Vinica program helps widen access to wine sector

The Vinica Education Society's Equity in Wine Leadership program breaks down barriers for British Columbians from minority ethnic and racial groups to participate and advance in the B.C. wine industry.

Vinica's program is free for qualified participants. It includes globally recognized Wine and Spirit Education Trust credentials, B.C. Wine Ambassador courses, mentorship from top international BIPOC wine pros and internships at B.C. wine businesses. The hybrid training takes place online and in-person between Feb. 21 and April 21 with three weeks of classes in Kelowna and a two-week internship. Travel and accommodation support is provided for participants from outside the Okanagan Valley. BIPOC British Columbians seeking a new career path interested in wine should visit vinica. ca to learn more.

Coming off its recent Michelin ■

Star awards, the AnnaLena team has relaunched Their There, a coffee shop and café at 2042 West 4th Ave., as a full-service, all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant. Three styles of eggs Benedict are on the menu, acting as a nod to the early days of the AnnaLena “Benedict Brunch,” and fans of the Oakwood Bistro will be happy to see the signature beef brisket hash. At the same time, hot chicken and cornbread waffles are destined to become an instant menu classic. In addition, Their There will continue serving its mochi doughnuts, breakfast and fried chicken sandwiches, as well as the take-away coffee bar Tuesday through Sunday with full breakfasts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Happy Hour from 3 to 5 p.m. featuring fried chicken sandwiches and a few snack and drink features.

B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK Road 13 Fifth Element Red 2019, Okanagan Valley $52.99 I 88/100 UPC: 626990331780

The lead variety is Merlot at 39 per cent, followed by 37 per cent Syrah, 13 per cent Malbec, seven per cent Cabernet Franc, three per cent Petit Verdot and one per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. The selection is a best-barrels affair, although it may have been the biggest flavoured barrels. The blend is aged 18 months in 35 per cent new French and American oak barrels before assemblage and bottling. Expect a rustic, rich, black and blue fruited front end with intense spice, smoked meat and a dry, oaky finish. Decant for 45 minutes for best results and serve with rich meats.

WINE FOR THE CELLAR Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2020, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Calif. $43.99 I 90/100 UPC: 726319100018 The vineyard known as Julia's Vineyard, owned by Jackson Family Wines, takes its name from Julia Jackson, the daughter of Jesse Jackson and Barbara Banke.

The warmth and richness of this Pinot Noir are apparent in the glass, but it's not over-thetop.

The mix of clonal material — 50 per cent Clone 4, 16 per cent Clone 667, 15 per cent Clone 23, 15 per cent Clone 2A and four per cent Clone 115 — brings much complexity to the wine. The mix of red and dark fruit, namely dried cranberries and black cherry, is filled with plenty of savoury notes and brown spice in the finish. It's always charming and silky smooth, and we like to chill the bottle before serving this wine to add a final touch of liveliness to the glass.

Drink or hold through 2028.