Enjoy Wine, Food, and Travel with Karl MyWinePal
Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand and British Columbia have a similar history with the growth in quality Vitis Vinifera wine production. I will concentrate on the Marlborough region of New Zealand and the Okanagan Valley primarily plus the Similkameen for BC for this post. Vitis Vinifera grapes were first planted experimentally in the mid-1970s in BC…
It’s not often that I have a chance to try coastal Pinot Noir from two different geographic regions and compare the differences, if any, between the wines. I had the chance to compare Vancouver Island’s Blue Grouse Estate Winery‘s Pinot Noir with two Pinot Noirs from California, by La Crema and Cambria Estate. Here are my tasting notes that I…
Don’t forget that April is BC Wine Month. In case you have not purchased any BC wine yet, here are some compelling reasons why British Columbians should consider buying BC wines: 1. Economic Impact: The BC wine industry contributes $3.75 billion annually to British Columbia’s economy. By purchasing local wines, consumers directly support local businesses, jobs, and economic growth. 2….
Around a month ago I received three bottles of Pinot Noir. One was from Vancouver Island, Blue Grouse Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2021, while the other two were from California. They are the La Crema Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir 2022 and Cambria Estate Winery Julia’s Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Pinot Noir 2022. I will taste each and compare my…
If you enjoy Pinot Noir, these two wines should excite you. Meyer Family Vineyards from the Okanagan Falls area of BC concentrate on Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I received a bottle of their Meyer Family Vineyards McLean Creek Vineyard Old Block Pinot Noir 2022 and McLean Creek Vineyard Micro Cuvée Pinot Noir 2022 to review for you. I’ve been…
Here are two fruit-forward BC red wines for you to enjoy. you may want to consider Da Silva Vineyards and Winery. Their Vinhedo Merlot 2020 and Pinot Noir 2021. The Da Silva family immigrated from Portugal to Canada, have over 65 years of farming experience in the South Okanagan, and started their winery in 2006. They note that this intrinsic…
For Easter dinner featuring roast turkey or roast ham with mashed potatoes and vegetables, selecting wine varietals that complement the flavours of these classic dishes is key. For red wine enthusiasts, Pinot Noir would be an excellent choice. With its bright acidity and delicate red fruit flavours, it would pair well with the savouriness of turkey or ham. The soft…
My one and only video interview with a BC winery at VanWineFest 2024 was with Evan Saunders, winemaker, at Blasted Church Vineyards. Blasted Church is located in the Okanagan Falls area if you decide to visit this summer. Evan talked to me about their sparkling wine, OMG 2016. Have you ever tried this wine? Did you know that it is…
Gamay Noir is a grape that gets little respect. Some people may equate it to Beaujolais Nouveau, but it can be much more. BC wineries make quality Gamay Noir. A point in case is this bottle; Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellarss Estate Cuvée Gamay Noir 2022. The grapes were hand harvested, then cold soaked and fermented using indigenous yeasts to…
The Da Silva family hail from Portugal where their family grew grapes from the 1700’s. The family immigrated to BC’s Naramata Bench in 1955 and purchased their first farm four years later. Close to 70 years later, their family pays homage to craft wines that reflect the terroir of their nine vineyards. I received two red wines and two white…
Video Guide Uncorks the Story of British Columbia Wines. Buy Now.
