Wine Guy: 3 special bottles to keep summer events going

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It’s already the last week of August. And though it’s true that summer technically doesn’t end until Sept. 22, let’s be honest: for most of us the summer circadian rhythm says summer stops after Labour Day. So enjoy these last remaining days and live in the sunshine to the fullest. To help, here are three bottles ready to keep summer events and gatherings going with a little sip, sip, hurrah! 

Evolve 2018 Brut Nature, B.C.

($49.99, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

Whether spiked with a little orange juice for a brunch-time mimosa, paired with a meal-sized salad, or simply sipped solo poolside, sparkling wine just adds a little something to every occasion. Plus, there’s a lot of exciting developments in B.C. bubbly. Evolve Sparkling House recently opened their doors with absolutely stunning views along the Naramata Bench, and their 2018 Brut Nature just took home the honours for best sparkling wine of the year at the 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships. It’s a lip-smacking explosion of apple skin, citrus, and brioche that is bright and quite dry (Brut Nature indicates a very dry style — in this case only 1.5g/L residual sugar).

Bottom line: A-, Both fun and classy.

Domaine Gayrard & Cie 2022 Ori, France

($36.99, #348048)

Not trying to take anything away from Rosé, but it doesn’t need to have a monopoly on the fun wine shades of summer. The ochre and marmalade hues of orange wine also pair remarkably well with summer sunsets. Ori, for example, is both an engaging and interesting bottle. Hailing from the Côtes du Tarn region in southwestern France, it’s made from 100 per cent biodynamic-grown Loin de L’Oeil grapes — the main white grape of the Gaillac commune. Four weeks skin contact has given this wine a light copper colour, great texture, enticing aromas of squashed orchard fruit and tea leaf, and a rich yet refreshing finish with lingering apricot fuzz.

Bottom line: A-, Serve with canapés and Italo Disco on the playlist.

Las Acequias 2021 Malbec, Argentina

($26.99, #466722)

Finally, don’t give up on summer grill outs just yet. When it comes to asado and wine, robust Malbec just makes for a natural, go-to pairing. The current vintage of Las Acequias available on shelves maintains this old vine, Mendoza Valley red’s suave take on the grape. Pouring a deep purple black, it wafts aromas of lush red fruit complemented by herbs and spices. Smooth overall with evident but complementary oak, in its balanced stance it manages to be both plush and composed, making for a versatile partner to serve alongside everything from ribs to ribeyes, or even a plate full of grilled vegetables.

Bottom line: B+, Plush yet composed.

The Swirl: Krug Week at Published on Main

Another great way to extend summer? Make plans to attend the upcoming Krug Week at lauded Vancouver restaurant Published on Main (3593 Main St.). As the city’s official Krug Embassy, from Sept. 12-28th the restaurant will offer an immersive dining experience built around one ingredient. This year, it’s the humble and wholesome carrot. Come for one dish or opt for the six-course Krug x Carrot Menu, and of course it all goes delightfully well with the various Krug Champagnes on offer. Reservations are available at publishedonmain.com/krug2025/.