Category: merlot

January 29th, 2025 is the Chinese (Lunar) New Year of the Earth Snake. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. Snakes represent the symbol of wisdom. They are intelligent and wise. They are good at communication but say little. Snakes are usually regarded as great thinkers. Some famous people born in the Year…

California’s 689 Cellars offers a variety of wines for different classes of wine drinkers, from casual to serious. Here is some background information from the winery and the wines they will be pouring at VanWineFest 2025. About 689 Cellars Curtis McBride is the owner and founder of 689 Cellars and Premier Wine Group. Curtis founded Premier Wine Group over 20…

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is a vibrant celebration marking the start of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. In 2025, it ushers in the Year of the Earth Snake, a sign in the Chinese zodiac symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation. According to legend, the Snake, though often underestimated, is clever and resourceful,…

While I was Grinch-like in awarding 5 stars to only three wines I tasted in 2024, I was more Oprah-like with the 4.5-5 -star wines.  Plus, there are many quality wines, so it should not be a surprise.  This year there were 13 BC wines, 18 Italian wines, 4 French wines, 2 Californian wines, and 4 wines from New Zealand…

Mulled wine has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire.  As the Romans expanded into colder regions of Europe, they sought ways to warm themselves during the winter months. Heating wine and spicing it with ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, and honey made it a comforting beverage and helped preserve the wine and mask imperfections (wine in the…

Nestled on the picturesque Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley, Ruby Blues Winery offers a charming blend of exceptional wines and stunning vineyard views. In 2007 Prudence and Beat Mahrer started Ruby Blues Winery, after selling Red Rooster Winery.  Their goal is to keep the winery small and sell locally. I recently received two bottles of wine from Ruby Blues…

Here are two holiday-worthy red wines from BC’s Township 7 Vineyards & Winery that you should consider.  The first, under screwcap, is the Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2020; the second, under cork closure, is the Township 7 Benchmark Series Fool’s Gold Vineyard Syrah 2020.   What’s the Difference? What is the difference between Township 7’s Provenance and the Benchmark series of…

Let’s welcome J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines to the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2025 and enjoy their wines from the Paso Robles region of California. Here is some background to the winery and a list of the wines they will be pouring at the International Festival Tasting Room.  Enjoy. About J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines,…

You may not have heard of Jean-Claude Mas but his family began growing grapes in the south of France in 1892.  Jean-Claude gained experience in the wine business and education around the world, coming back to the family business when he inherited his father’s vineyards in Pézénas of 35 hectares.  In 2000 he created Les Domaines Paul Mas from these…

I and other Trade individuals were invited to Discover Extraordinary Italian Wines.  Some of the wineries at the event were searching for local representation, while other wineries already have an agent and their wines are in BC Liquor stores or private wine shops and restaurants.  I’ve put a “*” beside those wineries that have local representation, so you should be…