Erik Mercier was back in town! Last week, he hosted “Wine Stories with Erik” ($55) at Vine Arts. The evening focused on stories about the incredible winemakers and grape growers he and his business partner, Mark Couillard, have met since founding Juice Imports in 2016. I rallied up the troops: Forty-seven, Lovegastrogirl, Divine Offering, Joltea, K-Dog, and Dimples. Let’s listen to Super Sad for this post.
For the first time since I’ve been coming, the welcome drink was a non-alcoholic beverage, Meadows Sparkling, a collaboration between Dominion Cider Co and Pamplemousse Jus Natural Winery. Divine Offering liked it so much she bought a bottle. Made with apple, Pinot Gris juices, and botanicals, it was sweet and herbal.
Erik opened by discussing how natural wine aligns with his philosophy of farming ethically. A lot of what he discussed reminded me of an article, “Considering Value,” by Al Drinkle. Both are asking us if you can afford to be selective: who do you want to support? While you’re at it, Drinkle’s “Die Stinktiere” is also worth a read.
Erik stated that we lose sight of the people behind the label when we’re only thinking about what’s in the glass. Farming, he reminded us, is one of the oldest jobs there is, and that shows in winemaking. The work isn’t glamorous. It’s people working in overalls, not men holding silver cups.
As we sipped Weingut Beurer “A Nice White” ($32.49) from Swabia, Germany, Erik reminisced about working for the owners, Marion and Jochen Beurer, the latter an ex-BMX champion. Jochen waits until the birds want the grapes before picking them for wine. By then, the seeds have already turned brown. Erik described the “nice white” wine as floral and peachy.
Divine Offering was smitten with the next wine, Escala Humana Malvasia from Valle de Uco, Argentina ($35), marvelling that it tasted just like the cream soda from her childhood, Sri Lanka’s Elephant House brand. K-Dog picked up something soapier, comparing it to Thrills gum. I tasted floral notes.
This was Erik’s first time trying Gut Oggau Eugenie Weiss from Burgenland, Austria ($120.49), even though he’s worked with Stephanie and Eduard Tscheppe, the couple behind Gut Oggau, for ten years. He told us that when the Tscheppes first started farming, they’d trade art and food for wine with their neighbours, which is why their house is now filled with beautiful artwork. Erik noted that Gut Oggau wines are among the most sought-after in the world, yet here in Alberta, Canada, you can still find these gems, while places in New York and Tokyo are always sold out.
Erik spoke at length about the producers behind Testalonga “Chin Up” Cinsault Swartland, South Africa ($37.99): Craig and Carla Hawkins. Not only are they pioneering icons of South African wine, but they are also genuinely great people. They are very quiet about giving back. They don’t talk about virtue. They do it. They, along with other local farmers, operate a non-profit that supports kids in the community living in poverty, offering hot meals and an early childhood development centre with activities, events, and camps.
Erik pointed to the wine label, noting that Craig’s brother had taken a photo in Cambodia of a young child with a band-aid on her finger. The title, “Chin Up,” is a reminder to people to stay resilient and maintain a positive attitude during tough times. Joltea took a sip and informed Divine Offering that she really liked it. Divine Offering said the Hawkins are the type of person/winery she loves to support. I bought a bottle for when Joltea and the gang come over to my house.
Most of my friends’ favourite was the Pamplemousse Jus Foch Nouveau ($46.99) from Summerland, British Columbia. Erik wanted to shed special light on Pamplemousse due to the recent fires in Summerland. The owners had to close their farm, which meant losing weeks of revenue at their tasting room. He encouraged our table to purchase this delicious wine, which is served at most of the Michelin-starred restaurants in BC. Divine Offering, K-Dog and I purchased a bottle. Erik described this wine as tasting “purple”, fruity, plum-y, and juicy.
The last wine we tasted was Drunken Nights from Nuits d’Ivresse in Loire Valley, France ($51.49). I dug the smooth, dry texture and the tangy finish. Erik mentioned that only the best grapes, black as the night, intense, powerful and concentrated, are used. I would have bought a bottle, but I already went over my wine budget for August.
Erik now lives in BC with his fiancée. From his Instagram posts, he’s living his best life. My friends and I miss his Sunday tastings and the pop-up events he used to do. However, I’m happy for him, and I will be filling up my time by checking out Metrovino’s All-Star Series. Also worth noting, Vine Art is hosting a Grower Champagne tasting September 19, 2026.
For a regularly updated list of tastings and special events, visit my Calgary Wine Tastings & Events Guide.
Hitting the Sauce 