The Wines of South Africa umbrella group is about to launch what it calls a “thematic” in select B.C. Liquor Stores, with a dozen or so wines at various price points, to persuade you to try some new and maybe unfamiliar Cape wines. Have a look at your neighbourhood government store, and if you don’t see the special displays, ask where the nearest participating store is. The August-long thematic includes tastings, and prices for bottles run from $11.49 to $29.99.

Reds for barbecues, whites for patio sipping; I wonder why there aren’t any pinks in this promotion. There is one sweet wine, which I can recommend: Cape Classics Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2012, for only $14.99. Yes, it’s a bit of a dumb name, but it calls it like it is: a sweet, full, very juicy red wine. Not Shiraz as we know it, Jim, and definitely not for turkey burgers or cowboy steaks, but definitely for chocolate pudding, a chocolate cake, or Thierry’s (1059 Alberni Street) chocolate-filled croissants. This is a dessert wine we can afford, unlike all those admittedly lovely icewines. Not every palate will take to it; it is sweet. But give it just a very little chill—just a hint of cold in the fridge—and it’s an unusual treat. If you have an intrepid palate, come here for a nice sweet-tooth surprise. And anyway, when did you last sip on a sweet Shiraz? From South Africa or anywhere?

Here are some other South African wines that are included. The nice thing about this roundup of wines is that they’re all quite readily available at many B.C. LDB stores. There’s Bellingham Winery Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2010 ($22.99), Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($14.99), and Spier Chenin Blanc 2012 ($14.95). As well, there’s Fairhills Fair Trade Viognier ($12.99), Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc ($12.99), and Flat Roof Manor 2012, a steal at the limited-time offer of $11.49. Definitely a must-try.

Then the reds: Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2009 (a well-aged Meritage-style blend) for $20.99; Graham Beck Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($17.99), an absolute bargain; and Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Red ($18.99), a long-time personal favourite. Six Hats Fair Trade Shiraz may be the best buy of the whole group, at $13.99.

And now, more wines from B.C.

Moon Curser Viognier 2012 ($28)
If you like B.C. Viognier you’ll love this version, with its pinkish hue as it enters the glass; nice and dry, but very full of ripe fruit flavours. No oak in evidence, making for a beautifully crisp, light, fruity wine. I can’t think of a better companion for baby asparagus risotto.

Moon Curser Afraid of the Dark White Blend 2012 ($22)
One of the best buys in the Moon Curser portfolio. The mix is Okanagan Valley Roussanne, Viognier, and Marsanne; the fruit is ripe and super-fresh. The finish is dry, with some bright citrus at the back of the palate. A beautifully balanced summer white.

See Ya Later Ranch Belle 2011 ($19.99)
Described by the winemaking folks as “a playful Viognier blend with style and finesse to share”, this is a medium-weight Viognier with lots of fruit. Very tasty and good value for sun-deck dinners.

Liquidity Chardonnay 2011 ($27 to $32 at select private stores)
Blink and you’ll miss it—only 97 cases were produced. From one of the new little wineries to release product this season (at least, it’s new to me!) out of Okanagan Falls, which is getting to be a hotbed of new little wineries, and very good ones at that. This is an excellent Chardonnay: very subtle, fresh, bright, and easy drinking; a textbook-perfectly balanced wine. Great work from a new winery, or anyone.

Clos du Soleil Pinot Blanc 2012 (Grower’s Series: Chegwin & Baessler) ($19.90)
More Similkameen Valley treats from the terrific little patch of vineyard land that’s fast establishing itself as one of the major players in B.C., if not in terms of acreage, certainly in terms of quality. What a fabulous wine this is, especially for summer sipping: icy-fresh, full, and with a lavish, lengthy finish and beautiful fruit. If there’s a better B.C. Pinot Blanc out there, I need to know about it. For the time being, this remains the perfect example of what some consider B.C.’s quintessential white grape variety. A total treat; get it while there’s still some to be got.