Bored of the beach yet? OK, me neither, but lets say you DID want to mix it up a little. Should that be the case, there are a few upcoming wine events that ought to be on your radar, a little something for every budget in fact, two of them wont cost you a dime!
East Van Wine Academy: Blending Bootcamp | Waldorf Hotel | Wednesday, August 15 | 7 p.m| $40
This ones a gig that Im putting on, and Im stoked that its with one of my favourite local winemakers! David Enns from Naramatas Laughing Stock Vineyards will be co-hosting an evening all about Côte-Rôtie blends, those reds predominantly made from the Syrah (or Shiraz) grape and brightened up with a little splash of Viognier. Well be tasting through a few global examples of the blend from France, Australia and elsewhere, then look to BC examples including Davids own version from Laughing Stock. After the tasting (and this is totally the best part,) David will provide barrel and tank samples of both Syrah and Viognier from different vineyard sites, putting you in the drivers seat to create your own blend and see how it stacks up! EastVanWineAcademy.com
Summer Of Australian Riesling | Legacy Liquor Store | Friday, August 17 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Free
If you were to ask any die-hard wine fan what their favourite Australian grape variety is, odds are Shiraz and Chardonnay would be elbowed aside to make room for Riesling. South Australias Eden and Clare Valley Rieslings in particular have been knocking peoples socks off recently, and for good reason. Not only are their cool climate conditions and mineral-rich soils tailor-made for Rieslings both dry and sweet, but many of their vines were first planted over a half-century back, lending generations of character to their fruit which translates oh-so well to the bottle and your glass. Head to Olympic Village next Friday and taste what all the fuss is about! LegacyLiquorStore.com
Cameron Hughes at Everything Wine North Vancouver | Friday, August 17 | 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Free
Riesling not your thing? Matt Thirwell from Vintage West Wines has you covered, pouring an array of coveted labels from Cameron Hughes, just across the Lions Gate Bridge. Hughes is a San Francisco-based modern-day wine negociant, travelling the world building relationships with grape growers in coveted regions from Napa and Sonoma to Spains Ribera del Duero, then purchase their fruit and craft small lot, premium wines. Whether Cabernet from Chiles Maipo Valley, ancient-vines Zinfandel from California or a breezy Oregon Chardonnay, his wines always deliver stylish quality and value. EverythingWine.ca
Feast of Fields | Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, Maple Ridge | Sunday, September 9 | 1 p.m. | $85
One of my absolute favourite annual food and wine events will find you leisurely strolling the countryside nibbling local, seasonal fare from Bishops, Raincity Grill, Terra Breads and so many more. Enjoy the literal feast while sipping away from a host of BC wineries like Summerhill, Okanagan Crush Pad, 8th Generation and Mount Lehman. For those who arent wine drinkers theres a plethora of libations being poured, whether were talking craft beer from R & B or Yukon Brewing, Sea Cider from Vancouver Island, Victoria Gin and so on. Theres even a shuttle bus available from Vancouver, so you dont have to sweat the drive! Its always a sell-out, youll want to jump on tickets at FeastOfFields.com
Dont forget to check up on Kurtis Kolts updates at KurtisKolt.com or following him on Twitter @Kurtis Kolt.
