British Columbia is regarded as one of the top wine regions of the Pacific Northwest, attracting some of the world’s most compelling winemakers. With an abundance of styles and varietals to choose from, look no further than your own backyard for the perfect gift of wine, no matter the occasion.
Your Best Friend’s Champagne Birthday
When celebrating a best friend’s Champagne birthday (as in: turning 30 on the 30th), toast to the juncture with a wine that is young and fun. B.C. produces beautiful sparkling wines, with many great options to choose from—and without the price tags of Champagne. A great example of this is Ricco Bambino, a new urban winery located in Kelowna that makes wine come to life with its whimsical take on packaging. The Very Troubled Child Sparkling Rosé is celebratory with sass; made from pinot blanc and pinot noir grapes, this fresh and fruity style of bubbly is vastly popular, and perfectly celebratory.
Your Partner Gets That Overdue Promotion
Finally, your spouse receives a long-time-coming promotion—which calls for serious festivity and recognition with a meaningful wine. Penticton-based Poplar Grove’s new 2014 release of its proprietary red blend, Legacy, is just that. Not only is the name perfectly fitting, but this cabernet franc blend is award-winning, having recently nabbed the top spot on the Judgement of BC wine awards. It is ready to drink in the moment or can be cellared for a later date—either way, it will deliver the right acknowledgment for career advancement.
Your Parents’ Anniversary
Buying the right anniversary gift with sentiment can be challenging at the best of times, not to mention when it’s for your parents. Wine is great for such an occasion, as it is a gift that can be enjoyed together over a romantic dinner for two and become a memorable piece of their merriment. A limited edition or collector wine such as Quails’ Gate’s The Boswell Syrah, an offering from the Kelowna winery’s Anniversary Series Collection, is perfect for this special occasion, and also secures your spot as the “favourite” child. This exceptional B.C. syrah is brimming with juicy dark berries with purple flowers and is produced in very limited quantities, making it even more distinct.
Your Employee’s Engagement
Wine is a great choice when acknowledging an employee’s wedding engagement, and is even more thoughtful as a two-bottle gift pack. Artisan producer Clos du Soleil winery in the Similkameen Valley has the two perfect wines that speak to the heavenly nature of love. The flagship white, Capella, is a sauvignon blanc-semillon blend; living up to its name, Capella is the winery’s brightest star, with many accolades both locally and internationally. Secondly there is Célestiale, the irresistibly rich Bordeaux-inspired red blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec. Two bottles for two peoples’ love.
Your Big Win at Work
It’s important to celebrate yourself, too—especially after an important achievement at work. Go loud and proud with Osoyoos winery LaStella’s majestic flagship, Maestoso. All of LaStella’s wines have been named after musical notes, and sing they do. Maestoso, inspired by the grand merlots of the world, speaks to everything you feel after a big win: powerful, bold, and confident.
With its diverse terroir, British Columbia’s wine produces an exciting experience for the palate—matched perfectly alongside life’s greatest moments.
