Category: Gamay

I have two BC wines for you today.  One is from Mayhem Wines in the Okanagan Valley and the other from the Robin Ridge Winery in the Similkameen Valley.  I thought these two wines may show off some fresh BC fruit flavours and go well with holiday get-togethers.  Let me tell you about them. My Wine Tasting Notes Mayhem Wines…

Hillside Winery on the Naramata Bench was the last winery on my wine-tasting tour.  The founders of the winery were Vera and Bohumir Klokcka who had emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1979, buying the property but did not plant the first grape vines till 1984.  Although no longer owners, I’m told that winemaker, Kathy Malone, still talks with Vera, who is…

When we talk about BC wine, many people think about the Okanagan, which does have a majority of our vineyards and wineries.  But, there are other regions across BC with wineries.  The Fraser Valley around Abbotsford is one of those areas.  Tourism Abbotsford helped organize a trip for me to visit a few wineries and a cidery so that I…

Some wines are crafted to be aged years or decades before you can enjoy them, while others are made to be enjoyed now.  Especially when it is summertime and you can get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  I have two wines from BC’s Haywire Winery that fit the bill to enjoy now.  I have their Haywire Winery Gamay 2022…

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…

When it comes to selecting the ideal gift for a party or special occasion, Canadian red wines stand out as a delightful choice that combines quality, versatility, and a touch of patriotism. With our unique characteristics shaped by cooler climates and a growing appreciation for local produce, Canadian red wines offer an exceptional experience that’s worth sharing. Here’s why Canadian…

I was invited to attend the Swirl Around BC 2023 seminar recently to hear from BC winemakers about the challenges and opportunities in the BC wine industry.  Our Moderator for this seminar was DJ Kearney, and our Panelists were: Alistair Veen, JoieFarm, Bailey Williamson, Blue Grouse Estate Winery; Charlie Baessler, Corcelettes Estate Winery; David Paterson, Tantalus Vineyards; Ross Wise, Black…

This past week Business France, the national agency to develop the French economy through export growth, brought in several French wineries to Vancouver.  These wineries do not yet have representation in British Columbia.  You currently cannot purchase these wines.  This article is meant for wine agents in BC that are interested in adding more French wines to their portfolio.  Below…

It’s time for our BC wines to be recognized by our peers.  The results from the 2023 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards have been announced. Here is the press release.  Pick up the bottles that won as soon as possible as they will sell out soon! ~~~ (KELOWNA, BC) – April 18, 2023: On April 3 through 5, 2023,…

Easter weekend is coming up for many people around the world.  There are many traditions besides the Easter celebrations among different faiths but enjoying meals with family and friends is a big part of each of them.  Here are 6 BC VQA white and 6 BC VQA red wines that I reviewed from Fall 2022 till now that I think…