Picking Grapes is a new series that asks wine professionals to map out their complex relationships with British Columbian wines by citing the ignition point of their interest and some of their favourite wineries.

Today we put our Picking Grapes questions to Tim Butt, Wine Director for Hy’s Steakhouse in Vancouver…

What was the BC wine that you first fell in love with? Do you remember where you were? What were the circumstances?

Mission Hill Family Estate Grand Reserve Chardonnay 1992. I was living in Banff Alberta working at the Banff Springs hotel and the Banff Wine Store. It was the first time a wine from BC that we carried at the store had won an international award. It was wild watching the wine fly off the shelves and the interest that it created in BC wine at the store.

O’Rourke Family Vineyard. With 110 acres of painted vines on a 300-acre property and a state of the art winery that features 300 meters of tunnels and 12,000 square feet of cave space to store and age wine, I’m very excited to see this winery. This is a legacy winery in the making with the old-world style.

La Frenz, Painted Rock and Vanessa Vineyards. All three wineries offer a wide variety of grape varietals to try. I look forward to tasting the new vintages each year from these wineries as they always find a way to make incredible wine no matter what mother nature has in store. They all have a age worthy, Bordeaux style blend as their top wine, ideal for your cellar.

There have certainly been many changes in the way I buy wine most notably, is Zoom tastings. It’s a real advantage talking directly to the wine makers about their wines and then passing off these interesting notes to our guests in the restaurant. The serving of wine in the restaurant has changed due to travel restrictions. Guests that are missing traveling can travel the world with our wine list or stay right here in BC and create a memorable wine experience without getting on a plane.

What sort of changes, if any, do you think that the local wine industry – from wine lovers and servers, to the producers and distributors – might see in the future?

The local BC wine industry will continue to push forward with terroir driven plantings and the formation of appellations. BC wine tourism will continue to increase as the word is out that our wine is delicious well made and unique to our valleys. The wine industry in North America is pushing north and that puts a spotlight on us. Climate change will continue to effect wine making and winemakers will have to adapt.

What is the one versatile BC wine you recommend for pairing this autumn?

Hester Creek ‘The Judge’ Bordeaux blend. With the days getting shorter and the cool nights upon us, a big bowl of stew or roasted root vegetables are a great pairing with this wine. It is just as tasty with cheese and charcuterie, grilled salmon or steak.

Burrowing Owl Meritage. I love watching guests try BC wine for the first time and this wine does not disappoint. With intense dark fruit of cassis and black cherry the Meritage comes out swinging with flavour. Balanced with ripe tannins and good acidity, this wine always over-delivers.

Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay. With a strong family history of making great chardonnay, this French Burgundian clone truly delivers. Harmonious integration of fruit, Oak and texture, I would proudly introduce this wine to someone new to BC white.

Joie Rose. This is the BC rose that first got my full attention, so I would be very happy to recommend it. The pinot noir grapes bring those wonderful strawberry notes to the rose. Balanced with crisp acidy, making it difficult to put your glass down.