Wines tasted recently - Good Wine Gal

What's Up Wine People?

How are you? I hope you are surviving 2022 - it was supposed to be the best year yet.  Let's hope things turn around.

​In the last few weeks I've covered some ground. Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna and a thousand kilometers later I'm no worse for wear. I love the open road. Between my playlists on Spotify and the scenery, road trips never fails to inspire me. Not only that but seeing friends and family as things start to open up is a great feeling. I'm staying with that positive feeling for the time being. That and pondering the idea of buying an RV and taking it on the road. As you know, my journey includes celebratory meals and good bottles of wine. Here are some bottles tasted and meals enjoyed.  

Wine Recommendations

Over the past few weeks I have sipped a lot of vino! Lucky me. From Pink Prosecco from Italy, to bubbles from Burgundy, from Dry Furmint from Tokaj, to Cabernet Franc from Chinon, and a whole lot more. Here are some pictures and stories that I hope inspire your purchases this weekend. How about a white blend from Lebanon, a red blend from Orcia in Tuscany, maybe a Tawny or Vintage Port from Portugal or rose from South Africa to welcome spring. If you are looking for something closer to home how about a few tasty reds from the Okanagan Valley.  Many of these bottles are available at BCL and private wine stores in the province. If you can't find or have any question - please message me! ​

QB Gelato - Taylor Fladgate Dinner 

Here we are wrapping up my very first gelato winemaker's dinner. Funny thing. The first food product I marketed in BC was Gelato! Back then very few people knew what Gelato was. If you are not sure think Italian ice cream - only better than our fatty version as this is all ingredients, flavour and silkiness. Gelato is so versatile that it is now the theme ingredient for a wine dinner. 

The menu was expertly prepared and the plating was beautiful. The flavours were complex with carefully thought out textures, and garnishes. The dining space was limited to 8 people which provided a great venue for getting to know other food and wine obsessed folks. Loved it.

​If you haven't heard of QB Gelato & Bakery (in Kelowna) I'm happy to make the introduction. You can find this epic, foodie focused, hot spot in the Landmark area of upper Ktown. Follow QB Gelato on Facebook and Instagram. More wine maker dinners ahead.

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Waterfront Wines

A visit to Kelowna is not complete with out a stop by my favorite wine bar slash restaurant Waterfront Wines. Here you find the adventurous and inspired chef, Mark Filatow, who continues to bring it! Not only is the menu a fresh daily and locally inspired guide to the valley, but also the wine list is host to the who's who of the local wine scene. Here we nosh and sip while catching up with our favorite foodie! Never a dull moment or a lack of smiles and laughs. My favorite seat is at the bar - or can you tell? 

Brasserie L'Ecole

Another great stop is Brasserie l'Ecole in Victoria. Reservations are not an option so we lined up outside at 5 pm with many other diehard fans. We waited only long enough to get a chill on and then find ourselves at the best seat in the house - at the bar (so happy). We sipped and noshed on cheese and country style pate followed by filet of sole and more sipping and noshing. If you like aged strip loins and rib eyes, this is the place in Vic to dine. The service is always top notch and the food keeps you coming back. 

That's it for now. I'm off to find more adventure and looking ahead to peace and calm. Praying for Ukraine.