We are checking in with some of our favourite local personalities as to how they celebrate the holidays and what they wish for under the Christmas tree. The talented Van Doren Chan is the Sommelier at Vancouver’s top French Restaurant, Le Crocodile, and the owner of C’est la V production, an event planning and hospitality training company that  specializes in enhancing relationships between restaurateurs, producers, wineries and farmers.

1)    What is on your wish list for the holidays in terms of wine or wine related paraphernalia  (your area of expertise)? VDC – A life time subscription to Lucky Peach Magazine

2)   What about something not even related to that area that you are might want? VDC The giant 4.5 kg Tobelerone

3)  What is the best gift you EVER got? VDC Aromaster Master Wine sensory kit

4)  What is the best gift you EVER gave?  VDC One thousand mini paper cranes I folded. It is a Japanese legend, so I gave my one wish that will come true to that special person.

5) What are three wines to give this year?

VDC  Bella Sparkling Wine House – They source from 5 different regions in BC and showcase the true expression of each vineyard. Perfect wine to start the Christmas celebration.

Gorman Winery The Pixie 2011 Syrah – Screaming Red Mountain fruits source from Ciel de Cheval and Kiona vineyard. Great wine to enjoy with a dish or on it’s own.

Gunderloch Weingut Nackenheim Rothenberg 2013 Riesling Auslese – A delicious late harvest Riesling with aroma of white lily flowers and honey suckle, great pairing with a cheese plate or enjoy it with your Christmas cookies.

5)  What do you bring to a holiday party? VDC – Homemade Eggnog

6)   What charity do you wish for more funding for in 2015? VDC – S.U.C.C.E.S.S Senior Care

7)  Best gift as a kid? VDC – Lego – Space Station (base board) my mom took me Christmas shopping and I get to choose my own gift. I saw the Lego space station and super excited and I grab it. Open it on Christmas Day, it only contain the base board and nothing else. Space station never got complete.

8) How will you celebrate the holidays this year?

Working Christmas Eve, it is a long tradition for many family to celebrate Christmas Eve lunch at Le Crocodile, amazing Alsatian food and sing along Christmas carols. Christmas Day will be a long day of eating and drinking with family. Usually starts early in the morning when my brother and I saber a bottle of bubbly then the Charcuterie and cheese platter to follow and Chinese dumplings made by mom for lunch then a big multi-course dinner at night with ice cream cake to finish the evening.