The Expert Corner: Red, White, & Rosé

Local Alternatives to Your Favourite US Wines

Wine shopping during talks of tariffs and trade wars, what to do? We all want to shop local, and be good Canadians, but when it comes to choosing a good bottle of wine, we shouldn’t have to give up drinking Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, right?

Well, you absolutely don’t have to. In fact, we have delicious and drinkable options grown right here on Vancouver Island, and Mid Island Liquor carries vintages and varietals from some exceptional island-based wineries, as well as a personal Okanagan favourite.

Pinot Noir

Over 80% of all American wines come from California, and after living there for several years and becoming familiar with the Willamette Valley wines from Oregon, I’m certain I know a great Chardonnay or Pinot Noir when I taste one. Not to make it sound like I’m a Pinot Noir snob, but I guess I kind of am.

A selection of Zanatta Estate Winery wines, including their Pinot Noir. Image from: My VanCity

Grown and produced in the Cowichan Valley, Zanatta Estate Winery’s Pinot Noir is exceptional, and I always share it first when someone asks me for a Pinot Noir recommendation. Vintage vines grow on steep slopes in a lush valley microclimate located between Victoria and Nanaimo, and aged French barrels contribute to the subtle oak, vanilla, and tobacco notes of this wine. With a distinct pale ruby colour full of black cherry, fruity raspberry, peppery anise, and light tannins, it’s the perfect blend of fruity and earthy, and very drinkable no matter the weather or food pairing. From cheese boards to roasted meats, this Pinot will not let you down.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay usually brings California to mind, but whether you’re an aficionado or newly discovering wine, you can trust your discerning palette and know that you shouldn’t have to travel to California for a great Chardonnay.

Blue Grouse’s 2024 Chardonnay. Image from Blue Grouse Estate Winery Facebook

With rich texture full of vanilla, cedar, spice, and honey, with a citrus finish, Blue Grouse Estate Winery produces a Chardonnay that you don’t have to sacrifice location for. It’s zesty apple and cream on the nose, with faint pear notes and oak vanilla spice, balancing to produce a long, tasty finish. Again, grown right here on Vancouver Island, you cannot deny that something magical abounds in the Cowichan Valley terroir.

I prefer drier Chardonnays myself, and Blue Grouse does not disappoint while delivering a refined texture that obviously spent time in French oak barrels.

Rosé

Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about rosé! Mid Island Liquor collaborated with Winemaker’s Cut from Oliver, BC, in the Okanagan Valley, to produce Route 19 Frizzante Rosé. The Route 19 name is a nod to the North-South Island Road, where Mid Island Liquor has locations reaching from Duncan to Sayward.

The full Route 19 family of wines, including the Rosé Frizzante (third from the left).

Blending Cabernet Franc and Gewürztraminer grape varietals, Frizzante Rosé’s effervescence contributes to the refreshing stone fruit notes and crisp, flavorful aroma. Perfect for gardening weather, I love to pour myself a glass of this bubbly libation over ice while I get some vitamin D and do my annual weeding. It’s drier than sweet and deliciously drinkable.

Stop by to shop these and other local alternatives that our beautiful island home has to offer.

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Written by our Expert, Jack— Wine Aficionado and Mid Island Liquor Store Manager