The Friday Files: News & Notes From The Canadian Wine Scene

Well, the 37th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival is now in the books and it seems to have been a triumphant success. The question though, is if it marks the end of an era for British Columbia’s wine scene. Our provincial overlords seem to be recklessly toying with our liquor policy and it does not look good for consumers. Or private wine stores. Or the hospitality sector. Or tourism. Anthony Gismondi give the lowdown here, while Bill Tieleman offers commentary here.

A big weekend for Canadian sommeliers is upon us, as the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers fires up their national competition to crown the country’s best and see who will represent us in the international competition. My home boy Jason Yamasaki, the sommelier at Chambar in Vancouver, provides a little insight into his preparation in Montecristo magazine.

Getting (literally) tired from big, boozy wines? Rod Phillips is, so he turns to fresher, lighter fare in the Ottawa Citizen.

Western Living Magazine has named their ten Western Canadian Foodies of the Year. Very happy to report Tyler Harlton of TH Wines (available here on My Wine Canada) is one of ‘em. Adding to my happiness, I got a gig out of it! Here’s my profile of the guy in the magazine.

How fun is this? My Wine Canada is presenting a fun barrel tasting event at Kacaba Vineyards, and they even provide a lift to the winery! It all goes down March 14th and the details are right here.

At the Calgary Herald, Geoff Last has a little wine quiz for us.

Most folks would think it sacrilege to put ice cubes in their wine. Is it as inappropriate though, if those ice cubes are made from the same wine you’re drinking? Beppi’s on it, at The Globe & Mail.

Finally, at the Toronto Sun, Christopher Waters reminds us that sparkling wine isn’t just for celebrating; it’s for eatin’, too!

 

Kurtis Kolt is a Vancouver-based wine consultant, writer, competition judge and enthusiast. Track him down at KurtisKolt.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @KurtisKolt.