British Columbia

Bubbly with your eggs benedict? Columnist says wine becoming big part of Vancouver brunches

Check out our master of wine's picks for great wine to sip on at brunch.

'Wines with lighter alcohol, fruity flavours and even a touch of sweetness are good choices'

Move over, mimosas! See ya later, Caesars! Our wine columnist says vino is growing in popularity for brunch in Vancouver.

Brunch isn't quite breakfast, not quite lunch, but you get a slice of cantaloupe at the end — and increasingly, wine as well.

That's according to On The Coast Master of Wine Barbara Philip who says wine is becoming a bigger part of Vancouver's brunch plans.

"Having brunch is a big deal in Vancouver and, more and more, we are enjoying wine when we go out on weekend afternoons," she told On The Coast guest host Gloria Macarenko.

"Wines with lighter alcohol, fruity flavours and even a touch of sweetness are good choices with most brunch dishes."

If you enjoy an alcoholic beverage with your avocado eggs benedict, here are Philip's picks for great brunch wines.

Château de Charmes Brut Sparkling. Niagara Peninsula. $24.99

"We are lucky to have some of this delicious Ontario sparkling in the province right now. It is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with creamy bubbles that will scrub the palate clean between bites of bacon."

Batasiolo Moscato d'Asti. Piedmont. Italy. $20.49

"More bubbles! In many ways, Moscato d'Asti is the classic breakfast wine with five percent alcohol, soft sweetness, delicate bubbles and fruity flavours of peach, flowers and ginger. It will pair with anything fruity, but I particularly like it with waffles, strawberries and whipped cream."

Fillaboa Rias Baixas Albariño 'Finca Monte Alto.' Spain. $37.99

"This Albariño is new to the market and made to go with the fresh seafood on your brunch platter. Look for lemon, mineral, soft peach notes and juicy acidity. Top quality wine from a single vineyard site in the 'green Spain.'"

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast