New Yesterday: Island Wineries of British Columbia edited by Gary Hynes

Check the wine book nearest your elbow for references to Canadian wines. You’ll probably be disappointed. While most wine guides include significant sections on Australia, Argentina and other wine-producing countries you might expect Canada to be on par with, Canada most often doesn’t rate even a sneeze when it comes to international calculations. If you do find a mention of Canada, it will likely be in reference to the wines produced in the Niagara region of Ontario or the Okanagan region of British Columbia. And though there are other regions producing some interesting vintages, when it comes to the winerati, they may as well not exist at all.

Knowing all of these things it was especially rewarding to come across Island Wineries of British Columbia (Touchwood), an interesting, well-produced and intelligent book that focuses on the the relatively new wine industry springing up on British Columbia’s “Big Island.”

Edited by Gary Hynes of Eat Magazine, Island Wineries of British Columbia takes a broader approach than the title would suggest. Though local wineries and their offerings and successful varietals are covered in some detail, the book also examines local microbreweries, meaderies and other related endeavors. Included, also, is a small but complete recipe section that highlights local seasonal offerings from select restaurants. (My favorite of these: the Lemon Thyme Baked Eggs with Wild Chanterelles on Toast from Sooke Harbour House.)

Those with an interest in the wines and foods of this region will definitely want to keep an eye out for Island Wineries of British Columbia. ◊

Linda L. Richards is editor of January Magazine and the author of several books.