Sam The Wine Teacher 
With producers stretching from Arizona to Alaska, common themes in the room focussed on deep commitments to using local products, giving back to the community, reflecting terroir, sustainability, and regenerative practices.
What impressed me was the intelligence and passion of these producers. The fact that their products were consistently balanced and of top quality was the icing on the cake.
This is the first of a four-part series. Next up, two impressive Washington wineries.
Stunning. I have heard of Okanagan Crush Pad’s Garnet Valley Vineyard for several years, but until recently, had not visited it. For years, Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie have been passionate about organic farming and getting the best from their land. To that end, years ago, on the advice of famed soil specialist Pedro Parra, … Read more
West Kelowna’s Grizzli winery is a large spacious venue with an inviting tasting bar and plenty of room for people to relax. The folks there have really embraced the arts with an impressive gallery featuring Canadian artists, as well as regular Friday concerts and outdoor movies. The concerts run from 4:30 to 6:30 with Happy … Read more
NV Crémant d’ Alsace Zinck Alsace, France $27.99 This blend is made from 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Blanc. Straw coloured with medium-minus intensity. A classic bubbly nose with aromas of brioche, lees, citrus, orange zest, and apple. Good balance with a fine mousse and creamy texture. Crisp and fresh on the … Read more
In addition to the weekly wine review and the various other, usually wine-related, articles I write for My Van City, I am including a new one that will appear from time to time. I’m calling it, ‘From the Cellar’. It will be much like the wine reviews, except that it will feature wines that have … Read more
2020 Picpoul de Pinet Ormaine Pinet, France $18.99 It’s always fun to try a wine that is out of the ordinary. Lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. Lemon, lime, grapefruit, pear juice, floral tones, and crushed stones on the nose. Good balance. Crisp on the palate with lemon, white peach, and minerality. A medium-plus finish. … Read more
I came across an opportunity to order six Ontario Rieslings with vintages ranging from 2008 to 2019.
In addition to the weekly wine review and the various other, usually wine-related, articles I write for My Van City, I am including a new one that will appear from time to time. I’m calling it, ‘From the Cellar’. It will be much like the wine reviews, except that it will feature wines that have … Read more