Sam The Wine Teacher

Sam, The Wine Teacher, has been an educator, a home winemaker, a wine judge for too many years to count and is the former Guild Master of the BC Guild of Wine Judges. He has offered wine education and appreciation courses for Pacific Breeze Winery, Capilano College, Eden West fine foods, the Richmond School District Continuing Education department, Coquitlam Continuing Education, the VAWA, the BCAWA as well as for various private functions. He also trains staff and offers cellar evaluations.

Washington Wines, California Mead

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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. 

Ciders, Spirits and Wines from the American West

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This is the first of a four-part series.  Next up, two impressive Washington wineries.

Sam Hauck – Garnet Valley Visit

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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

Grizzli Winery Movie Nights

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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

Wednesday Wine Reviews with @Sam_WineTeacher

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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

From the Cellar with @Sam_WineTeacher

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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

Wednesday Wine Reviews with @Sam_WineTeacher

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  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

From the Cellar with @Sam_WineTeacher

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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

Monte Creek Expands

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On a beautiful sunny June day, Anita and I attended a media/VIP event at Monte Creek Ranch, soon-to-be Monte Creek Winery.  Appropriately located in Monte Creek, it is just a short drive on Hwy 1, east of Kamloops and part of the Kamloops Wine Trail. Entering the driveway, we immediately spotted some big changes since … Read more