BC’s wine industry has long been celebrated for its quality and innovation, but recent years have brought unprecedented challenges. Like the rest of the hospitality industry, BC wineries suffered immeasurable losses due to the global pandemic and have yet to see a return to pre-COVID tourism levels. The 2023 vintage was marked by exceptional weather conditions, leading to a mixed bag of outcomes for winemakers across the region. Now, as the industry looks ahead to the 2024 season, it faces a new and daunting obstacle: a winter deep freeze that is expected to result in no grapes being harvested in the Okanagan Valley.
Our latest article for The Daily Hive HERE takes a deeper dive into the current challenges and what options are available for wineries moving forward.
We recently felt like a getaway, an opportunity to drive somewhere, not too far away, but to somewhere that would give us a few days to rest and recharge our batteries. We took a chance and rented Wade ‘n Sea, a 3-bedroom house in the tiny seaside town of Seabrook, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. On this particular AdVINEture we were joined by good friends of ours and their beautiful border collie, Jack.
We all agreed that our gamble definitely paid off.
Seabrook is right on the Pacific Ocean, sitting on a bluff overlooking the surf pounded beach that stretches up and down the coast.
Domaine Servin should be on every Chablis-lover’s radar screen. It’s one of the oldest wineries in in the region, it has one of the largest vineyard holdings, and it makes damn fine wines.
Marc Cameron.
The Servin family has roots in Chablis going back to the 1600s. Over the decades the family and its various members have been involved in winemaking, vineyard work, and even barrel cooperage. Today the Domaine is in the hands of François Servin, a direct descendant of those original pioneers of viticulture in this area. François is capably assisted by Marc Cameron, the Domaine’s export manager. Marc moved to Chablis from his native Australia, to work with Servin almost 27 years ago. Marc was our host for the afternoon we spent at Servin, tasing and learning more about the winery’s history.
Walla Walla and Red Mountain, revered appellations in the world of winemaking, boast a collection of tasting rooms that invite connoisseurs and novices alike into an immersive journey of palate-pleasing discoveries.
Sunset at Red Mountain.
Fantastic winery tasting rooms await, for you to indulge in a variety of flavors and experiences. Below are some of our favourite wine tasting rooms that represent the essence of Washington’s winemaking prowess in two of the state’s most renowned wine destinations.
From the intimate charm of Walla Walla to the rugged beauty of Red Mountain, every glass is a celebration of terroir, innovation, and the vibrant spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
40 years. While 4 decades may seem like a long time to most people, for a wine region it’s a relatively short amount of time to establish itself. But Walla Walla has done just that, growing from one commercial winery to 120, winning wine critics and wine lovers along the way for producing consistently excellent wines. Its diversity across all aspects of its terroir including soils, elevation, and climate, means a diverse range of grape varieties can not only be grown there, but be grown well. For Walla Walla, turning 40 isn’t just something to celebrate, it’s a sign of great things to come. Click the link below for highlight from our most recent trip there that includes stops at Avennia, Caprio Cellars, Force Majeure, Yellowhawk, Brook & Bull, Spring Valley Vineyard, & Hedges Family Estate. Other wineries we’ve visited and would highly recommend include: Leonetti, L’Ecole No. 41, & Woodward Canyon
Our latest video AdVINEture takes you on a virtual journey through the enchanting vineyards and charming landscapes of Chablis. Join us as we relive the highlights from an unforgettable trip that included visits to Domaine Laroche, Jean-Marc Brocard, Domaine Famille Savary, Domaine Bersan, Domaine Servin, Les Cave Bailly LaPierre, and La Chablisienne. From the rolling hills adorned with vines, to the historic cellars echoing with the craftsmanship of generations, we offer a glimpse of Chablis – a place where tradition meets innovation, and every sip tells a story. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and, of course, the exceptional wines that make Chablis an extraordinary destination for any wine lover. Cheers!
If you are at all familiar with Chablis, you’ve more than likely heard the name Jean-Marc Brocard. The largest winery in the region, Brocard produces wines of finesse, elegance and precision that have become the reference point for many a wine enthusiast around the world.
However, as the generational torch passes from the conventional Jean-Marc to his progressive son, Julien, an evolution in winemaking styles has emerged, revealing the dichotomy between tradition and innovation.
We recently had the pleasure of discovering an innovative new wine project that is producing a delicious port style dessert wine. This wine is called Rara Avis, a Latin term meaning “rare bird”. This project was developed right in our own backyard: British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
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