Vista18 x Lightning Rock Winery – Wine Pairing Dinner

Description

Set high above downtown Victoria, our next wine pairing dinner brings the character of Summerland to Vista 18 for an intimate evening with Lightning Rock Winery. Chef Brett Yamashiro has created a four-course menu to compliment a collection of vineyard-driven wines, moving from Cabernet Franc Pét-Nat and Viognier to Pinot Noir and a bone-dry Blanc de Noirs. Throughout the evening, each pairing will offer a different look at Lightning Rock’s approach to winemaking and the individual vineyards behind the wines.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, October 23^rd
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge
Price: $140 per person All-in pricing (includes taxes and 18% service charge).

Dinner + Wine Menu
>>Welcome Sparkling: Lightning Rock Sauvignon Blanc Pet-Nat

**amuse**
CANTALOUPE + PROSCIUTTO
whipped mascarpone, local honey, aged balsamic
>> Paired with: ‘ALVAIL VINEYARD’ CABERNET FRANC PÉT’NAT
This pour is Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from Alvail Vineyard in Oliver. The fruit was whole cluster pressed with no skin contact resulting in a ‘white’ cabernet franc expression. This unique take on cab franc showcases notes of cranberry and pink grapefruit paired with a savoriness expected from this particular varietal.

**starter**
BERRYMAN FARM’S PORK LOIN
apricot cardamom compote, fondant potatoes
>> Paired with: ‘ELYSIA VINEYARD’ VIOGNIER
This is a vibrant and clean expression of Northern-climate Viognier and these grapes are sourced within the Summerland Bench appellation. This expression of Viognier showcases notes of white peach, green apple, honeycombs and white flowers. With bright acidity to balance the typical body of viognier, there’s great balance within this varietal pour.

**main**
LOCAL SOCKEYE SALMON BELLY
risotto, charred mushrooms, stewed berries
>> Paired with: ‘CANYONVIEW VINEYARD’ PINOT NOIR
Hand harvested Pinot Noir grapes from Summerland Bench – this fruit underwent spontaneous fermentation with 25% being whole clusters. This expressive pour showcases aromas of bright red cherry, wild raspberries and a subtle hint of earth. On the palate this fresh, energetic pinot features those juicy red berry notes balanced with umami, forest floor notes.

**dessert**
COCONUT PANNA COTTA
fresh fig jam, honeycomb, hazelnuts
>> Paired with: ‘CANYONVIEW VINEYARD’ BLANC DE NOIRS
This sparkling pour is an elegant, bone-dry expression and showcases an alternative use of those same Pinot Noir grapes sourced via Canyonview Vineyard. This pour is Brut Nature so no dosage has been added and results in a clean and bright wine showcasing fresh lemon peel paired with hints of brioche.

About Lightning Rock Winery & Winery Owner, Ron Kubek (Speaker):
Based in Summerland, Lightning Rock is an independent, family-run winery focused on small-scale production, organic farming, and wines that reflect the individual character of their vineyards. That approach has earned growing national recognition, including being named one of Canada’s Top 25 Wineries at the 2025 National Wine Awards, where five of their wines received medals. Among them, Canyonview Pinot Noir earned Platinum and Canyonview Blanc de Noirs received Gold, two expressions of the same vineyard that speak to the winery’s focus on place.
The evening will be hosted by owner Ron Kubek, who acquired Lightning Rock’s vineyard sites and helped build the winery into what it is today. Known for his lively approach to wine and hospitality, Ron will guide you through the evening by sharing the stories behind the winery and the wines selected for each course.