This week, another round of new, local 2025 wine releases is hitting the shelves. While the creative pivot to sourcing grapes from outside the province was entirely warranted and appreciated given the last two years' decimated grape harvest, it is fantastic to find local produce back in the bottle for the 2025 vintage across B.C. wineries. So let us keep the new wines rolling, including a couple of completely new-to-me bottles.
Hester Creek 2025 Old Vine Pinot Blanc, South Okanagan ($23.99, available through the winery)
While the Okanagan wine industry is absurdly young in the overarching wine schema, in relative North American timelines, it is worth celebrating the longevity of our original wineries. Case in point: Hester Creek has been growing grapes in the South Okanagan since 1968. Indeed, some of the vines producing grapes for this Pinot Blanc were planted that year, specifically from Block 4 of their Golden Mile Bench estate. Thankfully, the vineyards in question were able to fully recover from the damage they incurred during the winters of 2023 and 2024. The 2025 result in the glass is redolent with orchard fruit and a fun, juicy stance. Bottom line: A-. Pair with B.C. salmon.
After 93 Vineyards & Estate Winery 2025 Pinot Gris, Osoyoos ($26.99, #289713)
As the back label explains, "In 1993, the Gill family embarked on a journey to Canada with the aspiration of forging a brighter future." After decades of growing both orchard fruit and vinifera grapes in the Okanagan Valley, the family's most recent vintage Pinot Gris arrives to provide an opulent, enticing take on the grape. Pouring a bright onion skin colour, citrus and pear aromas abound in this robust, richer-style Pinot Gris. An underlay of freshness and acidity linger, but the wine remains rich overall with a plush finish. Food-wise, it is time to bring on the takeout rotisserie chicken, or even grilled fajitas. Bottom line: B. Robust, opulent Pinot Gris.
Birch Block Vineyard 2025 Pinot Noir Rosé, Kaleden ($27, available through the winery and select private wine stores)
Dubbed their "Endless Summer Rosé" or Été sans fin, this lively pink wine certainly screams fun times, ideally on the patio. Sourced entirely from their family-owned, five-acre Pinot Noir vineyard near Kaleden in the South Okanagan, Birch Block's Rosé pours a bright pink with a slight haze thanks to no filtration. Wild fermented, engaging aromas of red berry, herbs, and the slightest funk lead to a lively core before an engaging citrus and saline stance segues to an almost tangy finish with lingering acidity. For a full-on local celebration, pair with grilled spot prawns, or if that is too much work, a pepperoni pizza. Bottom line: B+. Honest, lively rosé.
The Swirl: Tofino Wine & Dine
Take note, Tofino's Wine & Dine festival returns June 6-7. Once more raising a glass to "The West Coast's most creative food and drink," the festival again features two distinct experiences: The Sip on the Shore high-end garden party on June 6 and Grilling in the Garden on June 7. For complete details and to purchase tickets for the entire weekend or day passes, head to tofinowinedine.com/event.
