Tag: Vancouver Island

BC Winegrowers Cowichan Sub-GI close up

Pinot Noir Thriving on Vancouver Island

 mywinepal  March 20, 2025

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…

Unique Grape Varieties Making Unique Wines on Vancouver Island

 mywinepal  February 16, 2025

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…

Vancouver International Wine Festival 2025

VanWineFest 2025 Dinners and Lunches Available

 mywinepal  February 10, 2025

Palate Pleasing Wine & Food Events (Press release) Vancouver has a world-class, award-winning restaurant scene, and our festival welcomes world-class, award-winning wineries to the city each year. It’s a match made in culinary heaven! From paired menus to light bites, festival events are designed to please your palate. These events also make special Valentine’s Day gifts! Winery Dinners only available…

Coastal BC winemakers harvest 2024

Coastal BC Winemaker’s Harvest 2024 Interview

 mywinepal  December 2, 2024

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…

Church & State Wines Gris de Noir Brut 2020 with wine in glass

A Sparkling Gris de Noir from Church & State Wines for Mother’s DayPR SAMPLE 

 mywinepal  May 9, 2024

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…

Google Maps of 3 coastal wineries

Comparing Coastal Pinot Noir From California and British Columbia

 mywinepal  May 2, 2024

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…

Wine Growers of BC- BC Wine Regions Topo Map

A Few Reasons to Buy BC Wines During BC Wine Month

 mywinepal  April 24, 2024

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….

Blue Grouse Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 with wine in glass

Coastal Review: Blue Grouse Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2021PR SAMPLE 

 mywinepal  April 11, 2024

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…