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
The Italian Trade Commission wine events are always top-notch affairs. They vet the wineries well, the registration is smooth, the food and venue first class and the tasting booklet informative and well laid out. At this event there were over 40 producers from 16 regions and 600 wines to sample. Piedmonte, Puglia, Sicilia, Toscana and … Read more
#WineWedneday Wine Reviews by Sam Hauck aka The Wine Teacher 2012 Pinotage Stoneboat Oliver, BC $24.90 Undoubtedly the best Pinotage I have tasted. Garnet red in colour with medium-deep intensity. A complex nose showing aromas of black fruit, earth, chocolate and spice. Very well balanced with good mouthfeel. The flavours echo the nose with a … Read more
2013 Merlot Tinhorn Creek Oliver, BC $20.00 Garnet red in colour with medium-deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of dry cocoa, plum, earth and spice. Good balance with smooth ripe tannins. Chocolate, plum and red fruit flavours on the palate followed by a medium finish. 2012 Chardonnay (Family Reserve) Mount Boucherie West Kelowna, BC … Read more
This past weekend was the annual Christmas Mingler at Pacific Breeze Winery in New Westminster. Wine was poured, charcuterie, cheese and other finger foods were nibbled and people took advantage of special deals on many of the wines in the Pacific Breeze portfolio. Great news when you are looking for a gift for a wine … Read more
A while ago I was invited to a Zinfandel tasting at the home of a fellow wine writer. She had solicited wines from eight BC wineries (betcha didn’t know that there were so many BC zins) to compare to a California one. California zinfandels typically show the following characteristics – jammy ripe fruit, dark berries, … Read more
With the holiday season upon us, a bottle of Riesling makes the perfect wine pairing with a slow-roasted, turkey dinner. For local wine connoisseurs, this won’t just be any bottle of Riesling, but one that is uniquely representative of its terroir in British Columbia. To aid wine lovers in their education and selection, wine expert and … Read more
If you have never been to Taste of Tulalip you are missing out on one fantastic wine tasting experience. I am a #winelover of Washington State wines and at Taste of Tulalp you will have an opportunity to taste the very best that Washington has to offer. “Washington State’s coveted culinary festival of the year. A … Read more
When wine agents have new products to release they often host a trade tasting. Those in the hospitality industry, liquor stores, restaurants and bars as well as the media are invited to come and taste their wares. Just the other day I was invited to such an event hosted by the Mark Anthony Group, who … Read more