July 11, 2012 8-9pm PST: The Underappreciated. The Next Grape Stars of BC

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Sandra Oldfield

HERE’S HOW THE CHAT WENT:

THE UNDERAPPRECIATED: THE NEXT GRAPE STARS OF BC

All grape varieties seem to go through periods of popularity that eventually decline over time when consumers look to the new “hot” (or “cool” in the case of grape growing) thing.

What varieties do you think are currently underappreciated in BC? Are there varieties that used to be popular but now are not given their due? Are there varieties that some wineries have made very popular but the wine consumers have not yet discovered?

We live in a wine growing region that is still highly experimental and is always looking for that next “star variety” that will be both well-suited for grape growing, winemaking as well as appeal to customers. Tonight we will explore what some of these down trodden or yet-to-be-discovered varieties might be.

June 6 8-9pm PST: This Week in BC Vineyards

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Sandra Oldfield

HERE’S HOW THE CHAT WENT

This Week in BC Vineyards June 6, 2012

Throughout the province the vines have woken up and vintage 2012 has begun. What is going on right now in the vineyards of BC? What work has to be done in the fields to bring in the highest quality crop? What kind of weather have the various regions had so far? From Vancouver Island to the Okanagan Valley and all places between and beyond, it’s a vineyard roll call of sorts.

If you enjoy BC wines, this is your time to get questions answered. It is always stated that the best wines are made in the vineyard so now you can find out what that means in a real way.

April 25, 2012 8-9pm PST: The Wines of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Sandra Oldfield

HERE’S HOW THE CHAT WENT:

THE WINES OF VANCOUVER ISLAND AND THE GULF ISLANDS April 25, 2012

It’s a great chat to find out more about the wines and wineries of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. From Nanaimo to the Cowichan Valley, from the Saanich Peninsula to Salt Spring Island, the wineries of the Wine Islands Vintners’s Association are uniquely BC.

What varieties grow best? Which varieties are best purchased from the interior of BC? How does the ocean influence the characteristics of these wines? What can you expect when wine touring this quaint and spectacular region? The BC wine industry is more than what you find in the Okanagan Valley–it’s time to explore the westernmost part of our province and their style of winemaking.

March 14 8-9pm PST: Does BC Do Pinot Noir Well?

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Sandra Oldfield

HERE’S HOW THE CHAT WENT:

DOES BC DO PINOT NOIR WELL?

It’s a large topic but specific to one grape. Pinot noir. It is done all over the world…Burgundy, Champagne, California, Oregon, New Zealand and on and on. But do we do a good job with it in British Columbia?

Open up a bottle of BC Pinot noir and snuggle up for a discussion about this Pinecone-shaped (=Pinot) grape variety. Everyone seems to have something to say about this grape so don’t just sit on the sidelines…or Sideways…get on the hashtag #BCWineChat and talk BC Pinot Noir!

February 22 8-9pm PST: What will the BC Wine Industry Look Like in 2017?

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Sandra Oldfield

HERE’S HOW THE CHAT WENT:

WHAT WILL THE BC WINE INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE IN 2017?

Here’s a quick look back at the BC wine industry in the past few years: (most data courtesy the BC Wine Institute–thank you!)

There are 196 winery licenses in BC right now. Five years ago that number was 134.
In 2008 there were 9,100 acres of vineyards and only 4 years before that there was only 5,462acres. Today there are 710 vineyards (both winery owned and independent growers)
Per capita consumption of wine in BC is 15.9 liters per annum (average for Canada is 13.1 liters) with British Columbians drinking 49% white v 51% red wines (via Statistics Canada)
In 2010 BC VQA wines sold for an average of $17.54 per bottle whereas five years before in 2005 the average price was $15.47
The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch of BC website says they are not accepting applications at this time for new licensee liquor stores or for off-site retail wine stores.

Where will we be in 5 years? Will we see our industry contract, gradually expand or boom? Will British Columbians still be paying the prices they are for BC wines or will they look elsewhere for better value? Will there be more or less wine shops in BC? This is one hour of imagination–where will our industry be 5 years from now?

January 18 8-9pm PST: Meaning of Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable and Natural Wines in BC

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Sandra Oldfield

HERE’S HOW THE CHAT WENT:

MEANING OF ORGANIC, BIODYNAMIC, SUSTAINABLE AND NATURAL WINES IN BC Jan 18

There are many resources for further reading on this wide-ranging topic. With respect to certified organic grapes and wines the Pacific Agricultural Certification Society in Vernon, BC is a good resource. It has links to the Canadian Organic Standards and Permitted Substances which are allowed in Canada.

Information of the biodynamic movement is found at Demeter-International.

Much work has taken place lately in BC with respect to creating sustainable practice guides for vineyards, wineries and winery hospitality. The guides are now for self assessment but there are plans to make the program certified by a third-party auditor.

BCWineChat

FOLLOW THE TWITTER HASHTAG #BCWINECHAT EVERY WEDNESDAY 8-9PM PST

Category Archives: Grape Growing in BC

July 11, 2012 8-9pm PST: The Underappreciated. The Next Grape Stars of BC

June 6 8-9pm PST: This Week in BC Vineyards

April 25, 2012 8-9pm PST: The Wines of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

March 14 8-9pm PST: Does BC Do Pinot Noir Well?

February 22 8-9pm PST: What will the BC Wine Industry Look Like in 2017?

January 18 8-9pm PST: Meaning of Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable and Natural Wines in BC