Sabrage, Sparkles & Sips: A Wine Lover’s Tour Through British Columbia’s Fraser Valley

British Columbia’s wine scene is overflowing with cool-climate elegance, and the Fraser Valley—just a short drive from Vancouver—is one of its most accessible and charming regions. 

After visiting the Canadian wine strongholds of Ontario and Okanagan, we were eager to check out this new-to-us area. Known for its crisp whites, expressive reds, and growing reputation for traditional method sparkling wines, the Fraser Valley offers a mix of boutique wineries, passionate winemakers, and unforgettable tasting experiences. During our recent visit, we explored three standout wineries that showcased the artistry and soul of BC wine: Township 7, Backyard Vineyards, and Chaberton Estate Winery.

Saber & Sip at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery

As many of you know, I love to saber sparkling wine—and on this trip, I had the chance to perform my first international sabrage! Thanks to Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, a winery acclaimed for its Seven Stars sparkling collection, I got to pop a bottle in style during their Saber & Sip tasting experience.

This unique offering includes a guided tasting of their traditional method bubbles and the thrilling opportunity to saber a bottle yourself—outdoors, with a vineyard view and a gleaming Champagne saber in hand. The setting featured a perfect “launch” area for sabrage, with a stack of wine barrels as a target. I was offered a plastic face guard, which was similar to one on an NHL helmet. Needless to say, I declined.

Polaris, a Chardonnay-based sparkler, was the one I chose to saber. The wine offers a taste of brioche with creamy perlage and citrus notes. In the interest of improving international relations, we shared the sabered wine with our new Canadian friends. We also sampled the Riegel (Riesling-based), Sirius (a Pinot-Chardonnay blend), and Aurora, a Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir. It was surprising to discover a winery specializing in bubbles in the midst of Langley, BC.

Our host, Zulie Visram, led us through a delightful tasting overlooking the vines. Each of the Seven Stars wines had its own personality, and the experience was pure magic. If you’re visiting the Vancouver area, Township 7 should absolutely be on your itinerary—especially if you’re ready to channel your inner sword-wielding sommelier.

Legacy and Rare Grapes at Chaberton Estate Winery

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Chaberton Estate Winery, one of British Columbia’s oldest and largest estate wineries. We were warmly welcomed by winemaker Gary Zhygailo, who gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard, production area, and barrel room. Joining my wife and me were Margot Savell (@writeforwine) and her husband, Dave—dear friends from our Wine Bloggers Conference days dating back 15 years.

Gary, originally from Ukraine, brings heart and energy to every bottle. His guided tasting introduced us to Chaberton’s 55 acres of vines, including rare grapes like Ortega, Bacchus, and Siegerrebe. The 2024 Dry Bacchus was a revelation—floral and peachy with lovely stonefruit notes. This was our first taste of this grape – and we loved it. The winery also offers an off-dry Bacchus, which is their best seller.

The 2024 Pinot Gris, aged partially in barrel and on the lees, delivers a smooth, textured package with notes of grapefruit, ginger, and lemon. The 2023 La Fleur de Chaberton Rosé, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, was fresh and minerally with hints of watermelon.

Among the reds, the 2023 Estate Zweigelt (15 months in neutral oak) stood out with vanilla and spice, while the 2019 Cabernet Franc Reserve was silky and rich with cocoa and currant. The crowning wine was the 2020 Meritage from the Okanagan Valley VQA —a heavenly blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Chaberton is a true gem, offering unexpected varieties and a warm welcome that made our visit an epic wine adventure. 

Cozy Charm and Bold Reds at Backyard Vineyards

Our final stop in Langley was Backyard Vineyards, nestled in the Fraser Valley just 45 minutes from Vancouver. This cozy, welcoming winery is the second-oldest in the region, with roots dating back to 2000. We opted for the reserve tasting and paired it with a delicious charcuterie board—an ideal way to unwind after a day of vineyard hopping.

Backyard Vineyards is known for its 100% BC wines, and the 2022 Bacchus white wine was a standout. This grape thrives in the Fraser Valley’s cooler climate, and the wine was bursting with peach and tropical fruit. The reds were equally impressive. These grapes are sourced from the southern Okanagan Valley, except for five acres of estate Pinot Noir. The 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc dazzled with cranberry, plum, and pepper, while the limited-production 2020 Reserve Meritage (just 120 cases!) offered crushed strawberry and tobacco notes.

We couldn’t resist bringing home the award-winning 2020 Reserve Syrah, a savory treat layered with raspberry, dried herbs, and licorice. With its gazebo and outdoor seating overlooking the vines, Backyard Vineyards is a perfect sipping spot for your next BC adventure.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s Fraser Valley is more than just a wine region—it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and every tasting comes with a story. Langley is a short drive from Vancouver, giving you a chance to escape the big city for a relaxing day in wine country. Whether you’re sabering sparkling wine at Township 7, sipping Syrah at Backyard Vineyards, or exploring rare grapes at Chaberton Estate, you’ll certainly find something to love. And for me, it was a chance to reconnect with old friends, discover new favorites, and raise a glass to the brilliance of BC wine.

Collavini's Broy: Evolution Of An Iconic Friuli White Wine

Friuli Venezia Giulia is a compact yet captivating wine region nestled along Italy’s northeastern border with Slovenia. The complexity of its wines stems from a unique interplay of Alpine and Mediterranean influences—cold winds from the Alps lend high acidity, while coastal breezes bring salinity and body.

By Dave Nershi, CSW

The Social Soul of Friuli Wine Culture

Wine is woven into Friulian life, and few bottles speak its language more eloquently than Broy DOC Collio from the historic Collavini Winery, founded in 1896 in Rivignano. First crafted in 2003, Broy is a white blend of 50% Friulano, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc—an elegant trifecta that reflects the region’s terroir and winemaking philosophy.

Tracing the Broy Timeline

At a recent online tasting, I had the privilege of sampling six vintages of Broy, each illustrating a distinct era in its evolution. According to Luigi Collavini, great-grandson of founder Eugenio, the wine has seen three stylistic phases:

- 2003–2008: A bold, powerful white wine

- 2008–2018: A focus on purity—“less winery and more vineyard”

- 2018 onward: Introduction of barrel aging and a new label

Let’s take a stroll through each vintage.

2022 Vintage

The growing season was highlighted by drought and an early harvest. The lack of rain caused some trees to die. Hot winds signaled the reality of climate change. Irrigation in Friuli is only used in emergencies and only in the valleys. Luigi likened irrigation in the vineyard to doping in sports.

In the glass, the wine is a straw yellow color with golden highlights. On the palate, notes of tree fruit and pineapple are present. The wine gets nine months of oak aging, but it is done with finesse. The wine is elegant and balanced with an engaging minerality.

2021 Vintage

This year had a more typical season, with a cool spring and some frost. This edition of Broy offers more acidity while maintaining good balance. The vineyard soil was once a seabed, and that adds beautiful minerality. Salinity, a trademark of Broy, is also evident.

The wine is complex, and the fascinating aroma weaves together wildflowers, spice, and peach. It is creamy and round, lifted by bright acidity. The palate offers apricot, honeyed peach, and flint. This wine, a favorite with critics, delivers elegance with a flourish.

Luigi Collavini - Photo courtesy of Collavini

2018 Vintage

“Revolutions are very welcome,” Luigi says, referring to this vintage, which introduced barrel aging to the Broy line. Growing conditions were perfect, and the crop was more abundant than in previous years. 

The color is a rich golden yellow. The aroma is a layered bouquet of ripe peach, mango, and a touch of banana. The barrel aging is done in a restrained Burgundian style, present but not obtrusive. The palate opens with juicy peach and tropical fruit, followed by some salty mineral notes and vibrant acidity, leading into a lingering finish.

2017 Vintage

The harvest season was warmer than average, with the overall crop reduced by 20%. The last vintage before the introduction of the barrel-aging regimen, this wine tasted very different than the newer vintages. Stainless steel finishing resulted in a focus on freshness and minerality.

The wine, eight years on from harvest, is deep gold in the glass. It tasted more austere and focused, contrasting with the opulence of the 2022 and 2021. The tropical notes were more muted with a mineral-driven leaness. This was a wine that looked suspect when I received the shipment due to a moldy-looking cork. However, the wine inside was fine, and this turned out to be one of my favorites.

Collavini vineyards and winery - Photo courtesy of Collavini

2013 Vintage

My 2013 vintage bottle was faulted, not surprising when you are tasting a white wine that’s 12 years old, shipped halfway around the world. (Collavini was kind enough to send another bottle, but it didn’t survive the shipping process.)

Fellow participants enjoyed the candied fruit and savory flavors of the wine, which still maintains its structure and minerality. 

2011 Vintage

The 2011 vintage began with temperatures above average. The summer was characterized by cool and humid weather, interrupted by a brief period of intense heat. The harvest season was warm and dry.

A deep golden color captures your attention before the first sip. The aroma is of tropical fruit and flint, hinting at aged elegance. The palate has deep savory notes, including tart apple, dried herbs, and sweet spice. This is a wine to sip and contemplate while enjoying the surprising freshness of a 14-year-old wine.

My first tasting experience with Collavini’s Broy made an indelible impression. The wine is rich, aromatic, and complex. Decades may come and go, but the elegant Broy DOC Collio remains a benchmark in Friuli wine. 

Exploring The Heart Of Texas Hill Country Wine

Texas is the home of longhorn steers and 10-gallon hats, but it’s also home to a flourishing wine scene that’s gaining national and international recognition.

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Texas Hill Country, in central Texas, nestled between Austin and San Antonio, boasts more than 100 wineries scattered across limestone hills and pastoral landscapes. The region offers wines that are as bold and inviting as the people who craft them. From Italian varietals nurtured in the High Plains to creative blends made with innovative hybrid grapes, Hill Country winemakers are proving that Texas wine is no longer a curiosity—it’s a destination.

On a recent trip, using Austin as our home base, we visited three standout wineries that showcase the region's diversity and charm. Each is located in the Texas Hill Country AVA, the third-largest in the country. The AVA encompasses nine million acres.

Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa – Where Innovation Meets Elegance

Our first stop was Carter Creek Winery, where winemaker Jon McPherson leads the charge not only here, but also at South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. (Fun fact: Jon will be a panelist at the upcoming International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association conference.)

Tasting room manager Katie welcomed us with a refreshing Texas High Plains Brut and a sparkling Tempranillo rosé. The Brut has a touch of fruitiness and is 85% Chenin Blanc with smaller amounts of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. 

Among the whites, the smooth 2023 Roussanne is a classic Texas favorite, but it was the 2023 Chenin Blanc—with lively citrus and green fruit notes—that stole the show for me.

A fascinating side-by-side tasting of Sangiovese blends (one from Temecula, one from Carter Creek) showcased how terroir influences style. Carter Creek’s flagship red, Maverick, impressed with crushed cherry and plum. Like many of the wines in the region, the grapes are grown in the Texas High Plains AVA. Mourvedre and Carignan share the spotlight at 27% each, with Syrah, Cinsaut, and Counoise making this blend dance with red and black fruit and leather and smoke accents.

As we wrapped up, GM Derek Stutz dropped in—and after a brief chat, gave Katie the nod to pour a limited gem: the 2023 Estate Red. Made from two disease-resistant hybrids, Errante Noir and Paseante Noir, the wine evoked bold, deep flavors reminiscent of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Carter Creek was among the first to plant these vines, and the result was remarkable.

Driftwood Estate Winery – Hilltop Hospitality with a View

Driftwood Estate Winery proved to be warm and welcoming. Family-run and veteran-owned since its founding in 1998, the winery sits on a bluff with sweeping views of its 18-acre estate vineyard.

I first discovered Driftwood back in 2011 while ordering wine for a board dinner in Austin. The Moonshine Grill restaurant had a nice assortment from the Lone Star State. That bottle of Longhorn Red changed my perspective on Texas wine, and tasting the 2019 vintage on this trip was a full-circle moment. This Syrah and Cabernet Franc blend remains smooth and easy to love.

Other standouts included the Cuvee Blanc—a refreshing blend of Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier—and the bold 2019 Newsom Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of cherry, vanilla, and baking spice. Newsome Vineyards is a standout grower in the Texas High Plains. Nineteen grape varieties are grown, and the vineyard supplies grapes to more than 10 top Texas wineries.

While Longhorn holds sentimental value, we couldn’t leave without the 2019 Sangiovese, a full-bodied delight brimming with dark cherry, plum, and herbal accents, finishing silky smooth.

Driftwood is ideal for lounging under shade trees, wine glass in hand, charcuterie on the side, and the quiet magic of Hill Country all around.

Duchman Family Winery – A Tuscan Escape in the Lone Star State

No trip to Hill Country is complete without a visit to Duchman Family Winery, one of Texas’s top wine destinations and certainly one of the prettiest. With its Tuscan-style tasting room and picturesque grounds, it’s a place that feels like a European escape—yet every wine is 100% Texan.

GM Tommy Wellford curated a superb tasting for us featuring grapes sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, ideal for Italian varietals thanks to its elevation and climate. Their top-seller, Vermentino, delivered crisp lemon and lime—perfect on a sizzling hot Texas day.

We tasted layered expressions of Rhone grapes, including a 2023 Viognier and stainless steel-aged Roussanne. Texas is on the way to becoming one of the largest producers of Roussanne outside France. Roussanne can be complex and is also heat-tolerant, which is important in this sun-drenched state.

Their 2023 rosé, a blend of Dolcetto and Montepulciano, is summer in a glass. The light-bodied Sangiovese felt tailor-made for the season, while the 2019 Montepulciano, with blackberry, plum, and a hint of pepper, made it clear why it’s a multi-award winner.

My personal favorite? The bold and beautifully structured 2018 Aglianico, offering dark cherry, cooked fruit, and dried herbs—a wine that lingers long after the last sip.

Final Thoughts

We started our Texas getaway with blues at Antone’s in Austin with Eddie 9 Volt, and we continued rocking in Texas Hill Country – a thriving wine region with passionate winemakers, bold varietals, and unforgettable hospitality. From hybrid reds at Carter Creek to hilltop views at Driftwood and Italian elegance at Duchman, this journey captured the unbridled spirit driving the Texas climb to wine excellence.

The World’s Oldest Wine and a Georgian Supra

We host a celebration of Georgian food and wine with an Old World style.

In 2015, archeologists digging in a Neolithic site near the Republic of Georgia capital of Tbilisi, made a remarkable discovery. They unearthed ancient clay vessels called qvevri containing residue of grape seeds and juice that were radiocarbon dated to 6000 BC. It’s considered the oldest evidence of winemaking, earning Georgia the sobriquet of the birthplace of wine.

Eight thousand years later, the egg-shaped qvevri is still used to make wine, making 8,000 years of unbroken tradition. That’s worth celebrating, and we did during a recent supra, a traditional Georgian-style feast that blends food, wine, poetry, and philosophy into an unforgettable experience.

The supra was a collaboration with good friend Arthur Barham of Merlot2Muscadine. We previously partnered on an epic Judgment of Paris anniversary dinner. With input from Tom “Tommo” Williams of Eat This! wine tours in Georgia, with whom I worked on a webinar for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, we set about meticulously planning our supra.

Our dinner party of 12 included good friends well-known for high-level culinary chops. Each couple was assigned a traditional Georgian dish, which Arthur and I paired with a Georgian wine. We incorporated Tommo’s input from half a world away. 

The toastmaster and culinary guide for the supra is the tamada. He is the mood maker that keeps the energy flowing and sets the tone with heartfelt toasts. The tamada weaves in stories, humor, and even poetry. Arthur and I shared the role, using a stole around the neck to indicate who was the tamada.

Arriving guests were greeted with a special treat, an Arthurian Pomegranate Mimosa. The sparkler featured a frozen cylinder of pomegranate juice that released its chilled goodness as you sipped. Just perfect, as we learned about the history of Georgia, its wine, and its culinary roots. Pomegranates symbolize fertility, good fortune, and prosperity in Georgian culture.

The group enthusiastically learned the toast of Sakartvelos Gaumajros (Victory to Georgia!). I can still hear the shouts of Gaumajos (cheers) echoing in the house.

First Course

Kachapuri & 2021 Marani Gemieri White Blend, Kakheti

Diane and John Bomba

Kachapuri is Georgia’s beloved national dish. It’s a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese (Diane created a special blend) and topped with an egg. She finished toasting the bread to a golden brown and then sliced the bread, breaking the yolk, resulting in a gooey, comforting, heavenly bite. This was paired with the Marani Gemieri, a blend of Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Tsolikauri. This wine had a slight pop of fruitiness for a spot-on pairing. 

The first rule of supra is that no one drinks until the tamada toasts. Here is the toast for this course:

Let us lift our glasses to the One who gave us the vine and the grain, the wisdom to ferment joy, and the hands to shape khachapuri. May this wine from Kakheti reflect the light of His grace, and may this bread remind us that every meal is a blessing. To the Creator of flavor, fellowship, and feast—may His presence dwell among us as richly as this table. Amen and Gaumarjos 

Second Course

Pkhali & K’Deda Qvevri Dry Amber Wine, Tsinandali NV 

Diane and Gary Wessel

Pkhali is a vibrant and flavorful Georgian appetizer made from finely chopped vegetables blended with ground walnuts, garlic, herbs, and vinegar. Diane crafted this dish into a feast for the eyes. The rounded pkhali were sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. Qvevri wine can be tannic and oxidized. For almost all guests, this was the first taste of such a wine. The wine ferments on the seeds and skins, and in this case, yields a nice caramelized aroma. This wine is 100% Rkatsiteli. 

Toast: Let us raise our glasses to peace—not just the silence after storms, but the quiet strength that grows like herbs in the garden of our hearts. As we taste Phkali, may we remember that even the humblest leaf can nourish the soul. And as this amber wine from Tsinandali touches our lips, may it remind us that time and patience turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. To peace in our homes, in our country, and in our spirits. Gaumarjos!

Third Course

Kharcho & 2023 Kakhuri Gvinis Marani Saperavi Argo

Kathy and Dave Nershi 

This is a hearty Georgian soup that blends beef, special spices, rice, and a tangy plum or tomato base into a rich, comforting dish. Kathy used a tomato base, then added pureed plum as an accent. The deep, rich soup was a perfect partner for the Saparavi Argo. More than a year ago, I gifted this bottle to Arthur. I was captivated by the ceramic jug, which features two scenes from the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts. Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece takes him to the eastern coast of the Black Sea, which is modern-day Georgia. This Saparavi is full-bodied with deep blackberry notes and earthy tones.

Fourth Course

Satsivi & 2022 Teliani Valley Tsolikouri

Natalie and Kyle Hampton

This classic Georgian dish features poultry and is served cold in a rich walnut sauce. Natalie chose chicken for this version. The green apple and tropical fruit of the Tsolikouri were a great counterpoint to the richness of the sauce. This was my first taste of 100% Tsolikouri, and I enjoyed the minerality.

Toast: Let’s drink to new life, joy, and the future of our children.

Fifth Course

Mtsvadi & 2022 Shumi Iberiuli Mukuzani & 2019 Marani Mukuzani

Arthur and Mary Barham

Mstvadi is Georgia’s answer to the ultimate grilled meat experience—a rustic, flavorful shish kebab that’s deeply woven into the country’s culinary soul. Arthur took this to an artistic level, presenting marinated pork tenderloin flavored with pomegranate molasses and garlic. It was served with pickled red onion in small cast-iron skillets. Mukuzani was first produced in 1888 and is one of Georgia’s most celebrated wines, considered the Grand Cru of Georgian reds. It is aged in oak barrels for at least three years. To quench our guests' insatiable thirst for premium red wine, I also uncorked the Marani 2019 Mukuzani, allowing us to contrast vintages. Both were exquisite.

Toast: To the women at our table and in our hearts—like Mukuzani, they are bold, refined, and unforgettable. As we raise our glasses before the fire-kissed mtsvadi, let us honor the warmth they bring, the wisdom they share, and the beauty they embody. May their laughter echo like the clink of crystal, and may their strength be as enduring as the vine. Gaumarjos!

Sixth Course

Medovik & 2023 Marani Tvishi 

Michelle and Bryant Harrison

Medovik is a classic Russian honey cake popular in Georgia. It's known for its delicate layers and rich, creamy filling. Michelle outdid herself with this decadent cake that was at least 10 layers, with a creamy filling and delicate texture. The magnificent cake was paired with Tvishi, a medium-sweet wine from Tsolikauri grapes. It’s known as Georgia’s “golden whisper of sweetness.” There are blossoms and tree fruit on the nose with pear and honeyed sweetness on the palate. It is elegant and delicate, with a long finish.

Toast: A guest is a gift from God—may our guests feel honored and welcome. Gaumarjos!

With the group properly sated with multiple toasts, good wine, and mouth-watering food, we were treated to impromptu poetry readings by Natalie and Bryant. They hadn’t known they would be reciting poems, but I like to keep guests on their toes! Bryant read Rivers of Memory, and Natalie treated us to Fields of Gold.

   

As a special bonus, Natalie had brought some homemade Georgian red wine from a church friend. It tasted delightful and well-made. She also brought a glass-stoppered flask that contained some clear spirit, chacha perhaps. Chacha is a clear, high-proof liquor distilled from grape pomace. This tamada wasn’t ready for such a high-test libation, so I continued to sip my Saparavi.

With lightning flashing and thunder booming, it was time for the final toast:

Let us raise our glasses one final time, not in farewell, but in honor of the moments we’ve shared. May the laughter echo beyond these walls, may the wine we’ve drunk nourish our spirits, and may the memories we’ve made tonight live long in our hearts. To friendship, to love, to peace – and to the road that brings us together again. Gaumarjos!