Cheers to Tasting! The Cork It Crew Explores Limited Edition & Passport Wines

Cheers to Tasting! The Cork It Crew Explores Limited Edition & Passport Wines

Hey there, wine lovers! We’ve just had an epic tasting session with the Cork It crew and we couldn’t wait to share all the juicy details with you. We got the chance to sip through some incredible Wine Expert Limited Editions and Vineco Passport Series wines, guided by none other than Tim Ellison, Vancouver’s wine guru (aka sommelier extraordinaire).

Spoiler alert: these wines did not disappoint.

Here’s the best part — you can make these delicious brews with us for much less than what you would fork out in the BCL! Seriously, why buy when you can craft your own? 

Ready to dive in? Let’s walk you through some standout picks and how they stack up against their commercial comparisons. 

Wine Expert Limited Edition Lodi, California – Petit Verdot/Petit Sirah Blend
Price at Cork It: $9.50/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Shot in the Dark Shiraz Petit Sirah ($13.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: We were really excited to see Petit Verdot on the list this year. The bold flavours of Petit Verdot and Petit Sirah create a beautifully balanced wine with rich fruit notes and a hint of spice. Fun Fact: The grape “Sirah” is actually a French variant of Shiraz (aka Syrah), and it’s famous for producing lush, full-bodied reds. Petite Sirah (or “Petit Sirah”) is a separate grape variety, also known as Durif. It originated in France and is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. 

Staff Pick: Perfect for BBQs or any dinner party where you want to impress without breaking the bank.

Wine Expert Limited Edition Riverland, Australia – Fourtitude (Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Mataro Blend)
Price at Cork It: $9.83/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Penfolds Shiraz Cabernet ($13.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: If you love a big, bold red, this one’s for you! Fourtitude is like a meal in a glass — rich, complex, and seriously satisfying. Fun Fact: Mataro, also known as Mourvèdre, is a spicy grape that brings structure and earthiness to the blend.

Wine Expert Limited Edition Riverland, Australia – Double Blanc (Chenin Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc Blend)
Price at Cork It: $9.19/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Spier Signature Chenin Blanc ($14.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: Crisp, fresh, and bursting with acidity! This wine has a clean, vibrant finish that pairs wonderfully with light dishes. We tried it with a smoked salmon and cream cheese crostini — absolutely divine! Fun Fact: Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape used in everything from sparkling wines to dessert wines. In fact, this would be a wonderful wine to inject Co2 for a bright & citrusy bubbly. 

Wine Expert Limited Edition Maipo, Chile – Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Blend
Price at Cork It: $9.50/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Baron Philippe Cab Sauv/Carmenère ($14.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: Chile is absolutely crushing it with Carmenère right now! This blend is smooth yet full of personality, and it was a total group fave. Fun Fact: Carmenère is often called “the lost bordeaux” but it’s now thriving in Chilean vineyards. Definitely one for your wine rack! Andie’s Top Pick for red! This girl has taste!

 Wine Expert Limited Edition Machuela, Spain – Besito (Macabeo & Moscato Blend)
Price at Cork It: $9.19/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Torres Vina Esmeralda ($18.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: Looking for a unique white wine? Say hello to Besito (which means “little kiss” in Spanish). This delightful blend is slightly sweet and delicate. It’s an absolute hit for summer weddings, parties, or just sipping on the patio with friends. Fun Fact: Macabeo is one of the three main grapes used in Spain’s famous Cava sparkling wines. So this wine will also do well as a frizante. 

We also had a blast comparing our Vineco Passport wines, which offer even more exciting flavour profiles! Here’s what we loved:

Vineco Passport Lodi, California – Pinot Grigio/Gewürztraminer Blend
Price at Cork It: $9.19/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Long Shot Pinot Grigio ($16.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: If you like your Pinot Grigio with a twist, this is your jam. The addition of Gewürztraminer brings a surprising dry finish and floral nose, without overpowering the bright acidity. Who doesn’t love  a good Pinot? Even better; A Pinot blend!

Vineco Passport Riverland, Australia – Petit Verdot Shiraz Blend
Price at Cork It: $9.50/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Pirramimma McLaren ($29.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: This blend is a powerhouse of flavor. Petit Verdot adds intensity, while Shiraz gives it a juicy, fruit-forward punch. If you’re a fan of bold reds, this one’s going to be your go-to! 

 Vineco Passport Lodi, California – Grand Red (Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot)
Price at Cork It: $9.83/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99 + tax at BCL)

Tasting Notes: Bold, complex, and perfect for aging in our oak barrels. This is the ultimate “dinner wine,” whether you’re pairing it with steak or sipping it on its own. We are planning on having this group barrel aged and it will be ready for bottling in late 2025. Stay tuned!

Vineco Passport Languedoc, France – Marselan Merlot
Price at Cork It: $9.50/bottle (tax included when you make 30 bottles)
Commercial Comparison: Domaine de la Mordorée ($30.99 + tax at BCL)

 

Tasting Notes: Our top pick from all the reds! Marselan is a rare gem, combining the structure of Cabernet, this was definitely a staff favourite, and trust us — you’ll want to stock up on this one.

 

We had an absolute blast tasting through these incredible wines, and it only made us more excited to share them with you! Our whole crew is pumped to help you get these Limited Edition and Passport Series wines into your cellars, because trust us—they’re too good to pass up. But remember, these beauties are available on a pre-order basis, and the deadline is fast approaching! So, don’t miss out on securing your batch of these fantastic wines. Let’s get your wine journey started at Cork It!

Got questions? Want to book a wine-making sesh? Drop us a line or stop by the store! Let’s raise a glass to great wines and even better deals.

 

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Cork It Wine Making

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1427 Crown Street
North Vancouver, BC V7J 1G4
(604) 986-7475

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Tuesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
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Monday Closed

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