Category: Okanagan

If you are searching for a BC wine that is vegan-friendly, made using organically-grown grapes, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in neutral vessels like stainless steel, amphora, and concrete, then you should try Okanagan’s Haywire Winery‘s wines.  I have two white wines to tell you about today from Haywire.  Their Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, are both 2022 vintage, made by…

Zweigelt is a red grape that while not as obscure as the Blaufränkisch grape I wrote about earlier, is still relatively unknown in BC.  Only 0.7% of red grapes grown in BC are from Zweigelt.  This is a versatile and vibrant red grape variety, that is a cornerstone of Austrian viticulture. Named after its creator, Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, this grape…

Nestled among the vineyards of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley lies a grape variety quietly making waves in the wine world – Blaufränkisch. Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger, traces its roots back to Central Europe, particularly Austria and Hungary. The grape is believed to have originated in the region of Lower Styria, now part of Slovenia, before spreading to neighbouring countries….

It is not too late to start checking out wine-inspired vacation destinations in British Columbia.  But if you have children and/or fur babies, you may want to pick locations and wineries that have something to offer for them as well. Here is a list of BC wineries and more that have family-friendly options for parents travelling with children or pets….

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…

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….

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…