The historic Malbec vineyard at Cheval des Andes.
Malbec is that dark and delicious red wine that originally came from France but now is most closely associated with Argentina. Deep purple in colour, velvety in texture and plummy in profile, Malbec is capturing fans the world over for its Bordeaux-like characteristics without the big price tags.
Malbec is one of the original Bordeaux grape varieties, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère. It also has considerable plantings in the Cahors region which resides 200 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux near the Spanish border. Cahors is thought to be the birthplace of Malbec.
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Executive Chef Garett Blundell (centre).
Tucked away on the sixth floor of Parq Vancouver, The Victor is one of those rare spots that manages to hit all the right notes — effortlessly. At first glance, its location might raise an eyebrow. A resort complex in the middle of downtown?
But step inside, and you’re transported somewhere else entirely. With its stylish design, warm lighting, and leafy terrace overlooking BC Place, it feels more like an escape than a hotel restaurant. And that’s just the beginning.
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A standard vineyard tractor at Smith-Madrone in Napa Valley.
The world of winemaking has always been a delicate dance between tradition and innovation. As artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies seep into vineyards and cellars, a pressing question emerges: Will these advancements revolutionize wineries, or will they widen the gap between boutique artisans and industrial giants?
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Zinfandel is a fascinating grape with a long history, but origins that were only recently unraveled.
Zinfandel grapes [source: intovino.com]
Made in the right hands it produces big wines with fruity and spicy characteristics that can be drunk young and that won’t break the bank.
For a long time, Zinfandel was thought of as America’s grape. It is the fifth most planted grape in the USA and loves the hot climates of Sonoma and Napa. However, the myth that Zinfandel has its origins in American soils was dispelled in the 1990s.
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Alex Catto and Aimbree Bystrom [Source: SMC communications]
As Chambar embarks on an exciting new chapter following its 20th anniversary, the acclaimed Vancouver restaurant celebrated with a remarkable evening of wine and culinary excellence. On March 12, Chambar hosted a Winemaker’s Dinner featuring Clos du Soleil, one of the top wineries in British Columbia. The event not only highlighted the winery’s exceptional portfolio but also showcased the vision and expertise of Chambar’s new Co-Wine Directors, Alex Catto and Aimbree Bystrom.
This special evening signaled an evolution in Chambar’s approach to wine, blending its long-standing commitment to quality with a fresh, dynamic perspective.
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Taking a closer look at Bourgogne wines.
On March 3rd, an exclusive tasting at the Vancouver Club provided a rare opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Bourgogne, a region steeped in tradition yet constantly evolving.
Hosted by the Bourgogne Wine Board, “Bourgogne Wines – Take a Closer Look” invited wine lovers and industry professionals to step beyond the celebrated Grand Crus and dive into the lesser-known village appellations that form the backbone of this historic wine region.
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Chef Tonny and Allison.
Puerto Vallarta is a destination known for its stunning coastline, vibrant culture, and rich culinary scene. But among the countless dining experiences available, there is one that stands out as truly exceptional—an intimate, immersive, and passionately crafted meal by Chef Tonny J. Camarena, affectionately known as Chef Tonny. After experiencing his culinary artistry multiple times, it remains as fresh, exciting, and impressive as the first.
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Finding the balance…
As Canadian wine lovers, we take great pride in supporting our homegrown industry. From the Okanagan Valley to Prince Edward County, our vintners continue to craft world-class wines, and there’s a deep sense of national pride in choosing a bottle from a local winery.
But wine appreciation doesn’t end at the border. Many of us have also built deep connections with U.S. winemakers, particularly in regions like California, Washington, and Oregon, where we regularly visit, taste, and invest in their wines. With Canada being one of the largest export markets for American wine, the recent threats of increased tariffs on Canadian goods by the U.S. government feel like an alarming disruption that will reverberate on both sides of the border.
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