As the last few years have proved beyond any measure of doubt, the only certainty is uncertainty. But wine country is resilient. Everyone in the business of growing, making, selling and serving wine is supportive, adaptive and dedicated to making sure you have wine in your glass. And here at Vitis, we love telling their stories. In this issue, Tim Pawsey checks in with a crop of small, new B.C. wineries whose owners are chasing big dreams. Rhys Pender MW looks into the clever techniques wineries are using to combat the effects of smoke in wine. In Pipette, DJ Kearney investigates the future of oak. And Daenna Van Mulligen asks Vancouver somms for tips on getting out of a wine rut. If you turn to the same wines over and over again, it’s time to try something new. How about a Cowichan Valley Chardonnay? It’s suddenly become the Island’s most exciting new grape. Or maybe you should head to the Alps for some Chasselas from the steep, picturesque terraces of Switzerland’s UNESCO-registered Lavaux region. As we head into fall and autumn, we hope you fill your glass with something delicious and raise it to the people who helped put it there. Then join us in these pages for their stories, as well as winery listings, wine news, and so much more. We’re so very glad to have you along.
