Valerie van der Gracht

I am a Boomer, mom, gram, wife, foodie, wine novice, and I love to travel. Experiencing life and dividing my time between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Lately enjoying trips to all BC Wine Country regions. Editor and Publisher of MyVanCity.ca Connect at [email protected] Twitter @myvancity Instagram @myvancity.ca and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/myvancity/

#ThisWineThatDish | Frind The Premier 2019

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Deep, rich aromas of ripe fruit. Good colour and clarity. For such a young wine it has excellent body and distinctly mature flavours, mainly plum torte, followed by Red Delicious apples.

New releases, with an updated look from Church and State Wines

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Church & State Wines features two distinctly different vineyard properties located in the Okanagan and on Vancouver Island. Our meticulous wine-making process is driven by a passion to make wines that capture a sense of place, drawing from the terroir to showcase a sense of character, depth and the elegance of our land.

#ThisWineThatDish | Maverick Rubeus | Carbonara

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Our very first red in a bottle! Rubeus/Rubicon: Named after a river in Italy (the Rubicon) that marked the point of no return. True to the origins of this wine, a portion of the different varietals used in this blend are co-fermented.

#ThisWineThatDish | Time Winery White Meritage | Arancini di Riso

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Continuing on my theme of pairing a very good wine with a simple casual dish this one definitely fits the bill. What could be simpler, or easier, than leftovers. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you this pairing is with leftovers!

#ThisWineThatDish | Gold Hill Sauvignon Blanc | Pasta Primavera

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This was a delightfully, wonderful choice to pair with the creamy, rich pasta and fresh garden vegetables. The wine was both light and complex.Smooth and crisp with aromas of Granny Smith apples.

#ThisWineThatDish | Moon Curser Syrah | Sweet & Spicy Grilled Vegetables

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With this wonderful summer weather BBQ fare is king and this easy recipe is versatile and gives several options for ingredients, you’ve going to love it. Of course, like any good meal, the wine selection is key. For this dish with it’s mix of flavours and textures I chose a deliciously, slightly peppery Syrah from Moon Curser.

#ThisWineThatDish | Fort Berens Pinot Noir | Sheet-pan Pork Sausage Meatballs

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This light and deliciously juicy Pinot Noir was the perfect pairing for the mix of flavours in this dish. Fresh from the market Zucchini, fresh and flavourful garden tomatoes, toasted parmesan cheese.

#ThisWineThatDish Roche Texture Pinot Gris | Tuscan Soup

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This wine was ideal for the dish. Crisp with good acidity, fruity and deliciously smooth. Everything I look for in a Pinot Gris. Wonderful aromas of tart Granny Smith apples with ever so light Meyer lemon scents. 

#ThisWineThatDish | Little Engine Gold Chardonnay | Asparagus with Scallops

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It seemed apropos to celebrate not only #NationalChardonnayDay May 21st and #InternationalChardonnayDay May 27th with something a little bit beyond ordinary but at the same time classic.