WHAT CANADIAN WINES PAIR BEST WITH OYSTERS? 

A Canadian wide oyster wine pairing competition sponsored by EAT Magazine, Walnut Beach Resort and Codfathers Seafood has become part of the line-up for the second annual Oliver Osoyoos Oyster Wine Festival taking place April 17-21, 2013.

 “Canada has some of the best oysters in the world,” comments Gary Hynes, Editor EAT Magazine. “We also make some of the best wines. So, it’s a natural to put them together. Canadian oysters and wine – what could be better?”

For the inaugural competition there are eight categories to submit entries including: Sparkling, Sauvignon Blanc, Unoaked Chardonnay, Oaked Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir and wine must be produced with 100% Canadian grapes as well as a Wild Card category where the alcoholic beverage submitted must be made with 100% Canadian product. Deadline to enter submissions is April 4, 2013, entry forms and entry rules can be downloaded off of the Oliver Osoyoos Oyster Wine Festival website at www.oooysterfestival.com.

The competition hosts are pleased to welcome a fantastic slate of judges who will determine this years’ competition winners. Judges include Rhys Pender, Master of Wine and owner of www.wineplus.ca; Mark Filatow, Sommelier and Chef www.waterfrontrestaurant.ca and 2012/2013 Canadian Culinary Championships British Columbia winner and finale competitor;  Audrey Surrao, WSET certified and co-owner www.raudz.com; Cassandra Anderton, www.goodlifevancouver.com and Brad Cooper, Okanagan winemaker.

The Oliver/Osoyoos Oyster Festival was created to showcase the sustainable oysters produced by the farmers and guilds of the nearby West Coast together with the award-winning wines of the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. Even oysters need a day in the sun! For more information on the festival visit online at: www.oooysterfestival.com or follow on twitter at twitter.com/cdnoysterwine.