ENJOY THESE SUMMER SIPPERS ON YOUR FAVOURITE DECK
BONNY MAKAREWICZ
PATIO WINES FOR A SAFE SUMMER
PERFECT PAIRING BY SAMANTHA RAHN
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hether relaxing on your home deck or enjoying one of Whistler’s fabulous outdoor dining spaces, this is the summer to be outside! Here are three yummy sippers to complement your après bike, swim or golf, which also pair perfectly with the season’s best patio fare. Harper’s Trail is an award-winning winery over the mountains and down the road in Kamloops, B.C. Their lively rosé, made from a blend of pinot gris and cabernet franc, won gold at both major Canadian wine competitions last year. It’s dry and refreshing but with lots of flavour to savour on its own, or with any summer fare from salads to burgers. Look for it at Nesters Liquor Store and chill well to beat the heat. When a colleague of mine declared 2021 the “Summer of Chablis,” I hopped right on board! Unfortunately, chablis may be harder to find this year as some supply chains remain impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic. In Whistler, look for some great chablis from Domaine Laroche while slurping freshly shucked oysters at one of our great restaurants. In particular, their Chablis Saint-Martin offers incredible value and showcases the crisp, mineral character which the region is known for, with a just a hint of richness to round out the edges and balance it perfectly. Fort Berens Winery is a local hero, with many locals considering it Whistler’s winery, though it is located in Lillooet. It’s worth the two-hour drive to visit this gorgeous winery and have lunch on the patio. Their cabernet franc is the ideal, all-around red to enjoy with anything off the grill, from local Pemberton veggies to a wide range of fish and meats. The juicy, fruit-driven character makes it very versatile. For those not wanting to indulge too much, how about trying out the fantastic offerings from Whistler’s craft kombucha brewer, Whistler Elixir. Their limited edition Brut offers a great non-alcoholic option with the bright acidity of a sparkling wine and a delicate, yet complex, flavour profile to sip in the sun, or pair alongside any lighter fare. It’s just the thing if you’re planning on lots of outdoor activities and adventures in the mountains! W
french at heart
west coast soul
2129 Lake Placid Road www.reddoorbistro.ca
604.962.6262 WHISTLER MAGAZINE SUMMER/FALL 2021
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