The Vancouver International Wine Festival 2023 is almost a month away. Media were invited to a preview of some of the wines that will be available at the Festival. Here are a few wines that I quite enjoyed and you may want to try. The Theme Region this year is South America, so you will be able to try wines from Argentina, Brasil, Uruguay, and Chile.
Buy your tickets fast to events as many dinners are already sold out. Cheers!
My VanWineFest 2023 Picks
McWatters Collection Chardonnay 2020, BC – Toast and pears on the nose. Rich ripe roasted pears plus sweet spices on the palate. Smooth with medium acidity. 
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Thalia Winery Assyrtiko Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Greece – White flowers and citrus on the nose. Dry, medium-body, with a lightly round mouthfeel. Medium acidity. Nice crisp apple plus citrus rind. Citrus on the finish. Tasty. A great option for the summer patio. 
Grand Tokaj Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2013, Hungary – Nice aromas of marmalade and dill. Medium-plus body with medium sweetness. Marmalade, dill and stone fruits. A great balance between sweetness and acidity.
Oyster Bay Wines Rosé 2022, New Zealand – Pale colour. Light toasty strawberry nose. Medium body with a lean mouthfeel. Tart red fruits and a touch of toastiness on the palate. –
Orin Swift Talbot Kali Hart Pinot Noir 2021, California – A clear, light garnet colour. Light-intensity aromas of red fruit and nutmeg, continue to the palate. Round with medium acidity. Nutmeg and minerality on the palate.
Masi Mezzanella Amandorlato Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015, Italy – A deep garnet colour. Rich ripe sweet black cherry aromas. Medium sweetness. Capsicum and ripe cherry flavours. Medium acidity. Tannins firm up on the finish. –
Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2021, Oregon – Pale ruby colour. A light red fruit nose. Off-dry with medium body. Smooth mouthfeel. Tart red berries and a touch of capsicum on the palate. Light tannins. –
Carpineto Vino Nobile di Monteulciano Riserva 2010, Italy – Mediu-plus garnet colour. Rich aromas of ripe dark fruits plus a touch of earthiness. Off-dry, full body with a smooth mouth feel. Lower acidity and soft tannins. Ripe red and black fruit flavours plus sweet spices. Light tannins. –
S by Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, California – A deep ruby colour. Rich, ripe black cherry nose continues to the palate. A touch of capsicum. Full body, dry with medium tannins and acidity. –
Ex Nihilo Vineyards Pinot Noir 2020, BC – A lighter, clear garnet colour. Roses and red berry aromas. Dry, medium body with a light mouthfeel. Floral, red fruit and cherries on the palate. Medium-plus acidity and light tannins.
Dona Paula Altitude Series 1350 2019, Argentina – A deep ruby colour. Ripe purple fruit aromas. Fuller-bodied, dry, with soft acidity and tannins. Capsicum, ripe red and black fruit flavours. Apples on the mid-palate.
Clos de Luz Agreste Pais 2020, Chile – A pale, clear cherry colour. Sweet spices, red apples, and red fruit aromas. Dry, medium-body, lean mouthfeel with higher acidity. Red apples, candied red fruits, and cidery tones.
These wines will be scattered throughout the festival. Some will be in the Festival Tasting room, others will be at lunches, winery dinners, wine seminars, and Trade events. I hope you have a chance to try these wines and the many others that will be poured at VanWineFest 2023!
