Wines of France: Journey through the Loire Valley, France Join Vancouver wine journalist and educator Gloria Chang on this feature story wine tasting of France through the bucolic vineyards of the Loire Valley. What is a feature story wine tasting? Think of it as an interactive magazine story about a wine region with stunning … Read more
“Hey, you’ve been good for three whole weeks now – why not reward yourself with a fun evening with wine, cheese, and a bunch of other like-minded BC wine lovers? For food, we’ll be providing a selection of platters of cheeses, meats, crackers and breads from our friends at Les Amis du Fromage.” When … Read more
Should wine be made to age or made to drink? The Grape Debate 2016 It’s the ultimate act of delayed gratification – purchasing a bottle of wine with the intention of not opening it, possibly for many years. While the temptation of a well-stocked wine cellar is great, the rewards for ageing bottles are often … Read more
This week it’s all winter warming BC reds including a trio of Cabernet Franc. 2012 Syrah C.C. Jentsch Cellars Summerland, BC $29.90 Garnet black in colour with deep intensity. Aromas of earth, dark fruit, spice and cocoa on the nose. Good balance. Bright fruit dominated the palate followed by a medium-long finish. A good wine … Read more
Changes to Okanagan Wine Campus program Jill Spoor chosen for 2016 Okanagan Crush Pad winery announces a change to its popular Okanagan Wine Campus program. The program was launched in 2011 to provide an opportunity to Vancouver’s Sommelier of the Year to learn the fine art of winemaking with the goal of creating 100 … Read more
2011 Quattro (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah) Cassini Cellars Oliver, BC $19.87 2011 was a challenging year in the Okanagan, but good growers knew to reduce their crops to concentrate flavours. This wine is a good example of how to not let quality suffer when Mother Nature deals you a bad hand. Garnet red … Read more
Le Vieux Pin Wines Added to Michelin Restaurant Lists The Okanagan’s Le Vieux Pin is celebrating recent and ongoing inclusion on the wine lists of several international Michelin starred restaurants including: * The Table Kevin Fehling (Germany) Kevin Fehling is the youngest European 3 Michelin starred chef ever … Read more
At the invitation of Mireille Sauvé (The Wine Umbrella consulting) I joined a small group of industry people at the Cactus Club Coal Harbour to sample their exclusive line of Italian wines. We met in a glass-walled private room that overlooked the sunny snow-draped North Shore mountains. Mireille greeted us with a refreshing Montelvini Prosecco … Read more
BC Wine Appreciation Society Celebrates with Van Westen The BC Wine Appreciation Society is an organization that was formed over 10 years ago and now numbers 175 members. Their events tend to sell quickly, whether it is a library tasting, a garden party, or a bus tour. December’s wine event was held in the … Read more
Stewart Family Announces Purchase of Envolve Winery in Sonoma The acquisition of California’s prestigious Envolve winery by BC’s Stewart family is another indication of how Canadian wine culture is influencing the industry beyond our borders. The Stewart Family, owners of BC’s Quails’ Gate Winery and Sonoma County’s Lake Sonoma Winery have negotiated the purchase of Envolve … Read more