Malbec World Day (April 17th.) is again fast approaching—yet one more reminder of the value to be found from the South American producer. While it’s true Argentina has built its reputation on Malbec, what might surprise you is that the grape’s popularity is relatively recent. In fact, we can probably, in part, thank Michel Rolland [...]
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is hailed as one of the best of its kind anywhere. But walking into the Acura International Tasting can be daunting. It doesn't have to be. Here’s how to make the most of it.
In Valpolicella, a truly distinctive wine region, it's really all about drying, or Appassimanto
This week sees the return of Top Drop Vancouver (Sept 10-11), a "wine and more" festival that focuses very much on smaller wineries and other craft producers. Last year’s debut was rightly well received—likely because the selection of wineries did indeed appeal to a more curious taster, as well as to sommeliers looking to tweak [...]
Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre, home to Vancouver International Wine Festival It’s never too early to be thinking about this coming spring’s wine festival—especially if you’re a wallet watcher. Some serious deals are afoot for early birds, right through December 31. This year’s theme country is Australia. And the global focus is Syrah—which [...]
Wine Tourism day wraps up with dinner at Summerland's Local Lounge | Grill (image supplied) (From the release) November 8 marks North America’s 2nd annual Wine Tourism Day. Okanagan Crush Pad has gathered neighbouring wineries, restaurants and a hotel, to offer an incredible weekend getaway in BC wine county. The winery itself will [...]
Flight of fancy, complete with 'silver bullet' Last week I was privileged to spend the best part of three days with a very focused group of wine judges from BC, across Canada and Kansas City. I’m convinced that, aside from an overall willingness to truly work together, the right setting enhances the process. As it [...]
Okanagan Falls: not a bad spot for a scenic tasting! The more focused evolution of the Okanagan’s specific wine regions continues, as sub-appellations seem likely to become a reality. Witness the progress of the Okanagan Falls Wineries Association. Last Friday night’s Party in the Park was just that: a delightful evening of wine [...]
Shea Hogan's Mezcal based Death Squad Sour (Shameful Tiki Room) Mezcal can be mildly mesmerizing. Over the years I've learned to treat certain spirits—from single malt Whisky to Absinthe and more— with a degree of respect. Maybe it was only a matter of time before Mezcal was added to the list—a fact reconfirmed at last [...]
Osoyoos beach from the Watermark Resort The Osoyoos ‘Oyster’ Festival? Seriously? I must admit, I was just a tad surprised when I first heard of the idea. After all, burgeoning bivalves is maybe not the first thing that come to mind when you consider the sandy (rock free), shores of the South Okanagan’s [...]
