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July 10th, 2021- Western Living Food /Travel Editor Neil McLennan : Top 40 Foodies of 2021

July 9, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:56:50

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Western Living Food /Travel Editor Neil McLennan : Top 40 Foodies of 2021

Neil McLennan – Western Living

This is the  14th edition of  Western Livings Foodies of the Year and it’s safe to say, it’s been a tough year for most everyone in the hospitality industry across Western Canada. But despite the closures, restrictions and seemingly endless hurdles, the foodies of the West still managed to make their mark and do all of us proud. Western Living’s Top 40 Foodie  winners listed at bottom.

 

With the invaluable assistance and lung power of Food and Travel Editor Neil McLennan, we present Western Livings  2021 Foodies of the Year Finalists: these are 40 of the tastemakers, innovators and damn good cooks that wowed their  editorial team. Congratulations to each and every one of you.

 

  1. Katherine Backman (Nora’s Non-Dairy <https://www.norasnondairy.com/> , Vancouver) The beloved cashew-based Nora’s is only three years old but it’s already in 250 retailers in B.C. and Alberta, including Whole Foods Market, Nesters Market and SPUD.ca, and has sold more than 100,000 pints of its ice cream.

 

  1. Ned Bell & Kate Colley (The Naramata Inn <https://naramatainn.com/> , Naramata) The former Four Seasons chef and Oceanwise ambassador is no stranger to this list, but he and wife Colley (along with partners Marie Wiesner and Paul Hollands) have taken the all-potential, but never-quite-there circa 1907 Naramata Inn and transformed it into the perfect small wine country inn. Great food, a killer wine list and charm and history galore—it’s the lodging the area’s been longing for.

Chef Ned bell

Kate Colley

  1. Tess Bevernage and Tom Robillard (Hānai Family Table <https://www.hanaifamilytable.com/> , Vancouver) In a year when all but the most selfish of us stayed put in our home provinces, what a godsend it was to have these two recent O’ahu transplants cooking up all the Hawaiian classics—from garlic Furikake Chicken to Spam Musabi to perfect macaroni salad—once a week from their East Georgia shared commissary to a legion of tropically deprived fans.

 

  1. Bread & Butter Collective (Social Issues, Victoria) Spearheaded by some of the biggest names in the city (Sterling Grice of Part & Parcel, the Big Wheel Burger team) this initiative is focussed reimagining the Victoria food scene addressing issue with compensation, returns and community engagement.

 

  1. @actual_daddy (Good Pizza <https://linktr.ee/Goodpizzayvr> , Vancouver) The industry veteran—real name Alexander Cashin—started making homemade pizzas on his night off, posting them on Instagram and then donating profits to local charities helping those in need. It proved so popular that it’s morphed into an actual business: Good Pizza started serving the public in late January 2021.

 

  1. Antonio Cayonne Andrew Jameson and Sean Reeve (Say Mercy! <https://www.saymercy.ca/> , Vancouver) The Southern-meets-Italian spot had just opened when Covid hit, but the team (who also own the Mackenzie Room) responded by starting the Staff Meal program, which allowed industry people and first responders to access low-cost healthy meals via takeout (and made reasonably priced containers of deliciousness for the rest of us). Plus Cayonne found time to star in a Hallmark Movie – no kidding.

 

7.Taylor Chobotiuk (Tacofino <https://www.tacofino.com/> , numerous locations in B.C.) The head of people at Tacofino spearheaded the Shift Change series of events, and when Covid hit moved them online to help the industry open up a discussion on important issues facing the industry like LGBTQ2S and BIPOC inclusion.

 

  1. Meaghan and Steve Clark (Tractor <https://tractorfoods.com/> , Vancouver/Victoria/Toronto) Covid proved a boon to the healthy, pre-made fare that has seen Tractor grow from one location in Kits in 2013 to now nine, including Toronto and the newly opened Victoria spot.

 

  1. Abdallah “Dallah” El Chami (Superbaba <https://eatsuperbaba.com/> , Vancouver & Victoria) With partners Robbie Kane and Ryan Spong, Dallah brought the middle-eastern meets high-end ingredient concept to Main Street, and it’s been one of the few openings to flourish during a tough year. Plus he helped spearhead the movement to avoid delivery services, by making Superbaba a pick-up only spot.

Abdallah “Dallah” El Chami

 

 

  1. Liane Faulder (Edmonton Journal, <https://edmontonjournal.com/> Edmonton) The long-time Journal scribe covered Edmonton’s food scene with focus and passion for more than 30 years before taking a final bow in 2020. A sincere bow to a job well done.

 

  1. Mike Gordon (Great Plains Craft Spirits <https://greatplainscraftspirits.com/> , Calgary) The main problem facing any whisky start-up? Time needed to mature the spirit to mellow perfection. Gordon didn’t have it, so he got creative with a variety of unique barrel finishes—both 20-year-old cognac & 35-year Armagnac versions will be coming soon. But it was their inaugural Jerez brandy finish that got them all the attention—including Best New Whisky at the Canadian Whisky Awards.

 

  1. Brandon Grossutti (Pidgin <http://www.pidginvancouver.com/> , Vancouver) The long-time Gastown restaurant owner created delivery app FromTo, as a cost-based delivery app that was designed to allow restaurants to survive the lockdown without having to pay the steep delivery fees associated with the big companies.

 

  1. Joe and Matt Hamill (Red Shed Malting <http://www.redshedmalting.ca/> , Penhold, AB) Most craft beer drinkers don’t think beyond the brewmaster when they enjoy a pint, but if it weren’t for the Hamill brothers steering their multi-generational farm in central Alberta toward producing their own custom malt, there would be a lot less interesting pints in Wild Rose Country.

 

  1. Jill Hoff (Monogram Coffee <https://monogramcoffee.com/> , Calgary) The team at Monogram has been at the forefront of the sustainable, ultra-nerdy love of coffee since their first location in 2014. This year saw their showstopping manager Jill Hoff win the title of Best Barista in Canada at the Canadian Barista Championships—the first woman to ever garner the honour.

 

Jill Hoff

 

  1. Tristan Jagger (Vancouver Food Runners <https://www.vancouverfoodrunners.com/> , Vancouver) This start-up pairs restaurants with organization that help those in need with an aim to prevent food waste. Since March 2020, they have rescued over 235,000 pounds of food, which is equivalent to over 195,000 meals.

 

  1. Kelcie Jones (Chambar <https://www.chambar.com/> , Vancouver) With four years and counting at Chambar, the somm is one of the longest-serving-at-one-spot wine slingers in the city, and not only does she run one of the city’s tightest wine programs she’s long been an agitator for respectful and equal work environments for all FOH peeps.

Kelcie Jones

 

  1. Jenny Kang (Orchard <https://orchardyyc.com/> , Calgary) The South Korean native grew up on a farm outside Seoul and has worked at some of the city’s top rooms (Bow Valley Ranche and Darren McLean’s acclaimed Shokunin), but at the stunning new Sturgess Architecture-designed Orchard, she’s finally the star of the show (and part owner), and she’s been wowing crowds with her modern Mediterranean as seen through a pan-Asian lens take on cooking.

 

  1. Peter Keith, Will Kotowicz and Glendon Tan (Meuwly’s Artisan Food Market <https://www.meuwlys.com/> , Edmonton) The concept started with three friends and nascent butchers launching a Secret Meat Club that delivered artisanal fare to those in the know. It’s now morphed into a 124th Street bricks-and-mortar shop showcasing not just their own charcuteries, but local fare from a well-curated selection of purveyors.

 

  1. Tyler Knight and Jordan Kubeck (Lightning Rock Winery <https://www.lightningrockwinery.com/> , Summerland) Their low-intervention sparkling-wine operation has been clamoured after since their first vintage three years ago, and each year production and acclaim increases—and the date they sell out gets shorter.

 

  1. Eve Laird (Eve’s Crackers <https://evescrackers.com/pages/stockists> , Vancouver) The dream of a gluten-free cracker that tastes good became a reality when the Nanaimo-raised Laird perfected the crunchy and flavourful recipe that is the hallmark of Eve’s crackers. Now in some 500 locations across Western Canada, including Safeway, Save On Foods and Whole Foods Market. Sales reached the high six figures in 2019.

 

  1. Arlie and Brett Laroche, Scott Dicks and Lacey Sellinger (Odla <https://odla.ca/> , Saskatoon) Two farmers, a chef and a sommelier come together like some sort of agrarian Avengers to bring Saskatoon a near-perfect partnership of a generational farm (Odla means farm in Swedish) that supplies the bounty to a farm-to-table wonder on Sakatoon’s Broadway Ave.

 

  1. Julius Makarewicz (Nude Beverages <https://nudebeverages.com/> , Vancouver) Is it possible that Nude, that spirit juggernaut that’s seemingly everywhere in Western Canada, only launched in 2017? Yes, and the anticipated onslaught of the behemoth has done little to dampen the local champ’s upwards trajectory.

Julius Makarewicz

 

 

  1. Jonathan Burke, Alex Ploughman, Craig and Jillian Sheridan (Legends Haul <https://shop.legendshaul.com/> , Coquitlam) Perhaps the ultimate Covid pivoters, they not only moved from supplying high-end protein and produce from restaurants to consumers, but they also quickly added ready-made food from those restaurants to their growing fan base.

 

  1. Gemma McNeill and Doug Zaklan (Zaklan Heritage Farms <http://www.zaklanheritagefarm.com/> , Surrey) The duo has transformed a 1.5-acre micro-plot that’s been in Dougs family for over 90 years into the go-to spot for thoughtful and creative chefs (like Budock and Co.’s Andrea Carlson) who want the very best (grown by the very best people).

Zaklan Heritage Farms

 

  1. Said Mdahoma (Said the Pastry Nerd)  <https://www.instagram.com/said.pastrynerd/?hl=en> , Calgary) If one person encapsulates everything that happened in the pandemic year, it might be this French-Comorian PhD in Neuroscience who got the baking bug and transformed a nascent passion into being one of Calgary’s self-taught proper French baking extra ordinaires, through his popular Instagram account and YouTube videos.

 

  1. Shane Munn (Martin’s Lane <https://www.martinslanewinery.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0-6ABhDMARIsAFVdQv9487HFtvOwuRQjQLNDwATHB6_-n-1OJfJkRLBRJ2bvBXRE-eZ_YL8aAvE-EALw_wcB> , Kelowna) The Kiwi winemaker oversees one of Anthony Von Mandl’s (and as such the entire Okanagan’s) prestige properties, crafting rieslings and pinot noirs that are easily among the region’s best (and most pricey), while still maintaining that southern hemisphere “aw shucks it’s nothing” vibe.

 

  1. Paul Natrall (Mr. Bannock <https://www.mrbannock.com/> , Vancouver) Nattrell is a familiar face thanks to his popular Mr. Bannock food truck, but it’s his role as a director of The Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations that’s seeing him help bring to cuisine of our first peoples to a wider audience—including the Indigenous Feast Box program that sees Indigenous-owned restaurants (including Mr. Bannock) create healthy meals for their communities during Covid.

Paul Natrall

 

 

  1. N’Quatqua First Nations (Trout Hatchery <https://www.nquatqua.ca/> , Darcy, B.C.) The D’arcy-based band may be isolated from regional population centres, but in the past few years they brought their bounty to the finest restaurants in the region (like Whistler’s Grill Room) with their pioneering trout farm. Covid saw them using their surplus to help feed local band members, many who, raised on Salmon, had never tried trout.

 

  1. Ben Reeder (Maple Bay Hop Farm <https://www.maplebayhopfarm.com/> , Maple Bay ) We love our IPAs out West but we rarely think of the raw goods required. Ben Reeder does—the Backcountry Brewing co-founder controls his (and others) own supply change, by running a Maple Bay hop farm growing everything from classic Cascade to nerdy Sorachi Ace to keep the bitter front and centre for breweries like Luppolo and Strange Fellows.

 

  1. Pascal Roy (La Fabrique St. George <https://www.fabriquestgeorge.com/> , Vancouver) The idiosyncratic owner of Marche St George had an idea three years ago to open a small natural wine that aged the fermenting juice in ancient kveri vessels. And it took all of those almost three years of dealing with the city’s permitting department to make it happen. But the cool Mt Pleasant spot is worth the wait.

 

  1. The Schacht Family (Ampersand Distilling Company <http://www.ampersanddistilling.com/> , Duncan) What is it about gin and the Island? First it was the ground-breaking Victoria Gin, then purple-hued Empress, then the dominance of Sheringham. But at this year’s World Gin Awards, it was Ampersand’s flagship bottling that took home the Gold for Canada (and for good measure their Per Se Vodka won best varietal vodka at this years world vodka awards). A testament to the father-son engineering of Stephen and Jeremy, with Jeremy’s wife Jessica dealing with the botanicals and mother Ramona tending the nearby farm.

 

The Schacht Family

 

  1. J’Val Shuster (Devour <https://devourcatering.com/> Ca <https://devourcatering.com/> tering <https://devourcatering.com/> , Calgary) Her catering business may have been reeling from the pandemic, but when she heard that the Calgary Food Bank was in receipt of an unwieldy donation of 1,000 pounds of potatoes (destined for French fires that never were) she sprang into action. The Potato Project, as it came to be known, saw her company transform the raw material into healthy meals that could be frozen for the underprivileged. That initial shipment started a trend —by the end December, Devour had transformed over 20,000 pounds of potatoes into almost 16,000 packaged servings of potato soup, smashed potatoes and Potatoes O’Brien for the community.

 

  1. Gus Steiffenhofer Brandson (Published on Main <https://publishedonmain.com/> , Vancouver) The Winnipeg-born Hawksworth and Pear Tree-alum opened one of the most ambitious restaurants in recent memory—weeks before Covid hit. But he’s stuck to his guns with thoughtful, elaborate and one-of-a-kind menus throughout the pandemic.

 

  1. Ian Tostenson (BCRFA <https://www.bcrfa.com/about-us> , Vancouver) The long-time head of the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association was front and centre from the start of the pandemic, advocating for change to the industry—like patio permits and ability to sell wine with takeout—that made the difference between life and death for many establishments.

  1. The Turyk Family (Unsworth <https://www.unsworthvineyards.com/> , Duncan) Perhaps the most momentous wine moment of the year came last summer when Barbara Banke and daughter Julia Jackson, majority owner in the behemoth that is California’s Jackson Family Estates, announced that they were purchasing Duncan’s well-respected Unsworth. It was a feather in the cap for the Turyk Family, who will stay on and continue the day-to-day operations of the now in-the-spotlight winery.

 

  1. Josh Vanderheide (Field House Brewery, <https://fieldhousebrewing.com/crafting-good-beer-good-times-in-east-abby-bc/> Abbotsford) In the Lower Mainland, the conventional wisdom is that you want to open a great craft brewery you have two options: East Van or North Van. But Abbotsford’s Field House has bucked that trend making sought-after brews (they’re deadly with the sours) that the city folk are clamouring for (and they expanded to Chilliwack this year).

 

 

 

  1. Peter Van De Reep (Bar Gobo <https://www.bargobo.com/> , Vancouver) The long-time Campagnolo Upstairs barkeep started the year by winning the BC Sommelier of the Year, but as his beloved bar closed, he helmed the opening of yet another soon-to-be classic spot a few blocks away: Andrea Carlson’s natural wine spot Bar Gobo.

 

  1. Brian Welch (Farrow Sandwiches <http://farrowsandwiches.ca/> , Edmonton) The sandwich king of Edmonton’s three locations was primed to serve the needs of the takeout-only era, but he still found some spare time to open the High Dough, an ode-to-Detroit deep dish, which seems like another concept that might replicate itself a few times over.

 

  1. Asha Wheeldon (Kula Kitchen <https://kulakitchen.ca/> , Vancouver) Wheeldon created the Afrocentric plant-based foods that became one of the city’s notable vegan operations, and when the BLM movement was just gaining wider recognition in Western Canada, she created one of the first directories of black-owned business in Vancouver that continues to be the resource for those who want to support with their shopping dollars.

 

  1. Greg Zeschuk (Ritchie Market <https://ritchiemarket.ca/> , Edmonton) The Bioware founder used some of his capital to create one of the most dynamic spots for food in town. Housing the new Duchess Bakery location, Acme Meats, Transcend Coffee, the uber-popular Biera as well as Blind Enthusiasm Brewing, Ritchie Market has become the place for the city’s foodies to get their fix of, well, everything.

 

THANK YOU NEIL MCLENNAN AND WESTERN LIVING.

Here’s the Top Ten

https://www.westernliving.ca/Meet-Our-2021-Foodies-of-the-Year

For further info and results stay connected with  westernliving.ca <https://www.westernliving.ca/>

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Cedar Creek new releases & food  pairing

With Winemaker Taylor Whelan & Chef Neil Taylor at Home Block

Remembering an Original – George Heiss at Gray Monk

Summer Spirits Special

-Last Best Distilling

-Eau Claire Distilling

-Strait and Narrow

-Yukon Beer and 2 Brewers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 3rd, 2021 – Discovering outstanding  wines at 2House & Gold Hill plus  Little Engine on Naramata Bench

July 2, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 01:04:46

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Discovering outstanding  wines at 2House & Gold Hill plus  Little Engine on Naramata Bench

 

THE SHOW

 In 2007, when Tasting Room Radio began in a barn studio on the Naramata Bench,  I went looking for the most interesting people making the most interesting wines.

The very first of those guests were Val Tait and Ian Sutherland. Val was consulting a number of wineries/vineyards and Ian was making wine as the founder of Poplar Grove. They took me to wine school every time we talked.

Valli and Ian

We became friends. Ian consulted. Val recently said goodbye to Bench 1775.

Now, 14 years later they  come back to Tasting Room Radio as their own winery 2House. Making singular wines but each with its own expression.

For example they both make a Cab Franc. One in Val’s cool style and another with  Ian’s passion.

Here’s the problem.  They have yet to SHARE that Franc with me and frankly you as well. I hear its coming.

What they did send to taste and talk about were their collaborative efforts with –

2House  2018 Chardonnay (think Montrachet)  WOW!

2House 2017 Tempranillo (one of the very best BC reds I’ve tasted.)

Good grief these are good wines.!

 

Val Tait is also consulting  Gold Hill Wines for the Gill Family.  That means she has access to the very best vineyards and can grow  2House and the Gold Hill label into the future.

This time  we sample –

Gold Hill

2020 Cab Franc Rose

2020 Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Merlot – Let me say that again.  A 2014 Merlot is one of their releases this summer. It’s huge.

2015 Cab Franc.  Ditto!

 

Trust me on this.  When Val gets her hands and talent on those vineyards,  in the years ahead the wines at Gold Hill will be keepers.

 

We did this interview on Canada Day and began the conversation not about wine but about how, because of the shame of our residential schools, this Canada Day 2021 was unlike any other.

 

https://www.goldhillwinery.com/

Instagram: @2housewine

 

 

Steven French  co-founder of Little Engine Wines (with wife Nicole)

 Steven and Nicole met at the University of Western Ontario and upon graduation moved to Calgary where they spent twenty years, Nicole in education and real estate development and Steven in oil and gas.

Successful entrepreneurs with an inherent family motto of will and determination it was their desire to create that beckoned them to an industry steeped in creativity.

They purchased their first vineyard site in 2011 with the foresight of combining their love for both wine and the rich tradition and culture of wine making into a brand that would deliver excellence without compromise, the Little Engine brand.

Their family motto: “Dreams don’t come true, dreams are made true.”

This two part interview started when I saw a mention of a virtual tasting Little Engine was offering on line.

I liked the idea because you could play back Stevens commentary – pause and make notes – then carry on.

Three small piccolo bottles showed up.

2018 Little Engine Chardonnay

2018 Little Engine Pinot Noir

2018 Merlot

I got Steven to turn off his front end loader and get in touch. No easy task.

I had a bag full of questions about Little Engine and he answered all of them and more.

Because of the commitment by Nicole and Steven, Little Engine Wines are always going to be singular, outstanding and better each year.

Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Steven.  I hope it shows.  Enjoy!!

Congratulations to the winemaking team, lead by Scott Robinson. Well Done!

 

 

www.littleenginewines.com

#littleenginewines

@littleenginewines

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Cedar Creek – New Releases

Meyer Family – New  Releases

Unsworth – Breaking new ground

 

 

 

June 26th, 2021 –  4th Annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival!

June 25, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:48:17

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Cowichan Wine Festival Aug 1-31.   12 wineries – 31 days – 36 wines to be discovered.

THE SHOW

2021 –  4th Annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival

Sunday, Aug 1 High Noon –  Tuesday, Aug 31, 5 PM.

 

It is so nice to be able to share this week’s Tasting Room Radio with our friends from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The good news they bring is that The Cow is open for business.

They will be adhering to covid guidelines and practices.

In all,  12 wineries will be open and welcoming. (reservations are highly recommended)

You’ll want to make plans early because last year was a complete sell-out.

Tickets are $35.00.

Your handsome glass is the ticket that allows you to get into all 12 participating wineries.

Visit as many wineries as you like and collect stamps in your passport. If you collect all of them you can enter a draw for a Grand Prize.

For more info www.tourismcowichan.com

For all the dark news of 2021 it’s nice to be able to share this week’s Tasting Room Radio with our friends from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The good news they bring is that The Cow is open for business. They will be adhering to covid guidelines and practices.

In all,  12 wineries will be open and welcoming. (for some,  reservations are highly recommended)

You’ll want to make plans early because last year was a complete sell-out.

 

Tickets are $35.00. Your gorgeous glass (and passport) is your ticket. That allows you to get into all 12 participating wineries.

Visit as many wineries as you like and collect stamps in your passport. If you collect all of them you can enter a draw for a Grand Prize.

Historic Faces of Cowichan

For more info www.tourismcowichan.com

unsworth wines

Unsworth Winery

 

The stories and the pours from 6 valley wineries. Our guest list includes:

 Jim Moody – Owner and Winemaker at Zanatta Vineyards (Duncan)

Bailey Williamson – Winemaker at Blue Grouse (Duncan)

Bailey Williamson Blue Grouse

Lorin Inglis – Manager of Enrico Winery (Mill Bay)

Brent Rowland – Winemaker Averill Creek and Joue (Duncan)

Brent Rowland Winemaker Averill Creek

Michelle Schulze –  Management  Venturi-Schulze (Cobble Hill)

Dan Wright – Winemaker Unsworth (Mill Bay)

www.tourismcowichan.com 

bluegrouse.ca

enricowinery.com

zanatta.ca

AverillCreek.ca

venturischulze.com

unsworthvineyards.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Spring Releases from:

2House

Gold Hill

Cedar Creek

Home Block Restaurant

Little Engine Virtual Tasting

Breaking Ground at Unsworth

 

June 19th, 2021 -Michael Allemeier (SAIT) & Singular Winemaker:  Anthony Buchanan  

June 18, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:47:29

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“I need a miracle” –   Michael Allemeier (SAIT) and the singular wines of  Anthony Buchanan.

 

THE SHOW

In June  Exec Chef Jeff van Geest  at Miradoro Restaurant /Tinhorn Creek posted an Instagram message that started with

“I need a Miracle”. 

He simply couldn’t find enough kitchen staff to begin serving those amazing meals. He wasn’t alone in his search.

We talked to Chef Jeff and The Foodie Chap Liam Mayclem in San Francisco to see if the same thing was happening there. (Yes, it was)

The Kitchen

The second story within this situation was a shout out about the “toxic” nature of some better restaurants. Head chefs screaming at staff. An attitude that’s disappearing but not nearly fast enough.

I wanted to seek one more voice to make sense to this crisis.  Michael Allemeier is an instructor in Calgary  at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).  He spent many years in this culinary world.  His last Exec Chef position was The Terrance at Mission Hill Winery. The Terrace was named one of the Top 10 winery restaurants in the World.

Michael Allemeier (SAIT)

Now Michael is instructing students who will become the new kitchen staff in many of our lives.

I thought it was important  to know what he was telling them in their classes about these two situations.  Lack of staff and toxic environments.

His comments are telling in this two part interview.

www.sait.ca

Anthony Buchanan – Winemaker and co-founder of Anthony Buchanan Wines

 

“a slightly different approach to winemaking” quote from Anthony. For anyone looking for wines that speak to you in  a different “language”,  the winemaker/artist to seek out is Anthony Buchanan.

Anthony Buchanan

I think it started with a Garagiste event several years ago.  I had been tasting, spitting and talking  most of the afternoon and in the last tent were Anthony Buchanan and his wines. It took me a long time to walk away from that tent.

Not only did I instantly like the man, I was completely won over by his wines.

His Pinot Gris tasted like none of the others that day. Same with his reds. I was gobsmacked.

Anthony Buchanan and family

Then some time later I tasted his Pinot Blanc. It was my favourite BC white of the Year. I don’t mean it as a knock on any other whites but to have a first taste lift your soul is just remarkable. AND he’s just announced that the 2020 Pinot Blanc has just been released. As good as the 2019 was, Anthony is on record as saying the 2020 is more “dynamic and complex.” 100% barrel fermented using low house toasts. Heads up – only 120 cases.  And-GO!

 

 

So, its time to get caught up with one of the  most interesting and independent winemakers in Canada.

Check out the wines we taste and talk about – I think you’ll see a pattern.

2020 GAD – Grape, Apple and Dandelion. The grape is an outstanding Viognier. The dandelion is your inhale. Has the jam to be a game changer

2020 Semi carbonic Malbec Rose. Unfined. Unfiltered. 2 months neutral oak. Self described “funky”

2020 Viognier. 2019 was sold out Not surprising as Anthony says its one of his best. New one coming.

Snafu – Skin fermented white blend. Clean biodynamic wine. (Chard-S Blanc-Muscat-Viognier)

Trois – Orange and Amber wine (Gew. Chardonnay Musque. Sauvignon Blanc)

Fubar – Red Blend (Zwei-Gamay-Pinot Noir-Syrah-Muscat)  Beaujolais influenced

Gamay – best yet

Ancestrale Method Sparkling. (wild ferment brut) (whole cluster Chard-Pinot Gris-Gamay)

Pinot Noir (rich black fruit – sage -floral notes- spice)

Whole Cluster Syrah.  Featuring foot treading by daughter Ashlyn

Gruner – (coming next year perhaps)

And two named for  his children

Ashlyn – wild ferment Pinot Noir 115/667. (Black Sage Gravel Bar)Old World style – New World climate.  Some foot crushing.

Some 20%  new oak. Lots of neutral.

Lawson – the is the one that got my attention. Pinot Blanc. 70% Neutral French. 30% concrete. Barb Phillip was right!

 

www.anthonybuchananwines.ca

www.storiedwinesandspirits.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Summer Spirits Special

Tour of the Okanagan

Summer Releases

 

June 12th, 2021- New Spring Releases from Birch Block & Chef Jeff Needs a Miracle!  

June 11, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 01:00:19

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New Spring Releases from Birch Block and Chef Jeff van Geest Needs a Miracle!

 

THE SHOW

 

Its International Rose Day – pour some, buy some, gift some. (It’s a year-round delight, friends)

 First up Block Party 3 from Sarah and Murray Bancroft at Birch Block Vineyard (Kaleden)

 

The Block Party concept came about when Sarah and Murray told me several garagistes ago that they had located a fruit, lamb, and llama farm in Kaleden that was going to be perfect for vineyards and they were starting their winemaking journey.

Because they are such interesting people who lead interesting lives I thought it would make for a journey I’d like to follow.

The ups and downs of winemaking  – starting from scratch – gathering knowledge as you went – sustainable farming – what wines do you want to make.  So many decisions you have to live with.

We covered those subjects in Block Party one and two. Now comes three…

They’ve released the Birch Block Vineyard Pinot Noir Rose.

“We call this rose Endless Summer to enjoy all year long”

It comes beautifully presented. The color is Provence Pink. Unfined and unfiltered in the regular 750 ml format and a stunning Magnum. Mellon and strawberry on the nose. A palette of various citrus stars. Grapefruit, ripe mandarin, and a mouth full of yummy.

WoW!!

You’re going to have to do some serious seeking on both these releases. It’s hugely popular right out of the box.  It’s well worth the homework.

Murray and Sarah also talk about their new canned release Pop Up Piquette (PeeKett)

 

It’s a born again Rose. As Murray explains they get their hands on the Grenache/Mourvedre skins  after they’re pressed .  The take the skins and add water, honey and perhaps more rose and leave it soak for a bit.

What comes out is a lighter Rose. 8% alcohol that originally was intended for the field and cellar workers to have with lunch and not get slower as they rest of the day went on.

It’s called a wine “for the people”

The Birch Block Piquette comes in a 473 ml can. $10 each. It’s going to be wildly popular.

 

Today Sarah and Murray are at a  UBC  fundraising event with Alumni Grads..one of four wineries pouring Rose.

Sarah and Murray

August 20th they’re pouring at a Joy Road Catering  Al Fresco event on Main in downtown Penticton and a virtual wine tasting for a very cool seniors center in Vancouver.

There’s a Pet Nat coming plus other surprises.

You’re going to really like Murray and Sarah. Whether in person or through their wines.

THIS is a winery you really want to follow. The end result is always delicious!

Check out the website and sign up for the newsletter.

www.birchblockvineyard.com

 Executive Chef Jeff van Geest – Miradoro Restaurant. Tinhorn Creek Winery  (Golden Mile)

In the middle of this week Chef Jeff posted on Instagram

Exec Chef Jeff van Geest – Photo The Great Lionel Trudel

 

“ Friends, I need a miracle”

“Things keep going from bad to worse for staffing. I’m willing to work a lot for my business and my kitchen and my team. But I can’t make any more sacrifices and I don’t want to ask more of the staff that I do have. I need a CDC a junior sous and more line cooks. If you know anyone please put them in contact with me. I hate to sound desperate, but I am.


Ironically, St. Anthony died three years ago today and all I can think about is our collective mental and physical health I just want to create a kitchen environment where people can cook with joy and passion. Where are these people? The people I do have are fantastic, but I don’t want to crush their spirits. Please help me spread the word. I’m Looking for people ready to take the next step. I’m willing to take a chance on the right people.”

 

The response was immediate. To count almost 150 replies have come in.

However, the post highlighted two serious problems the culinary industry has to overcome.

An almost complete lack of skilled workers are applying and as mentioned in comments. the toxic environment of some kitchens.

That toxicity has been handed down from kitchen to kitchen over many years. It’s disappearing but not nearly fast enough.

We have two interviews for you.

 One with Chef Jeff at Miradoro and in San Francisco, The Foodie Chap Liam Mayclem who has interviewed 100’s of the best chefs.

From San Francisco to Oakland,  Napa, and Sonoma

Liam reveals that these same conditions and problems exist in Northern California.

I’m asking both guests “what is the role – if any – for the food/wine fan to play”

This is serious gritty stuff. It involves people’s careers and lives but a solution can’t be found until everyone involved – kitchen staff, culinary team, and customers – do their part to make things right.

Please have a listen to these hard-hitting interviews and be aware of the crisis in your kitchens.

More interviews on this crisis next week starting with Chef Michael Allemeier –team leader at one of Canada’s premier culinary training institutes – SAIT in Calgary.

 

https://www.tinhorn.com/Restaurant

https://www.instagram.com/jeff_van_geest/?hl=en

@quintoquorto

@liamMayclem

https://www.facebook.com/FoodieChap/

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Crisis in the Kitchen

Michael Allemeier – Sait Calgary

Anthony Buchannan – Fine Spring Wines from his 2020 growing season.  Fabulous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 5th, 2021- Spring Releases from Alderlea, Mt Boucherie, Rust Wine Co, and Modest Wines

June 4, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 01:00:24

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2021 Spring Releases from Alderlea (Cowichan) and Mt Boucherie/Rust/Modest Wines (Okanagan)

 

Every spring brings a flood of new wines and always a few surprises.  This week our guests are

Zac Brown and Julie Powell. Co–owners and winemaking partners.

As Zac explains he learned his winemaking outside of Vienna and then Western Australia.

After he and Julie met and married they became  Garagistes.  Making wine and learning at home.

Julie

Julie came from the large corporate side of life, in human resources. She now counts tractor driving as a serious skill and recently made a white blend called Valerie, named in honor of her late Mother. Zac says it’s the first step into winemaking for Julie.  We talk about all of these moments and milestones.

We also talk about these Spring Releases

2018 Rose- Yup! Get this one. A blended Rose!!

2019 Bacchus $21.90

2019 Valerie (80% Ortega and 20% Viognier) $23.10  (Yummy)

2019 Pinot Gris $23.19

2016  Pinot Noir Reserve $39.80

2018 Pinot Noir $26.00

2018  Contraband (Merlot driven blend) Coming Canada Day $34.60

2016 Matrix (nice blend . Dark fruit. Cassis, Prune. Coffee, licorice) $24.75 WoW!

 

2017 Clarinet  Old Vines Foch. Beautifully grown and blended.

www.alderlea.ca

Jeff  Hundertmark  – Director of  Winemaking  Mt Boucherie / Modest Wines (West Kelowna) Rust Wine Co  (Golden Mile Bench)

Jeff Hundertmark Director of Winemaking / Mt Boucherie. Rust. Modest Wines

I first met Jeff in Niagara where he was holding down multiple winemaking roles and seemed like one busy guy.

He did take time out to ask a series of questions about the Okanagan. As I left the interview we agreed to meet in the Okanagan down the road.

Well, the road has been down.

Jeff is currently the Director of Winemaking at Mount Boucherie, Modest Wines, and Rust Wine Co.

All very distinctive – one from the other.

I do believe with this interview we have set an all-time mark for bottles reviewed or discussed in one interview.

Here’s the road map that Jeff talks us through.

Mt Boucherie  (West Kelowna)

Original Vines Series

-2020 Gewurztraminer  $30.  Impressive  Planted 1986 South Rock Vineyard. Golden Mile Bench

-2020 Semillon OK Falls Lost Horn Vineyards  Block 12. Planted 1990

-2018 Summit  Bordeaux Blend Planted 93/96/97

-2019 PTG (Similkameen) $35. 45% Gamay 36 P.Noir 20% P.Gris. Lazy River Vineyard. Block 17/18/22 (Planted 93/96/97)

 

Modest Wines

Mt Boucherie are growers first. They have the vineyards to play with concepts.

Modest Wines is an edgy experimental label, trying out various vineyards and blends. Affordable.

– 2020 la graves robber.  $27.  81% Sem 19% Sauv. Ok, Falls. Inspired by Left Bank. Raised in the  Westbank. Loved this.

-2020 Eye of the Partridge Rose $25 – Pinot Noir. Similkameen.

-2018 Zed’s Dead Zinfandel  $30 (Similkameen Valley) You may not see this one again. Story on back label.

-2020 The Elder Vicar $22  The Battle in a Bottle Muscat. Pinot Gris. Gew. Riesling. The Vicar is Father Pandosy.

Soaked on skins for 8 hours. 5 minutes and 24 seconds.

2019 By Jove  Sangiovese  $30  Black Sage Bench.  Bravo!

 

Rust Wine Co

Golden Mile Bench – formerly Rustico.

One of the most amazing tastings I’ve taken part in.

From Rust Wine Co Jeff sent

–2018 Syrah GM Bench.  $44 American/French Oak. (42% new) Clones 977/2002  Gravely clay. Mtn rock

-2018 Syrah  Ferreira Vineyard $44 Black Sage Road  Clones 7/2001  Am/French Oak (46% New) Volcanic ash & fine granite sand.

-2018 Syrah Lazy River Vineyard Similkameen. $44  (40% new) Clone 877 Sandy clay loam with limestone and granite

 

Do your own tasting…Everybody pitch in. Gather on the patio or table and decide which one hits the mark. Your mark.

They each have different clones, different soils, different vineyards.

The bonus is – they’re all fantastic.

www.mtboucherie.com

https://mtboucherie.com/collections/modest-wines-1

www.rustwine.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

The return of Birch Block

Anthony Buchannan

2House

Gold Hill

Summer Spirits Special

 

 

 

–

May 29th, 2021- Fresh Spring Wine Releases from Clos du Soleil (Similkameen) and Fort Berens (Lillooet)  

May 28, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:43:24

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Fresh Spring Wine Releases from Clos du Soleil (Similkameen) and Fort Berens (Lillooet)

 

THE SHOW

 

Its that time of year. Spring. Leading into early Summer.

Bud break, lots of cutting back last years growth and the wonderful beginning of the growing season.  Again.

This week we head to the gorgeous Similkameen Valley at the very bottom of the Okanagan Valley. The small centers of Cawston and Keremeos are starting to become familiar to wine fans and travelers.

What you may notice first is how hard the land is. Everything the vines are growing in seems composed of shale that’s fallen down the mountain sides. Winemakers and growers tell stories of digging equipment breaking down trying to groom the land. BUT – and it’s a big but – if you can get the vines to take hold in the soil and get down under the top layer of rocks,  then wonderful vineyards can happen. With a minerality like few others.

As hot as the days can be there, the Similkameen River supplies cool air that brings down the heat and cools the valley at night.

 

Michael Clark – GM and Winemaker at Clos du Soleil (Similkameen)

Michael Clark

 

One of the wineries that stands out among the growing number in the Similkameen is Clos du Soleil and  our guest Michael Clark is the  GM and winemaker.

 

They are outstanding because of a dedication to growing , wine craft and sustainable practices.

The whites are concentrated, fresh and crisp. Each labeled with the specific vineyard they were grown in.

The rose is outstanding.

We finish with Signature, their classic Bordeaux Blend. (out in a couple of weeks)

Spring wines we talk about in detail are –(all prices are before taxes)

2020 Fume Blanc –  74% Semillon -26% Sauvignon Blanc. Nose (apple. lemons. lime.) Mouth (grapefruit. guava. floral and flinty minerality) $20.90

2020 Middle Bench Pinot Blanc – Part of the Winemaker’s Series. Nose (Tangerine. Pear. Floral) Mouth (apple. pear. orange. lemon) Elegant! $22.90

2020 Whispered Secret Vineyard Pinot Gris – Also Winemaker’s Series. Nose (lemon. pear. orange) Mouth (apple. peach. wet stone) $21.90

2020 Rose – Le Cote Vineyard.  Really fine.100% Malbec. Nose (roses. dark cherry) Mouth (more of the same and a long finish)$22.90

2018 Signature – Icon Bordeaux Blend.  16 months in French Oak 42% Merlot. 32% Cab 19% Cab Franc

5% Malbec 2% Petit Verdot. blackberry. pepper. mint. cassis. spice. graphite and sagebrush. And a master class in blending. Releasing shortly.$47.90.  Aged and ready to taste now but  you can cellar for many years. Gentle Bliss.

www.closdusoleil.ca

 

Heleen Pannekoek – Co-founder/Co-Owner Fort Berens (Lillooet)

Years ago Harry McWatters and I exchanged views on the winegrowing possibilities in the Lillooet area.

I had fished the area and could see all of the elements necessary to grow and make wine.

Water, land, heat and room.

Harry had done some planting and soil testing and thought it was possible.

Years later I did my first interview with Rolf de Bruin and Heleen Pannekoek from Fort Berens in Lillooet and was very happy to see that Harry was right. Again!

Heleen and Rolf Fort Berens

They’ve been very busy at Fort Berens.

Harvesting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot &  Cab Franc.

They planted an 18 acre Red Rock Vineyard in 2018 and 2019. Their ultimate goal is to be 100% Lillooet VQA. They now have 38 planted acres.

And this year they release the premier vintage of Gruner Veltliner.

Heleen brings the Spring Wine Releases from Fort Berens

2020 Riesling. From vineyards in Vernon, Kelowna & Lillooet. Nose (lemon. rose) Mouth (apple. pear. lemon) Pair with curry. tapas. prawns and sunsets. $19.99

2020 Dry Riesling. Over 80% fruit from their estate. Nose (Granny Smith apples. Apricot)  Mouth (lime, ripe fruit. freshness) $21.99

2020  Pinot Gris. Made from Dry Creek vineyard in Kelowna and a grower in Lytton. Nose (citrus. kiwi. lime.) Mouth (grapefruit. tropical fruit) $19.99

2020  Gruner Veltliner. Premier vintage of Gru.  Next year they hope to make this fine wine from their own plantings.

Nose (apple, honeysuckle. mixed fruit)  Mouth (wonderful texture. aromatic and creamy) A wine to watch.  $21.99

2020 Rose. 100% Lillooet estate fruit. 80% Pinot Noir 16% Cab Franc. 4% Merlot.  Nose(Yummy) Mouth (Yummier)  Raspberries. Melon. Strawberries. $19.99

Think about Salmon, BBQ, chicken. Prawns.

 

And remember Harry McWatters.  Here’s a toast to Harry!

Harry McWatters

www.fortberens.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Mt. Boucherie

Modest Wines

Rust Wine Co

Anthony Buchanan

 

 

 

May 22nd, 2022 –  4th Annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival

May 21, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:48:29

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Cowichan Wine Festival Aug 1-31.   12 wineries – 31 days – 36 wines to be discovered.

 

THE SHOW

2021  4th Annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival

Sunday, Aug 1 High Noon –  Tuesday, Aug 31, 5 PM.

For all the dark news of 2021 it’s nice to be able to share this week’s Tasting Room Radio with our friends from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The good news they bring is that The Cow is open for business. They will be adhering to covid guidelines and practices.

In all,  12 wineries will be open and welcoming. (for some,  reservations are highly recommended)

You’ll want to make plans early because last year was a complete sell-out.

 

Tickets are $35.00. Your gorgeous glass (and passport) is your ticket. That allows you to get into all 12 participating wineries.

Visit as many wineries as you like and collect stamps in your passport. If you collect all of them you can enter a draw for a Grand Prize.

 

For more info www.tourismcowichan.com

unsworth wines

Unsworth Winery

 

The stories and the pours from 6 valley wineries. Our guest list includes:

 Jim Moody – Owner and Winemaker at Zanatta Vineyards (Duncan)

Bailey Williamson – Winemaker at Blue Grouse (Duncan)

Bailey Williamson Blue Grouse

Lorin Inglis – Manager of Enrico Winery (Mill Bay)

Brent Rowland – Winemaker Averill Creek and Joue (Duncan)

Brent Rowland Winemaker Averill Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Schulze –  Management  Venturi-Schulze (Cobble Hill)

Dan Wright – Winemaker Unsworth (Mill Bay)

www.tourismcowichan.com

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Spring Releases from

Clos du Soleil

Alderlea

Fort Berens

2House

Gold Hill

Mt Boucherie

Rust Wine

 

 

May 15th, 2021 – Spring Wine Reviews from Poplar Grove & Tightrope (Naramata Bench)

May 14, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 01:00:58

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2021 Spring Wine Reviews from Poplar Grove & Tightrope (Naramata Bench)

 

THE SHOW

 

Welcome to Tasting Room Radio’s 2021 Spring Wine Release Specials.

This week we welcome Tony Holler co-owner of Poplar Grove plus Graham & Lyndsay O’Rourke from Tightrope Winery. Both on the Naramata Bench.

 

Tony Holler – Co-Owner of Poplar Grove. (Naramata Bench)

When I started Tasting Room Radio we were living on the Naramata Bench and had created a studio in a barn. Outside the windows, I could see the roof of Ian Sutherland’s original Poplar Grove. Then he sold to Tony & Barb Holler and they started to build the new Poplar Grove out my French Doors to the side, up on Munson Mountain. (the one with the PENTICTON sign).

Tony introduces us to the 2021 Spring Releases. They include their flagship Bordeaux blend The Legacy. The 2017 release is coming in September. It won a Gold Medal for Best of Show (by varietal)  at the London Wine Competition and scored 93 points.

Holler team!

The Poplar Grove Spring Releases are:

2020 Rose  Lovely strawberries & Cherries on the nose. melon. citrus. cherries on the palate. Beautiful blend of Merlot/Malbec/Syrah/Pinot Gris/Muscat!

2020 Pinot Gris.  You’re going to love this.  Pear. Peach. Lychee. Citrus. Can be cellared to 2025

2017 The Legacy.  This just in. The blend is 40 Merlot/38 Cab/12 Malbec/6 Cab Franc/4 Petit Verdot. It’s pure Gold!! Cellars to 2031.

Leather. Plum. Tobacco on the nose.  Palate has tonnes of ripe berries, dark chocolate, and caramel.  A true Okanagan Bordeaux!

 

The restaurant is up and ready to go. They have a great patio and fabulous lawn overlooking Penticton and the vineyards.

June 1st they start gourmet picnic options. It’s the Munson Munch.

 

www.poplargrove.ca

 

Lyndsay and Graham O’Rourke – Tightrope Winery (Naramata Bench)

Team O’Rourke – Tightrope

They are a great pair. Graham grows the grapes and Lyndsay makes the wines. It’s called Teamwork!

Graham was one of the founding directors of Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC) and that’s exactly what Tightrope wines are all about. Beautiful fruit made without harming the land, the environment, or people.

The Tightrope Spring Releases are:

2020 Rose – Clean. Dry. Strawberries. Spice. A blend of Pinot Noir/Syrah/Barbera.  Cellar to 2022. $22 at winery

2019 Riesling – Sustainably grown. Cellar now through 2025. $22 at winery. Delicious.

2020 – Pinot Gris. Tropical fruit. Lime. Granny Smith Apples. Handpicked and pressed on the same day.$21.50 at winery

2020 – Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon  80/20. A spectacular White Bordeaux. Achieves a trifecta of clean and dry introduction and then texture. Wait for what? You can’t be both except when the palate also contains ripe mango and peach. Lime and Lemon.

I loved this wine. $22 at winery.

2018 – Merlot  12 months French Oak. Cellar through 2029.  Your gateway wine back to Merlot Land.  $27 at winery.

2018 – Vertigo. A wonderful blend of Merlot 45/Barbera 30/Cab Franc 25.  10 months 50% New French and American Oak

$36 at winery. Cellar this asap. Then count the days until you reward your clever self.

www.tightropewinery.ca

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

 

Cowichan Wine Festival

Zanatta

Blue Grouse

Averill Creek

Enrico

Venturi Schultze

Unsworth

Clos du Soleil

Alderlea

Fort Berens

 

 

May 8th, 2021 – 2021 Spring Wine Releases  – Hillside and Roche (Naramata  Bench)

May 8, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:55:12

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2021 Spring Wine Releases  – Hillside and Roche (Naramata  Bench)

 

THE SHOW

 

Hillside Winery and Bistro       Kathy Malone – Chief Winemaker (Naramata Bench)

A dozen interviews.

That’s how many times I’ve talked to Kathy Malone for Tasting Room Radio.

She speaks on behalf of Hillside Winery and Bistro and been the spokesperson for  The Naramata Bench Wineries Assn.

hillside rose

Kathy is also Chairman of the BC Wine Council.

Trust me of this – she absolutely knows how to make memorable wines.

Kathy brings her new Hillside Spring Releases

(Above/Below means position of vineyard in relation to Naramata Road.  Kathy explains the nuances)

2020 Unoaked Pinot Gris.   Amazing mid-palate.  A winner.

2020 Gewürztraminer.  you can smell flowers and ripe fruit. Ginger and Guava on the palate.

2016  Merlot.  (Hidden Valley. Dickinson Vineyard)  (in pre-release)  (Below)

Coffee. Dark Chocolate. Ripe Cherry  $40.00

2018 Heritage Series Syrah 100% Hidden Valley Vineyard (above) $32.00

Coffee notes. Clove and dark fruit. Currents. Splendid.

2018 Howe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. (above) $48.00

Black fruit and chocolate. The long hang time on vine  highlights beautiful flavours.

2015 Mosaic $54.00   Cab. Merlot. Can Franc. Petit Verdot. Malbec.  “Big Mo”

A fine balance of flavours and  discoveries in the mouth. Flying The Flagship of Naramata Bench.

Cellar up to 10 years.

Chef Evan Robertson Hillside Bistro

FYI – The 2020 Rose and the 2020 unoaked Pinot Gris are released.

Kathy introduces us to their wonderful new Chef Evan Robinson and his new menu.

The May fundraiser #HospitalityHustle campaign.$1 from every bottle of Muscat Ottonel.

Bistro Hours – Wed-Sun 5pm-9:30 pm Take out and meal kit Wed/Sun 1-8 pm

Heated outdoor patio dinner service

Tasting Room

Wed/Sun 10am-5pm

 

And check out Kathy Malone’s Virtual Tasting opportunities online.

www.hillsidewinery.ca

 

Roche Winery – Penelope and Dylan Roche

Had Meg and I stayed on the Naramata Bench, Penelope and Dylan would have been our next-door neighbors.

They bring such wonderful spark to the valley.

Penelope grew up in the very heart of French wine country. Chateau Les Charmes – Haut Brion.  Dylan in North Vancouver.

I laugh every time I type that line. But there’s no shortchanging either one of them.

They trained in classrooms and cellars. Learned winemaking all over the World and then chose to make their stand in – the Okanagan Valley!

“Our strength is a combination of experience in vineyard management and winemaking and a precise appreciation of the link between the two”

Roche Vineyards Naramata Bench

Here are their Spring Releases:

 2019  Texture Pinot Gris. floral notes. Apple then lime in the mouth. Very engaging. $21.90

2018 Traditional Pinot Gris. Vanilla. Apple.. Beautiful mid-palate.  Pear and Lemon.  Loved this front to back. WoW. $28.90

2017 nuances entry level Bordeaux but waaaaay better than many. 58 Cab Franc/25 Merlot/17 Cab.  Herbs. Cassis.Blackberry  $32.90

2016 Chateau 41 Cab Franc/35 Cab/24 Merlot vanilla.black currant .pipe tobacco. tannins & acidity. Think cellar. 14 months. 50% New French of course. $49.99

Penelope and Dylan Roche

FYI – They are now open to “futures” on their wines.

The Black Book Wine Club is very popular. Do you like their wines?  Join the club.

Growing and farming under organic discipline.

Tasting Room open 11 am-5pm

For Pete’s sake- try the Chardonnay!

 

Roche has all the talent and smarts to be one of the wineries leading BC into the future.  For me, where they lead, I follow.

www.rterroir.ca

Stories we’re working on:

Cowichan Wine Festival

Tightrope Spring Releases

Clos du Soleil Spring Releases

Alderlea Spring Releases