Black Hills Estate Winery always rocks with incredible wines. And now Black Hills rocks with two 2024 “Hiatus Collection” wines, sourced from the Rocks District but crafted in the Okanagan Valley — Nota Bene and Ipso Facto. The B.C. winery’s decision to use grapes from Washington-Oregon was not easy. However, two consecutive winters of extreme cold damaged many of their vineyard blocks, so Black Hills made the difficult choice to source “exceptional vineyards in Washington and Oregon” for their 2024 Hiatus Collection. “The name Hiatus captures this chapter: a pause with purpose.” Both these wines have the wow factor. And as someone who was born and raised in British Columbia, and now lives in Washington, I’m all in!
Tag Archives: BC Wine
Chaberton Estate
In late May, we took a quick 30-minute drive across the border to taste wine at the beautiful Chaberton Estate Winery in Langley, B.C. It was our first visit, but it definitely won’t be our last. Chaberton winemaker Gary Zhygailo hosted us, and showed us the estate vineyard and production facility. Next, Gary poured 12 excellent whites, rosé, and noteworthy reds. We joined Dave Nershi and his lovely wife Kathy there. We’ve known Dave, who lives in North Carolina, for 15 years. However, we hadn’t seen him since the Wine Media Conference in Walla Walla seven years ago. We so enjoyed raising a glass together again.
Continue reading
Blue Grouse
We’ve been fans of Blue Grouse wines for years, and frequently cross the nearby border to buy bottles. However, in July, for the first time, we visited their classy estate winery. Blue Grouse is an acclaimed Cowichan Valley producer, with one of the oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island. Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s philosophy is “stewardship.” Their vineyards are all sustainably farmed. During our visit, our charming, knowledgeable host Vanessa Wheaton poured five wines for us – three whites, a sparkling rosé and one red. These are just a small sample of many standout Blue Grouse wines.
Venturi-Schulze
In mid-August, we spent an entertaining and educational hour with Michelle Schulze at Venturi-Schulze Vineyards in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Michelle is such a character, and as authentic as it gets. She shared lots of fun stories and good wine with us. Michelle manages the vineyards and works closely with her step-father, Giordano Venturi, to make the wine. Her mother Marilyn is hands-on, a scientist excelling in vinegar production. Venturi-Schulze was the third licensed winery on Vancouver Island in 1993. As well as 100% estate-grown wines, you’ll find ancient-method balsamic vinegar and jams. Moreover, the late, great Ron Zimmerman of well-known The Herbfarm imports Venturi-Schulze wines and vinegars for his restaurant near Seattle. And Venturi-Schulze Zeigelt is very popular with Victoria’s Hanks *a restaurant.