Evolve 2020 Brut Premiere $43.99

Evolve Sparkling’s refreshed lineup of traditional method bubbles includes this top-notch candidate. Made in the traditional method from 67% Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir grapes., with lees stirring on the Chardonnay component and blended to age for 3 plus years before disgorgement, there’s toast, citrus, lemon curd and some floral notes. I recommend a California roll for this one or just fresh cracked crab. I’m excited to visit the new Evolve Sparkling House, which will open on the Naramata Bench in spring 2025.

Hester Creek 2021 Old Vine Brut $34.99

Made in the traditional method, primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks and secondary with 24 months on lees, from Pinot Blanc, planted on the Gold Mile Bench back in 1968, and a small dosage of the 2023 Pino Blanc. You’ll find lemon, green apple, stone fruit, and that brioche that tips you off to the older vines from which these grapes come. Very food-friendly wine here, and I’m thinking plump raw oysters, the kind with less brininess, or oysters baked in a cream sauce and topped with bread crumbs. It is great with Fettuccini Alfredo and roast chicken, too.

Road 13 2018 Traditional Method Sparkling Chenin Blanc $45.00

Hand-picked at optimal acidity and ripeness, gently whole-cluster pressed to capture the grape’s delicate aromas and flavours. The juice was cold-settled and racked before its primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks. After a slow, cool fermentation, the base wine was stabilized and clarified before being prepared for its secondary fermentation in bottle, where it spent 3 years.  You’ll find baked apple, a hint of grapefruit and some orchard blossom with predominant biscuit notes in the glass. I’m thinking lobster with this one, perhaps in a buttery sauce atop pasta.

Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose $19.99

Yes, I did pick this one because it comes with it’s own puffer jacket and I just couldn’t help myself, it was utterly irresistible and the colour is just the right shade of pink. While there are no romantic stories of hand-picked grapes and delicate winemaking here, it’s a solid bubble with aromas and flavours of peach, pear and white flowers. I wish the jacket came in my size.

Sea Cider Platinum $19.50

Don’t forget great quality cider when it comes to what to serve on your holiday table or at any special occasion. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse celebrated 20 years this year with the release of this special anniversary blend made with estate-grown Bittersweet and Bittersharp apples. Our cidermaker (yes our, because it’s no secret I work here) used champagne yeast to cox flavours of fresh apple, cut grass, vanilla and spice from these very special cider apples. We had this with a seared ahi tuna at Fish Co this summer, and it paired wonderfully with our homemade pizza!