Isn’t it nice when a new month begins on Monday? Like another new beginning and a fresh start to the week and month ahead.
Speaking of fresh starts, I’m happy to be back in Vancouver again. This is the time when the weather starts to warm up. Well maybe not right now; but soon. Also, the timing is perfect because the Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) is always around the time I return back from Palm Springs I’m sure they plan it that way and it’s all very interesting, educational and cheerful to say the least. Such a nice location too – Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver; Convention Centre
Aside from the International wine tasting itself and an exceptional wine pairing dinner to celebrate wines from Uruguay (the festival focus this year was on South American wines), this is the first time during VIWF that I attended two master classes to do with wine making. The first was called “Defining the Root of BC Terroir” and the second was “California Wines: An Era in the Making.” Very fitting since I spend my time divided between BC and California and enjoy wines from both places when in each location.
These classes were very educational because no matter how much you enjoy drinking the wines from the Province of British Columbia and the State of California, both areas are very different in the way they make wine because of factors like weather, location and what kinds of grapes are best to grow in each unique location. Congratulations to anyone becoming an actual sommelier. There’s just so much information to take in on every level if you’re so inclined.
The wineries in discussion are focusing on exceptional quality over quantity rather than mass produced wines.
Defining the Root of BC Terroir – a bit about the class
Being grounded is where it all begins. This masterclass featured 11 British Columbia wines from across the province. The professional panelists took a deep dive into the unique growing conditions of each wine growing region’s distinct terroir. The discussion touched on what BC winegrowers are doing in the face of climate change to continue making exciting quality wines with a sense of place; from terroir that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The class was sponsored by Wines of BC. Our panelists were the individual wine makers and our moderators were Maude Renaud-Brisson (Apéro Mode) and Christina Hartigan (Wine Director at AnnaLena. AnnaLena Court of Master Sommeliers.)
Featured wines for tasting and analysis were:
Unsworth Vineyards (Cowichan Valley; Vancouver Island): Charme de L’ile Rosé NV
Bench (Naramata, Okanagan) 1775 Viognier 2021
Nk’Mip Cellars (Osoyoos) Pinot Blanc 2021
Ex Nihilo Vineyards (Okanagan Valley) Pinot Noir 2020
Chronos (Okanagan Valley) Cabernet Franc 2020
OsoyoosLarose (Osoyoos) Grand Vin 2012
Lake Breeze (Naramata) Reisling 2018
Moraine Estate Winery (Penticton) Syrah 2020
Laughing Stock Vineyards (Naramata) Syrah 2020
Corcelettes Estate Winery (Keremeos) Syrah 2020
Cedar Creek Estate Winery (Kelowna) Platinum Jagged Rock Syrah 2020
As you can see, we sampled three different syrahs from the exact same year but in different locations to taste the distinction between the three. In another post I’ll talk more about this.
California Wines: An Era in the Making
California’s unique geology, soil and climate combine to create multi faceted and expressive wines. Leading educator Elaine Chukan Brown unearthed secrets behind the region’s complex and distinctive wines. Sharing how California’s wine industry is committed to creating a sustainable future. She spoke about the science behind the soil, climate and geology. Some vines have a harder time searching for water; unlike BC. Fascinating! We tasted what makes California wines unique. As much as I favour Cali Chardonnay, there were none for the tasting. It is well known that California produces award winning chards but they preferred to focus on the lesser known Cali Sauvignon Blancs for our tasting. Which was a good thing because I’m familiar mostly with Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand and these were right up there. In the couple hours we were there I scribbled down so much information that I’ll have to share some of it in another post down the road. Sponsored by California Wines. Featured wines:
RAENPinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2019
*WALTPinot Noir, Gap’s Crown 2018
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs NV
Spottswoode(Napa) Sauvignon Blanc 2021
**Ridge VineyardsGeyserville Zinfindel 2019
Dry Creek Vineyard (Sonoma) Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Black Stallion EstateWinery Limited Release Zinfindel, Napa 2019
***Robert Mondavi Winery to Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
*Gap’s Crown Vineyard is located in the heart of the Petaluma Wind Gap area of the Sonoma Coast Appellation. Gentle slopes, heavy fog, and rocky soils produce these exquisite wines of great depth and richness.
**Geyserville is home to the oldest vines farmed in California. The “Old Patch” section of the vineyard contains vines that are more than 130 years of age.
***Between Highway 29 and the western hills of Oakville, in the heart of Napa Valley, there is a vineyard called To-Kalon, “the place of highest beauty.” Two roadside signs signal arrival, but like all mythic places its exact shape is hard to define. FYI – Mondavi is leading the way with farming electric – already they have six Monarch Tractors.
In closing; I have to say that tasting the wine and loving wine in general is only part of the whole experience. As you can see from the notes above, no two wines are alike. I’m very fortunate to have been all over beautiful British Columbia stopping at wineries along the way in and around the Okanagan Valley, Lake Country, Osoyoos, Vancouver Island and Fraser Valley. Same for California: Napa, Sonoma & Sonoma County, Lodi, Paso Robles, Temecula and Santa Barbara. It’s all very breathtaking. And yes; I’ve sampled plenty.
I highly recommend taking master classes during any wine festival if they’re offering them. It was extremely educational and you get to sample a handful of outstanding wines.
Cheers!
One of the best wine festivals in the world is right here in Vancouver.
I’ve been to some fabulous wine tasting parts of the world including Argentina, California, France, Italy & South Africa. It always seems more exotic when you’re far from home, but here in Canada one of the loveliest wine regions which can now compete with the rest, is in the Okanagan – about a four and half hour drive from Vancouver.
Summerhill Winery + Bistro. Photo: d. king
I can’t imagine driving through British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan wine valley (a top producing wine region in B.C.) and not taking the time to stop in to have a look around and do a tasting at one or two or more wineries. It’s not even all about the wine…although…it’s also the locations with magnificent views, top-notch restaurants on the premises, the art & the people and their stories.
Stone Sculpture outside Cedar Creek Estate Winery. Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
You cannot possibly visit every vineyard on one trip – there’s just too many, close at hand and far between. There’s always new ones opening up too. From world-class operations to family-run boutique vineyards, the Okanagan Valley wineries are rich in tradition and character, consistently ranking among the world’s best at international competitions.
At Kismet. Photo: d. king
Aside from Summerhill Pyramid winery in Kelowna which I always visit because the proprietor is a friend (the wine is also great), on this most recent road trip I kept it simple and focused on only a few. Summerhill held an amazing Autumn Equinox in the Pyramid which my boyfriend and I attended. After only hearing about it, I can now say I’ve experienced it. It’s a community gathering to celebrate our connection to each other, the earth and the universe, with a guided group
Que Syrah, Syrah at Kismet. Photo: d. king
meditation in the Summerhill Pyramid. Followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner, and drumming and dancing around the sacred fire in the Kekuli. It was dog friendly too so Layla also experienced it. We met some nice new friends.
At Tantalus. Photo: d. kingLounging at Cedar Creek. They didn’t seem to mind that I was wearing my Summerhill t-shirt.At Kismet. Photo: d. king
The other wineries I visited on this trip were Tantalus and Cedar Creek in Kelowna, NK’MIP Cellars in Osoyoos and Kismet in Oliver. These were over several days as we were staying with a friend in Peachland and then onto the Kootenays to stay with another friend.
Tantalus:
Photo: d. king
Tantalus is known as one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in British Columbia.
At Tantalus Photo: d. kingCalendar at Tantalus – Dogs of the Okanagan Wineries. I had the pleasure of knowing Fortuna – RIP. Photo: d. king
I’m a chardonnay lover and heard through the grapevine (pun intended) that they have a really good one. Yes; they do, but I ended up loving the off-dry Riesling as much or even more so. Which is a surprise because I find most Rieslings too sweet – but this one was just right. Overall, the view and location is fabulous, the tasting was really good and the art on the bottles is created by Tahitian, Tlingit artist, Dempsey Bob. I must admit that I like a good label.
Cedar Creek: winner of 2022 winery of
the year award. One more breathtaking view with floor to ceiling windows that look over the Okanagan during a relaxed all-organic tasting.
State of the Art Tastings at Cedar Creek. Photo: d. kingCedar Creek. Photo: d. king
Kismet
My tasting here, like the name, was meant to be – especially since it was not planned. A few people have mentioned this winery to me as having unique wines. I was interested in the sparkling moscato as they use a rare orange muscat varietal which is cold fermented, resulting in a crisp refreshing flavour. I opened it over Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint.
Nk’Mip
Photo: d. king
Time in a Bottle. This is my second time at the very first Indigenous-owned wineryin North America. Located in Osoyoos – the hottest and driest part of not only the Okanagan; but all of Canada.
Nk’Mip. Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. kingPhoto: d. king
The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is a state-of-the-art interpretive centre of architectural marvel sensitively constructed into a hillside. Discover the fascinating stories of Canada’s only desert and share in the rich living culture of the Okanagan people. Websites below:
What is Spadefoot Toad you ask? Aside from being a round amphibian creature with short legs and protruding eyes…it’s one of my favourite red wine!
If you’re a wine lover you must check out these three recently released spectacular, highly anticipated new labels from the coveted Spadefoot Series at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Keeping it in the family; Ezra Cipes (second generation) is extremely proud to present these wines, made in partnership with grape grower Ron Firman at his idyllic Spadefoot Toad Vineyard in Oliver, BC, along with the legendary Canadian artist and activist Robert Bateman, who has drafted an originalillustration specially for the labels. Ten percent of the proceeds from each bottle sold supports the Bateman Foundation’s work to nurture the next generation of conservationists.
Robert Bateman “Ocean Rhapsody” Orca Painting
Spadefoot wines are made entirely from organic grapes grown lovingly at Ron Firman’s Spadefoot Toad Vineyard in Oliver, BC. Ron tends his small acreage as if it were a garden, carefully applying compost to each individual vine and creating habitat for the at-risk Great Basin Spadefoot Toads to breed for natural pest control.
Ron grows pristine grapes that give concentrated, age-worthy wines that truly reflect the care he takes in his vineyard. Each single-vineyard bottling is a special expression of the south facing slope on which his vines are cultivated.
If you are searching for the perfect wines to enjoy over cool autumn evenings or to stow away in your cellar for future sipping, look no further! These three distinct bottlings are exploding with flavour and intensity that will only deepen with time.
2016 Spadefoot Toad Syrah Bold, dark and smooth with notes of blackberry, soft leather, ripe raspberry and black pepper. Forty-seven months of neutral oak aging brings a whisper of vanilla and spice. Firm, gripping tannins and bright acidity buttress the concentrated fruit flavours, providing excellent structure for long term cellaring.
2017 Spadefoot Toad Sangiovese 2017 was a true vin de garde vintage here in the Okanagan. This unique take on a classic Tuscan variety is seductive and velvety, with a juicy core of candied cherry and fresh blueberry notes and whispers of tomato leaf, vanilla cola and baking spices. Exceptional fruit concentration balanced with vibrant freshness!
2018 Spadefoot Toad Sangiovese Succulent and finessed. A clean, classic vintage with a long and steady growing season resulted in this elegant, medium-bodied Sangiovese. Red and blue fruits dominate the nose, carry through the palate, and are deepened by heady notes of clove and potting soil. Intense and full of soul… perfect for the changing seasons.uan etched, branded wine decanter to show off these wines at their very best.
To date this has been one of my favourites
2014 Spadefoot Toad Syrah
Elegant small lot, single-vineyard expression. Available here:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.