Wine category: WHITE

South Africa Wine Tasting

So many wines, so little time. There’s no better way to discover new wines than by tasting them. The more you taste, the more you discover varieties, regions and wineries that help you grow your wine IQ. This weekend Everything Wine is inviting you to take home South African wines at FREE tastings at all six of their stores in B.C. The three reds featured on my post are just some the wines on offer Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 4 p.m. I’m a big fan of South African wines because of their quality, their value and the most important part…they’re so tasty. I think when you get an opportunity to try the wines that’ll be poured this weekend you’ll become a fan too. Did I mention the tasting is FREE??

Available: Everything Wine in North Vancouver, Vancouver-River District, South Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Langford.

TWB-The Wine Bar-Yaletown

If there’s a better place to enjoy a glass of wine and tasty bites than TWB-The Wine Bar in Yaletown I’ve not been there. So I was delighted to join Wine Director Josh Carlson (pictured) along with executive chef J-F Quaglia for the return of TWB. With over 100 wines by the glass and Provence inspired nibbles it adds up to the perfect pairing. Its False Creek location makes sipping al fresco another big draw. Prior to the pandemic forced closure TWB was my reliable go-to because their Happy Hour is such a great way to while away a few hours. The opportunity to taste so many wonderful wines and learn from the excellent wine team always brings me back again and again. So whether you’ve never visited TWB or, like me, have longed for its return that time has come. Just think of all those glasses of wine waiting for you.

Haywire Pinot Gris B.C. 2021

There’s a new look to Haywire wines but after tasting the new vintage of Pinot Gris I can say without a doubt it’s still one of the best in B.C. Haywire prides itself on letting the fruit speak for itself with as little intervention as possible. That experience begins with the nose and mine picked up a mild barnyard aroma. That gave way to a delicious Pinot Gris that’s aged in cement tanks which adds nuance and complexity. Flavours of stone fruit abound and makes this an ideal wine to pair with everything from stir fry to seafood. In short, a new look but the same great wine.

Price: $24.49 plus tax
Available: Select Save-On-Foods wine stores across B.C.
Price: $29.99
Available: Winery Direct www.okanagancrushpad.com

Blue Mountain Chardonnay B.C. 2020

Of the many quality wines produced in B.C. this Chardonnay from Blue Mountain Vineyard is among the best. Elegant and complex this wine would probably cost much more if it had California on the label. A crisp style that doesn’t go big on the buttery chards that are popular for many lovers of this white varietal. To my palate this Estate Cuveé is all about the gorgeous fruit that shines through with flavours of peach and lemon and a beautiful finish. A perfect match for your favorite seafood and I also enjoy pouring this chard with turkey.

Price: $35.00 plus tax
Available: Marquis Wine Cellars on Davie street

Monte Creek Chardonnay B.C. 2020

There’s much to admire when you taste the wines from the Thompson Valley and my introduction to this region was Monte Creek Winery. I’ve always thought their wines delivered great value. My opinion was reinforced again when I tasted the 2020 Chardonnay. This is a delicious white that benefits from spending time in stainless steal tanks and oak barrels. The taste of pears grabbed me at first sip but then you’ll notice citrus flavours and a light toasty finish. The quality of the fruit is allowed to shine but the oak adds complexity that’s normally found at higher priced chards. Monte Creek is a winery to be taken seriously and I recommend you try their wines because there’s much to enjoy from the Kamloops region.

Price: $21.50 plus tax
Available: Select Save-On-Foods wine stores across B.C.

Spier Chenin Blanc 2021 South Africa

I’m always on the hunt for a good buy and year after year South African Chenin Blanc delivers the goods. In spite of its youth this offering from Spier surprisingly has more than enough body for a reliable summer sipper. There’s plenty of apples to taste along with hints of pear and tropical fruit. Good acidity along with lemon gives you a lot of wine for a great price. Pair it with seafood, appies, a summer salad or just pour a glass while lounging on the deck. If you aren’t familiar with Chenin you need to give it a try. I’m willing to bet you’ll become a fan.

Price: $13.99 plus tax
Available: B.C. Liquor stores

Evolve Spontaneity B.C. 2020

Welcome to the new look AND this new wine from Evolve called Spontaneity. The makeover is part of a comprehensive series of changes in both labels and names that are all part of the Time Family of Wines. In my opinion Evolve has always punched above its weight. Offering great value and consistency. This new white blend continues that trend. It’s 50% pinot gris, 30% sauvignon blanc and 20% Ortega. This is an easy drinking wine that opens with a pleasant nose of summer blossoms and has hints of lemon and nectarines. A slightly off dry finish adds up to a tasty sipper that could be the perfect house wine. I liked the acidity too and I think it would make this wine a good fit with grab and go suishi.

Available: Save-On-Foods wines across B.C.
Price: $19.49 plus tax until October 4th
Available: Winery direct at timewines.ca
Price: $21.99 plus tax

In-house Wine Tasting

There’s nothing I enjoy more than introducing winelovers to something new and seeing their instant reaction. We’re all curious about adding to our individual wine lists and I like pouring something new to an appreciative audience. It’s one of my major goals at www.cheapandcheerful.ca. Many clients and friends are keen on discovering something new from B.C. Others like to sample the world or find a selection of great wines at a great price. If that sounds like you please get in touch. I’d love to pour for you.
Email: ronaldkwilson52@gmail.com
Phone: 604 842.0750

Haywire Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris B.C. 2019

This my fellow winelovers maybe the perfect summer daily double. A white and a red that’ll make your backyard get together absolutely sing. The Pinot Noir is subtle, aged in clay amphoras which creates a unique and fresh flavour that has quickly become a favorite for me. There’s several layers you’ll discover which speaks to quality winemaking. Flavours that include black cherries and a lovely, savoury finish.
I drink the Pinot Gris year round…often paired with grab and go suishi. But with abundance of seafood in our province this white can be a reliable partner with a summer BBQ. I love the fresh, lush, lemon flavour, balanced acidity and hint of herbs. Haywire wines always deliver quality and consistency which is why i recommend them so often.

Pinot Noir Price: $25.00 plus tax
Available: Save-On-Foods wines across B.C.
Price: $28.00 plus tax
Available: Marquis Wine Cellars on Davie street
Pinot Gris Price $23.00 plus tax
Available: Save-On-Foods wines across B.C. and Marquis Wine Cellars on Davie street

Wolf & Grouse Light Aperitif B.C.

I love when imaginative people come up with a new idea yet it retains a B.C. ethos. The Wolf & Grouse Aperitif has Blue Gouse Winery at its core. Their delicious Quill White Blend that I’ve reviewed earlier this year. But then add flowers, fruit and roots and suddenly you’re transported from the Cowichan Valley to a piazza in Italy. You can make it your own by adding a splash of your favorite gin, sparkling wine or tonic water. What you’ll discover is a remarkably fresh aperitif with Italian aromatics that’s also low in alcohol. Perfect as a starter before dinner or as a backyard sipper on a summer’s day. If you’re visiting Vancouver Island drop into the winery for a taste.

Price: $34.00 plus tax
Available: Winery direct at Blue Grouse Estate Winery