Conference examines wine sustainability
The Tasting Climate Change conference, organized by ex-Vancouverite Michelle Bouffard, invites you to consider the future of the wine industry in terms of its sustainability. The challenges faced by the ecological crisis are numerous and complex. The most recent conference of international experts was held in Montreal in January 2024, where many noted speakers shared their knowledge with the wine world. You can watch the footage of all 13 conferences and panel discussions at your leisure. The ticket is $172.47 with taxes and is available on Eventbrite.
The Okanagan Wine Festivals return this June with three weeks of events across wine country. The spring festival will focus on a Taste and Sips series of events from June 2-23. The official launch is at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, June 7, following the B.C. Wine Awards with the Valley First presents Top 50 Grand Tasting. The Tastes Series will launch with the Naramata Bench Wineries Association on Sunday, June 2, followed by the District Wine Village on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. There is much more planned, and you can see all the details and book your tickets at thewinefestivals.com.
B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK Township 7 Seven Stars Polaris 2020, Okanagan Valley $39.97 I 92/100
UPC: 626990024613
Township 7's sparkling program is well on its way under the watchful eye of its creator winemaker, Mary McDermott. The series is six strong with a seventh label in the offing. All the wines are made using the classic traditional method. Polaris is the guiding light for the program, a Blanc de Blanc that flirts with finesse and flavour, pitching pure, green apple fruit, white florals, and lemon pith on the nose, a creamy texture plate and subtle peach and lime notes on the palate. The 2020 is slightly drier than previous versions, adding the complexity we crave in this wine.
VALUE WINE OF THE WEEK Arrogant Frog Ribet Red Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2019, Languedoc, France $12.99 I 87/100
UPC: 03760040424941
The not-so-arrogant Frog is a fun 55/45 mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, awash in savoury soft Languedoc fruit and representing terrific value. It's grown between the Mediterranean Sea and the Hérault Valley from vines 20 to 40 years old. The palate is packed full of black jammy fruit, chocolate, blackberries, and glossy vanilla — via 25 per cent new French oak aging. This modern red from southern France is made for a summer backyard barbecue.