The VIWF is Canada’s Premier wine show, now on its 39th year. This year, over 1,700 wines by 180 wineries from 16 countries at 54 events were enjoyed by the public. 

Three distinct wine regions of Canada were represented, featuring Wines of Nova Scotia, VQA Wines of Ontario and Wines of British Columbia. We certainly have a lot to be proud of, starting with our own wineries here in BC:

Blasted Church Wineries is a local favourite. Located in the Okanagan Valley, their tongue-and-cheek  branding goes well with their wines that are anything but orthodox.

New to their “flock” is their 2012 OMG Sparkling Wine. Slightly pink in colour, with a bouquet of pears and apples; this crisp wine is an excellent starter, or could be paired well with shellfish (think oysters!) or white fish.

Evolve Cellars are well known for their approachable, easy to drink wines.  Their 2016 Pink Effervescence caught the attention of Glass of Bubbly magazine, naming it one of the best sparkling wines in BC. A steal, if you ask me, at under $20 per bottle.

 If you’re longing for summer, look no further than Okanagan’s Own Haywire Winery. Their Pink Bub and Pinot Gris are fresh, and full of delightful citrus flavours. Either of these wines will have you thinking of warm patios and good conversation.

I was amazed at the large variety of white wines coming from Nova Scotia.  The whites have a bold, crisp, citrus-like nature and are like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. Most wines are hybrid blends that would go well with any poultry/fish dish.

Ontario and the Niagara-on-the-Lake area has produced a fantastic Ice Wine. Inniskillin has wineries in both Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Okanagan; but it was their Ontario Riesling Ice Wine that stole my heart – a refreshing vintage with tropical aromas makes this wine an absolute delight, and one that I recommend.

By the end of its run, the Vancouver International Wine Festival welcomed over 25,000 wine lovers. Next year’s event will run from February 24-March 4, 2018. Mark your calendars!

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