Category: VQA

More gratitude to hand out today to all the winemakers around the world. You make wines so that we can enjoy them with friends and family. With COVID restrictions lifting we can now do this safely in person. I have a bottle of Gratitude Red 2019 by JAK’s, made by Okanagan Crush Pad, from a blend of Merlot and lesser…

Back to Bordeaux-style wines from the Okanagan. Two bottles I have been looking forward to opening are the Roche Wines Chateau 2017 and their Nuances 2018. The Chateau is under cork and the Nuances uses a screw cap. Both wines use Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, but in different proportions. I tasted their Nuances 2017 vintage and now have…

My last wine to taste from Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery is their 2018 Landing Road Red Blend from the Okanagan Valley. It is made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec grapes; a Bordeaux blend. I have been mentioning their labels in my previous articles and this one is titled “Landing Road”.  According to the winery, “Landing Road was…

Do you like BBQ? I like grilled steak and a glass of big red wine. I have two red wines from Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery that I thought would pair well. The Labels As I mentioned in previous articles about Seaside Pearl, they have interesting labels that describe something of BC’s history.  On the labels for these wines, we have…

Breaking news in the Okanagan. Another BC winery has changed ownership.  This time it is Stoneboat Vineyards, who for me is best known for their Pinotage and their Piano sparkling wine.  Here is the press release announcement. ~~~ [Oliver, BC] The Verhoeff Group of Companies announces the purchase of Stoneboat Vineyards located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC. The business…

JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits and Okanagan Crush Pad have collaborated for a second year to present four new limited release Gratitude Wines with $1 from each wine bottle being donated to the BC Hospitality Foundation in June 2021.  The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation is a charity that raises funds to support those in the hospitality industry facing financial crisis due…

Are you ever Nostalgic about something in your past?  Your favourite home cooked meal by your mom?  How your lap-dog or lap-cat would sit with you till late while you were studying for exams?  I and a few other wine media and Trade people had a virtual seminar with Nostalgia Wines about their wines and history. Gina and Sheila For…

Besides spot prawn season, I think many BC’ers also look forward to halibut season.  It makes great fish and chips, but you can also cook it in other ways.  I received two 6 oz halibut portions from Organic Ocean to cook and pair with BC wine.  I decided to make Mediterranean Baked Halibut with Vegetables.  An easy to make dish…

Have you heard about Organic Ocean?  They deliver freshly caught sustainable seafood that can be shipped across Canada from their location in North Vancouver.  Organic Ocean is featured in The Top 25: Sustainability & Conservation list, for 2020, published by SeafoodSource. I ordered seafood from them before and like their quality, pricing, and that they fish sustainably.  I spoke with…

I have two new fresh Spring and Summer wines for you from Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery in West Kelowna. Their 2020 Rosé and Pinot Gris are made for sitting on the patio and enjoying food and friendship. In 2020, following 20 years of running from a modest tasting room, they opened the doors to a brand-new luxurious wine experience centre….