Report from the Valley

New Malbec's a Big Hit with Consumers

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:07:00 GMT

Consumers are the big winners as the selection of good Argentinean Malbec increases. The prices are as reasonable as ever, so there is no reason not to try a few and find one that you like.

Famed New Zealand Wine Maker Visits the Tasting Lounge

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:05:00 GMT

Most wine lovers know that New Zealand has been producing excellent wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, since the early 1970's. It happens that this is just recent wine history as far as New Zealand is concerned. One of the largest family owned wineries in New Zealand has been making wines since 1916. Present General Manager, David Babich visited the tasting lounge last week after a long flight from New Zealand, to chat about the winery and taste through some recent vintages.

Domaine de Chaberton Winery... still surprises after all these years!

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:03:00 GMT

I was surprised at some comments recently at a Fraser Valley wine tour that I was conducting. While we were at Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery in Langley, several tour participants were amazed that they did not know that this amazing winery was located so close to the Vancouver area. We were at the 5th largest Estate winery in BC among 50 acres of vineyards that were first planted in 1983.

Summer Wine Treats

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:02:00 GMT

Many people ask me if I like red or white wine better. The fact is, I really don't have a preference for either red or white, as long as they are interesting and enjoyable to taste. I have always been a bit sceptical about drinking only whites in the summer, but I learned a practical lesson a few weeks ago. I poured a glass of Spanish red at a birthday party, and after the first sip I was satisfied with my selection.

Wirra Wirra Laid Back Style with Substance

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:01:00 GMT

One of the things that I like about Australians are the laid back manner in which they seem to conduct their life. It is no different when it comes to winemaking, however don't confuse laid back with average wines. Wirra Wirra Winery from McLaren Vale in Australia combines fun and an easy lifestyle as its mantra.

Averill Creek Leading the Pack on Vancouver Island

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:58:00 GMT

They have finally done it. Averill Creek Estate Winery on Vancouver Island has produced a line of wines that are in balance and show high quality, all from grapes grown in their own vineyards.

Young Winemaker Defines New Generation of Organic Wines

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:08:00 GMT

A few minutes drive from Mission Hill and Quail's Gate winery stands the organic vineyards of Beaumont Family Estates Winery. The forty acres planted to Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir and Pinot Gris, among others, has been certified organic since 1995. There are only a very small handful of organic wineries in the Okanagan but the popularity of these wines are growing.

Wine consumers fall into distinct buying behaviours

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:10:00 GMT

One of the interesting aspects of consulting for privates wine stores is not only selecting the wines for the stores but interacting with consumers and finding the right wine for their needs.

Garagistes Movement Alive and Well in BC

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:09:00 GMT

The interesting Garagistes wine movement in BC continues to gather momentum. The Garagistes originally were winemakers in Bordeaux in the 1980's who were rebelling against the large Chateaus' and their old world styles of wine; high in tannin and low on fruity characteristics.

Vineyard a Family Affair

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

Small, high quality wineries continue to bear fruit in the Okanagan. One of the emerging wineries that stand out among the competition is 8th Generation Vineyard located in Summerland which only began releasing wines in 2007.