Book Review: John Schreiner’s BC Coastal Wine Tour Guide

You heard it here first folks. 2011 is The Year of the Wine Islands.  Ok, so perhaps not weather-wise (our exceptionally cool and wet spring and early summer playing hawk-dove with the vines). But certainly this is the year when attention is being directed to the BC vintners, vineyards and varieties grown off the mainland and on the coast. Two books profiling this emerging wine region were published this spring. The first, an overview of the Island Wineries by EAT Publisher Gary Hynes and crew (of which I am part). And the latest, arguably the most resounding voice of approval, is John Schreiner’s BC Coastal Wine Tour Guide.

For those in the industry, Schreiner needs no introduction. Canada’s most prolific wine book author, John has penned more than 10 books since his first in 1984 – the original classic – World of Canadian Wine. His best selling The Wineries of British Columba has been reprinted and updated numerous times, and is an invaluable resource for insight into the people and places of BC wine. There is certainly no one that knows the history and stories of the soils and growers better than Schreiner, on a first name basis with the producers, their families – and I would reckon – the winery dogs. His oft-updated blog, John Schreiner on wine, is one of my most-clicked bookmarks, as John is always the first to update followers on new releases, moving winemakers and freshman wineries.  So to have such a respected and admired authority focus his eagle eye specifically on the wineries of the Islands and coast is something to take note of (and for Islanders like me, to be proud of).

In his trademark friendly-yet-factual style, John profiles over 65 wineries in this portable paperback. Covering the Fraser Valley, Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, the book outlines the history of each region, the pioneers and rising stars, and his top wine picks. Full contact information is listed for each winery, as well as a glossary at the back to translate common wine terms. I love the clear colour maps on the inner front and rear fold-out covers – exceptionally useful for wine touring. I wish I had such a handy resource for my recent wine trip through Oregon’s Willamette Valley (John – looking for another project?).

BC Coastal Wine Tour Guide is an excellent guide for a tasting and touring trip in this region – for both the planning stages and on the road.

BC Coastal Wine Tour Guide – by John Schreiner

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Whitecap Books (April 30 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-1770500426

$19.95 CDN