The small guys held their Vancouver event this year at the Art Works gallery on April 22nd. Jennifer Schell, the editor of Food & Wine Trails Magazine and Terry Meyer-Stone who works at Tinhorn Creek delivered another excellent BC wine party. Sam Hauck has provided an excellent summary of the event in this MyVanCity feature. If you are interested in some more detail on the Garagistes covered by Sam, here are the links to some BC Wine Trends articles on these wineries:
Here is brief information, provided by Jennifer, on some of the other Garagistes at the event.
Vista D’oro Farms & Winery
The farm and winery is a culinary agritourism destination located in South Langley, on ten acres overlooking Campbell Valley Park and Golden Ears Mountain Range, just 45 minutes South of Vancouver. Lee Murphy was pouring wine this year. Lee also provided a sneak peek of her incredible new cookbook, The Preservatory, out soon featuring recipes for her amazing preserves and more.
2008 D’oro – The ONE that started it all! The flagship of Vista D’oro, this fortified walnut wine is a blend of Marechal Foch, Merlot & Vista D’oro Green Walnuts and BC Brandy. 8 years in French and American oak. This artisanal fortified port-style wine is made from BC’s finest vinifera and handmade in small batches. A truly unique offering. For more on Vista D’oro Farms & Winery see the following post.
Sagewood Estate Winery
Sagewood is one of four wineries in the Kamloops area. Shelley Thompson was pouring several new releases including Sagewood Estate Emmarie – a thirst-quenching wine with honeysuckle aromas and lemon Meyer and peach on the palate.
Black Market Wines
Rob Hammersley and Michelle Shewchuk pouring the new Black Market releases.
Black Market Sémillon 2016 The Sémillon grapes were of such a high quality that Rob decided to make a single varietal this year instead of the wonderful Sauvignon Blanc Collusion blend that was made in 2015.
Black Market Syrah 2015 Co-fermented with Viognier. Full-bodied with a luscious mouthfeel, the tannins are lifted by a hint of acidity. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and a bit of smoke are followed on the palate by savoury notes of black olive, clove and smoked bacon. The wine lingers with the hallmark pepper notes on the long finish.
If you are in the area make sure you take in the next two Garagiste North Events. I definitely plan to make the Penticton wine party!
Parksville July 29th, 4-6:30 PM at Parksville Museum
Penticton August 27th, 4-6:30 PM at Canadian Tire Garden Market
Sources: All Photo Credits to Jennifer Schell