News: May Celebrates Sauvignon Blanc with New Zealand Winegrowers

From BCLDB's press release:

BRITISH COLUMBIA – New Zealand Winegrowers is pleased to return to British Columbia for another exciting promotion of wines from New Zealand in BC Liquor Stores throughout the month of May, 2018. 60 government liquor stores will feature New Zealand wines on shelves for the entire month, accompanied by 12 free in-store tasting events which encourage consumers to get to know New Zealand wines on an intimate level. Additionally, Vancouverites will have the opportunity to taste through these featured wines alongside scrumptious food bites on May 4th at a grand consumer event (no charge and no purchase necessary) at the new Park Royal Signature BC Liquor Store on International Sauvignon Blanc Day with delicious canapés to complement the wines, crafted by Chef Chris Whittaker of Vancouver’s Forage restaurant.

Throughout the month of May, a dozen wines from New Zealand (see next page for wine details) will be promoted within 60 BC Liquor Stores throughout the British Columbia. Select participating stores will further focus the spotlight on these wines, hosting in-store tasting events during two days on every weekend of the month, each offering a guided tasting of 3 different wines for shoppers to taste (see next page for tasting schedule).

May 4th is International Sauvignon Blanc Day, and Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that always prompts New Zealand to the front-of-mind. As such, it only seems natural that New Zealand Winegrowers is hosting a spectacular event that features all 12 wines on promotion – wines which showcase the unique terroirs and styles of various regions and grape varieties from several of the country’s diverse growing regions. Vancouver’s much-awarded Forage restaurant is creating locally-sourced canapés, each crafted to enhance the flavours in these signature wines, while knowledgeable Sommeliers guide attendees through a unique tasting adventure. This promises to be an afternoon to remember, and all are welcome to attend, no purchase necessary.

This event is free of charge and open to the public, no reservations required:

Park Royal Signature BC Liquor Store, Vancouver

Friday, May 4th, 2017   4 – 7pm         

It has been said that there is no wine anywhere in the world that tastes like wine from New Zealand. These are stylish, exciting wines that surprise and delight. New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc was the explosive varietal that awoke the world to New Zealand wine and Pinot noir from New Zealand offers old world structure and elegance with new world power and intensity.

News: BC Wine industry disappointed with Supreme Court ruling

From the BCWI's press release:

KELOWNA, April 19, 2018 - The British Columbia Wine Institute and its members today expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling on Her Majesty the Queen v. Gerard Comeau. The case challenged restrictions on interprovincial trade, an issue the BCWI and the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) has been working on for over a decade.

This morning at 9:45 a.m. (EST) the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled on Her Majesty the Queen v. Gerard Comeau. The ruling states the following: Section 121 does not impose absolute free trade across Canada.

"The Court's ruling today is disappointing for the BC wine industry." Said Miles Prodan President & CEO of the BCWI. "We will continue our work both directly and through the CVA with the federal / provincial / territorial governments' Alcoholic Beverages Working Group, industry, governments and the provinces to remove the barriers and allow winery direct shipping to customers across Canada."

"We respect the Court's ruling but are disappointed at this missed opportunity to remove interprovincial trade restrictions," said Dan Paszkowski, President & CEO of the CVA. "Removing restrictions would have opened the door to allowing consumers to order wine for direct delivery to their home from any Canadian winery located in any province. We call that Direct-to-Consumer, it is something nine out of 10 Canadians believe should be permitted, and we now eagerly await the provinces making this choice available to their citizens."

In October 2012, Gerard Comeau of New Brunswick purchased beer and spirits in Quebec and drove back to New Brunswick. He was charged with possessing liquor purchased from outside the province in quantities that exceeded the province's prescribed limit, an offence under section 134 of the New Brunswick Liquor Control Act. The trial judge held that section 134(b) of the Liquor Control Act constitutes a trade barrier (violating section 121 of the Constitution Act, 1867) and dismissed the charge against Mr. Comeau. The case subsequently made its way to the Supreme Court.

"It's important to recognize that interprovincial trade barriers affect a range of industries, including wine." Says Paszkowski.

Unfair interprovincial trade barriers have impeded Canada's wine industry growth and prevented consumers from purchasing the Canadian wines of their choice.

"This morning's ruling is disappointing for our industry. Every wine producing nation in the world has direct sales within its own country" said Tony Stewart, Proprietor & CEO of Quails' Gate Winery. "Canada needs to correct this so that we can start to create a level playing field with the rest of the world."

Canada's wine industry had seen the ruling as a way to open the doors to direct-to-consumer wine purchases across the country, something consumers believe should be done.

Direct-to-Consumer wouldlead to important growth for the country's highest value agricultural industry. Indeed, free interprovincial trade would positively impact the economy across the country. Industry research shows that for every $1.00 spent on Canadian wine in Canada, $3.42 in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated across the country.

News: Dish 'n Dazzle Gala 2018

From the event's press release:

April 10, 2018 (Vancouver, BC) - The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce the names of the wineries and restaurants that will participate in its 7th annual Dish 'n Dazzle gala on Thursday, May 10 2018.

Guests will enjoy tasty bites from a who's who of local culinary talent, including:

• Chef Ann Kirsebom
• cibo Trattoria
• Edible Canada
• Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
• La Grotta del Formaggio
• The Lobby Restaurant at Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel
• Mamie Taylor's
• Minami & Gyoza Bar
• Nomad
• Tableau Bar Bistro
• The Trump Champagne Lounge
• VCC Culinary Arts Program
• Water Street Cafe

The theme for this year's fundraiser is Argentina: Breaking New Ground, and an all-star lineup of over 30 Argentinean wineries will pour samples of their premium wines. Participating wineries will include Bodega Catena Zapata, Finca Decero, Familia Zuccardi, Susana Balbo Wines, and more. See the full list of participating wineries here.

Musical group Les is More will provide the soundtrack for this fun evening, which will include a silent auction and a cocktail competition featuring local bartenders crafting drinks with an Argentinean twist. Proceeds will go to the BCHF.

Tickets for the event are available online.

Dish 'n Dazzle

Argentina: Breaking New Ground

Thursday, May 10 2018

6:30 - 9:30pm

Vancouver Convention Centre East

999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Tickets are $89 and can be purchased here: https://events.eply.com/DishnDazzle20182344812