Anthony Gismondi: B.C. wine without B.C. grapes? A challenge for wineries, labelling​on March 15, 2025 at 3:00 pm

The bottom line is that many of our highly experienced winemakers have been tasked with working with new grapes from several West Coast states on short notice, and it’s going to be interesting, to say the least, to see what they have managed to come up with, no matter how it’s labelled.

This week’s weekend picks are all B.C. and priced as low as we dare to go to find value.

$15.99 I 89/100
UPC: 776545600776

This Okanagan Valley VQA pink is a dry rosé combining Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir. It brims with fresh pink grapefruit, watermelon and citrus, and finishes with a touch of earth. Think tapas and sunshine on the deck.

$18.99 I 88/100

UPC: 776545600905

Petrichor is meant to embody the terroir of the southern Okanagan Valley. From estate vineyards, this Sauvignon Blanc is a sleek and steely affair, with lemon grass, crunchy Anjou pear, Asian pear and a light dusting of spice. It’s a perfect style for West Coast shellfish.

$19.99 I 88/100
UPC: 058976502677

The Red Rooster Cabernet Merlot is a soft, easy-sipping red blend with silky textures. It’s aged in a 50/50 stainless steel and oak mix, leaving it fresh but with tempered edges. The plummy, black currant fruit persists through the finish, where black tea and light pepper notes clean up. It is ready to drink and would be a perfect wine for Spaghetti Bolognese or beef tacos.

$21.99 I 88/100
UPC: 626990415299

Behold a B.C. red that is fun to drink, well-made and affordable. I love complex wines but there are days, many more than you think, when what’s needed is a well-made wine with soft tannins, florals, ripe red plums and a dash of dried spice. Merlot dominates the 62/29/4/3/2 Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah/Grenache that spends a year in French and American oak barrels. Beef tacos, hamburgers, meaty pizza and grilled winter vegetables would all be good pairings.

$24.99 I 89/100

UPC: 812289000370

Sourced from vineyards stretching from Okanagan Falls to Oliver to the Similkameen, this shows a spicy, plummy nose, black cherry compote and fresh thyme. The style is appealing yet juicy, framed by 15 per cent new wood. To that end, winemaker Jeff Hundertmark has managed the tannins well, keeping them light and approachable so you can drink this now or hold them over the next two to three years.

Ever wonder who has the best of the best wine programs in B.C.?

The 2025 Wine Program Excellence Awards are part of the Trade Day celebrations at the annual Vancouver International Wine Festival.

The awards pay tribute to restaurants that have committed to producing an original and creative wine program, from the wine list up to its physical presentation and the culture of wine as expressed by the restaurant team. Participating restaurants received careful consideration for their wine program by a selection of Western Canadian judges working in the industry.