Lunar New Year is a special time for many in the lower Mainland and calls for a special wine. Haywire Winery rises to the occasion with this delicious red blend appropriately named Lunar Red. To mark the Year of the Dragon this robust wine is a more musclar style than previous vintages. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot I would say it falls between a medium to full bodied red. Its lip-smackingly juicy and flavourful and I can see this being a popular pairing at a New Year dinner. BBQ duck comes to mind. Enjoy!

Price: $23.88 plus tax
Available: Winery direct at www.okanagancrushpad.com

With fall and winter comes some major feasts and large gatherings. I’m always on the lookout for a well-priced wine that’s food friendly. This Grenache from the Paul Mas is a great choice. I loved the nose that had aromas of berries and herbs. This is a medium bodied red that’s loaded with flavour, a hint of spice and affordable when you’re pouring for a crowd. It’s available at select B.C. Liquor stores so go on-line to their website to find the closest location to you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Price: $19.99 plus tax
Available: B.C.Liquor stores

There’s much to like about the wineries found in Summerland. Particularly when the grapes are grown in the Garnet Valley Vineyard. The newest winery to embrace that wonderful property is Solvero. Roughly translated from Latin, Solvero means “truth in soil.” Authentic would be another word to describe this silky, smooth Pinot Noir. B.C. has rightfully earned a deserved reputation for making delicious PN and Solvero can join the ranks of some of the province’s best. From nose to palate this a wine full of expression. The dark cherries set the tone in a wine that’s complimented by earthy tones, a hint of stone and a lingering finish. Winemaker Alison Moyes deserves a hearty “well done” for crafting this premium B.C. wine.

Price: $35.00 plus tax
Available: Winery direct at www.solverowines.ca
Price: $39.00 plus tax
Available: Legacy Liquor
Price: $41.00 plus tax
Available: Marquis Wine Cellars

Every wine lover deserves a special bottle. The one that stands out from the crowd. The one you pour to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or another important day. The Chronos Cabernet Franc is in that category. Winemaker Lynzee Schatz has crafted a beautiful, full bodied red that shows all of us how good the fruit is in the southern Okanagan. I decanted this wine to allow it to reveal the complexity that I expect in a premium B.C. red. There’s raspberry and a bit of pepper on the nose with flavours of plum and cherry and herbs that linger on the finish. It spent 16 months in oak to provide the final polish you’ll enjoy with each sip. Don’t hesitate to leave this wine in the cellar because it will age beautifully.

Price: $38.00 plus tax at select Save-On-Foods stores across B.C.
Price: $40.00 winery direct at www.timewines.ca

There’s so much to enjoy with B.C. Cabernet Franc. Some wineries produce a robust, full bodied style while others opt for a more reserved, understated Franc. Put Monte Creek in the latter category. This is a medium bodied, subtle style that’s a lot of wine for the price. Lovely aroma, cherry flavours with herbal influence and good acidity. I’ve often mentioned how much value you’ll get when buying Monte Creek wines and the Cab Franc is another example. It’s available now at select B.C. Liquor stores but don’t delay. I think it’ll sell out quickly.

Price: $23.50 plus tax
Available: B.C. Liquor stores

The more I taste Gamay, the more Gamay I want to taste. This beauty from Okanagan Crush Pad/Haywire needs a place in your wine rack. As temperatures warm, ever so slowly, our palate turns to lighter body reds and Gamay is the perfect fit. My style of gamay is savoury, earthy, with good acidity and flavours of red and black cherries. Haywire checks all those boxes and thats why this wine caught my attention at the Vancouver International Wine Festival. I’d pair this wine with your favorite summer nibbles or with grilled B.C. salmon.

Price: $28.00 plus tax
Available: Select Save-On-Foods wine stores across B.C.
Price: $29.00 plus tax
Available: Winery direct at www.okanagancrushpad.com

I think I’ve just found my new favorite red to pair with the BBQ this year. This red blend from Evolve Cellars is 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 7% Syrah. I like the structure the Cab provides because I think it makes the wine more interesting and enjoyable. The Merlot gives the aroma decidedly plum notes and a juicy texture. A splash of syrah brought some pepper into the glass which pleased my palate. An easy drinking, fresh red that’ll match almost everything off the grill from steak, ribs or sautéed vegetables. This is a well made, medium bodied wine that I recommend you try during B.C. wine month!

Price: $23.00 plus tax
Available: Select Save-On-Foods wine stores across B.C.
Price: $25.00 plus tax
Available: Winery direct at www.evolvecellars.com