Sam The Wine Teacher 
2010 Alibi (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon) Black Hills Oliver, BC $24.90 Silver Medal Tasted 2014 09 A blend of 75% sauvignon blanc and 25% semillon, this wine is golden yellow in coloured with medium intensity. Citrus, apple and a slight nuttiness on the nose. The balance is crisp and refreshing. Clean and tangy on the palate … Read more
Oktoberfest is the world-renowned fall harvest celebration, which begins September 20 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 200-year-old tradition of beer, food, singing and dancing with frauleins in dirndls and men in lederhosen. For those who can’t make it to the old country, there are several events being held in Vancouver. One of … Read more
If you are enjoying a summer vacation in Osoyoos, or staying there while touring the many excellent wineries in the area, Jojo’s Café is the place to go for breakfast or lunch. I’ve been here twice for breakfast and will definitely be back for lunch next time. Customers make their selection from a … Read more
2010 Chardonnay Blackwood Lane Langley, BC $24.00 Silver Medal Tasted 2014 08 Straw coloured with medium intensity. Green apple, mineral and honey on the nose. Well balanced. Citrus, mineral and subdued green apple on the palate with a medium-long finish. This Chablis styled wine paired very well with pan seared scallops and prawns. 2012 … Read more
September 8 was the grand opening of Thai Cuisine by Montri. This latest incarnation for chef Montri Rattanaraj, is located two blocks east of MacDonald, at 2585 W Broadway in Kitsilano, ten blocks east of one of his former restaurants. The media were invited to see the new restaurant that afternoon. We were served … Read more
At the end of July, I was lucky enough to attend the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. The 27th annual event was held over three days with many activities, including lectures, guided tastings, winery tours and a salmon barbecue. Lectures covered subjects in geology, history, chemistry, and geography. … Read more
As the end of September approaches, many men and women are busy checking their supplies, checking last year’s notes, cleaning equipment and getting ready for the upcoming harvest. Who are these people? They are home winemakers who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this year’s grapes. Some have put their orders in months ago … Read more
Yes, there’s a new restaurant in town and what a place it is. The media launch for the Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar was held earlier this month and a lavish event it was. We were greeted outside by a string trio and welcomed with a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne. Inside, David … Read more
“Summer’s almost gone” or so the Doors sang. Well, not quite, there’s still lots of good weather ahead and lots of time to enjoy drinking that quintessential summer quaff, rosé. Rosés are made in the same manner as white wines, in that they are fermented after the grapes have had a short contact … Read more
2013 Pinot Noir (Red Carpet) Cassini Cellars Oliver, BC $17.87 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 07 Garnet red colour with medium intensity. Sour cherry raspberry, vanilla with a hint of earth on the nose. Good balance with a sweet entry. Ripe cherry and red current flavours. A medium finish. 2010 Chardonnay Meyer Family Okanagan Falls, … Read more