Uncork a bottle and pour yourself a glass, we’re celebrating BC Day with BC wines.
Thanks to the province’s diverse climates and distinct regions, BC is home to an abundance of wineries producing a variety of wines. And they’re all delicious if we do say so ourselves. So visit the Signature BC Liquor Store and stock up for a long weekend full of local sips worthy of raising a glass to.
A glass of wine that’s full of benefits? Sign us up. Red wine is full of antioxidants, can lower your cholesterol, aids in heart health, and can even regulate your blood sugar. Lucky for us, many of BC’s red wines are award-winning.
Merlot is the most planted grape in the province and this wine is known for a lush texture and mouth feel. The BC grown varieties are known to be medium to fully body and include notes of black cherry, black plum, and chocolate. More of a pinot noir fan? You’re in luck. This variety is also a popular grown-in-BC pick with cherry, strawberry, and raspberry fruit flavours. As an added bonus, it tends to age well. We suggest keeping a bottle on hand for wine emergencies.
In the mood for a crisp white wine? BC grows plenty, and they have very similar benefits to red offering slightly less vitamins and minerals but a lower calorie count as a general rule. Try starting with a crisp, fresh pinot gris. Known to be dry or off-dry, it typically has hints of pear, honeydew, cantaloupe, and lemon. Pair it with fresh seafood and fresh veggies for a light summer meal full of local faves. If chardonnay is more your style, you’ll be happy to know local BC varieties are internationally renowned. Both aged and unoaked varieties are produced in the province and can also include peach, lemon, and nectarine flavours.
Need a sweet sip after dinner? You’re in luck. Canada is recognized as the world leader in ice wine production and—you guessed it—select parts of BC (the Okanagan and Similkameen Valley) produce it. Grapes are left to freeze on the vine allowing for a more concentrated grape juice to develop leading to a sweet dessert wine that goes perfectly with cheesecake, fruit tarts, and cheeseboards.
Enjoy responsibly and have a fun and fabulous long weekend!