Enjoy Wine, Food, and Travel with Karl MyWinePal
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…
In two previous articles, I covered two red grape varieties that are grown in BC, but are not well-known; Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. We also do make some interesting white wines with relatively unknown varieties. I would like to introduce you to the Kerner grape. Let’s delve into the story behind the Kerner grape, and its aromatic profile, and discover the…
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…
It’s not often that I have a chance to try coastal Pinot Noir from two different geographic regions and compare the differences, if any, between the wines. I had the chance to compare Vancouver Island’s Blue Grouse Estate Winery‘s Pinot Noir with two Pinot Noirs from California, by La Crema and Cambria Estate. Here are my tasting notes that I…
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…
2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, beginning on February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and concluding on January 28th, 2025. “In Chinese culture, the Dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. It symbolizes power, nobility, honour, luck, and success. Consequently, 2024 is forecast to bring about opportunities, changes, and…
January 7, 2024, was Ukrainian Christmas Day. I know that Volodymyr Zelensky passed a law to make December 25 the new Christmas Day in Ukraine, but many people still like to also celebrate on January 7. Double the celebration. So, I opened a bottle of BC’s Church & State Wines sparkling Blanc de Gris Brut 2019 and shared it with…
Did you know that Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery is the most northerly vitis vinifera winery on Vancouver Island? Not surprisingly, the grapes they grow are white aromatic and hybrids which do not need the number of heat units that red grapes need. Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery is also Vancouver Island’s first certified organic winery. Congratulations. On the same…
As I was visiting friends on Vancouver Island I decided to drop by 40 Knots Winery in the Comox area. I visited the winery last year and sampled their wines on the patio. At this visit, the 2022 white wines have not yet been bottled at 40 Knots Winery but was told that bottling will be happening soon. So during…
