The APVSA is a Montreal based company, which helps European wine producers find new markets in Canada and the United States. Their most recent tour was titled ‘Once Upon a Wine’ and featured affordable wines from France and Spain, many of which were organic and vegan wines. Producers included Arriezu Vineyards and Etedaria from Spain … Read more
It’s a Tuesday afternoon and I am sitting in a tenth floor Kerrisdale apartment beside a large window with a panoramic view of Vancouver and the fog shrouded north shore mountains in the distance. I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to be a guest at a private tasting group that meets with the expressed … Read more
What do you think of when you hear the name Giant Head? For me, it has always conjured up summer road trips to the Okanagan. Often it reminds me of days spent camping at the provincial park campsites between Summerland and Peachland. Warm days, fun at the beach and always bringing home lots of fresh … Read more
2015 Chardonnay (Qwam Qwmt) Nk’Mip Osoyoos, BC $25.00 Golden straw in colour with medium intensity. Well-integrated oak and fruit on the nose with notes of delicate butter and tropical fruit, especially pineapple. Well balanced with a creamy texture. The flavours follow the nose along with fresh cream. A medium-plus finish. 2012 Syrah … Read more
No matter whether your favourite #bcwine is a White, Red, Rosé, Still, Sparkling or Bubbly we have recommendations to make your Valentine’s Day special. Is there anything more romantic than sharing a glass of wine? I think not. If that glass of wine just happens to be a BC Wine you’re on the right track. … Read more
2012 Chardonnay Reserve Noble Ridge Okanagan Falls, BC $29.90 Golden yellow colour with medium intensity. Buttered toast, apple, pear and tropical fruit on the nose. Good balance with unctuous texture. Rich butter and tropical fruit on the palate, followed by a medium-plus finish. This wine paired nicely with creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. 2014 … Read more
Liberty Wine Merchants’ annual event is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing craft beers, spirits and wines that BC is becoming famous for. Here are some brief notes on wines I was able to taste. Road 13 I have heard a lot of buzz about this BC bubble and after tasting … Read more
New competing category for 2018 BC Aspiring Sommelier Hosted by The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers British Columbia Chapter (CAPS BC), the fourth annual Best Sommelier of BC Competition returns to Rogers Arena on January 29th, 2018. This annual competition attracts some of the best and brightest sommeliers from across the province to compete for the … Read more
On behalf of the CheckMate Team, I would like to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. I’m excited to begin 2018 by sharing our wines with you at three great events in Edmonton, Calgary and Lake Louise. I hope you can join me to catch-up and enjoy the CheckMate wines with exceptional … Read more
Special Holiday Pricing ChefmeetsBCGrape Tickets Take advantage of early bird pricing on three outstanding ChefmeetsBCGrape events in Vancouver, Calgary and the Okanagan Valley. Each event will deliver a stunning and unique experience, bringing together fabulous BC wineries with top celebrity Chefs and Judges from across Canada. What to expect? Creative wine and … Read more