It felt like spring had arrived. And then it didn't. Then more snow appeared on the local Lower Mainland mountains. But regardless of the swing in weather patterns, the signs — not to mention the extra daylight — are certainly here. Besides, there's no stopping the spring-sipping vibes taking over the wine glass.
Undurraga Sibaris 2024 Gran Reserva Chardonnay, Chile ($16.99 on sale until April 25, #531266)
While Chardonnay is undoubtedly an all-season wine, it sips different in spring. Particularly when it's a Chardonnay sporting good freshness. The Sibaris Gran Reserva Chard hails from Chile's Leyda Valley, a smaller sub-region west of Santiago known for its Pacific Ocean influence. The cooler climate helps maintain acidity and brightness, but there's also a textural richness complementing the citrus and orchard fruit. It all builds to a voluptuous, almost honeyed and tropical toned finish, making for a lively and textural white that goes great with fresh of-the-season seafood like shrimp scampi or butter-poached halibut.
Bottom line: B+, Lively and textural Chard.
Blue Grouse Charme de L'Île Brut, Vancouver Island ($28.99, #320306)
The local landscape reawakens in spring, which always serves as a good reminder of the remarkable, abundant beauty of this part of the world. And what better way to honour this bounty than toasting with a local bottle of Charme De L'Île! Blue Grouse's Charm of the Island represents a tasty celebration of Vancouver Island grapes made sparkling following the Charmat method. In this case it's a blend of 100 per cent Island-grown grapes (Ortega, Schönburger, Pinot Gris, and Bacchus) that creates a fun and fruity bubbly throwing melon and orange Creamsicle vibes. A soft, off-dry finish makes this approachable and food-friendly.
Bottom line: B+, Pair with baked brie or lemon chicken.
Aurelio Settimo 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba, Italy ($25.99 on sale until April 25, #343671)
No need to put the red wines away for the season. However, the overall focus will shift to red wines with more punch and vibrancy overall. Two traits in evident abundance with this Dolcetto d'Alba, a classic wine from the north of Italy. Aromas of red fruit, tobacco, and herbs kick off this dynamic, lighter-bodied red. Indeed it's a red fruit and savoury note combo throughout before an angular, punchy finish featuring lingering, sandpaper tannins. Pizza would make a natural meal partner, but in the spirit of the spring season this dry red is also ready to tame greasy, grilled meats.
Bottom line: A-, Super springtime red.
The Swirl: 2026 Pig Out Festival
Another sign of the times is a return of the spring and summer festivals. Right on schedule, the Pig Out Festival Weekend returns to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country from May 1-3. On Friday, May 1 the Pig Out guest chef dinner kicks things off at Sweetgrass Restaurant at Nk'Mip (tickets are $129.99 per person); with the main Pig Out Festival scheduled for May 2 at Cellar Door & More in Oliver ($109.99). Finally, guided Pig Out Trails wine tours are on offer for Sunday, May 3 — with each trail touring four distinctive Oliver and Osoyoos-based cellar doors ($45). For complete details and to purchase tickets head to oliverosoyoos.com/pig-out-festival/.
