As the weather warms up, I find myself reaching for white wines more often. Today, I wanted to explore a well-loved white varietal: Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris. Though they come from the same grape, they have many differences.

Pinot Grigio (Italian name)

Pinot Grigio is typically grown in warmer climates, resulting in a crisp, dry wine—similar to a Sauvignon Blanc. Expect bright flavours of citrus, pear, and apple.

One of the reasons I love Pinot Grigio is its refreshing nature. It’s the perfect wine for sipping outside in the sun, paired with fresh fruit or a light meal.

If you prefer dry, less sweet wines, Pinot Grigio is a great choice.

Pinot Gris (French name)

Pinot Gris thrives in cooler climates and is known for its fuller body and richer texture. It often has a slightly syrupy mouthfeel and is commonly aged in wooden barrels, adding layers of oak. Flavour notes typically include honey and ripe fruit.

I’ve noticed that Vancouver Island produces some fantastic Pinot Gris, often with a lighter texture than others I’ve tried. If you’re browsing the liquor store, it’s definitely worth picking up a bottle to explore the regional differences.

If you’re looking for a dry wine with just a touch of sweetness, Pinot Gris is a great option. It pairs beautifully with creamy white sauce pasta or rich, creamy cheeses for snacking.

Key Differences Between Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris

• Harvest Timing: Pinot Gris grapes are left on the vine longer, contributing to higher residual sugar.
• Production Method: Pinot Grigio is fermented in stainless steel to maintain its fresh, crisp flavours, while Pinot Gris is often aged in wooden barrels, adding complexity.

As we approach the end of February, I wanted to share one standout wine I enjoyed this month. With the colder weather, I naturally gravitate toward red wines—they feel cozier, whether you're curled up with your bestie or partner. And since February is the season of love, I chose an affordable yet romantic wine—perfect for a budget-friendly date night in.

Langhe Nebbiolo – Giovanni Rosso 2022

Priced at $31 at BC Liquor Stores, this wine is a great choice for a special occasion without breaking the bank.

This Nebbiolo is well-balanced, with bold red fruit flavours like cherry and strawberry. It's dry, highly acidic, and has a bold yet medium body. If I had to compare it to another variety, I'd say Nebbiolo shares some similarities with Merlot in terms of flavour. However, Nebbiolo is known for its firm tannins and high acidity—and this one delivers beautifully.

Breaking Down the Label:

🍇 Langhe – A wine region in Northwest Italy
🍷 Nebbiolo – The grape variety
🏡 Giovanni Rosso – The winery (Visit their website)
📅 2022 – The vintage (year the wine was made)

Due to this wine’s high acidity, I’d pair it with something rich and fatty to balance it out. Red wine naturally complements a hearty red sauce pasta, so when I think of this Nebbiolo, a bold dish like lasagna comes to mind—it would be a very good match. Let me know what you think!

If you're looking for a bold, elegant red to sip on during these colder months, this bottle is definitely worth trying.

When I first started exploring wine, I never expected some of the most exciting bottles to be found in the province I now call home. British Columbia’s wine scene is vibrant, diverse, and full of hidden gems that have deepened my appreciation for winemaking.

From the sunny vineyards of the Okanagan to the cool-climate expressions of Vancouver Island, BC offers a range of styles that truly reflect its unique landscape. Two wineries that hold a special place in my heart are Quails’ Gate Winery and The Hatch Winery, both located in Kelowna. I visited them with my two best friends in the fall of 2021, and that trip marked a turning point in my love for wine.

One standout from that visit was Quails’ Gate Chardonnay. When chatting with the sommelier during our tasting, I casually mentioned that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Chardonnay. He introduced me to this one, and I was so pleasantly surprised. If you’re like me and don’t typically enjoy oaked, buttery Chardonnays, this one is a must-try. It’s fresh, well-balanced, and aged in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, with only a small portion undergoing malolactic fermentation. This gives it a smooth texture without the rich, creamy heaviness of their other Chardonnays.

Then there’s The Hatch Winery, which was unlike any winery I’d ever been to. One of my friends recommended it, and from the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the vibe. It’s artsy, quirky, and refreshingly unpretentious—far from the traditional winery experience. They specialize in taking lesser-known grape varieties and giving them a new life. Every bottle has a unique story, paired with equally unique label art. I thoroughly enjoyed all the white wines I tried and ended up purchasing their Prosecco.

French Syrah (Northern Rhône)

In contrast, Syrah from the Northern Rhône is more restrained. While it still showcases dark fruit flavours like black cherry and plum, the cooler climate results in a more structured wine with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and an earthy complexity. Expect notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and sometimes even a smoky or meaty quality. 

First things first—does your friend prefer red or white?

If you're lucky, they love both, which means you get to bring your favourite.

This post is all about wines that make great gifts or are perfect for sharing with a friend—without stretching your budget.

I’ve put together a few recommendations you should be able to find at your local liquor store for around $25. To keep things short and sweet, I’m breaking this topic into three posts (not back-to-back), covering red, white, and rosé. Let’s start with red because it's always my first choice. 

One of the reasons I love learning about wine is its incredible complexity and the layers that make each bottle unique. Everything from the climate where the grapes grow, to how long and in what conditions the wine is stored can dramatically impact its taste. These factors introduce fascinating tasting notes that make every wine a new experience. Some wines are best enjoyed young, while others shine with age—all things I’m discovering along the way.

In this post, I want to break down some basic wine terms that can come in handy when talking to a liquor consultant or asking your server about a wine at a restaurant.

Let’s start with tannins—one of those things that people talk about, but don't understand! But before we dive into tannins, let’s talk about sediment. Sediment is the leftover grape skins and particles that settle at the bottom of a wine bottle. While sediment can add bitterness, it also contributes flavour and texture, which we often describe as tannins. Tannins is the feeling you get in your mouth caused by the grape skins, people can often describe this feeling as tart.To avoid pouring sediment into your glass, many people use a decanter, leaving the sediment behind to enjoy a smoother sip.

Have you ever heard someone describe a wine as 'buttery' and thought, 'What does that even mean?' Personally, I’m not a fan of buttery wines, so I tend to steer clear of them, but many people love their smooth, creamy texture. If you’re curious, I recommend trying an oaked Chardonnay—look for labels that mention 'buttery' or aging in wooden barrels, as these wines will have that quality. This characteristic comes from a process called 'malolactic fermentation,' where tart malic acid is converted into creamy lactic acid, softening the wine’s acidity and creating a rich, smooth texture.

Everyone’s palate is different, and part of the fun is figuring out what works for you. So, keep exploring, and don’t be afraid to try something new!

As you explore more wines, much like coffee, you start to appreciate the flavours on a deeper level. I still remember my first glass of wine—a sweet Moscato, perfect for pairing with dessert. While I appreciate that every wine has its purpose, I’ve realized that I’m not a fan of extremely sweet wines, unless it’s just a small pour alongside a delicious dessert at a nice dinner.

Finding what works for you is key, and another important factor is finding a food pairing. A common mistake is letting food pairings outweigh your personal taste preferences. Just because a wine is paired with something complementary doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly enjoy it, especially if it’s too sweet, too dry, or too acidic for your liking.

For this first post, I want to share some characteristic of a wine, grapes that align with it, and a food pairing to go with it. It could even be a fun activity for a girls' night—testing these combinations with your friends! Bonus points if you all have different taste profiles and get to enjoy a bottle of wine each. ;)