A quick review of my notes found some wines I may not have shared with you and which I thought you too would enjoy. Some wines we enjoyed on their own, others paired with culinary goodies from local restaurants.

Awhile ago, we sat down to Penne Giardino and Baked Mac & Cheese from the Qualicum Beach Cafe.' We chose winemaker Severine Pintes' slightly chilled Le Vieux Pin 2022 Ava, to pair with both dishes. A Rhone Valley inspired blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne, Ava has benefited from the long hot days and cool nights of its Oliver B.C. vineyard. Nicely balanced Ava offers rich aromas of fresh flowers and flavours of stone fruit. Slightly dry, it is a beautiful pairing to go along with rich pasta dishes.

I had set aside a bottle of 40 Knots Spindrift Extra-Brut for a special occasion. Not that I need an excuse to open a bottle of bubbles, there is no better time to pop the cork then when spending time with old friends at Off The Hook Restaurant in Qualicum Beach. This traditional style sparkling wine is a product of a warm Courtenay valleys' cool ocean breezes. A Pinot Noir, Chardonnay blend it is delicate, aromatic, crisp and refreshing. A wonderful way to toast good friends.

Baked Mac & Cheese

Our tale of an evening spent enjoying Chef Michelle Yasinski's delectable offerings at Qualicum Beach's The Sapphire Room, bares repeating. Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery's 2022 Reserve Chardonnay paired beautifully with my wife's choice of filet of Pacific Sable fish. Stainless-steel fermented, French oak aged (16 months), this dry Chardonnay highlighted the chef's offerings with its citrus and tropical fruit aromas and extended mildly spicey finish.

My rich and creamy Risotto dish with scallops, was calling out for the Lake Breeze Vineyards medal winning Pinot Blanc, winemaker Garron Elmes signature wine. With aromas of apple and citrus, this Pinot Blanc continues with a bright clean slightly mineral palate and dry finish.

Semillon, Sauvignon Blancs partner in a White Meritage, is an elegant wine that can stand on its own, as winemaker Lynzee Schantz Chronos Wines 2020 Semillon proves. Aged in a combination of stainless steel and oak, it's dry, yet rich, crisp, medium bodied and boasts of green fruits and citrus on the nose and a palate of tropical fruit and a creamy lemon finish. Enjoy it with local seafood.

Beach the Sapphire Room

Winemaker's Cut 2019 Muscat Canelli, a favourite in our house, may take a little detective work to find. Slightly off dry and mildly effervescent, it greets you with citrus on the nose and flavours of green fruits with a crisp finish. Lighter in alcohol, it is an excellent pairing with an afternoon snack or Sunday brunch.

Winemaker's Cut 2019 Muscat Canelli, a favourite in our house, may take a little detective work to find.

Reading the wider picture

Seasonality, occasion and price point pull in different directions for almost every drinks category, which is why launches often look contradictory from the outside.

Key takeaways

  • A quick review of my notes found some wines I may not have shared with you and which I thought you too would enjoy
  • I had set aside a bottle of 40 Knots Spindrift Extra-Brut for a special occasion
  • My rich and creamy Risotto dish with scallops, was calling out for the Lake Breeze Vineyards medal winning Pinot Blanc, winemaker Garron Elmes signature wine
  • Semillon, Sauvignon Blancs partner in a White Meritage, is an elegant wine that can stand on its own, as winemaker Lynzee Schantz Chronos Wines 2020 Semillon proves
  • Winemaker's Cut 2019 Muscat Canelli, a favourite in our house, may take a little detective work to find

Figures worth noting

  • Pintes' slightly chilled Le Vieux Pin 2022 Ava, to pair with both dishes
  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery's 2022 Reserve Chardonnay paired beautifully with my wife's choice of filet of Pacific Sable fish
  • Stainless-steel fermented, French oak aged (16 months), this dry Chardonnay highlighted the chef's offerings with its citrus and tropical fruit aromas and extended mildly spicey finish

In short

Every change on the drinks list eventually reaches the same test, which is whether people keep choosing it once the novelty has worn off.