Chris with winemaker Andrew Etsell.
If you’ve ever driven through the rolling farmland of Mt. Lehman in Abbotsford, British Columbia, you know there’s something special about this pocket of the Fraser Valley.
Quietly tucked into a hillside, surrounded by forest with Mt. Baker rising in the distance, Singletree Winery feels like one of those places where everything just fits—the land, the people, the wine. It’s clear from the moment you arrive that this is a family affair; and at the heart of it all is the Etsell family, who were farming here long before vines were in the ground.
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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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