Vista18 x Blue Grouse Estate Winery – Winemaker Dinner

Description

Discover the special character of Vancouver Island wine through an intimate evening with Blue Grouse Estate Winery, set high above downtown Victoria. Chef Brett Yamashiro has created an exclusive four-course menu to complement a collection of Cowichan Valley wines, moving from bright Chardonnay and distinctive Ortega to expressive Pinot Noir and a traditional-method Sparkling Cuvée aged years on lees. Hosted by winemaker Stacy Hornemann, the evening offers the unique opportunity to explore the wines with the person behind them, while experiencing the connection between local ingredients, Vancouver Island terroir, and each selected pairing.

Event Details Event:
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge
Price: $160 per person All-in pricing (includes taxes and 18% service charge).

Event Menu
>>Welcome Sparkling: Blue Grouse Charme De L’Ile Rose

**amuse**
SCALLOP CRUDO
yuzu kosho, japanese mayonnaise, local tomatoes + kohlrabi, cilantro
>> Paired with: CHARDONNAY 2024
This pour is 100% Chardonnay from the Cowichan Valley – to be specific, the grapes are from Blue Grouse’s Estate Vineyards along with Enrico Vineyard’s. This expression of Chardonnay showcases notes of bright green apples, lemon zest, hints of toasted almond along with a coastal minerality.

**starter**
CORN + CHEESE CROQUETTE
natural pastures aged farmhouse cheddar, silver rills corn, prosciutto
>> Paired with: ORTEGA 2024
This Germanic hybrid varietal is a cross of Muller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe and has been a part of Vancouver Island winegrowing since wineries were established in the 1980’s. This varietal expression showcases notes of poached pears and quince paired with a creamy and textural body.

**main**
BROME LAKE DUCK BREAST
heritage grains, local beets, cherry gastrique
>> Paired with: PINOT NOIR 2023
100% Pinot Noir sourced from the Cowichan Valley – grapes via Blue Grouse Estate Vineyards and their valued growers. The 2023 vintage was exceptional for Pinot Noir and produced wines which have a balance between structure, vibrancy, and aromatics. On the nose this Pinot showcases red cherries, cranberries, and hints of holiday spiced and on the palate these notes are only further accentuated along with hints of umami, mushrooms, and forest floor.

**dessert**
APPLE TARTE
caramelized apples, vanilla custard, brandy snap
>> Paired with: SPARKLING CUVÉE 2020
This traditional method sparkling is a blend of Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay all sourced from Blue Grouse Estate Vineyards. This vintage sat on lees for 4 years and as a result showcases notes of brioche paired with poached apples, candied nuts and a lively acidity.

Hosted by Stacy Hornemann – Winemaker
With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis, and winemaking experience spanning Napa Valley, Sonoma County, New Zealand, and South Africa, Stacy Hornemann brings a thoughtful global perspective to Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Stacy believes wine should be an authentic expression of its origin. Guided by observation, patience, and restraint, she allows the vineyard and each growing season to shape her decisions. Drawing on experience across diverse wine regions, she combines technical expertise with a deep respect for the land to craft wines that reflect the cool-climate character of Vancouver Island.

About Blue Grouse Estate Winery
Located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is home to one of the Island’s oldest vineyards and has spent decades exploring what makes this distinctive cool-climate region so well suited to expressive, site-driven wines. Its philosophy is rooted in stewardship, with an approach to farming and winemaking that respects the land and allows the character of each vineyard and vintage to lead the way. Blue Grouse also played a leading role in establishing the Cowichan Valley as Vancouver Island’s first Sub-Geographical Indication by helping define and champion the region as a distinct wine-growing area.