Hello, my friend.

I hope you are keeping safe and well during these uncertain times.  Please know, that I am here for you if you need something and I can provide it for you, I will.

In an effort to stay positive and focus on the ‘good’, I thought I would share with you some of the British Columbia wine highlights during my time at the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

I have visited some of these wineries, but not all.  If you are among the many people who cancelled Spring Break vacations or had to quarantine after returning home, I offer a few delicious suggestions on wines to purchase and wineries to visit this summer.

• Tightrope Winery One of the friendliest and beautiful wineries to visit, there is nothing that winemaker Lyndsay O’Rourke makes that I do not truly enjoy. Tightrope Winery is a partnership between Lyndsay and her husband, Graham whose viticulture expertise is impressive.  When you visit, ask them to show you all of the wine awards they have won because they will not bring it up. Sorry – not sorry! Wines to try – Riesling, Viognier, Syrah and Pinot Gris.
• Free Form by Okanagan Crush Pad – This is the latest label from the talented and creative people at the Okanagan Crush Pad.  Made with organic grapes and using native yeast, these wines are, in my opinion, the future of where the B.C. wine industry is going.  Well done! Wines to try – Vin Gris, Ancient Method.
• Fort Berens Estate Winery – Lillooet’s first winery and one that I have not had the pleasure of visiting…yet! I am a huge fan of their Chardonnay (both tiers) and the new releases during the VIWF were delicious.  Wines to try – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rosé.
• Corcelettes Estate Winery – Located in the beautiful Similkameen Valley, Corcelettes Estate Winery is a relatively new kid on the block but they are taking the wine scene by storm. During the Vancouver International Wine Festival,  I had my first introduction to Charlie and Jesce Baessler and their Corcelettes wines.  I was very impressed by their passion and their product. Wines to try – Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Petit Verdot
• Da Silva Vineyards – I was quite thrilled to see the Da Silva’s at the wine festival. On our trip home from France, Twylla was our flight attendant who calmed me down and told me our dogs were going to be just fine.  They were – she was right. Richard and Twylla da Silva have rebranded from their original Misconduct label to their robin egg blue Da Silva label – fantastic wines. Wines to try – Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
• CedarCreek Estate Winery – Truth be told, I sometimes shy away from the larger winery tables during the wine festival…I try to focus on the smaller producers when I can.  This year, CedarCreek caught my attention and my palate was pleased with their entry-level Chardonnay – truly the best tasting value out there. I had the opportunity to speak with winemaker Taylor Whelan who spoke passionately and honestly about their wines. Wines to try – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Viognier.

Let’s do all we can to support our B.C. wine industry during these interesting times.

Some ideas:

Many wineries are offering free shipping for your online orders.

Use social media to show love for your favourite B.C. wineries.

And, finally, you can visit the B.C. wine country as soon as we all get the green light.

Be kind to each other and drink B.C. wine.

XO
C