Stir Cheat Sheet: 5 BC sparkling wines for New Year's Eve—that you can find in stores right now

It’s too late to order from a winery direct, but these locally made beauties are available on Vancouver shelves

By Gail Johnson

AS BC’s WINE industry has grown, so has the selection and quality of sparkling wines. Some you can only buy directly from wineries; there’s no time for that now with the countdown to 2021 about to begin.

Here are five of our favourites that you can find at BC Liquor Stores right now (check online for specific locations). Listed in ascending order by price, they’re worth the inevitable lineups.

#1

Okanagan Crush Pad Route 97 Sparkling Wine ($19.99)

Delicate pink in colour, this off-dry sparkler is made with Pinot Blanc and a smidge of Syrah.

#2

Steller’s Jay Brut 2016 (on sale for $20.99 till January 2)

This aromatic, golden bubbly is just the thing to go with late-night sashimi platter.

#3

Evolve Pink Effervescent ($21.49)

We love this dry, peachy, celebratory wine from Evolve Cellars, founded by the late Harry McWatters, the dearly missed grandfather of BC’s modern wine industry. (Raising a glass to him are his two daughters, Christa-Lee and Darrien, who continue his legacy with Penticton’s Evolve, TIME Winery, and the McWatters Collection.)

#4

Haywire Vintage Bub 2013 ($38.99)

Delightful and dry, this OK Crush Pad citrusy sparkling wine is aged for five years.

#5

Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2015 ($39.99)

Lively, elegant, and perfect on its own or with a bowl of popcorn to bid 2020 farewell.

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