Where to begin ………..WBC13 was inspiring, humbling, exhausting, fun, informative to name only a few adjectives that I could put down. To be around so many enthusiastic and talented people with like interests was both inspiring and humbling. While motivating to put more energy and time into the product it can be demoralizing to know there are so many other people out there writing about the same thing but with much more knowledge and real artistic talent. The content of the conference was tailored to a tee, our only complaint was feeling like we were going non-stop the entire day with no room to explore the region on our own but it’s hard to complain when you are learning about and drinking incredible wine all day and being educated on how to improve something you are passionate about. From speed tasting (see prior posts) to learning how to judge wine, workshops on CEO (didn’t even know the acronym before the conf) and a trip to the Similkameen valley, WBC13 had it all. WBC14 will be in Santa Barbara and we are already making our reservations.
A few final thoughts about Pinticton, the BC wine region and Canada in general. Take all of this with a grain of salt as it is being written by an american hack with no business or psychology training. The people of Canada are some of the most friendly, warm people we have encountered in our travels. They are also very humble. They all seemed very well informed and stay abreast on the happenings in the lower 48. In a way it’s almost like a younger brother, one with more going for them then they realize, who still admires their older brother whose best days are behind them. The BC wine region has everything you need in an appellation to produce great wine including sun, many different micro climates and good soil. Pictures do not do the scenery justice, somewhere you truly have to go to fully appreciate. The wine makers of this area are as hard working, talented and creative as any you will find anywhere. We found some really really good wine here and within 5 years or so and a little fine tuning I am willing to bet they will stand up to just about any area around the world. Unfortunately what I think will hold them back from the recognition they deserve is that they are not arrogant or greedy enough (an unfortunate requirement in the global vino industry) to stand up and say to the world “hey, look at us, we make some dam good wine”. Until they do they will remain a “secret spot” and a destination for those of us in the know.
Find(s) of the weekend:
Gone Crackers– based in Surrey, BC, some of the best flavored and textured crackers anywhere
Painted Rock Winery– our favorite BC winery
Artesana Winery– A Uruguay winery with an incredible Tannat and Tannat/Merlot blend, and available in the US