Tonight we were at a private, early holiday shopping experience hosted by Holt Renfrew. Not necessarily here for the luxury brand names, but instead, in person to partake in the wines being poured.
The evening doubled as a showcase for “Iconic Wineries of British Columbia”. Advertised as an experience highlighting a curated collection of holiday gifting; along with exceptional wines poured by the wine makers and wine reps, paired with festive bites created and served by the estate chefs.
The event was held after hours within the closed department store, and it spread across cosmetics and men’s wear. Guests browsed to uncovered stations and activations. The latter included a Photo Booth where glitter was added to the finished keepsake photo.
The first wine station featured sparkling numbers from Road 13 Vineyards and Mission Hill Family Estate. You had the choice between the former’s 2019 Old Vines Sparkling Chenin Blanc or the latter’s Exhilarat!on Brut Rosé as your welcome bubbling start.
Road 13 2019 Old Vines Sparkling Chenin Blanc has crisp citrus notes and toasty brioche aromas on the nose. Followed by vibrant apple and pear flavours on the palate, ending with a lengthy finish.
Mission Hill Family Estate Exhilarat!on Brut Rosé brings you back to summer with a harvest of summer fruit. It is effervescence with bright acidity, and finishes crisp.
CedarCreek Estate Winery’s Executive Chef Neil Taylor prepared a Crispy Potato Rösti with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, fromage blanc, and chives. A delicious, salty and crispy, cheesy potato bite to pair with their 2024 Pinot Noir.
Which was located right next to it, serving both the aforementioned CedarCreek Estate Winery’s 2024 Pinot Noir and the 2022 Reserve Cabernet Franc from Liquidity Wines.
The former had fresh red fruit aromas of cherries and red currents on the nose, transitioning into floral notes of potpourri and violets. It was darker, yet still delicate on the palate with a balanced, soft and fine tannin structure.
The latter is a bold red bursting with black current, earl grey tea, and cigars. On the palate you get notes of fresh tobacco leaf, chocolate mousse, and dark purple berries.
Our next food station was courtesy of Mission Hill Family Estate. Their Executive Chef Patrick Gayler prepared a Smoke Duck Tartare and Chestnuts with a parsnip and chanterelle pain perdu with sour cherries to pair with their 2020 Oculus. It was actually lighter than it reads, and a well balanced bite.
As Canada’a Most Awarded Winery, Mission Hill had their own wine table, pouring both their 2020 Oculus and the 2022 Perpetua.
The 2020 Oculus is a wine with aromas of cassis, spice, and dark cherry on the nose. Plus a similar profile of dark fruits and a hint of chocolate on the palate. Its finish extends with long and silky tannins.
The 2022 Perpetua is their white wine option. It is bright with spicy citrus for a fresh and elegant, all year round white.
The rest of the food was served as passed canapés and included caviar on a square of waffle, which was a luxurious bite befitting of the setting.
And for dessert a dainty s’mores tart was offered. This was sticky burnt marshmallow over a buttery crumbly crust. A sweet end.
We visited and tried everything except for one wine station that had a particularly longer wait. This was a shame considering I later learned that they were pouring from one of my favourite BC wineries to recommend: the artful Martin’s Lane.
In closing, this was a lovely way to learn more about the Iconic Wines portfolio; and to taste the quality coming from their estate kitchens, without taking the four hour drive to the Okanagan.
