Wine Guy: Sip and savour these Vancouver Island potables

Article content

A trip across the Salish Sea always provides for great research and reconnaissance. This proved the case again on a recent jaunt to B.C.’s capital of Victoria, which featured a few stops squeezed in to visit local liquor stores and bottles shops.

Article content

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

Though the distance may not be far, the distribution of Vancouver Island libations isn’t always broad.

Plus, it’s always great to sip and savour in place, as was the case with this mixed selection of Island potables:

Bones Brewing Meta Mosaic IPA, Langford ($4.49 for 473 mL, available at select private liquor stores)

Started in 2020 during COVID-19, Bones Brewing began brewing in existing Victoria-area breweries in an attempt to keep tanks full and staff employed. They’re now Langford-based, and still working toward opening their own taproom.

In the meantime, it’s worth picking up their Meta Mosaic IPA at local liquor stores. Pouring a fetching gold colour, it brings serious aromatics of citrus and tropical fruit before the Mosaic hop influence kicks in.

Article content

Article content

A balanced finish rounds out affairs, making this an easily enjoyable IPA — one that pairs quite nicely with everything from nachos to fish-and-chips.

Bottom line: B+. Engaging IPA.

Valley Cider Ch-Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb Cider, Cowichan Valley ($6.49 for 355 mL, available at select private liquor stores)

Wowza, this is intense — in a good way — cider.

As the label describes: “Hopped. Gewürztraminer. Sour Cherry.” All three add flavour components to this intriguing and engaging cider crafted in the Cowichan Valley. The cherry influence is in abundance, from Cherry jolly rancher nuances to a touch of cherry on a slightly funky finish. Herbaceous, almost dank, undertones highlight a hoppy influence, while Gewürztraminer’s influence shows through in fruity and floral notes.

Article content

The label also suggests this cider is: “Thoughtfully farmcrafted,” and it’s a promise that certainly holds given the enticing, almost exotic flavour perspectives found in this engaging cider. 

Bottom line: A-. Pair with cashew chicken.

Cherry Point Estate Wines 2022 Gitano Coastal Red, Cowichan Valley ($33.49, available at select private liquor stores)

There’s nothing new about Cherry Point, though it’s always nice to try a new bottle from this classic Cowichan Valley wine producer.

With vineyards planted more than 30 years ago (specifically in 1990, when the founders purchased 14 hectares on a former mink ranch a few kilometres south of Cowichan Bay), the winery continues to produce a collection of Island-centric reds and whites.

Article content

Gitano is a Pinot Noir-based blend ready to tickle palates. Aromas of berry and red fruits complemented by underlying notes of herbs and orange peel mark a punchy but fruity stance — with good acidity throughout. 

Bottom line: B+. Very food-friendly.

The Swirl: Women in Wine

To celebrate International Women’s Day, an engaging discussion with three Okanagan winemakers is taking place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, at Kelowna’s historic Laurel Packinghouse (1304 Ellis St.).

During the event, Sandy Leier (Laughing Stock); Keira LeFranc (Stag’s Hollow); and Nadine Kinvig (TerraVista Vineyards) will share their journeys and insights into the world of winemaking.

Tickets are $45 and include an evening of thought-provoking talk, a glass of wine and a delectable selection of canapés crafted by Xavier Souvignet of The Grizzly Grub (additional beverages are available for purchase).

For complete details and to buy tickets go to kelownamuseums.ca/event/women-in-wine/.

Article content