SOMMELIERS’ PICKS

We asked three of our favourite Whistler sommeliers to tell us about the wine that they’re most excited to share with their guests this winter. From soft Italian Sangiovese to perennially popular premium Champagne, find out what our sommeliers love — and why.

Picking a wine to pair with your meal can sometimes feel a little overwhelming: so many wines to choose from, so many different regions and grape varieties! How to make the right choice? It’s no wonder that so many of us panic-pick familiar grapes and wind up missing out on some of the lesser-known gems on the list. Fortunately, sommeliers are on hand to help make that decision easier.

Sommeliers train for years, studying wines from around the world, learning about different grapes, styles of wine, and food and wine pairings — and that education never ends thanks to new vintages continually being released and new wineries opening up each year. There are few things a somm loves more than a guest asking for guidance; after all, they worked hard to create the restaurant’s wine list to pair perfectly with their chef ’s style of cuisine, and they know the wines well, having tasted them and learned their stories. So, next time you’re offered a wine list, take advantage of the sommelier’s knowledge and ask for their recommendation. Who knows? You may discover your new favourite wine, and you’ll certainly learn something along the way.