Sommeliers’ Picks
Introduction by Nikki Bayley | Images by Joern Rohde
Clos du Soleil
2022 Capella
Paul Brian | Assistant Wine Director
Bearfoot Bistro, 604-932-3433
bearfootbistro.com
While the Okanagan Valley is arguably the most sought-after and popular wine growing region in B.C., my personal preference lies in the Similkameen Valley. This region is characterized by its diverse landscapes, vineyards, and fruit trees, as well as its other agricultural wonders. Notably, most wineries in the Similkameen Valley are family owned and operated, employing organic and biodynamic practices to cultivate a wide variety of grapes, producing many different styles of wine.
Close to my heart in the Similkameen Valley is the Clos du Soleil winery. The Capella Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend stands out to me as a noteworthy wine characterized by its clarity and personality. It is a wonderful blend of zesty grapefruit and crisp green apple with a subtle minerality. This white Bordeaux-style wine exhibits a balance between vibrant acidity and a supple texture. Harvested separately by hand, the grapes were gently crushed and destemmed, cold-soaked, and fermented entirely in barrel (French oak puncheons), undergoing only wild, spontaneous fermentation.
In the warmer months, the allure of freshly shucked oysters and delectable seafood fruits becomes irresistible. At the Bearfoot Bistro, Culinary Director Dominic Fortin and his team have crafted exquisite seafood towers that showcase an abundance of fresh, carefully selected assortments. King crab, lobster, prawns, oysters, smoked salmon, and clam escabeche, just to get you started. The pairing of chilled Clos du Soleil’s Capella complements these harmoniously.
Pamplemousse Jus
2023 Leon Millot
Colin Shira | General Manager
Mekong South East Asian Kitchen + Bar 604-902-1694, 88mekong.com
As we embrace patio vibes in the warmer months, our Southern-style red gati curry lamb chops pair perfectly with a glass of this Leon Millot from Pamplemousse Jus. This hybrid grape varietal, created in Alsace in 1911, was explicitly designed to ripen early in cooler climates. Coming out of the Prairie Valley area near Summerland, this summer sipper offers a delightful balance between the elegance of Pinot Noir and the richness of Merlot. With its supple tannins, dark, juicy fruit, and a long, earthy finish, Leon Millot complements our richer, heartier Thai dishes beautifully.
Pamplemousse Jus is the only winery in the Okanagan Valley producing this remarkable grape. Committed to organic farming practices, they craft three distinct styles from Leon Millot: a sparkling pet-nat (pétillant naturel), a co-ferment that tastefully blends Leon Millot and Gewürztraminer, and, of course, this delicious red we proudly serve by the glass at Mekong. This variety particularly showcases the remarkable versatility of the grape.
At Mekong, we are fortunate to bask in the sunlight from the afternoon until sunset, creating an ideal setting to enjoy our wine selections. Leon Millot can be served slightly chilled, similar to wines from Beaujolais, offering a refreshing way to satisfy your red wine cravings during the warmer months.
Join us on our patio to savour the enchanting flavours of this exceptional wine, perfectly paired with our traditional Southeast Asian cuisine. Experience the fusion of culinary delights and exquisite wines, making every moment at Mekong memorable.
Fort Berens Estate Winery
2020 White Gold
Arisa Nishida | Wine Director
Il Caminetto, 604-932-4442
ilcaminetto.ca
This season, we’re proud to spotlight a wine that’s close to home and even closer to the heart. Our selection comes from Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet, just two hours northeast of Whistler. As the first winery in the region, Fort Berens has helped shape B.C.’s emerging wine identity. Their wines are crafted entirely from estate-grown grapes — 100 per cent Lillooet fruit, making them a true expression of place.
This pick is deeply personal to me. I met founders Heleen Pannekoek and Rolf de Bruin in 2009, their first year planting vines and my first year in Canada. I’ve watched those early plantings grow into thriving vineyards that now produce remarkable wines. So, serving their White Gold Reserve Chardonnay at Il Caminetto feels like a full-circle moment.
This wine has a beautiful, intriguing, golden colour. On the nose are aromas of stone fruits, citrus, toasted almond, and a touch of honeysuckle. The palate offers a rich, buttery mouthfeel with notes of pear, apple, and pineapple, finishing with vibrant acidity.
This well-balanced Chardonnay has quickly become a staple pairing for our signature lobster saffron linguine, celebrated by our culinary team, embraced by guests, and a proud showcase of local excellence.