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Posts Tagged ‘Pinot Grigio’

[VanFoodies eat Okanagan] Wine & Dine at Evolve Cellars

Posted in Bistro, Dessert, Great Views, Joyce, Lunch, Meat, Neighbourhood Gem, Okanagan, Outdoor Dining, Patio, Restaurants, Seafood, Travel, West Coast, Wine Pairing, Wine Series, Winery Dining, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 4, 2016| Leave a Comment »

While we were in the Okanagan, of course Hester Creek wasn’t the only winery we visited. On this trip, we ventured out to Summerland, specifically the Bottleneck Drive area, and we discovered Evolve Cellars.

Evolve Cellars was open in 2015 and above the tasting room is e, its dining room. Simple decor – white wall, white table cloth, with big window panes overlooking a gorgeous view of its vineyard and Lake Okanagan. Bryan, Kathryn, Mr. and I made a lunch reservation prior to getting there, and we’re patting our back for making a good choice.

View of Evolve Cellars

Food

e’s lunch menu is quite interesting. I like that they incorporate their wine into many of the dishes. We shared a few appies, including the Seared Scallops. There was nice caramelization on one side of the scallops, the scallops were cooked to the right temperature, tender and sweet. The roasted corn salsa gave it some smokey flavours and crunch. For us, they were served on a spoon and it made a perfect bite (Mr. really liked it, because he always wants “a bit of everything in each bite”).

Seared Scallops

The Bruschetta was probably my least favourite appetizer. Don’t get me wrong, it was quite good.

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[Wine] 2016 Vancouver Wine Fest Tasting Room

Posted in Culinary Events, Drinks, Kathryn, Product Reviews, Vancouver, Vancouver International Wine Festival, Wine Series, tagged , , , , , , , on March 23, 2016| Leave a Comment »

The Vancouver International Wine Festival 2016 Tasting Room had, in my mind, great potential to be the best I have experienced to date. Why? One word…Italy! Yes, the romantic, bold and fabulous world of Italian wines was featured at this year’s wine fest. However, to my surprise, there were more wines I preferred from other countries. Perhaps it was the hype I had built up in my mind that made me expect a taste sensation, but instead, I got a sub-par flavour experience. Having said that, I will still one day venture to Tuscany and drink wine all day while my husband, Bryan the beer columnist, writes his novels (not unlike Joshua Jackson in Shadows in the Sun).

2016 Vancouver International Wine Fest Tasting Room

Most of the wines available for tasting were reds…very rich and very heavy. I love my bold reds but it also has to be balanced and have some complexity to it to make it interesting, and I just didn’t find that with any of the Italian wines. Perhaps some aging would have helped soften the wines and bring out the flavours. That is what some of the winery representatives mentioned as I was sacrificing myself trying as many wines as I could in such a short time…what a tough life!

Please note: Prices listed below are mostly based on the BC Liquor Stores website and may vary depending on monthly promotion, and it will be priced differently at private, independent liquor stores as well. (more…)

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[Wines] Discovering Californian Zinfandel & Chardonnay at the Wine Festival

Posted in Culinary Events, Drinks, Joyce, Product Reviews, Vancouver, Vancouver International Wine Festival, Wine Series, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 3, 2016| 9 Comments »

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At the California Cruisin’ event of the 2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival, vineyards of the Golden State were showcased at the beautiful Waterview by the False Creek.

California Cruisin', Vancouver International Wine Festival

In California, Zinfandel is considered the state’s signature red, and Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape, so naturally, my tasting focused on these two varietals.

California Cruisin', Vancouver International Wine Festival

Chardonnay

Around the room, the chardonnays weren’t the typical chardonnay I would have expected. Most of them were light, crisp, some of them refreshing, which frankly I didn’t mind. I’m not a huge chardonnay drinker because of its rich, buttery mouthfeel, so I actually quite enjoyed this selection of chardonnays. Here are my favourites:

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Chardonnay 2013 ($16.99 at BC Liquor Stores) – This was aged in 50/50 stainless steel and American oak, this has more of a citrusy flavour. It kind of reminded me of Pinot Gris.

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon

Concannon Vineyard Founders Chardonnay 2013 – It’s from the Monterey County. Oaked in American oak, it has apple, pear and some tropical fruit note.
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[Wines] Affordable Wine Tasting Party

Posted in Drinks, Kathryn, Product Reviews, Wine Series, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2015|

Friends and I (including Joyce and Bryan) have formed a beer club called Garibaldi Club. To date our Garibaldi Club has had 13 beer nights, so it was about time we had a wine night. Plus it was good timing for not one, but two couples in our club, who are getting married this year, to obtain some feedback/ideas on potential wines for their nuptial-day shenanigans. Please note: Prices listed below are mostly based on the BC Liquor Stores website and may vary depending on monthly promotion, and it will be priced differently at private, independent liquor stores as well.

Wine Tasting Party

Whites

Sumac Ridge Private Reserve Gewurztraminer (2012/2013)
Canada – Alc 12% – Sweetness 02

If you are looking for something light and crisp to go with a spicy meal (or samosas, which we just so happened to have whilst sipping on this semi-sweet Gewurz) then this is a great choice. It’s got a lovely balance of flavour and sweetness without being too much. Out of 11 people there was only one or two people who said it wouldn’t be their choice, but overall it was quite enjoyable. BC Liquor Stores: $13.29 – good price for a VQA

Saint & Sinner Pinot Grigio (Vintage Not Specified)
Canada – Alc 12% – Sweetness 00

Now for someone who isn’t usually a Pinot Grigio fan I actually really enjoyed this white. It’s sweetness rating is 00 yet in my palate’s opinion it was closer to a 01 – not super dry as a 00 rating may suggest. Overall there wasn’t a negative comment in the house – it was easy drinking and quite refreshing – this may very well be seen at one (or both) of the weddings! BC Liquor Stores: $11.29

Gazela Vinho Verde (Vintage Not Specified)
Portugal – Alc 9% – Sweetness 00

I’m not going to lie, this was just not my style. (more…)

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[Wines] Lucky Penny Wine

Posted in By Invitations, Food Bloggers, Joyce, Mr., Vancouver, Wine Pairing, Wine Series, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 8, 2011| 3 Comments »

Mr. and I were invited to an event to try a new line of wine by Australia’s [yellow tail]. It’s called Lucky Penny and it comes in one white blend and one red blend. Apparently BC is the first place in the world to be selling it.

Held at Les Amis du Fromage, we joined other bloggers to try the wine as well as canapes that highlight the distinct flavours and aromas in the wine. It’s also a potluck event, so each participant was encouraged to bring a homemade dish that may complement the wine as well.

Lucky Penny Wine

Lucky Penny Wine

Before we start commenting on the wine, please keep in mind that both Mr. and I are no expert in wine; in fact, we’re fairly new to this. But we believe in sharing our thoughts about what we tried, just to give you another set of opinion.

Lucky Penny White

The white wine is a combination of Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Grigio, and contains the notes of honey, apricot and pear. I personally like my white wine fruity and slightly sweet, so I quite enjoyed this wine. It’s fruity and you can definitely get the apricot note.

Lucky Penny White

Lucky Penny White

Mr. Says: This white is sweet and crisp, with a whole range of aromas and flavours for your senses. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, just know it’s delicious. It’s great on its own, or paired with food. I was on my third glass at the end of the night—it would’ve been the third bottle if no one was looking.

Here are the canapes at the event that were supposed to be paired with the white:

Smoked Duck Breast with Honey Glaze

Smoked Duck Breast with Honey Glaze

Foie Gras Toasts with Apicot Preserve

Foie Gras Toasts with Apicot Preserve

Marinated Pear Slices with Prosciutto

Marinated Pear Slices with Prosciutto

The sweetness and fruitiness of the wine calls for dishes with more intense flavours. (more…)

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