Vancouver, British Columbia — Thursday night I had the privilege of representing The Ball Out at the Spring Sips Tasting Event at the Dockside Restaurant. It was the 10th year the event has been put on with some participants arriving directly at the restaurant while others caught a shuffle from Coal Harbour Liquor Store.
It was a beautiful spring night with a variety of different wines, beers, and distilleries for partakers to enjoy throughout the night. Personally, I was able to try most of them and definitely left Dockside with a few favorites.
The first drink I tried was a beer made by a brewery called “Another Beer Co.” Their IPA called “Hold my beer, Dad” stood out the most. It was a fruity, citrus, floral flavor that wasn’t too sweet or too bitter, but just right.
Next, I tried a wine, the Nino Franco Rustico Prusecco, (which is part of the Dream Wine company) ended up being my favorite! It comes from the Valdobbiadene vineyard located in the heart of the Prosecco DOCG production zone at the foot of the Prealps, a mountain range in the south-eastern part of the Alps. This region in the north-eastern part of Italy is most famous for the prized Prosecco vine and wine production because it has a greater concentration of high hillside vineyards. Vines are grown only on the sunniest part of the hills, at altitudes varying between 50 and 500 meters above sea level. This wine was a dry prosecco with no added sugar and had elegant notes of pear, citrus, and honeysuckle.
As the evening went on, I added another favorite to the drinks I tried. The Dry Riesling from the Okanagan Valley quickly became one I would recommend to others. This wine has a structured acidity and a rich fullness that contributes to its weight and body. Hints of honey, apple, and kiwi were evident on my palate.
As I walked around Dockside, I came across a booth serving “Bali Water”, a vodka beverage that left me pleasantly surprised. The vodka was light and refreshing while having no added sugar. “Bali Water” was created by a Canadian company that is manufactured in Vietnam. It’s a vodka that isn’t too sweet, nor too bubbly — a perfect balance.
Last but not least, the most expensive wine at the event Thursday night was the Costasera Amarone. It’s a wine with a deep ruby red with brilliant reflections. Participants could feel the intense yet elegant aromas of cherry and plum jam with spicy hints of cinnamon and cloves. Overall, it had a firm structure but was very soft on the palate with velvety tannins and a marked acidity that balances the alcohol level well. The Costasera Amarone was attractively long and full-flavored with a fruity finish and soft spiciness.
Located on Granville Island, a Vancouver landmark, this Dockside Restaurant Spring Sips Tasting Event was a beautifully located and memorable evening. Last night was an outstanding showcase of wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Be sure to give some of these reviewed options a try and check out Dockside’s next event. You get to enjoy a plethora of different spirits, good company, breathtaking views and even live music to enjoy while sipping on elegant wines, fruity IPAs, and much more.
By Leighla Claydon
