Enjoy Wine, Food, and Travel with Karl MyWinePal
The 2025 BC harvest was one of hope and a bounty of grapes. I travelled to Osoyoos at the beginning of October and all the winery principles I spoke to mentioned how their grape vines were supplying an overabundance of grapes this year, to make up for the devastation last year. Now that it is late November and the wines…
British Columbia has become one of the most exciting wine regions in the world, but for many people, especially those outside the province, its story is still waiting to be told. If you have ever wondered why BC wines are gaining international acclaim, which grape varieties thrive here, or how the unique landscapes shape what’s in your glass, Getting to…
Have you started touring BC wine country this summer? I have a two part article about touring BC wine country in 2025, written by Brent Gushowaty. In part one, he covers: The impact of the 2023/24 freeze Introduction of 2024 “replacement wines” Evolving winery business models and tasting innovations Part Two will focus on the practical aspects for the casual…
The wines of BC and the rest of the world, excluding the USA, were the last of the wines I tasted at the International Festival Tasting Room during VanWineFest 2025. Read through my wine tasting notes below and if you find some wines that spark your interest, check out your local BC Liquor store, some private wine shops,…
Pinot Noir Abides in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley by Brent Gushowaty Sitting in the Southeast corner of Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Valley lies not far from the Salish Sea and is centered at one degree of latitude South of the Canada/U.S. border. The climate is classified as maritime Mediterranean. It sits in the rain shadow of the Vancouver Island Range, one…
Most of you are probably familiar with tasting BC wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, or Pinot Gris grapes. But, there are other lesser-known grape varieties grown in BC that also make enjoyable wines. I have two wines for you coming from cool-climate Vancouver Island. The first wine is from Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery using the Petit Milo…
The BC coastal wineries and the Fraser Valley had a completely different winemaking experience compared to the interior of BC in 2024. With the cold weather winter snap in the Interior, most of the vitis vinifera vines died so many winemakers had to source grapes from outside of BC; Many chose Washington and Oregon states. The coastal and Fraser Valley…
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12. Your spouse or mother would probably love to enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine. I have a spectacular bottle of BC’s Church & State Wines Gris de Noir Brut 2020 made in the Traditional Method from Pinot Noir grapes. It is available at the winery. It may also be at some of the…
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…
Video Guide Uncorks the Story of British Columbia Wines. Buy Now.
