Anthony Gismondi: Finally, some good news for B.C. wine makers and drinkers

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Sustainability is no longer just a marketing angle; it is an expectation that should be woven into your stories. How grapes are grown, water and energy management, packaging, and the health and wellness of the workplace.

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Finally, visitors want wineries to feel like destinations, even if only for an hour. That means enjoying viewpoints or outdoor spaces in calm, spacious environments. Ultimately, the best wineries will be seen to offer a sense of presence, not just prestige. For events and detailed winery listings, go to WineBC.com.

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Weekend wine picks

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Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Brut Superiore N/V, Veneto, Italy

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$24.99 I 88/100

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UPC: 8017494661015

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Consistency is key with everyday Prosecco. One of the more reliable producers year after year is Villa Sandi. Expect an almost dry, fruity, creamy style with pleasant aromas and flavours reminiscent of red apples and peaches, with a touch of spice. The DOCG Asolo Prosecco comes from the Veneto region on the Montello and Colli Asolani hills, at the foot of the Dolomites. Italians enjoy Prosecco after work, either on its own or with finger foods; we highly recommend you do the same.

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Bel Colle Langhe Nebbiolo 2024, Piedmont, Italy

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$33-$35 private wine stores I 90/100

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UPC: 8032755134046

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DOC Langhe Nebbiolo serves as an introduction to the fuller, more intense versions of Nebbiolo, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Expect fragrant aromas led by violet and rose petal notes. The palate offers red fruits in a vibrant, elegant nod to the noble nebbiolo grape with plums and raspberries amid perfectly integrated, almost dusty tannins. There is no apparent dryness here, just a delicious, easy-drinking red. It’s worthy of serious study, but why bother? It’s too much fun to drink now.

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Stoneboat Vineyards Sparkling Series Méthode Cuvée Close Grand Piano N/V, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

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$34.99 I 89/100

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UPC: 626990156215

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The Grand Piano Brut sparkler is made using the Charmat method, with secondary fermentation in a tank that traps the bubbles while the lees are worked to add creaminess to the texture. It is mostly Pinot Blanc with a touch of Riesling. It’s a sparkling style that has proven highly successful for Prosecco producers and has been produced at Stoneboat for 15 years. Grand Piano is Stoneboat’s top-tier sparkler, with attractive peachy, mandarin, citrus aromas and flavours that slide down easily — the perfect aperitif for a warm spring patio. Pour freely and often.

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Barossa Valley Estate Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2023, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

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$24.99 I 90/100

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UPC: 9311347003120

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Barossa Valley is home to this GSM blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre, with Grenache being the dominant varietal. It has been a decade since we last enjoyed this wine, and we’re pleased to say it has evolved into a bright, fruit-forward red, full of lively red-berry and dark-plum notes, finishing with a spicy note. Think of it as a medium-bodied, soft, juicy wine meant to be enjoyed now, offering great value for everyday drinking. It’s ideal for pairing with savoury dishes around the barbecue or alongside your favourite vegetarian meal.

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Burrowing Owl Syrah 2022, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

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$35.00 I 91/100

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UPC: 688229004209

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Deeply coloured and confidently from South Okanagan, the 2022 Syrah offers plenty of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and meaty notes, streaked with violet, black pepper, olive tapenade, and desert scrub. It is a rich vintage with plenty of weight and power, with mostly silky tannins and oak present but not overwhelming. Lamb pairs well with young Syrah.