FVWA wine tasting quick thoughts

Yesterday we took a very quick drive out to Langley to check out the Fraser Valley Wineries Association food and wine event. It was a packed house and splendid weather, but we were running a little late and could only drop in for less than an hour.

We made our first introductions with the new Vista D'Oro Farms Winery, Pacific Breeze Winery and River's Bend Winery. Vista D'Oro impressed with their brand new (just bottled!) releases, especially "Pink," their inviting blush blend.

Pacific Breeze have an interesting story to tell, and we look forward to visiting them out at their New Westminster (Stewardson Way) store. Pacific Breeze imports all their grapes from out of province, sourcing California and some Washington vineyards. While this does stray from the typical "home grown" coverage we usually provide here at BC Wine Lover, what Pacific Breeze produces should not be dismissed. They create lush, fruit forward wines that would add value to any occasion.

River's Bend got such a quick look from us I couldn't possibly comment. They are a very new winery (less than 2 years old) but their passion comes out in the way they describe their wines. We'll definitely keep an eye on them as they continue to grow.

Author

  • Mike Klassen is a Vancouver city councillor, communications professional, and long-time advocate for British Columbia’s wine industry. He co‑founded BC Wine Lover in 2007 with his wife Stacey, sharing stories from their travels through the province’s wine regions and spotlighting the people and places that make B.C. wine distinctive.

    In 2015, Mike led the BC Wine Appellation Task Group, guiding a province‑wide consultation that produced recommendations—later endorsed by industry plebiscite—that strengthened B.C.’s appellation standards and helped establish today’s sub‑GIs.

    His writing has appeared in the Vancouver Sun, Huffington Post, and Daily Hive, blending history, policy insight, and personal experience. Alongside his work on Vancouver City Council, Mike continues to explore vineyards across the province, champion local producers, and celebrate the evolving culture of B.C. wine.