Enjoy Wine, Food, and Travel with Karl MyWinePal
I started my wine tasting at the International Festival Tasting Room during VanWineFest 2026 with French white and sparkling wines. Below are my favourite white and sparkling wines. I noticed after making my list that almost all the wines are made from the Chardonnay grape. I am not sure how many of these wines are still available for purchase, but…
I spent Friday afternoon at the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2026 tasting French red wines. Here are my favourite French wines from the International Festival Tasting Room. There is a fairly even distribution of red wines from different regions of France (and therefore different varietals) in my picks below. Enjoy. My French Red Wine Selections Castel Frères Exclusive Aspirant de…
On a lighter tone, at VanWineFest 2026, I had a chance to attend a walk-about lunch at LaSalle College Vancouver; French bistro fare prepared and served by LaSalle students, while sampling a selection of French wines representing seven French wine regions. Below is a list of the French wines followed by the menu. No wine reviews here, just some general…
Wine lovers often talk about “Old World vs. New World,” but the comparison becomes far more interesting when you look at two regions that share a deep respect for terroir while expressing it in completely different ways. British Columbia and France may be separated by an ocean and centuries of winemaking history, yet they meet at the intersection of climate,…
Six years ago we welcomed Gérard Bertrand and the Gérard Bertrand Group to VanWineFest 2020. Now, we can welcome them back to VanWineFest 2026. Read about their history and wines in their own words. Introducing Gérard Bertrand In 1975, Georges Bertrand introduced his son, Gérard, to harvesting on the Domaine de Villemajou in the unique terroir of Corbières. From his…
Top Drop Canada is a premier wine festival held annually in Vancouver, showcasing a curated selection of terroir-driven wines from around the globe. The event brings together over 40 international producers, including renowned estates from regions such as Piedmont, Champagne, and the Okanagan Valley. 50+ wineries in total. None from the USA this year. Attendees have the unique opportunity to…
Gérard Bertrand‘s Le Chouchou 2023 is the winery’s answer to new consumer trends, producing a light, fresh red wine. It has low alcohol content and can be enjoyed at a cooler temperature. It sits somewhere between a rosé and a fuller-bodied red wine, IMHO. This wine is a blend of organic Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes coming from Cevennes, Limoux,…
Gérard Bertrand Winery is the ambassador of the fine wines of Languedoc-Roussillon around the world. Gérard Bertrand owns 16 estates with their unique terroirs in the region. The Languedoc has been growing grapes for wines for 24 centuries (Greeks planted grapes around 550 BC) and produces 5% of the world’s wine. Gérard has loved his vineyard land passionately and enthusiastically…
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day by indulging in a delightful experience of sharing sparkling or rosé wines with your significant other. The effervescence of sparkling wines mirrors the joy and excitement of love, making it an ideal choice for a romantic evening. The light and refreshing nature of sparkling wine and the delicate bubbles on your palate will enhance the…
The Gérard Bertrand winery, nestled in the heart of the Languedoc region in southern France, boasts a rich history steeped in tradition and innovation. Established by Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby star, the winery has consistently pushed the boundaries of winemaking excellence. His first vintage was in 1975, following his father and grandfather Paule Bertrand. One notable aspect of Gérard’s commitment…
Video Guide Uncorks the Story of British Columbia Wines. Buy Now.
