Robert Mondavi Winery at Van Wine Fest
A few months back I sat in on seminar during the Vancouver International Wine Festival. It wasn’t just any seminar, it was a dive into Robert Mondavi, his path to wine, a peek at his family life and of course his winery and subsequent brands. Mondavi was an integral part of launching the Vancouver Wine Festival 41 years ago and has been an esteemed guest of the event throughout the years. His legacy is an honoured component of VIWF, which is why when the seminar doors opened I scurried to the front row. I was eager to absorb the stories…
Summer Sangria Recipes to try for Canada Day
Summer has arrived and with Canada Day and the Fourth of July upon us, it means vacation time with friends, family and of course, wine! I am usually a purist with wine (I don’t do spritzers or any other form…
Gorgeous and Crushable Rosés
In case you’ve been living under a rock, it’s rosé season! Some eager beavers like to welcome the pink drink when they swap out their winter coats for more spring-like attire. In BC, that can be as early as March!…
Wines of Portugal: Blended Highlights
Earlier in April, Wines of Portugal hosted a tasting at the Coast Hotel in Downtown Vancouver. Envision a big, glamorous ballroom with a perimeter of tables, filled with wine made from grapes indigenous to Portugal. Some I knew but still…
Spring Picnic Picks
Depending on which circles you run in, generally speaking, public consumption is frowned upon. The one caveat is when you pack a picnic basket full of delicious bread, cheese and cured meats – then all of a sudden packing a…
Spring into Spring with a Côtes du Rhône
If your wine tastes change when the seasons do, you are not alone. Shifting into spring, I opt for lighter and more fruit forward wines. Whereas in the colder weather I tend to favour the oaky and smoky flavours. This…
Vegan Wine & Easter Dinner
Easter is right around the corner and a plant-based diet is trending. According to Forbes.com, 25% of 25-34 year olds in the United States cite themselves as vegans or vegetarians. So we’re exploring Vegan Wine & Easter dinner options from some of…
VIWF Highlight: Jackson Family Wine Seminar “Next World Chardonnay”
During this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival, I was fortunate to participate in a seminar called Next World Chardonnay. Anthony Gismondi (The Vancouver Sun and Gismondionwine.com) and Jackson Family Wine Winemaster, Randy Ullom hosted it. Together, they presented ten 100% Chardonnays, all…
Root Days vs. Fruit Days and Biodynamic Wine
Does wine really taste better on certain days of the week? We know the moon influences many events, from the tides to how well we sleep. But can it also make wine taste better? If you believe it can then…
Navigating the Vancouver International Wine Festival
It’s here! The 41st Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival is happening this week. When I say Festival, I truly mean it. The event encompasses winemaker dinners, master classes, trade seminars and of course the 4 public sessions in the Festival Tasting…
Sip Like A Celeb for the Oscars
I love movies, like LOVE movies. I’m fascinated by the way you can remove yourself from reality and be immersed in a story. My adoration for all things film includes celebrities. And there are a lot of celebrities involved in…
