The Yakima Valley may not have the same name recognition as that of its neighbour, Walla Walla, but it does hold claim to the largest planted grape acreage and most wineries of all the AVAs in Washington (of which there is 20 total). Having only one day to spend in the area on a recent […] The post Exploring Washington Wine: Cote Bonneville Estate Winery appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more

BC Distilled’s smart tagline reads “locally conscious drinking”. Most people are aware of BC’s burgeoning wine industry, but there are a lot of local distillers making products that people should also be aware of when choosing to support “buyBC”. Thirty-nine distilleries were present at the annual festival held in Vancouver on May 13, in addition […] The post BC Distilled – highlighting local artisan distilleries appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more

Over the past 2 decades as B.C.’s wine tourism sector has grown by leaps and bounds, there have been times when wildfires originating in British Columbia, Washington state and as far away as Oregon and California have affected the air quality of many parts of the province. While the vast majority of years have seen […] The post Wildfires and wine country—what should I know before my wine travel vacation? appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more

As fans and close observers of B.C.’s maturing wine growing sector, we were initially nervous as to how the producers would be impacted by the global pandemic. After all, many of the businesses are heavily dependent on tourism and their restaurant sales channels — both of which are being affected over fears of the spread […] The post 2020 in review: BC wine pivots in the face of the pandemic appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more

Following the closure of tasting rooms, Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country launches the HOPE Fund (Helping Our People Eat), which will support up to 200 family meals per week for members of the region’s hurting hospitality industry, who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. In partnership with Oliver-based deli Oliver Eats Ltd., the fund will help […] The post Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country launches program to support hospitality workers appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more

Happy BC Day, everyone! This day which takes place on the first Monday of August each year is during the height of summer in our province, and a time where everyone I know here tries to relax and celebrate this wonderful part of the world we live in. Since 2003 in the weeks leading up […] The post Why I miss the Lieutenant Governor’s awards for excellence in B.C. wines appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more

A few words upon learning the heartbreaking news about the death of Harry McWatters, who I believe is the de facto father of the B.C. wine industry. Harry was a larger than life individual, and in my view a true gentleman. Harry was a mentor to many in the industry. He can lay claim to […] The post Harry McWatters – father of the B.C. wine industry – passes appeared first on BC Wine Lover ..read more