Sam The Wine Teacher 
Another week, another tasting at Franco’s Liquor Store in Kelowna. This time, the spotlight was on Nebbiolo—one of Italy’s most prestigious (and temperamental) grape varieties. Often called the “king of grapes,” Nebbiolo is primarily grown in the Piedmont region, where its expression shifts dramatically depending on the local terroir. Key areas include Barolo, Barbaresco, Langhe, … Read more
As I was about to leave the Rosé Rodeo at Haywire’s Garnet Valley Ranch Winery recently, I had the chance to catch up with winemaker Matt Dumayne, who was eager for me to try some odds and sods he found lurking around at the back of the winery. First up was the 2015 XC Method … Read more
Summertime is Rosé time, but if you’re like me, anytime is Rosé time. Rosé is one of the most versatile wines out there – bright, juicy, food-friendly and endlessly diverse. It can be made from nearly any red grape, in styles ranging from crisp and bone-dry to lush and fruit-driven. Fortunately, most people have finally … Read more
The world of wine can be overwhelming—and rightly so. There are countless grape varieties to explore: whites like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris (a.k.a. Pinot Grigio), Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier, just to name a few. On the red side, many wine lovers are familiar with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot … Read more
2022 Pinot Blanc Gray Monk Okanagan Centre, BC $19.99 Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. Pear, orange zest, green apple, cloves, and lime on the nose. Good balance and good body with just a slightly sweet entry. Pleasing flavours on the palate with stone fruit dominating. A medium-plus finish. Serve this delicate wine with herb-roasted chicken, … Read more
If you happen to be in Kelowna sometime this season, including a Saturday, consider signing up for a free wine tasting at Franco’s Liquor Store, located near the University of BC Okanagan campus (UBCO) and just south of the airport. These events are listed on their website: https://francosliquorstore.com/ Most tastings are free, though some premium … Read more
2024 Unoaked Chardonnay River Stone Oliver, BC $24.90 From their Good Neighbours series. Made with grapes that came from the Columbia River area of Washington State. Lemon yellow with a hint of green and medium-minus intensity. The nose opens with lemon, apple, mandarins, nectarines, almonds, melon, and wet stones. Good balance with medium-plus body. … Read more
Have you ever dreamed of travelling to Italy, touring the rustic countryside, drinking wine, eating pizza, and practising your newly acquired Italian language skills? No need to call your travel agent, just set a course for West Kelowna and the Westside Wine Trail (https://www.thewestsidewinetrail.com/wineries) where Ciao Bella invites you to discover ‘La Dolce Vita’. Ciao … Read more
2024 Chenin Blanc River Stone Oliver, BC $25.90 A part of River Stone’s Good Neighbours Series. The grapes for this wine came from the Columbia River area of Washington State. Lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. The nose is pronounced with aromas of honey, floral, lanolin, beeswax, peaches, citrus, and apples. Very good balance with full … Read more
2024 Sparkling White Merlot Sourced from Washington State’s Horse Heaven Hills in the Columbia Valley as a part of their Good Neighbours Series. Only 237 cases produced. “The fruit for this wine arrived in pristine condition and with similar ripeness to our estate fruit, producing a White Merlot consistent with previous vintages.” $27.90 “Delicate, lean … Read more