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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Friday, March 27 2026

The First Bottles of Spring

By: HJ Cha
HJ looks at the rich diversity of grapes, styles, and stories that make BC wine unique.

April in British Columbia arrives with longer days, spring blossoms, and new life emerging from the earth, and one very good reason to raise a glass: BC Wine Month.

This annual celebration of wines made right here at home highlights the rich diversity of grapes, styles, and stories that make our wine region unique. Whether you're a lifelong enthusiast or just starting to explore, April is the ideal time to uncork something local, support local winemakers, and discover what makes BC wine special. We've tasted the current releases and curated our top picks, so pour a glass and toast the beginning of BC Wine Month.

Easter Dinner: Wines for Every Table

Starting right at the beginning of BC Wine Month, Easter weekend sets the scene for a month of celebrating local wine. And few occasions suit it more naturally. Easter gatherings often feature a mix of flavours, with menus that can range from roast lamb and glazed ham to spring vegetables and fresh Pacific salmon. Instead of searching for the perfect pairing, choose a versatile bottle. BC wines with bright acidity, ripe fruit, and adaptability are ideal: crowd pleasers that enhance the meal without overpowering it. Start with a refined traditional method sparkling, then move to the classic Easter duo of chardonnay and pinot noir, or finish with a spicy syrah or a full-bodied red blend to elevate the table.

 

Patio Season Starts Here

The first warm days of April make patios irresistible, and your wine list should reflect the mood. Think crisp rosés and aromatic, lively whites for easy outdoor sipping, along with juicy, fruit forward reds perfect for barbecues. Whether you’re hosting friends for an afternoon or enjoying a quiet moment on the deck after work, these bottles are made for those occasions.

 

Splurge-Worthy: Wines for Gifting and Celebrating

April offers plenty of reasons to celebrate, like Easter, birthdays, anniversaries, or simply the arrival of spring. It’s also the perfect time to invest in something special: sparkling wines with age on the lees, aged old vine rieslings, or BC’s renowned single vineyard reds. These wines are meant to be enjoyed now, given as thoughtful gifts, or stored away to develop over time, showcasing what BC wine can achieve with skill, patience, and great vineyards.

 

For Cool April Evenings: Wines to Warm Up With

April days may be longer, but evenings still carry a chill, which makes for the ideal moment for something richer in the glass. This is the time for BC’s deeper reds. Worth seeking out this month are the remaining 2022 vintage reds still available: a standout year in BC before the winter frosts. These wines are drinking beautifully now, no patience needed, but they also have the structure to age gracefully.

 

In partnership with Wine Growers British Columbia, eligible wineries had to be active WGBC members as of March 2026. HJ Cha DipWSET and Geoffrey Moss MW jointly tasted all submissions. Previously reviewed wines were also considered.

Written By:
HJ Cha
HJ Cha

HJ (Huijeong) Cha is a certified Sommelier and WSET Diploma holder pursuing her wine studies as a Master of Wine candidate. She holds an MA in English Literature and counts brand marketing, hospitality, production and journalism in her decade-long experience in the wine industry in Korea, California and Canada. She is based in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.