Imagine the movers and shakers of five of B.C.'s top wineries talking about one of their current releases and library editions at an exclusive master class — and pouring you and few friends a sample of each.
That's what's being offered in Coquitlam next month as the key principles launch an updated version of BC Uncorked, a wine and food showcase modelled after the Vancouver International Wine Festival.
John Gerum of West Coast Experiences, the company organizing BC Uncorked on March 11 (as well as the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival on March 9 and 10), said this year's event has moved from Heritage Woods secondary in Port Moody to Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club to meet demand.
"We're pumping it up a notch," said Gerum, who last year also brought on certified wine steward, red seal chef and French wine scholar Kristof Gillese as the company's wine director and instructor.
Gillese said he approached B.C. producers to ask them how to connect better at major wine festivals. Their response? They wanted to be on site to shake hands with tradespeople and consumers alike.
For BC Uncorked, Gillese will host a master class for each group that includes talks from JAK Meyer from Meyer Family Vineyards, Leslie D’Andrea from Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Lauren Skinner from Painted Rock Estate Winery, Eric von Krosigk from Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Sandra Oldfield from Tinhorn Creek Vineyards; the public class is a two-hour lesson prior to the VIP opening of BC Uncorked.
Guests will learn about the age-ability of a particular grape, from two or more years back to the present. "It's all about telling the story of the wine and the company," Gillese said. "It's history in a bottle."
Added Gerum, "It's the only art form that you have to consume."
Gillese, who worked in 2003 with Rob Feenie, one of Canada's most recognized and celebrated chefs, said he and Gerum want BC Uncorked to be the premiere wine and food tasting outside of Vancouver.
"Just because we have a bedroom community doesn't mean we don't have consumers who also enjoy a high-quality lifestyle as downtown," Gerum said. "There's a thirst for knowledge and a passion here."
Gillese cited the example of Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna, whose organic sparkling wine has clinched international awards and critical acclaim. "They keep putting themselves out there," he said.
Over the past decade, the B.C. wine industry has seen tremendous growth. Still, "I don't believe in supporting B.C. just because it's B.C.," Gillese said. "They have to challenge themselves and grow."
• Tickets to the master class on March 11 are $109 plus tax. Admission to the eighth annual BC Uncorked, which is sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, is $65. Partial proceeds will support The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Visit bcuncorked.com. Meanwhile, for tickets to the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival, also happening on Westwood Plateau, on March 9 and 10, visit coquitlambeerfestival.com.
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