BeeVancity

“Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit." 

This famous quote from the late Robert Mondavi was remembered during a small wine tasting in honor of what would have been his 100th year. Robert, who was legendary in the development of California wine, has affected many people during his lifetime, both directly and indirectly. 

Stuart Henry, Winemaker at Ravenswood Winery, was one of these individuals, having spent time as a harvest intern at La Famiglia di Robert Mondavi. There he made small batch Moscato, Barbera and a Super Tuscan style California blend. While he didn't work alongside Mr. Mondavi he grew very familiar with his wines and his methods of harvesting and producing. 

The Vancouver International Wine Festival was full of fantastic wine pairing dinners, one of which included CinCin and the Wagner Family of Wines.

This sold out event, boasted wines from all five of their wineries: Conundrum, Mer Soleil, Belle Glos and Caymus, highlighting their Pinot Noirs as well as their Un-Oaked Chardonnay.

While tables were being set up, and to give guests a chance to mingle, appetizers flew by and wine was flowing.

Downtown Vancouver is home to a plethora of ethnic food restaurants. But, with so many side streets, how does a person discover them all? 

That's where Vancouver Foodster came in hand with Tasting Plates Vancouver, an evening that highlighted yummy (and not so yummy) restaurants.

Foodies congregated at Vancouver FanClub as early as 5:30 p.m. to beat the rush, register, grab a bite to eat and enjoy live music, performed by Gio Levy.

With eight participating restaurants and food trucks, it was crucial not to dilly-dally like I did in order to get a taste of them all.

Some of the regulars printed out maps for the event while others planned out routes in their head. The "newbies" just went with the flow.

I strolled from place to place, wherever my feet led me.

I recently attended one of Salt Tasting Room's tasting series, with this particular one in collaboration with La Stella Winery.

"At La Stella, we celebrate the sun that ripens our grapes and brings warmth to our life, and we share that with everyone who visits us."

In this case we didn't have to visit the Osoyoos Lake vineyard, Rasoul, General Manager of LaStella Winery, came to visit us, toast a glass and share his knowledge. 

Rasoul, who has been in the wine industry since he was 19, has visited hundreds of vineyards and wineries around the world. He has an advanced degree from WSET and uses his wealth of information to teach others through seminars at corporate food and wine events, and in situations like this.