Anthony Gismondi: These were the top-ranked B.C. sparkling wines at the 2026 WineAlign Awards

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From there the rest of the Top 10 features some familiar labels: La Frenz 2021 Aster Brut ($40), 2023 Seven Stars (Township 7) Rigel Fool’s Gold ($40), Tinhorn Creek N/V Blanc de Blanc ($45), Tantalus 2023 Blanc de Blancs ($42), Fitzpatrick 2021 Fitz Brut ($42), 91 Blue Grouse Charme de l’île Brut ($30), and 2017 Seven Stars (Township 7) Sirius LD ($92).

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It would seem the biggest opportunity for local sparkling wine producers is to stop positioning their wines as a Champagne alternative and instead position them as B.C.’s own high-acid, mountain-coastal, food-friendly, place-driven answer to modern wine drinking.

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Weekend wine picks

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Liber Estates Everyday Chardonnay 2025, Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada

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$23.99 | 90/100

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UPC: 611138444705

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Organically grown Similkameen Chardonnay is a great start for a high-quality everyday white wine. Fresh, juicy and fruity, it shows a streak of tropical fruit before a touch of texture, ending in a mostly dry pear-and-red-apple finish. It is also made for everyday foods: tacos, fish cakes, popcorn, and Margherita pizza. Great value here.

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Clos du Soleil Winemaker’s Series Whispered Secret Vineyard Pinot Gris 2025, Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada

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$26.90 | 90/100

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UPC: 626990344957

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Similkameen Pinot Gris has as much promise as any in B.C., and this white peach, pear, and citrus example confirms the variety’s growing reputation among those who favour its leaner, more electric side. A touch of desert scrub and melon on the finish makes it a winner. The fruit comes from the certified organic Whispered Secret Vineyard on the south side of the Similkameen Valley. Clean, fresh, and a good step above the norm.

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Mt. Boucherie Rosé Zweigelt — Pinot Noir 2025, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

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$27.99 | 89/100

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UPC: 812289000561

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There is something about a field blend that brings a wine together before it even reaches the crush pad. The mix is Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, with a pale fluorescent pink colour. On the nose, there are white-flower and citrus aromas. The palate offers pleasing sweet watermelon and citrus-orange notes, balanced and ready to drink. Patio perfect.

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Four Shadows Merlot 2021, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

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$29 | 88/100

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UPC: 626990339328

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A classic Bench Merlot with a fragrant, minty cassis nose and an earthy, savoury undercurrent. The tannins are seamless, and the savoury black plum delivers a polished, fruity mid-palate and a balanced, persistent finish. It is another wine you can drink now or hold through 2028. Built for both near-term enjoyment and short cellaring, serve now with braised veal shanks.

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Mazzei Zisola 2022, Sicily, Italy

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$32 | 89/100

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UPC: 8016118461147

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This is an interesting look at Sicilian Nero d’Avola given a touch of Tuscan polish. The trick is taming Sicilian ripeness with a bit of Tuscan restraint. Look for blackberry, mulberry, orange peel dusted with wild Mediterranean herbs, measured oak, dark fruit, licorice, and mostly smooth tannins. The calcareous soils and cooling sea breezes preserve freshness, giving the wine energy, structure, impressive drinkability, and a surprisingly elegant, lightweight style that is perfectly in tune with summer.

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Calendar and other items

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• Painted Rock managing director Lauren Skinner has posted a terrific “mom’s guide” of family-friendly things to do in the South Okanagan. Skinner spends a large part of every summer in Penticton with two girls (ages four and seven) and is responding to that never-ending question from visitors: Where should families go when visiting the South Okanagan? It’s not just a “kid attractions” guide, but one that recommends real spots where parents can still have a great meal or drink good coffee, while the kids are genuinely happy, too. You will find the full story at paintedrock.ca, and I have to say, she nailed it.