This full-bodied wine has firm but not aggressive tannins, great structure, and ripe dark fruit flavours
Silver Medal; Wine Align Canada
Red
Common Grape Varietals: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, Blattner Cabernet Foch, Marechal Foch, Zweigelt, Marquette, Frontenac Noir
Sandhill Wines – Sandhill Small Lot One 2020
Moraine Estate Winery – Malbec 2022
A bright, floral, and fruit-forward wine that defies the concept of what a Malbec should be. Tasting notes: Growing at the razor’s edge of Malbec-ripening terroir, this intense, purple wine expresses aromas of violets, wild cherries, plums, marmalade and almonds. Food pairing: Juicy, with delicate tannins, this wine pairs beautifully with crispy duck and wild game meats. Purchase.
Malbec
Moon Curser – Touriga Nacional 2022
A consistent star in the Moon Curser portfolio, our 2022 Touriga Nacional continues to shine bright. Pronounced notes of tobacco and ripe black fruit captivate the palate, while nuances of black pepper and toasted oak add depth and structure. Purchase.
Touriga Nacional
Black Hills Estate Winery – 2022 Nota Bene
Evolving in the glass, it reveals red currant, sweet mint, and raspberry blossom. Rich yet fresh, with fine-grained tannins, it will cellar gracefully for 20+ years, while also enjoyable in its youth with decanting.
Awarded 95 points by John Schreiner
Awarded 95 points by John Schreiner
Nota Bene
Painted Rock Estate Winery 2022 Syrah
95 Points “Superb quality wine, among the top from the vintage no doubt.” John Szabo, MS, WineAlign Canada Notes of dark plums, almonds, and cracked pepper are complemented by concentrated dark fruit and blackberry leaf. Lingering hints of eucalyptus and violets. This wine is richly fragrant and poised for aging. Purchase.
Syrah
OUEST Aged 9 years in Barrel
“The fourth and final release of our Port-style wine, enjoy after dinner with an array of aged cheeses. Who needs dessert?” This special Port style wine has been aging for 9 years in barrel, hiding in the back of the cellar. Cherry jam and dark berries, cedar and cassis on the nose: chocolate, vanilla and clove and nutmeg with a hint of caramel and butterscotch on the palette with a lasting long finish. Fortified with our distilled 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. Yours to savour with that special someone. Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. 21% alcohol but dry on the palate.
Port Style Wine
Mission Hill Winery – 2022 Reserve Cab Sav
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Mary M, Gibsons, BC
We love their beautiful property but especially the Terroir Collection of wines. Our favorite is the 2022 Reserve Cab Sav.
Cabernet Sauvignon
40 Knots Pinot Noir Classic 2023
93 Pts: 40 Knots Pinot Noir Classic is an elegant, medium-bodied red with soft, velvety tannins. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice lead to a palate of juicy red fruit, delicate earthiness, and a hint of vanilla. Balanced acidity and a smooth finish make it versatile with food or enjoyable on its own, capturing the coastal vineyard’s finesse and the expressive character of estate-grown Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir
Castoro de Oro Estate Winery – Cabernet Merlot 2022
BOLD and Dry (less than 2 g/l.) This blend of cabernet franc and merlot offers vibrant notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, blackberry with notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and earthy complexity. Medium tannins and a dark ruby colour. THIS VINTAGE IS AVAILABLE, ONLY IN BOTTLES, AND (so far) IT IS ONLY SOLD AT THE CASTORO DE ORO ESTATE WINERY ON-SITE WINE SHOP OR BY DIRECT TO CONSUMER SHIPPING IN BC.
2025 All Canadian Wine Championships “Bordeaux Blend Category” SILVER
2025 Trends Top BC Wine Awards “Meritage / Bordeaux Category” SILVER
2025 Alberta Beverage Awards “Red Blend Category” JUDGE’S SELECTION – 90 at this AB competition it was competing with International and Canadian Red Blends.
Red Blend
Stoneboat Vineyards – Pinots
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Richard C, Fredrickton, New Brunswick
Delicious pinots!
Pinots
Poplar Grove – Cabernet Franc 2020
Aromas of ripe blueberry, black tea and eucalyptus. Your taste buds open with flavours of tart cranberry, bing cherry, and a subtle cedar note. Purchase.
Cabernet Franc
2022 Painted Rock Estate Cabernet Franc
Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and cured salami are complemented by hints of cedar, olives, and Italian spices, with subtle notes of violets and tomato leaf. The palate reveals well-integrated tannins supporting rich fruit flavors and savory depth. The finish is long and elegant. Purchase.
Gold Medal, WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada
Cabernet Franc
Four Shadows – 2023 Zweigelt
This rare Okanagan varietal originated in Austria. Soft aromas of cranberry and red cherry lead to a similar palate expression. Its light body and smooth profile make it a versatile pairing for a wide range of dishes. Think burgers, roasted or grilled veggies, lighter proteins like veggie burgers, pork or chicken. Naturally low in histamines, making it a go to red for those who often react to red wines. Purchase.
Zweigelt
Phantom Creek Estates – 2021 Estate Petite Cuvée
Aromas of truffle, mushroom and cassis lead to a creamy palate with minerality and fine tannins. A balanced, concentrated red from Black Sage and Golden Mile Bench. Purchase.
Petite Cuvée
Painted Rock – Red Icon
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Karen P, Heritage Pointe, Alberta
A favourite BC wine is a tough one, as there are so many. Let’s go with Painted Rock’s Red Icon.
Perfumed and dynamic, the 2021 vintage showcases dark fruit, violets, dark chocolate and pepper, complemented by cassis, blackberry, plum, and black cherries, with hints of sage, anise, and baking spices. Structured with well balanced tannins that will continue to integrate with time in the cellar.
Flagship Red Blend
Corcelettes – TALUS 2022
The flagship wine of Corcelettes, crafted from 100% estate grown fruit, and crafted from the very best rows of our vineyard. Notes of plush blackberry, dark plum and black currant. Awarded a gold medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada in 2025- a necessity for any BC wine collector. Purchase.
Talus
Quails’ Gate Winery – Richards Block Pinot Noir
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Mary M, Gibsons, BC
Beautiful property especially the outside terrace overlooking the winery. We especially loved the Richards Block Pinot Noir! Delish!!
Pinot Noir
Carter Wine Company – The Cabernets 2019
“The Cabernets” blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Expect a nose of violets, plum and cassis on this cab, all of which hint at the French oak aging. On the palate, you’re greeted by raspberry, plum, cassis and black cherry, with lovely herb notes, especially oregano, and cedar plank. The well-balanced tannins contribute to a lengthy finish. Purchase.
Cabernet Blend
Rollingdale Winery – Merlot
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Karen L, Maple Ridge BC
Karen recommends Rollingdale Winery for their certified organic wines, specifically their Merlot. “very knowledgeable and innovative.”
Merlot
Stoneboat Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Jody G., Peachland, BC
Light in colour, bold dark cherry and complex struture with a long finish. Great on it’s own or with food!
Pinot Noir
Moon Curser – Syrah 2022
A Moon Curser pillar, providing us with a consistent and magnificent wine, year after year. This Syrah is dry with a medium-full body and a rounded acidity that enhances its weight and generous texture. Complex and layered notes of blueberry, gingerbread, rose petals and chocolate. Purchase.
Syrah
Nostalgia Wines – 2021 Syrah Family Collection
A bold, stylish Syrah layered with dark cherry, mulberry, blackberry, earth, leather, and a whisper of white pepper. Balanced yet powerful, it carries through to a long, elegant finish. Aged 17 months in French oak, with one-third new, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops or robust, aged cheeses.
Syrah
Black Hills Estate Winery – Nota Bene
Visitor’s Choice Hot Pick from Mike G, Unionville, Ontario
I discovered this wine 10 years ago at skiing at Chatter Creek (BC) Cat-skiing and each year it continues to impress!
Nota Bene
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – 2021 Reserve Syrah
This 2021 Syrah displays aromas of ripe black plums, currants, violets, and vanilla with a rich, full-bodied palate, smooth tannins and a bold finish.
2021 Reserve Syrah; Gold Medal; Wine Align Canada.
2021 Reserve Syrah; Gold Medal; Wine Align Canada.
Syrah
Chaberton Estate Winery – 2021 Meritage
Aromatic and layered with notes of fresh herbs, warm spice, dark chocolate, and ripe red fruits. Smooth and balanced with medium acidity and soft, integrated tannins. Flavours of mint and red licorice unfold alongside red fruit notes, leading to a long, refined finish. Purchase.
Meritage
Domaine Artema Winery – Gamay Village 2023
The nose reveals white pepper, raspberries, earthy notes and just a touch of sweet tobacco leaves. It’s smooth and textured on the palate with rich and savoury tart cherry, red plums, crunchy pomegranate, and plenty of zip on the finish. Purchase.
Gamay
Corcelettes – Syrah 2022
A Similkameen staple varietal- this beautiful wine opens with bursts of violet florals and the gamey, meaty wildness of Syrah, with hints of rosemary, thyme, and stony minerals. The palate follows with plum, blueberry, black cherry, and a hint of black pepper on the finish. Awarded a gold medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada in 2025. Purchase.
Syrah
REV – Léon Millot 2023
Delicate flavours of cherry, blackberry, and soft chocolate, leading to a smooth, light finish. Purchase.
Léon Millot
Become a Visitor's Choice HOT PICKS Contributor
Share your enthusiasm for a BC WINE that you have discovered and loved with a word, with a picture, an experience or with a description.
Your submissions will be entered into our next giveaway draw. Fill out the form below or email us at hello@lovebcwine.ca
❤ BC Wine Visitor's Choice Recommendation Form
Your information will not be sold or used for anything other than our Visitor’s Choice feature, giveaway notifications and approved newsletter communications. Submissions will be published and credited using your first name and city.