East Van Wine Academy
Want to actually have fun while doing so?
The East Van Wine Academy produces wine events that don't suck at Vancouver's legendary Waldorf Hotel. All events are produced and hosted by local wine writer and consultant Kurtis Kolt, who likes a good time just as much as you do.
Let's find a splash of something you'll like...
Sem And The City
Tuesday, June 5th | 7:00 pm | $20 | The Waldorf Hotel
Semillon, or ‘Sem’ as it’s casually known, is a golden grape with roots in Bordeaux but is known the world over for making a dynamic array of wine styles. From the high-acid, bone-dry citrusy versions found commonly in Australia’s Hunter Valley to the rich, butterscotch-laden peachy style of Washington State’s legendary L’Ecole No. 41, the grape enjoys a devoted cult following around the globe.
“Sem And The City” launches Kurtis’ 2011 Wild-Ferment Semillon, an Okanagan Crush Pad release that’s part of their Wine Campus series, along with a global tour and tasting of a half-dozen notable Semillons from France, Australia, B.C. and more.
This event will be a stand-up, casual affair with a killer live soundtrack spun by Rico Uno of ‘The Freshest’, interactive visuals by Jesse Robinson Williams, and a host of artisanal snacks to illustrate Semillon’s food-pairing potential.
Partial proceeds from the event, already half the price of regular EVWA evenings, are going to the BC Hospitality Foundation.
Click here for tickets!
Blending Bootcamp
Tuesday, March 13th | 6:30 pm | $40 | The Waldorf Hotel
THIS IS A PAST EVENT!
Co-hosted by Tinhorn Creek’s critically-acclaimed Chief Winemaker, Sandra Oldfield!
While we all enjoy our single-varietal wines, from Pinot Noirs to Chardonnays, there’s a reason why some of the best wines in the world, whether Bordeaux or Super-Tuscans, are made from blending different grapes together. After a virtual tour and tasting through the many sub-regions and grape varieties of the Okanagan Valley, use your new-found knowledge to create your perfect BC blend!
Click here for tickets!
East Van Wine Academy vs. Had A Glass
Tuesday, February 7th | 6:30 pm | $40 | The Waldorf Hotel
THIS IS A PAST EVENT
Join the EVWA’s Kurtis Kolt & Province ‘Wine Guy‘ James Nevison, author of the popular Had A Glass book series, as they battle it out to find the best bargains on store shelves today.
A stand-up, casual affair (with a killer soundtrack) where the gents present eight wines apiece tournament-style, then your tasting and voting determine the top ‘Under $20’ white & red in the market. A great way to learn many regions and varietals that are off the beaten path, and find a slew of new favourites along the way!
THE RESULTS ARE IN!! Round-winning wines in BOLD!
JN- James Nevison’s choice | KK- Kurtis Kolt’s choice
(all wines available at gov’t liquor stores unless otherwise noted)
Sparkling:
Cristalino Brut | Spain | $12.99 | JN
Veuve du Vernay Brut Rose | $ 13.99 | France | KK
Aromatic White:
Donnafugata 2009 Anthilia | Italy | $17.99 | JN
Ganton & Larsen Prospect 2010 Riesling | BC | $12.99 | KK
Rich White:
Cabriz 2009 Dao Encruzado | Portugal | $17.99 | JN
Cono Sur 2010 Viognier | Chile | $10.99 | KK
Pink:
Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rose Table Wine | BC | $20.00 | JN (Private Wine Stores Only)
‘Les Legeriens’ Rose d’ Anjou Alliance Loire | France | $14.95 | KK
Light Red:
Mt. Boucherie 2010 Estate Gamay Noir | BC | $14.99 | JN (Private Wine Stores Only)
Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ 2009 Pinot Noir | Australia | $14.99 | KK
Rich Red:
Chateau de Valcombe 2009 Syrah-Grenache | France | $12.99 | JN
Yecla 2009 Lujuria | Spain | $9.98 | KK
Dessert:
Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc | Chile | $14.99 | JN
Domaine Du Clos Du Bourg Touraine Chenin Blanc Demi Sec | France | $15.99 | KK
Fortified:
Lillet | France | $16.99 (375ml) | JN
Alvear Amontillado Sherry | Spain | $ 14.49 | KK
(For more thorough results & bottle-shots, check out the EVWA post on Vancouver Is Awesome)
