This seminar gave me a good selection of wines at different price points. The session included reds, whites, rosés, and sparklers recommendations. All wines are $37 and under! It was led by Christine Campbell, FWS of Girls Go Grape, and Australian-born Dr. Damien Wilson, whose career in the wine biz has included over 100 publications and presentations.

Recommend: SVM Chamdeville Blanc de Blancs Brut $15.99

This one is highly carbonated, medium complexity, medium length, better than expected considering the price. Would be great to take to parties or put into a secret santa!

Ogier Ventoux Rosé $23

This wine has the classic trifecta grapes of rose in that area – Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.

Chateau Pesquie Terrasses AOC Ventoux Blanc $25

This wine dances on the palate, it is harmonious and aged in concrete and stainless steel. Would be a great summer wine.

Francois Lurton Fumées Blanches $15

Smells like mushroom! 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and it is sourced all over France. Christine has been buying this for 8 years

Hugel Classic Pinot Noir $37

Excellent value, would be very good paired with charcuterie and cheese, or mushroom risotto. Can cellar for 2-3 years. Our flavour notes are that it is balanced, elegant length, and is a classic expression of Pinot noir.

Le Croizillon Cahors Malbec $32

Inky in colour. Hailing from 33 year old vines, this wine organic and sustainably farmed. It almost pops and is alive on your palate, and has a fantastic length. It’s very easy drinking. Blackberry and blueberry flavours. Not as spicy as Argentinean Malbec.

RECOMMEND: Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Villages $20

Grenache and syrah, this can be cellared for up to 5 years. No animal products used in production. Christine rates it 92/100 and we love this wine for its value.

Ogier Heritages Côte du Rhône Rouge $20

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Marseian, the tannin and oak come through in the flavour. It can be paired with game or meat. This bold, complex and intense wine has a beautiful length, and can cellar for maybe 5 years.

RECOMMEND: Gerard Bertrand Corbieres GSM ‘An 806’ $20

This one is available at the BC Liquor Store, and this is smoother than Ogier GSM. This wine is very balanced, and would be a great crowd pleaser gift.

Chateau Daviaud Bordeaux Rouge $20-25

This wine is also available at BC Liquor Store. It is Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Malbec, with stong tannin notes. It needs time to mellow out, which would make this a good gift for a wine collector.