HJ's Top Ten VIWF Picks

By: HJ Cha

Timeless Classics: Benchmark Wines Not to Miss

Vancouver International Wine Festival

As a perpetual student of wine, I always seek benchmark expressions that define a region’s typicity and quality – especially at walk-around tastings, where clear reference points are essential for assessing other wines.

Choosing four is no easy task, but these are must-try classics, proven by time. Beaulieu Vineyard, with a 125-year legacy dating back to 1900, is one of Napa Valley’s longest continually operating wineries and is synonymous with the region’s history. From neighbouring Sonoma, Ridge’s Geyserville Zinfandel Blend, first introduced in 1966, is their longest-running zinfandel production – a field blend of zinfandel, carignane, petite sirah, and mataro from 130-year-old vines. In Italy’s Veneto, Tommasi, founded in 1902 and now run by its fourth generation, continues to set the standard for the region’s quintessence, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. And in Rioja, Marqués de Riscal, with 150 years of winemaking history, represents the enduring legacy of Spanish fine wine. Here are the specific wines that exemplify these storied producers:
Beaulieu Vineyard, Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019 $85.99
Ridge Vineyard, Geyserville Zinfandel Blend 2021 $87.99
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy 2019 $70.99
Marqués de Riscal, 150th Anniversary Gran Reserva Rioja, Spain 2016 $101.99

Sparkling Refreshers

Tasting numerous wines within a few hours can be challenging, even for highly trained professionals. Bubbles can help – whether as a refreshing start, a palate cleanser between bold reds, or a satisfying finale. Explore the diversity of styles, from Charme de l'Île to Prosecco, Cava, traditional method New World sparklers, and Champagne, with these six must-try picks that showcase each region’s distinctive take on sparkling wine.
Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee, Sonoma County, California 2014 $51.99
Tirriddis Sparkling Wines Grand Rendition Brut, Columbia Valley, Washington NV $46.99
Unsworth Vineyards, Cowichan Valley, Charme de l'île NV $30.90
Champagne Duval-Leroy, Brut Reserve NV $65.00
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Brut, Veneto, Italy 2023 26.99
Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée Brut Cava, NV $30.99

Written By:

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.