bottle shots provided by Giulia Sa Barreto, Media Profile. Wine profiles courtesy of Great Estates Okanagan.
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