City Cellar
Aside from the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Playhouse International Wine Festival in the spring, autumn is when we get the highest concentration of wine tastings, dinners and seminars around town, all wedged between summer and winter holidays. This fall things seem to be hitting fever pitch with many of the wine world's biggest players heading our way, so this week we're going to shine a spotlight on some can't-miss events, from cheap to splashy, that will undoubtedly become the highlights of the season.
Dennis Cakebread at Rosewood Hotel Georgia | Tuesday, October 18| 6 pm | $35 per person
As a disclaimer, I do the wine program for the recently-revamped historic Hotel Georgia and you can bet I'm gonna be popping by "just to check in on things" during this intimate stand-up, cocktail-style gathering hosted by Dennis Cakebread of Napa's legendary Cakebread Cellars. Home to sturdy Cabernets, gorgeous Chardonnays and more, Cakebread has a huge cult following, but there's only room for a few dozen guests at this small gathering. While sipping away, you'll also get to munch on canapés from the hotel's new executive chef, Ken Nakano, recently arrived from Victoria's Empress Hotel.is.gd/Cakebread
From Burgundy to Oregon at Blue Water Cafe | Wednesday, October 19| 6 pm | $148 per person
One of Vancouvers best dining spots hosts THE name in global Pinot Noir. Véronique Drouhin-Boss will present wines from her family's historic Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy and Domaine Drouhin of Oregon's wine country. The duelling New and Old World Pinot Noir epicentres couldn't be in better hands than those of the Drouhin family, who have five generations of experience in the game. Throw in Chef Frank Pabst's award-winning fare and you have yourself the makings of an evening you'll never forget.TopTable.ca
Trapiche Winery at Everything Wine, North Van | Monday, October 24| 4:-6 pm | FREE
From the foothills of the Andes in Argentinas Mendoza region, Trapiche Winery has been making quality wine for a variety of budgets since the late 19thcentury. From cheap and cheerful Malbecs to boutique-style single-vineyard labels, theyve always delivered on value and consistency. Take this rare occasion to learn more about Argentinean wine styles and regions with winemaker Carla Castorina, the only cost being the SeaBus ticket gettin' you there. EverythingWine.com
Herder Vineyards at Salt Tasting Room | Tuesday, November 22| 7:00 pm | $40 per person
After perfecting his craft for many years at his eponymous Herder Vineyards in Paso Robles, California, Lawrence Herder picked up and (literally) planted roots in BC's Similkameen Valley. He quickly gained notoriety for his handsome, confident Syrahs, Merlots and Pinot Noirs reminiscent of the dusty, windswept valley they call home. A cool guy to meet and a great opportunity to get a sense of why the Similkameen is the Next Big Thing in BC wine. Bonus: killer local charcuterie and artisan cheeses throughout the evening.SaltTastingRoom.com
Weekend Wine
Bernard Baudry 2009 Les Grezeaux Chinon | Loire, France | $31 | BC Liquor Stores
Wander off the beaten path toward this crisp, bright and juicy Cabernet Franc from 50-year-old vines in Frances Loire Valley. Expressing the minerality of the gravelly soil, this biodynamic naturally-made wine (no additives, unfiltered) has loads of red plum, cherries, bell pepper and a wisp of spearmint. Serve with a bit of a chill alongside pizza, roast chicken or ribs.
Want More?
Pop over to my website atKurtisKolt.comwhere I've posted links to more of the season's events plus a couple more wine picks for your weekend.
