Value wines

Belly’s Budget Best: Seven Summer Sippers

August 2, 2013
This absolutely unique wine is always on our Go-To summer

In sippers, Picpoul Rules   There’s no rhyme nor reason to this list. Just a few decent and, above all, pretty wallet friendly whites, perfect for value-driven summer sipping. You can pin this one to the fridge!  We’re also working on a better way to feature many more Belly’s Best picks … • Ormarine Picpoul […]

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Fat Bastard Revisited and Gabrielle Meffre at Le Crocodile (Video)

April 20, 2013
Best selling Fat Bastard Chardonnay

I’m not sure why but I always figured that cheekily named “Fat Bastard” had to have something to do either with the guy who might drink it (me) or the guys who made it—Thierry Boudinaud and Guy Anderson. But here’s the real story, as told by Fat Bastard co-owner (and Gabrielle Meffre globe-trotting sommelier) Anthony Taylor.   […]

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Colby Red: A Good News Wine Story with Real Heart

March 7, 2013
Daryl Groom: serious passion for a cause that

When I interviewed Daryl Groom a couple of weeks ago, it was first and foremost to talk about Colby Red. However, how could I hang with Daryl Groom and not talk about his remarkable career, which saw him emerge as one of the original “flying winemakers”, going back to the time when he was senior […]

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Nicolas Jaboulet Talks About Maison Nicolas Perrin Syrah-Viognier

February 27, 2013
Good value Syrah-Viognier. And unicorns to boot ...

Here’s a quick clip (just over a minute) of Nicolas Jaboulet talking about his good value, (non-appellation) Vin de France - Maison Nicolas Perrin Syrah-Viognier 2011, made in partnership with the Perrin family: He explains what’s behind the blend and what each part contributes.  (Actually, I love the way he says “syrahviognier”, as if it’s all one word, as […]

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Will Roaring Twenties Wines Leave Cellared in Canada in the Doldrums?

January 23, 2013
Fresh Tap kegs: pouring into popularity

As you may have noticed by now, Dine Out Vancouver is in full swing. The feeding frenzy that first took flight over a decade ago has grown somewhat, from a cluster of well-priced prix fixe menus to a region-wide food and beverage celebration that boasts foodie events and fancy hotel prices, as well as a […]

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In Vancouver’s Yaletown, this Pig is Still Flying High

November 30, 2012

One spot that’s an easy lure for lunch—particularly when it’s raining cats and dogs—is Yaletown’s The Flying Pig (1168 Hamilton St, 604-568-1344). There’s just something about this place, from its easy going ways and cosy room with a great buzz to the quality that comes out of the kitchen at very fair prices. They refer to […]

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A Visit to Emiliana Vineyards: the Heart of Chile’s Organic Wine Movement

November 14, 2012

Last week’s column for the North Shore News was a quick recap of our visit to Emiliana Los Robles Organic Biodynamic Vineyards. It was one of the more impressive but—more to the point— profound experiences of my week in Chile. I still find it quite remarkable that a company of this size took the giant […]

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White Spot Celebrates Grown in BC—Both on the Plate and in the Glass

July 15, 2012

Been a bit churlish, we have, of late towards BC’s beloved burger-monger and family resto chain White Spot—due mainly to the presence of its large chicken mascot on BC Ferries the other weekend. (White Spot supplies a portion of BC Ferries food requirements…) Somebody in the Twitterverse took offence when we suggested (in jest) the […]

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A Tasting with Quails’ Gate Winemaker Grant Stanley

June 10, 2012

One of our favourite tastings of the year is an action packed hour or so spent with Quails Gate winemaker Grant Stanley. We’ll get to the wines shortly but much of my enthusiasm stems from the fact that Grant—aside from being a superb winemaker and one of the most personable guys in the industry—is refreshingly […]

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Rosé on the Rise: Tastes of Provence Rekindle Memories, with a Modern Feel

June 4, 2012

If wine is about place, chances are what’s in your glass (aside from—hopefully—tasting good) may also rekindle memories. My tasting last week with the folks from Vins de Provence did just that, as it transported me back several years to an unexpected four-day stopover in and around Aix-en-Provence, during which I was able to leisurely […]

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