California dreaming is how we are starting off this year in wine, with the 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival rolling out a fantastic splash of events and, to our delight, the feature wine region is the Golden State.
If you are unacquainted with VIWF, it is one of North America’s most impressive wine events, celebrating its 40th year and featuring 750 wines from 16 countries across nine wickedly indulgent days of dinners, seminars, socials, fundraisers and a three-day Tasting Room. Whether you are a oenophilic aficionado or simply a slurper of all things grape, this festival will keep you stimulated and satiated.
The inaugural Vancouver event in 1979 featured only one winery, Robert Mondavi, and so it is with great reverence that we celebrate the Mondavi wines, as well as what they represent in terms of how far California has evolved as a wine region.
California is most commonly known for Napa Valley and Sonoma County, both of which showcase pretty bold wines (putting Cali on the global map). If you’re into Napa, notorious for Cabernet and buttery Chardonnay, check out the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery. If Sonoma is your style, with an inclination for Zinfandels, be sure to whet your palate at Ravenswood Winery.
But, flash forward, and California is now an ever-evolving region of daring winemakers and conscious farmers with more than a hundred AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Blend this with 750 wines at VIWF, from producers around the globe, and you are looking at a daunting feat for a wino of any caliber! Coming up with a game plan is always advantageous, so pick out some wineries ahead of time and hit them up at the festival first, as they will stay freshest in your mind. Then, once you’ve ticked off your top 10, loosen your belt, put your money on kismet and follow your nose—you really can’t go wrong.
No matter your path, here are some California icons and young bloods to put on your Wine Fest tasting list:
Robert Mondavi Winery: Step aside Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc is stealing the show! Dark plums and savoury minerality, with an electric backbone. Details: Cabernet Franc, Oakville, Napa Valley, California 2015.
Ravenswood Winery: An old-world winemaking approach has made this winery famous for its Zins, the favourites which come from its single vineyard designates. This one will rock you. Details: Teldeschi Vineyard Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, California 2014.
Meiomi Wines: Though newer on the scene, Meiomi stole America’s heart with its super-approachable and juicy Pinot Noir. This year, it released its first sparkling wine which is being tasted at the festival and *fingers crossed* it’ll be available for purchase shortly after! Details: Sparkling Wine, North Coast, California NV.
Tom Gore Vineyards: You can call Tom a new kid on the block, but he has been stomping grapes since he was a young boy and his experience shows through in the wines. This cab is dark and robust, but ready to go, so grab a glass and start sipping! Details: Tom Gore Vineyards Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014.
Visit vanwinefest.ca for events and ticket info. Happy sipping! —Vita Daily
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