Category: GSM

We have had some turmoil in Canada and in BC for wines in 2025.  Many BC interior wineries suffered from the 2024 cold snap causing them to either not produce any wine in 2024, or importing grapes from across the border, or from Ontario.  We also had the removal of USA wines from BC government liquor stores.  Overall, we had…

A whole year has passed since my 2020 Wine Quiz, which was related to wines, wineries, and winemakers I was able to interact with and write about on mywinepal.com.  Here is my 2nd Annual 2021 Wine Quiz.  There are 10 questions gleaned from my articles this year. I hope you enjoy it!

With France being the theme country for the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2020, there were many more French wineries in attendance than in other years.  And with that many more wines to taste. Which made me very happy.  France has a great variety of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, from the range of noble grape varieties.  I spent several…

What is meant by a “Cru” in wine?  The term “Cru” is most often used for the French classification system, but the “Cru” concept can apply to any vineyard region recognized for their superior wine quality. My last seminar during the Vancouver International Wine Festival was on the topic of “cru”.  What it is and how it is expressed.  We…

Andrew Jefford is an English journalist, radio presenter, poet, magazine editor, a wine writer for Decanter magazine and much more. He lives near Montpellier in France. Why am I telling you this?  Andrew lead our French Terroir Talk during this seminar at the Vancouver International Wine Festival.  If there was anyone with the background knowledge of wine and experience of…

I taste many wines at Trade tastings, plus public events like the Vancouver International Wine Festival or Taste Washington.  People who know me, know that I make detailed notes as I taste and can back up my wine ratings.  This year I went through all the wines I tasted in 2019 and have awarded my top 5-star rating to 10…

Whatever you are celebrating this December, it’s probably with family and/or friends for a rich meal at some point.  Food loves wine, so here are a few of my recommended wines that should go with many dishes, or to enjoy on their own before or after your meal. My Holiday BC Wine Suggestions White Wines Coolshanagh Chardonnay, Naramata Bench, 2016 ($25.99)…

A contingent of Australian wineries visited Vancouver recently to show off their latest releases of red and white wines.  There was, of course, many bottles of Shiraz to taste, but also cooler climate wines like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Did you know that there are 65 wine regions in Australia?  Many are in the southeast corner of Australia covering the…

One of the perks of being a wine writer is an invitation to a portfolio tasting from a wine agent.  The agency can bring out winery principals in some cases, who you can have a chat to about their wines.  They also pour wines that are available at regular retail, specialty wine shops, and special orders.  Having access to these…

A mysterious postcard arrived in the mail inviting me to visit “the Family” and try some wine.  The Cosa Nostra maybe?  The address took me to a notorious location in downtown Vancouver, The Penthouse Night Club”.  Certainly a different location to try wine!  A Sicilian looking guy, dressed in 1930s-40s period suit and hat, greeted me at the door, waiting…