Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The Season of Wine Tasting

On my calendar, the year (wine year that is ) begins in March with the Vancouver Internation Wine Festival. They say it is Canada's biggest wine FestivalThere are 173 wineries from 15 countries participating in the 2018 festival.It will take place at the Vancouver Convention centre in the heart of Vancouver.

The Vancouver International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier food & wine event, has three mandates: to provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; to be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and to raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society.
This year as usual Canada and USA will have a large representation. Spain this years featured country will have will have 38 wineries at the event. Some notables are Vivanco, Tores and Marques de Murrieta.

Portugal, Argentina, Austrailia, Chile and France will be there. Italy has 23 wineries attending. Japan has one.

British Columbia makes up the majority of Canada's Wineries. L’Acadie Vineyards represents Nova Scotia. It would be nice to see some Ontario wineries.

Later in the month, there will be an Event at Eatible Canada on Gravel Island called "Locals Only" this features some smaller BC wineries. In April it will the Okanagan Falls Wineries Tasting Event

In May we hope to be on the Okanagan! Check the website winesofcanada.com for updates.

Saturday, February 3, 2018


Blackwood Lane Vineyards'

 Referènce

Located in the beautiful countryside of Aldergrove. Blackwood Lane has established its self as the winery to visit.   Not only does it have a well-educated staff, with product manager Kelli  Kling and general manager Kim Collins, winemaker/owner has some delightful tales to tell. 


Last summer a new patio was completed overlooking the best view in the Fraser Valley. One can relax and enjoy Mount Baker, slip their amazing wines and dine on pizza from their pizza oven.

Barbara and I dropped by the just the other day.. We tasted a few reds. Wow!  The Vicuna Roja a nice blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from their Osoyoos Vineyard.  It starts with a nice aroma of wild berries followed by tantalizing flavours berries, cherries and plums.




The Cabernet Franc was delicious with an abundance of flavours..

The king of wines remains the Reference. Carlos has once again provided a wine that compares to any classic from the old world and new world. Both Kevin O'Leary and  author Tony Aspler were impressed by the Reference.  Carlos has just released his 2009. The price is high but considering its quality its worth it.

A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Deep ruby in colour with a high-toned, savoury-spicy nose of black plums with vanilla oak and note of graphite. Medium to full-bodied, rich and full on the palate, with plum, dark chocolate and oak spice flavours; Creamy mouth-feel and ripe tannins.

Thank you Carlos and staff for establishing such a impressive winery close to home!