Tag Archives: Vancouver Island

Maréchal Foch, ‘Carbeau’, Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery, Vancouver Island, BC, 2019, 11.2% abv.

There I was, standing in front of the wine cabinet, trying to find something appropriate to pair with our holiday luncheon, and boom – the Carbeau hit me.   The Carbeau is made of Maréchal Foch, a French hybrid red grape … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Marechal Foch, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bunker Red, Rathjen Cellars, Saanich, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, 12.1% abv., C$22++

We’re nine months into this pandemic and I’ve been writing a little less than usual, but drinking a lot more.  What about you?  Yeh, that’s what I thought. However, I have made a concerted effort to support local wineries and … Continue reading

Posted in BC, British Columbia, Gamay, Marechal Foch, OTHER, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

40 Knots Estate Winery, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Topping out at 20 hectares and producing about 6,000 cases annually, 40 Knots is Vancouver Island’s second largest estate winery. Located just outside of Courtenay in the Comox Valley, 40 Knots was purchased in 2014 by its current owners – … Continue reading

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Ortega, Vintner’s Reserve, Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery, Courtenay, Vancouver Island, BC, 12.3% abv., 2019

A winery in Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley just northeast of Courtenay you say?!  Really!?  Why, yes! I was truly delighted to show up for a tasting with the exceptionally knowledgeable Katie Phelan and realize this boutique-sized winery works with its … Continue reading

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Gamay, Pinot Noir, Field Blend, Unsworth Vineyards, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC, 2018, 12.5% abv, C$25

Just last week, there was a surprise announcement made by the Turyk family of Vancouver Island’s Unsworth Vineyards – they’ve sold their winery to the Banke-Jackson group from California. Considering global warming and climate change, it should be no surprise … Continue reading

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Ring in the New Decade with Canadian Bubbles from Unsworth Vineyards

Hindsight being 2020, you’re going to want to try these bubbles for ringing in the new decade.  To save you the trouble, and the hindsight, here’s the low down. Unsworth Vineyards is located on Canada’s West Coast just north of … Continue reading

Posted in amiel, auxerrois, BC, British Columbia, OTHER, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, sauvignette | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Krupnik, Spiced Honey Liqueur, Wayward Distillation House, Courtenay, BC, 40% abv, C$35, 375 ml

It’s that time of year again when everyone pleads, “Help! What kind of wine do I buy to go with my turkey/ham/duck/hot dog?”  There are a million or so of these articles circulating on line, but if you’re truly stuck, … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Nalewki - Krupnik, OTHER, SPIRITS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Brio, Glenterra Vineyards, Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, 2014, 13% abv. C$25

Kudos.  Serious kudos. You’ve got to give Glenterra credit.  Dry farming grapes in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island in a sustainable manner is no easy feat and can’t be for the faint of heart.  They’re located in a tiny micro-climate, … Continue reading

Posted in Agria, British Columbia, Cabernet Franc, Dornfelder, Dunkelfelder, Fruhburgunder, Helfensteiner, Heroldrebe, Hungarian Blue, Lemberger, Merlot, OTHER, Pinot Meunier, RED, Samtrot, Zweigelt | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wine Tasting and Celebrations at the Wickaninnish Inn

The weekend retreat we took to Tofino to celebrate two special occasions demanded some special feeding and drinking to go along with it. We found no shortage of folks at the Wickaninnish Inn willing to assist with the creation of … Continue reading

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