The stunning view from the winery patio.
When most wine lovers think of BC, their minds drift to the Okanagan with its shimmering lake framed by golden hills, sprawling vineyards, and a well-worn wine tourism circuit. But tucked away in the Fraser Canyon under the gaze of the towering Coast Mountains, lies Fort Berens Estate Winery, a Lillooet gem that continues to surprise and delight.
We’ve written about Fort Berens before (see our earlier pieces here and here), so rather than rehash their back story, it’s worth re-visiting them with their recent release of 3 Lillooet VQA wines that feel perfectly suited to the cozy, celebratory spirit of the holidays.
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A new journey begins.
In Surrey, British Columbia, a new chapter in the province’s wine story is unfolding. Once known as Cavallo Estate Winery, the property has been reborn as Gate 22 Winery—a sleek, modern destination where creativity and craft are setting a new standard in BC wine.
“When we took on the property, we wanted to create a destination that feels both modern and approachable,” says Christa-Lee McWatters, VP of the Gate 22 team. “Our goal was to make wines that express a true sense of place while inspiring curiosity for what’s possible.”
That philosophy has become the heartbeat of Gate 22, shaping not just its wines but every guest experience, from the first pour to the final sip.
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A clear vision.
Some wineries make great wine. A few shift the conversation entirely. CheckMate Artisanal Winery is one of those few. Situated on the Golden Mile Bench in the South Okanagan, it combines bold ambition with focused precision, and the results speak for themselves.
From the outset, CheckMate set its sights high: Chardonnay and Merlot crafted to stand alongside the best in the world.
It’s not just a standout in British Columbia; it’s one of Canada’s most ambitious wine ventures to date.
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There’s something inherently festive about bubbles.
A promising future in BC.
Whether you’re popping a cork to toast a milestone, pouring a glass at brunch, or simply pairing effervescence with a Tuesday evening, sparkling wine adds a touch of joy to any occasion.
And what better time to raise a glass than on #SparklingWineWeek especially when it coincides with Canada Day? We felt the latter was a great excuse to celebrate with some homegrown bubbles from British Columbia’s sparkling wine scene.
Does BC do Sparkling well? The answer, in short, is yes.
We recently spent time in the Okanagan and were lucky enough to taste a few unreleased bottlings that left us buzzing with excitement. BC’s sparkling wine future is not just promising, it’s already happening.
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Peter and Kajsa Henricsson.
Our first sip of Henricsson Chardonnay was a revelation. Wait—this is from BC? Rich yet lithe, with acidity and texture dancing in perfect harmony, it was a wine that stopped us mid-sentence. Moments later, their Pinot Noir poured into our glass and again: stunned silence, followed by disbelief. How had we never heard of these wines? How were more people not talking about them?
As we mapped out our next trip to the Okanagan, Peter and Kajsa Henricsson quickly rose to the top of our must-meet list. When we reached out, they replied almost apologetically: there was no formal tasting room, no scheduled hours. But if we were willing, we could share a bottle at the vineyard with them. It was, to us, the perfect invitation.
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