Anthony Gismondi: B.C. wine for the week of March 10, a bottle to cellar and calendar items

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The B.C. Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is accepting applications for scholarships with a deadline of March 31.

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The 2022 BCHF program is the largest ever, with $65,000 on the table, including new grants dedicated exclusively to supporting members of under-represented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community. All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.

Grant categories include culinary students, wine business professionals (sommeliers and retail workers), students enrolled in winemaking, viticulture, brewing or wine business executive programs, students enrolled, or applying for, food and beverage courses, individuals pursuing careers in bartending, distilling and spirits related businesses and more.

For more details on eligibility, visit bchospitalityfoundation.com/scholarships/.

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The 43^rd Vancouver International Wine Festival will run from May 16 to 22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around town. Tickets went on sale last week four the four International Festival Tastings (Thursday, May 19, Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21) and the rooms promotion at StayVancouverHotels.com.

Remaining public events, including winery dinners, seminars, minglers, and lunches, will go on sale April 6 at 9:30 a.m. Watch for the list of participating wineries expected in the second week of March at vanwinefest.ca.

B.C. wine of the week

Red Rooster Pinot Gris 2020, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

$17.99 I 89/100

UPC: 058976502585

The Red Rooster line up has been tweaked of late, as evidenced by this Pinot Gris that is said to be a lot of fun to drink, and it is. Balanced and packed full of perfectly ripe, juicy fruit with a hint of minerality and a touch of cool (clay loam soil) weight, all of which heightens its mouth feel. A terrific refreshing white you serve year-round with most any favourite shellfish dish — more, please. On sale all month in B.C. Liquor stores.

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Wine for the Cellar

Stag’s Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 125th Anniversary 2018, Napa Valley, California, USA 

$54.95 I 94/100

UPC: 089819042401

Stag’s Leap has shone under winemaker Christophe Paubert although he candidly admits he doesn’t do much to the wine. He likes to keep it simple, and the results are simply excellent. Their 2018 is a mix of 80 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon joined by bits of Merlot, Malbec, Tannat, and Petit Verdot, and it is a standout. Less new oak has left an impression on this wine and consumers who love the value and flavours. Fine tannins lead the way allowing the fruit to shine without overpowering, mixing blackcurrant and earthy, nutty notes of cocoa, spice, and stone dust — stock up.