SJP!!

Exploring Albariño: A Bright New Sip

It’s has been absolutely stunning in Victoria lately — I know its not summer yet, but all this sunshine and blue skies means one very important thing: crisp white wine season is in full swing.

I think one of my favourite ways to recharge is to curl up with a good book and a glass of wine that fits the mood. There’s just something to be said about finding the perfect pairing—one that elevates both the story and the sip.

As a wine enthusiast, I’ve been spending a lot of time lately expanding my knowledge—and writing these post has been such a rewarding part of that journey. It’s given me the chance to dig deeper into a subject I never get tired of exploring. For today’s post, I wanted to keep things a little more personal. After all, this blog is about my journey: how I got here, and hopefully, how I’ll continue to grow.

I wanted to switch things up for this post since my birthday just passed—and yes, I hosted a wine tasting murder mystery party (so fun, highly recommend). While picking out wines for the night, I found myself going down a bit of a research rabbit hole. I wanted to understand what really contributes to a hangover.

In honor of March and the first day of spring, I wanted to recommend a dry white wine that’s easy to sip on.

As the weather warms up, I find myself reaching for white wines more often. Today, I wanted to explore a well-loved white varietal: Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris. Though they come from the same grape, they have many differences.

As we approach the end of February, I wanted to share one standout wine I enjoyed this month. With the colder weather, I naturally gravitate toward red wines—they feel cozier, whether you're curled up with your bestie or partner. And since February is the season of love, I chose an affordable yet romantic wine—perfect for a budget-friendly date night in.

When I first started exploring wine, I never expected some of the most exciting bottles to be found in the province I now call home. British Columbia’s wine scene is vibrant, diverse, and full of hidden gems that have deepened my appreciation for winemaking.

In contrast, Syrah from the Northern Rhône is more restrained. While it still showcases dark fruit flavours like black cherry and plum, the cooler climate results in a more structured wine with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and an earthy complexity. Expect notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and sometimes even a smoky or meaty quality. 

First things first—does your friend prefer red or white?