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Vanislander / What's Up / The Cellar: Okanagan wines to mark the year’s end in Greater Victoria
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The Cellar: Okanagan wines to mark the year’s end in Greater Victoria

The close of the year is a season defined by its rituals. Gatherings around the holiday table, the sparkle of festive celebrations, and the quiet moments of reflection all carry with them a sense of threads of continuity that tie us to the past while inspiring what is yet to come. Wine, with its ability to capture time and place in a single glass, becomes more than a pairing; it becomes part of the ritual itself. As proud supporters of B.C. wineries, we have curated these Okanagan selections to accompany defining moments – honouring tradition, elevating celebration, and creating memories that linger long after the last toast. CedarCreek Platinum Jagged Rock Chardonnay Okanagan | 2022 From the striking Jagged Rock Vineyard in the South Okanagan, this chardonnay is a true expression of place. Grown in rocky soils under intense summer sun, the fruit develops both richness and precision. Fermented with wild yeast and aged in French oak, the wine shows layers of lemon curd, green apple, and white peach, lifted by subtle notes of brioche and toasted almond. A streak of minerality carries through the palate, bringing freshness and length to its creamy texture. Elegant and complex, it is a chardonnay that speaks of both power and finesse. Perfect for pairing with seared scallops, roast chicken, or wild mushroom risotto. $57.99 (plus tax and deposit) Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Fitz Brut Okanagan | 2019 Hailing from the Skaha Bench in the Okanagan Valley, this traditional-method sparkling wine is a celebration in itself. The brut opens with lively aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and toasted brioche. On the palate, fine bubbles carry bright acidity and layers of citrus, almond, and a hint of minerality, finishing with remarkable finesse. Crafted with meticulous care, it’s a bottle that elevates every occasion from a holiday toast at midnight to pairing with oysters or smoked salmon, even popcorn by the fire. $39.49 (plus tax and deposit) Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc Okanagan | 2022 From the sun-soaked vineyards of the South Okanagan, this cabernet franc delivers intensity with elegance. Layers of ripe blackberry, cassis, and plum are framed by notes of tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and subtle spice. French oak aging lends structure with fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish of dark chocolate and cedar. Bold yet balanced, this wine is built for cool-weather fare perfect alongside braised short ribs, roasted root vegetables, or simply enjoyed fireside during the holidays. $34.49 (plus tax and deposit) Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio Okanagan | 2022 This flagship Bordeaux-style blend showcases the depth and elegance of the South Okanagan. Merlot leads the way, supported by cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, all aged in French oak for just under two years. The result is a polished wine layered with cassis, plum, and black cherry, accented by cedar, cocoa, and subtle spice. Silky tannins frame the fruit, carrying through to a long, structured finish. Portfolio is a benchmark of Okanagan red winemaking, equally at home at a festive table today or rewarding years of patience in the cellar. Perfect alongside roast beef, lamb, or rich mushroom dishes. $61.49 (plus tax and deposit)

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By Jeremy Pott, sommelier and head buyer, Cascadia Liquor

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 23:30:00 +0000
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