Valerie van der Gracht 
So where did we go? Well after thinking about Au Comptoir recently on a Tuesday, and being disappointed to remember it was closed on Tuesdays, we decided to stroll the four or five blocks west on 4th Avenue and check out how busy they might be.
Poggiotondo is organic certified; all our wines are produced from grapes naturally grown in our estate vineyards. A few years ago we decided to move back to traditional vineyard management, we stopped using synthetic chemicals in order to regenerate the soil and have it alive.
The much anticipated #TofinoEats Chef Series dinner featuring the culinary magic of both guest Chef Alex Chen and hosting Chef Paul Moran was truly nothing short of outstanding.
Vancouver is a mecca of good dining establishments but often it is nicer to just stay in your own neighbourhood. Especially at this time of year when the sun is shining and it’s pleasant to walk to your destination.
The event was event a trade tasting format with lots of time to sample, ask questions and learn more about ‘Meet the Makers’ from Sheringham Distillery, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Stag’s Hollow Winery, Fitzpatrick Family Vineyard, Ricco Bambino, and Roche Wines. Super excited to have our friends from Russell Brewing and Townsite Brewing. Truffles Catering and the Wandering Mollusk provided small bites to pair nicely with our tastings.
Wines of Portugal Seminar Meet & Taste Portugal’s Native Grape Varieties!
With Spring comes the new wine releases and the Grand Tasting tour of the Wines of Portugal. An opportunity to be reminded of old favourites and also discover some new wines. This can be a double edged sword as not all the wines are available to purchase in BC. For this tasting I targeted white … Read more
Up above the city in the Reflections Garden Terrace in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia we were treated to the always exceptional line-up of wines from Tantalus. An opportunity to meet owner Eric Savics, chat with winemaker David Paterson and catch-up on what’s new with winery manager Stephanie Mosley.
The Heart of Wine Country boasts 14 award winning member wineries. “From the shores of Skaha Lake to the tip of Vaseux Lake member wineries offer visitors spectacular scenery, unsurpassed winery experiences, and of course, exceptional wines.
CheckMate wines consistently rate very highly by distinguished wine reviewers. I don’t think there is a BC wine reviewer more revered or trusted than John Schreiner. Throughout this feature on the wines of CheckMate all ratings are courtesy of John Schreiner.