Tag: Vancouver Island

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…

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…

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…

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…