MyWinePal

Smoke taint is a significant concern for winemakers, especially in regions prone to wildfires, like British Columbia and California. This phenomenon occurs when grape vines are exposed to smoke, leading to undesirable flavours in the resulting wine. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, understanding and mitigating smoke taint has become crucial for the wine industry. What…

It is Aug-uary in Vancouver.  I cannot see the north shore mountains and the clouds are covering the tops of the concrete towers that are spread across the lower mainland.  Red wines are on my horizon. So I dipped into my wine cellar and decided to open two red wines from Europe.  The first wine is CVNE Viña Real Crianza…

There are many famous wine regions around the world.  When you mention the region, you can picture the wines, or know which grape(s) go into making the wine.  But smaller, lesser-known, wine regions can surprise you with the quality of their wines, unique grape varieties, and can be priced below those of the more well-known regions.  Here are 5 fun…

Cooking with wine is a time-honoured tradition that adds depth, complexity, and richness to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re deglazing a pan, marinating meat, or creating a sumptuous sauce, wine can enhance the flavours of your food in remarkable ways. Let’s explore the types of wine commonly used in cooking, some classic dishes that feature wine, and a few…

It’s time for a short vacation to visit my family in Alberta.  I decided to bring along two bottles of BC wine to share with them and also spread the word about our wonderful wines.  The two wines I brought were: Okanagan Crush Pad’s Narrative XC Sparkling 2022 and Township 7’s Blue Terrace Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023.  Let me tell…

Amaro is a type of Italian herbal liqueur renowned for its complex flavours and often bittersweet profile. The name “amaro” translates to “bitter” in Italian, which is a fitting descriptor for this diverse and intriguing spirit. Typically enjoyed as a digestif after a meal, Amaro is celebrated for its ability to aid digestion, though its use has evolved into a…

It is not often that I have a chance to taste aged red Bordeaux wines.  I purchased 5 wines in the past during the Bordeaux releases.  Four wines are from the Right Bank of Bordeaux and one is from the Left Bank.  The wines’ vintages are either 2005 or 2008, which makes the wines, 16 and 19 years old.  I’ve…

The art of pairing wine and cheese is a delicate dance of flavours, where each element elevates the other to new heights of sensory pleasure. Imagine the velvety texture of a rich, aged cheese melting on your tongue, complemented perfectly by the nuanced layers of a carefully chosen wine. Together, wine and cheese transform into an experience that transcends mere…

Last night Richard Vanfoodster and I had a wonderful dinner at Collective Goods Bistro enjoying their dishes with a flight of BC’s Solvero Wines. The winemaker, Alison Moyes, was there to talk to us about the wines and the winery. We had her Solvero Wines Pinot Gris 2023, Rosé 2023, Chardonnay 2022, and Pinot Noir 2020. It was fun trying…

We all deserve R&R on a long weekend.  On BC Day, my R&R was a bottle of Narrative Rosé 2022 and a bottle of free form Riesling 2022 by Okanagan Crush Pad.  These two wines made for this hot sunny weather. Both are vegan-friendly wines and the Riesling is also listed as EcoCert organic certified.  Let me tell you about…