The Rise of British Columbia Wine Tourism A stellar wine touring year for BC wineries, and the season is far from over! Wine tourism in BC is on the rise, reporting a record high in visitors and sales this year, and gaining accolades as a world-class wine destination from publications and wine critics around … Read more
Backyard Vineyards Winemaker James Cambridge took us on a tour of Backyard Vineyards. He greeted us with a glass of Blanc de Noir – a refreshing Pinot Noir sparkling wine – very nice with delicate fruit on the nose and palate and good mousse. This winery, which opened as Glenugie, has been around since 2002 … Read more
When I read Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia’s recipe for Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad with Grilled Prawns and Basil Oil, my mouth watered. Sounds delicious doesn’t it? Drop into Provence Marinaside, at 1177 Marinaside Crescent (at the foot of Davie Street) and give it a try. For a salad, I’d opt for a light white fruity … Read more
Keeping with under $20 wines for cash strapped January. NV Baby Bub Haywire Summerland, BC $13.99 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 12 This half bottle of pink bubbles is a perfect brunch or luncheon wine made from a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. It is an inviting pale cherry red in colour with medium-light … 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
Backyard Vineyards Changes in ownership and the resulting name changes are not uncommon in the BC wine industry. Backyard Vineyards, located at 3033 232nd Street in Langley, opened up in 2002 under the name Glenugie. Gary Tayler, the original owner named it after his wife’s family’s farm in Scotland. Unfortunately, Gary’s wife Christina died … Read more
On “those lazy, hazy days of summer” as we watch the clouds sail across the skies so, too, in the Okanagan Valley you’ll find Black Cloud Pinot Noir on the move. After nine vintages with Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, Okanagan winemaker Bradley Cooper is making a move down the Naramata bench and bringing … Read more
If you are in Coquitlam this next week, stop by Westwood Wines for a tasting of wines featured in the “Swirl, Sip and Savour” flyer. You can also enter to win a trip to the Okanagan wine country. Flyer wines include: 2013 Baillie-Grohman Recolte Blanc The rich textural palate with a long finish … Read more
Now at the second week mark with many great recommendations for your holiday embibing and gift giving. These wines represent some of the best of British Columbia wines that make our personally recommended list.