Vitis Issue 8 • Fall/Winter 2021

Fall is the time to get serious, to sharpen our pencils, learn something new, and exchange frivolous patio sippers for dark, complex, thoughtful wines. It also seems like a good time to launch a new column, especially when it’s written by one of B.C.’s most knowledgeable, engaging and highly respected wine educators, DJ Kearney. DJ is an engaging writer, judge and sommelier, and she brings us insider international news and trends in her column, Pipette. We’re thrilled to dip into the wide world of wine with her.

Also in this issue: Rhys Pender MW explains why we should all be drinking more zesty, savoury orange wine. (Just leave some for us, OK?) Cinda Chavich, who wrote The Waste Not, Want Not Cookbook, samples piquette, the sustainable old-school thirst-quencher that’s all the rage right now. Tim Pawsey pays homage to wine country pioneers George and Trudy Heiss, founders of Gray Monk Estate Winery. Charlene Rooke looks into the future and sees wine tastings moving on-screen. Christine Campbell demystifies hybrids and crosses. And we talk to the pros about mushrooms, wild and cultivated, and explain how to cook them and pair them with wine.

Now, between heat domes, wildfires and variants of concern, this wasn’t quite the carefree post-pandemic summer we were hoping for. That’s why we’re delighted to share with you Daenna van Mulligen’s piece on the very good dogs of B.C.’s wineries. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face, just when we need it most.

Plus we have winery listings, wine news, and so much more.