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History: In 1931, Calona Vineyards opened as the first commercial winery in the Okanagan.

Awards: In 1994, Mission Hill Grand Reserve Chardonnay 1992 won the Avery Trophy for “Best Chardonnay Worldwide” at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London—the first major award win of the new era of BC winemaking.

Terroir: Borrowed from the French, this term encompasses the entire environment–soil, climate, aspect–that makes a vineyard special.*

Expansion: There are now over 175 grape wineries in BC and several licenses pending, up from just 13 in 1984.

Organic: A technique for growing grapes without using chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or commercial fertilizers.*


*Schreiner, John - British Columbia Wine Country, Whitecap Books Ltd., 2003

  
 
 

Intimidating, isn't it? All those books and wine experts telling you exactly which wine must go with which dish, as if one false move could completely destroy an entire meal.

Don't believe it. The only one rule about matching food and wine that deserves to be carved in stone is: THERE ARE NO RULES. So relax. Experiment. Enjoy yourself. Isn't that what sitting down to a good meal with wine is all about?

Of course, a little knowledge can be a fascinating thing. Like the first time you try a crisp, dry Riesling with smoked salmon, for example, or an earthy, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with rack of lamb and rosemary - all it takes is one terrific match, and you're hooked. You begin to understand how different foods and flavours can bring out the best in a wine, and vice versa.

 

  
© 2006 British Columbia Wine Institute.  All rights reserved.