BC Wines Have Come a Long Way

You’ve come a long way baby! That famous advertising line from the 1970’s pretty well sums up the growth of quality of BC wines from the early 1970’s to present. We often take for granted the type of BC wines we enjoy now such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Fourty years ago British Columbians’ had to endure sweet sparkling wines made from Concord grapes and fortified wines whose alcohol levels disguised the off flavours and foxy aromas. If you wanted a good bottle of wine you had to buy imported French or German wines.

It was only in the mid-seventies that grape growers backed up by government research grants began to experiment with premium vinifera grapes that produced world class wines that mostly came from Europe at that time. Thousands of different vines were planted and only a few showed promise. The vines selected were producing predominately white grapes. A few brave souls ventured into growing and producing top quality wines in the late seventies lead by such wineries as Sumac Ridge and Gray Monk. These wineries along with eleven others was the sum total of wineries in 1984.

In 1988 Canada signed the North American Free Trade agreement and the BC wine industry lost their long term government subsidies. Without these subsidies the wine industry as it stood could no longer compete with imported quality wines from around the world. Many left the business but a few pioneers realized the potential of the Okanagan and persevered.

Fast forward to 2009 where over 140 wineries now call BC home. Five hundred different wines are released every season and the list keeps growing every year. BC produces some of the best aromatic style wines in the world lead by Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Ehrenfelser, Kerner and Siegerrebe.

The 2008 vintage is no exception and I’ve reviewed a few of the newly released wines some of which will be poured at the “Best of BC Wines Uncorked” wine tasting event at the Port Moody Art Centre on June 13th. Over eighteen BC wineries will be pouring over 50 samples including new releases so you can taste for yourself the progress BC wines have made, for more information on the event and to support this fundraiser for the Port Moody Arts Centre visit www.bcuncorked.ca

An annual favourite is Cedar Creeks’ Ehrenfelser 2008. This years’ version is excellent displaying peach, nectarine and lovely citrus flavours. Off- dry and perfectly balanced, a nice treat for a hot summer day.

The Naramata bench is home to Kettle Valley Winery, one of the best kept secrets in the Okanagan. The 2008 Kettle Valley Gewürztraminer is a perfect example of the Alsatian style of this varietal. Medium bodied with spice, lychee and grapefruit this wine has power and grace.

One of the most established quality wine producers is Quails’ Gate Winery in the Kelowna area. Quails’ Gate 2008 Dry Riesling is a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Add lime/lemon with tropical notes of melon, pineapple and minerality this wine is sure to please this summer.