VANCOUVER -- It is the season of entertaining and gathering with friends and family and we are now days away from ringing in the New Year. The CTV Morning Live team spent the morning at the Signature BC Liquor Store at Cambie Street and 39th Avenue to get some inspiration for celebrating the arrival of 2020.
If you're opting to spend New Year's Eve with a cozy glass of wine, there are some great local BC VQA products available at BC Liquor Stores.
Stephen Schiedel who is a category manager at BC Liquor Stores, highlighted four recommendations that are each in a different price point. Schiedel featured Stellars Jay-Brut 2015 by Great Estates Okanagan, which is created using traditional methods. This results in a crisp and acidic flavour.
Joie-A Noble Blend celebrates the flavours of the Okanagan with a blend of gewurztraminer, riesling, pinot auxerrois, pinot blanc and muscat.
The See Ya Later Ranch-Ping Meritage 2017 brings together a blend of cassis, dark tree fruits, baking spice and toasted oak. This red pairs well with meat dishes and bold cheeses. The product consultants at BC Liquor Stores are happy to assist when it comes to pairing shoppers with the perfect wine to compliment their plans.
Given that it is time to celebrate the new year, bubbly will be taking centre stage. Barbara Philip is a master of wine and highlighted several options for your holiday entertaining, which ranged from true champagne to bubbly in a can.
The Barons De Rothschild-Brut is a champagne that is rich and complex. It can be enjoyed throughout the meal or as an apertif. Philip highlighted the Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards-Fitz Brut 2015 from the Okanagan. This cool-climate B.C. sparkling wine is made using the traditional method from 100 per cent estate-grown grapes.If you are looking for a bubbly that is easy to travel with for your New Year's Eve celebrations, Philip recommended the Scarpetta-Lambrusco Frico that comes in a can. This Italian sparkling apertivo boasts a vibrant flavour with a tart finish.
During our visit to the Signature BC Liquor Store on Cambie, we connected with mixologist David Wolowidnyk.
Wolowidnyk featured the twelfth night cocktail, which is a great addition for New Year's celebrations. The cocktail features Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka, Cranberry juice, sparkling wine and a sprig of rosemary for garnish. Although the ingredients are simple to put together, the finished product will give a sophisticated impression to your guests.
When it comes to entertaining inspiration you can pick up a free copy of Taste Magazine when you visit a BC Liquor Store location.
