Whenever I return from a trip I find myself humming along to Frank Sinatra. “It's very nice to go trav'ling,” he croons, “but it's oh so nice to come home.” Particularly in the summer I might add. After a month abroad, I’m happy to be back in Vancouver with the month of August still ahead.
Of course I plan to catch up with family and friends. The more barbecues the merrier. Beyond that, I simply can’t let the summer go by without indulging in my favourite seasonal activities. And while they’re not specifically wine related per se, I always manage to incorporate a glass somehow.
The Harmony Arts Festival is on until Aug. 7. Going strong for 26 years, it features outdoor concerts on West Vancouver’s waterfront. I recommend staking out a spot at the beachside patio and taking in the free (yes, free) concerts. The Dirty Apron Cooking School is there daily until 10:30pm cooking up fish and chips along with other snacks. The best news is that you can also buy wine to sip on while you sway or bop to the music. My pick? The 2015 Château Sainte Roseline, Prestige Rosé (Côte de Provence AOC) is a lovely, light and dry pale pink that suits the mood perfectly.
I’ve been a faithful fan of Bard on the Beach since its inception, back when I was an aspiring actress. Somewhere along the way I switched to wine but I still try never to miss a season, especially now that we are permitted to drink while watching a play. Surely this was how it was done in Shakespeare’s time. On the main stage this year, The Merry Wives of Windsor is a great romp and pairs well with the 2014 Sandhill Pinot Gris on offer at the concession.
Though hiking is one of my mandatory summer pastimes, I’ll admit that it’s been a couple of years since I’ve done the Grouse Grind. Truthfully, the real draw to sweating my way up that mountain is relaxing at the top. If I manage to make it this year, my reward will be a glass of the 2014 Mission Hill Reserve Riesling at AltitudesBistro. With a touch of sugar for energy yet crisp acidity to slake a thirst, it’ll wash down the crispy fish tacos nicely.
For a gentler stroll, I opt for Jericho Beach. Weather permitting, I may even be tempted to take a dip in the ocean. Either way, I usually end up working up a small hunger by the time I reach the Jericho Sailing Centre. The super casual Galley Patio & Grill has old school charm and, most importantly, an outdoor deck where I can enjoy a Salmon Burger and the 2014 Calona Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay.
When in town, I make a weekly pilgrimage to the Trout Lake Farmers’ Market. I base my meals on whatever fresh produce is available. Now that local wineries are allowed to sample and sell their wares, it’s a one-stop shop. I love seeing artisan sake maker Masa Shiroki’s smiling face between picking up my eggs and arugula. His Osake Junmai Nama is a light and summery sake ideal for simply prepared fish or a hearty salad. (You can also visit him at his store on Granville Island.)
Being able to take in the mountains and the sea, music and theatre all while having a glass, I’d say we live in a pretty civilized place.
