Ortega
Ortega
Sea Star 2021 Stella Maris
Canadian White
Spicy fruit aromas lead to pear and fresh apple, followed by a very long finish. The blend comprises Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Schönburger and Ortega. The winery stands on Pender Island beside a seven-acre estate vineyard. Its island grape sources also include Clam Bay Farms, while further fruit comes from growers in the Cowichan Valley. The vineyards are dry-farmed, and organic herbicide is used only when required.
Vivezza Vineyard 2025 Ortega
Canadian White
Pear, honey, apple blossom and lemon zest appear alongside floral notes. Bright acidity, a long clean finish and stone-fruit character are also present. Thirty-year-old vines grow on slopes overlooking Victoria. Whole clusters are pressed, fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the wine is lightly filtered and gently sulphited at the family’s Salt Spring Island winery.
A Sunday in August 2024 Island Vibes
Canadian Rosé
Red cherry, raspberry and strawberry accompany a light, bright profile with low tannins and refreshing acidity. Ortega and Foch are co-fermented from certified-organic fruit grown on the Saanich Peninsula. The grapes spend ten days on skins before pressing into stainless steel. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with only a trace of sulphur added. Production totalled 250 cases.
Rathjen Cellars Imperative Dry Vermouth
Canadian Fortified
Orange peel and fresh herbs lead a light, aromatic nose, with cardamom and marjoram adding warm, savoury detail. Roasted dandelion root gives the palate an earthy bitterness, while wormwood keeps the dry profile firm and focused. The fruit remains restrained, allowing the botanical layers to unfold without heaviness. The finish is crisp, gently bitter and refreshing. Serve chilled as an aperitif, over ice with citrus, or use it to bring local herbal character to a Martini.