The Demystified Vine

Taking the mystery out of wine exploration!

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is both a French commune in the south of France, as well as a label used for a style of wine. This area of France is actually entrenched with papal influence. In the 14th century, Pope Clement V relocated the papacy to the district of Avignon; the area of France where Châteauneuf-du-Pape is located. It …

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A few weeks ago, my partner picked up a bottle of 2010 Cline Zinfandel for us to have with our Carne Asada while we were away sailing the San Juan Islands out of Bellingham Bay in Washington. Prior to this sailing trip, actually going out and buying a bottle of Zinfandel was not on the …

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Selling for $14.99 at BC Liquor Stores, and perfectly paired with seared Calvados-infused pork chops, roasted rosemary and garlic potatoes, and spicy cashew green beans, this Oliver-based Riesling was a pretty big hit at dinner on September 22, 2012. Every single guest agreed that this off dry Riesling from the Okanagan was one that they …

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A little bird in the vineyard told me that Clos du Soleil is having their very first “Annual Vertical Tasting” event on Sunday October 7th, 2012 between the hours of 1-3pm at their winery.  The folks at Clos du Soleil, a biodynamic winery in Keremeos, are thrilled to be showcasing and sharing their premium artisan …

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Looking for a neat little getaway (that is relatively close to Vancouver) for some wine tasting? I recommend heading down to Woodinville Wine Country in Washington State. There are truly some very interesting wines coming out of Amavi Cellars, J. Bookwalter Wines, Jannuik Winery (their Merlot is wonderful!), and of course, Matthews Estate. I have …

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