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November 2nd, 2024 – Wine releases from the Naramata Bench

November 3, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:54:37

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THE SHOW

This week  we reconnect with the wineries of the Naramata Bench.

Like many others in the BC wine community, The Naramata Bench was also hit with heartbreaking losses of their prime vineyards due to a killer Winter deep freeze.

Even as they pour the wines this year, we’re still talking about the growing season last year and how each and all with survive.

The pouring and presenting of Spring wine releases is an annual traditional event.  Talking about failed bud breaks, the loss of complete vineyards and the big question – what to do next?

Many changes coming to BC Wine farming.

What to plant?  Where to plant? How to survive the crisis?

New Varietals, new Blends and new owners/makers/farmers.

As tough as the next couple of years may be,  none of that showed itself in the first of the year  pour at Vancouver Community College on West Pender.

The Bench is a very tight community. Even though they are all hyper-competitive, when it comes to showcasing their individual wines  The Naramations pull together as a team. Impressive,  to say the least.

 

One thing to keep in mind – there a many wines available from BC wineries. Some pull from past vintages and many have wines stockpiled.

Here are the guests for Part One – talking Spring Wines and Vineyard Survival!!

 

  • Colin Ross – President of Bench Wineries (Tightrope)
  • Tyson Archer –  (co-founder) Fox and Archer
  • Emma Roberts – (GM) Howling Bluff
  • Bob Ferguson – (co-founder/winemaker)  Kettle Valley

Kathy Malone – Hillside Winery

  • Kathy Malone – (Winemaker) Hillside Winery and Bistro

Marcus

(Marcus Ansems/Daydreamer)

  • Marcus Ansems – (Winemaker Co-owner) Daydreamer Wines
  • Richard Da Silva – (Owner-Winemaker)  Da Silva Vineyards and Winery
  • Lyndsay O’Rourke (co-founder/winemaker) Tightrope Winery

Dylan Roche-Roche Wines

  • Dylan Roche – (co-founder/co-winemaker) Roche Wines
  • Graham Pierce – (winemaker) Ruby Blue

Rebecca Mikulic

  • Rebecca Mikulic  – Three Sisters Winery

Robert Van Westen

  • Robert Van Westen – (co-founder/winemaker)  Van Westen Vineyards
  • Lauren Bunckle – (Asst Winemaker) Elephant Island Winery
  • Wilbert Borren – (co-owner/winemaker) Four Shadows Vineyard and Winery
  • Will Hardman – (co-founder/winemaker) Deep Roots Winery

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 Ucluelet and Pluvio Food Experience

Sons of Vancouver Realms Rye

More Hatch wines

Fort Berens

Howling Bluff 

Artema Releases

Poplar Grove – a Merlot Moment

 

 

October 26th, 2024

October 26, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:35:37

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THE SHOW

Victoria International Wine Festival - Victoria Wine Festival

The annual Victoria Wine Festival just happened.

I walked into a Trade Tasting looking for familiar faces and winemakers to interview.

It turned out to be an almost all locals show. For me anyway.

Chris Turyk from Unsworth was telling wine stories to an ever expanding group. Lots of interest in what’s happening at their Cowichan Estate. It would take a whole show to fill you in.

 

 

Dan Wright Chris Turyk

 

That’s down the road. Right now they’re building a whole new facility, watching over their new plantings of Pinot, Chardonnay and Gamay. Chris takes us through his current pours.

Mike Nierychlo. Co-owner/Winemaker  at Emandare Vineyard. Just North of Duncan.

Mike-Nierychlo-Emandare and TDM

Mike has news for wine fans everywhere.  He’s always promoting Emandare – and why not  – but he has outspoken views on BC wines and events that affect them all.

It should come as no surprise that their wines just get better and better. I’ll let Mike explain.

 

www.emandarevineyard.com

 

Mark Wachtin and Mich Pambrun from Storied  Wine Cider Spirits brought  all the wines they represent. A true table full. Such as Anthony Buchanan, Bella,Lock and Worth,Nagging Doubt, Ones+, Roche, 1Mill Road, Sea Star, Unsworth, Salt Spring Wild etc.

 

And wonderful surprise.  6 years after first meeting him at  another wine gathering , I’m talking once again to Michal Mosny owner and winemaker at Winemaker’s Cut in Oliver.

We’ve become friends and now partners. Michal and I joined  in partnership with Jason Priestley to create Q&A wine.

We had much to talk about – mostly about Winemaker’s Cut new releases and Michal’s harvest in Yakima Washington.

Www.winemakerscut.ca

https://qa.wine

 

Zanatta Wines.  Jim Moody  co-owner and winemaker

Zanatta is Vancouver Island’s first estate winery.

They have been making wines for over 50 years and are very proud of the family legacy.

Jim farms 25 acres of vineyards and it’s all estate fruit.

The best word to describe Zanatta wines is unique.

They use traditional methods to farm and crush their grapes.

Pinot Noir, Ortega, Carmine (a blend of Pinot Noir,  Castel and Cab. Also the very popular Damasco, (a blend of Ortega, Muscat, Auxerrois and Madeleine Sylvaner)

Along with Glendora Fantasia Brut, rosé and Taglio Rossi

 

www.zanatta.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

THE STATE OF B.C. Wines

Fort Berens

Jason Parkes Customs

2025 Van Wine Fest

Sons of Vancouver

Pluvio and Ucluelet

 

 

 

August 19th 2024 2024-Author Luke Whittall and his Sipster’s Pocket Guides Books

October 19, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:50:02

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Look who’s on a Roll – It’s this week’s guest,  Author Luke Whittall

 

Luke and his Sipster’s Pocket Guides Books.

In the third volume in the popular  Sipster’s Pocket Guide series, wine expert and educator Luke Whittall presents his latest top 50 British Columbia wines under $50 (including many under $30) and along the way shares his thoughts on wine country and common misconceptions about certain grapes, and offers up tangents on everything from scented candles to middle children to jazz hands.

With food and activity pairings that range from Thai noodles and pool noodles to classic rock and hootenannies, and an index of attitudes that lets you choose a wine based on your mood (come hither, dressed to kill, razzle-dazzle), the Sipster’s guides are equal parts freewheeling and focused.

 

Divided into chapters on sparkling, white, rosé, red, and dessert wines, the latest volume of Sipster’s will snap you out of a catatonic funk in the liquor store and stick around for a quiet evening paging through a book—perhaps this book and perhaps there’s even a wine for that.

Welcome to Volume 3, where a Viognier can be a lot like a bouncy castle, a red blend that is the icing on top of another layer of icing and also  a wine that will upstage Taylor Swift and Kayne and an adventurous evening calls for a certain Trebianno (not the guy from Friends . . . but then again, maybe?).

The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 More Must-Try BC Wines: Volume 3

The Sipsters series are written in a language anyone can understand. Words we all use and can remember a day later.

Make no mistake, Luke knows his wines from the vineyards to the bottle. He just makes the journey much easier than it really is.

 

We also start TRR with a conversation about vineyard damage & recovery,   plus the coming discovery of BC Wines made with Washington grapes.

So those damaged vineyards, wineries and wine-farming families can survive the next couple of years.

 

And heads UP – The Sipster’s Ontario Vol 2 is coming – just in time for Christmas.

 

Then surely, the Luke Whittall film starring Ryan Reynolds. 

Www.sipsterswinepodcast.ca/books 

 

Luke Whittall

Online:

The Sipster’s Wine Podcast – Sipsters Icons on Substack   WWW.

 

Books:

“The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 More Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 3″ 2024 (Touchwood Editions)

“The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario Wines, Volume 1″ 2023 (Touchwood Editions)

“The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 2″ 2023 (Touchwood Editions)

“The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 1″ 2021 (Touchwood Editions)

“The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide” 6th Edition (with John Schreiner) 2020 (Touchwood Editions)

“Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia’s Wine History” 2019 (Whitecap Books)

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Zanatta

Pluvio & Ucluelet

Sons of Vancouver

Eau Claire Ruperts Exceptional Whisky

Hester Creek

Fort Berens

Victoria Wine Fest

Winemakers Cut

2025 Van Wine Fest

Jason Parkes Customs

The state of BC Wines 

Fall Wine Releases

New from Niche 

 

October 12th, 2024- Wine Witch on Fire – The Natalie MacLean Memoir.  

October 11, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:39:09

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Wine Witch on Fire – The Natalie MacLean Memoir.  

 

THE SHOW 

I'm A Wine Writer. Here's How I Cut Back On Drinking - Chatelaine

“Natalie MacLean had it all – an accomplished husband, a high-profile wine writing career and an email signature of “Chief of Wine Happiness.”  But her life fell apart when her husband departed, she started to drink too much and a social media mob came after her.

Wine Witch on Fire is the triumphant story of how MacLean pushed back against sexism in the wine industry, found love and drew on her female “witching” powers to turn obstacles into opportunities.”

Francis Dinkelspiel bestselling author of  Tangled Vines

The full title of Natalie MacLean’s book is

Wine Witch on Fire

Rising from the  Ashes of Divorce, Defamation and Drinking Too Much

When I read that Natalie had written a memoir that was both dark, transparent and funny, I knew I had to ask for an interview.

The memoir was surprising in its transparency and elements very familiar to me.

Receiving the wines, studying the info, sipping and at times fully tasting the wines that arrived.

The most interesting wines were always paired with food, as they were intended.

I had page after page of questions written out but in the end, like all great engaging conversations, there was little time to check on notes or questions. Just make sure you’re recording and exchanging any and all opinions and thoughts.

I do hope you like the conversation. The book is even better.

You can get Natalie MacLean’s new memoir Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much in paperback, ebook or audiobook from these retailers.

She hosts the podcast, Unreserved Wine Talk, and offers popular online wine and food pairing classes at www.nataliemaclean.com.

The video version of the interview can be found on the terrydavidmulligan YouTube Channel.

www.nataliemaclean.com

#winewitchonfire

@NatalieMacLean

@natdecants

 

Happy Thanksgiving all.

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

The Sipster 3 and Ontario 2

Victoria Wine Festival

Winemakers Cut

The State of BC Wine – Fall 2024

Fort Berens

Jason Parkes Customs

2025 Van Wine Festival

New releases from Sons of Vancouver

Jim Moody – Zanatta Wines

Pluvio and Ucluelet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 5th, 2024- Okanagan Fall Wine Fest!

October 5, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:22:58

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2024  Okanagan Wine Festival October 18th – October 27th

 

The SHOW

 

Our guest for the hour is Kimberly Hundertmark – GM of Okanagan Wine Fests

Kimberly Hundertmark

The 2024 Okanagan Fall Wine Festival Celebrates the Most Bountiful Time of the Year.

October 18 through 27th we’re all invited to celebrate the bounty of the beautiful Okanagan Valley this October at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival.

Traditionally a celebration of the grape harvest, this year’s Festival will focus on the storytellers behind the products that we enjoy from our farms and orchards.

This year, many of BC’s winemakers will be crafting their wines with grapes grown elsewhere due to the severe winter damage, but there is still reason to celebrate what is in our glasses and on our plates.

From October 18th through 27th, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival along with partners throughout the valley, will host a series of events and experiences sure to appeal to the wine and food enthusiast.

Fall Wine

On Saturday, October 19th , explore six of Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Wine Trail wineries as they deliver curated wine and culinary pairings as part of the TASTE Series. Your pass includes a small bite perfectly paired with a BC wine.

CROPPED is back by popular demand. On Friday, October 25th , Valley First presents CROPPED Kelowna. This ever-popular harvest season event returns to downtown Kelowna at Revelry Food and Music Hub. Experience an evening exploring some of your favourite BC wineries and discovering new ones.

Also features culinary bites by Revelry’s very own Chef Kacia and local artisan producers. Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, two beverage tickets, and live entertainment by the amazing Ben Dunnill.

As well as their  Signature Events, there will be several special events hosted by individual partners throughout the Okanagan Valley including OC Cultivate at Okanagan College in Penticton.

With Halloween around the corner, check out the Monster Mash 80’s Bash at Sandhill Wines on October 26th .

 

The very popular TASTE Series takes place in two of my favourite spots

The Scenic Sip Series Saturday Oct 18 in Lake Country with 50th Parallel/Blind Tiger/Ex Nihilo/Gray Monk/Intrigue/Peak Cellars

The Second TASTE Series is October 28 in Okanagan Falls. Featuring Liquidity/Mayhem/Meyer Family/Nighthawk/Noble Ridge/Stag’s Hollow/Wild Goose

Check the Festivals website for a full listing of upcoming events and tickets. thewinefestivals.com

Follow them on their  new Instagram account @okanaganwinefestival or on Facebook @okwinefests

 

www.thewinefestivals.com

  

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Next Week – Natalie MacLean – Wine Witch on Fire

Pluvio and Ucluelet

New releases from Sons of North Vancouver

Jim Moody – Zanatta Winery

Victoria Wine Festival

Fort Berens

The Full Sipster – including the new  Ontario #2

 

September 14th, 2024- Jason Parkes/Robbie Hundertmark- (The Hatch). Ron Kubek- Lightning Rock

September 14, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:45:27

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Jason Parkes/Robbie Hundertmark (The Hatch). Also Ron Kubek. Lightning Rock

THE SHOW

Jason Parkes (Team Leader)  The Hatch  (West Kelowna)

Robbie Hundertmark (Wing Man)  The Hatch     

The box arrived from Jason Parkes Customs.

Filled with:

The Dynasty White  – Wow

B Secco

Hobo Series Gamay MMXXI

Clarity at the Waters Edge

Clash of the Tannins

Franc Says Relax

Auxerrois that Endserrois

Flipping the bird

Octobubble

Merlot Rider  etc

 

As clever as the designs, artwork  and titles are, the most important element of these wines is how well they’re made.

The team leader at The Hatch etc is Jason Parkes with his own Jason Parkes Customs.

Also under the leadership of Crown and Thieves, Black Swift Vineyards and a handful more.

We taste and talk our way through as much of the box as we can.

Robbie Hundertmark had no idea what he as walking in to. Jason and I have developed a rock and roll wine based shorthand, so Robbie became the calming effect. Enjoy the ride.

Apparently there is another box coming. They’ll be back.

www.jasonparkescustoms.com

@hatchwines

 

 

 

Ron Kubek – Owner and CEO of Lightning Rock Winery  (Summerland)

 

“2023 has been one of the most challenging years we’ve ever faced in BC”

They lost their beloved Syrah and Viognier vineyards. The Syrah is still alive below the soil and will regrow in 3 years. There’s no such news for the very popular viognier vines.
Expect Riesling to take its place.

This interview with Ron is not just about his vineyards and wines, it’s about the business of winemaking and farming.

Ron Kubek knows what works in business these days. When he sees the  BC wine business getting a runaround he doesn’t just speak up, he speaks out.

Loudly.

That’s why I was zoom calling him. I had hoped to capture the anger and frustration I was hearing about in wine farming circles.

It concerned the provincial government supporting these farms and wineries by allowing BC wineries,  wiped out by 2 freezing winters, to source replacement fruit from the USA. But they only gave them a year and it takes at least 2 to see growth in vineyards.

 

I’ll let Ron pick up the story line. You won’t have to turn this one up, Ron can and will be heard.

 

www.lightningrockwinery.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 New FALL Releases

Zanatta – Cowichan original

Pluvio  and Ucluelet

Sons of Vancouver

Fort Berens

Best Coast Distilling

Hester Creek

Hillside Fall releases

Winemaker’s Cut Fall Releases

Q&A Winemakers Dinners

 

 

 

September 7th, 2024 Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cookbook with Kerri McNolty Interview

September 7, 2024 Tasting Room Radio, Uncategorized 0:08:54

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Our Guest is Kerri Wyse-McNolty  VP Burrowing Owl Vineyards and co-creator of their fine Cookbook.

(with Author and Wine Writer Jennifer Schell Lirag)

 

THE SHOW

 

The Question they most often hear in their tasting room is …..”what should I pair with this wine?”

 

So Kerri Wyse and her team collaborated with award winning cookbook author, wine writer Jennifer Schell Lirag and her team  and wrote a cookbook to answer that question.

Unlike most books of this nature, Kerri and Jennifer organized the pages by varietals that they produce at Burrowing Owl.

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So you’ll find – page by page – three recipes that pair with each of  the award winning  wines they create. (Pinot Gris is an example)

You’ll also find suggested music to go with meal prep and dining.  I am very impressed and  I’ve included some below.

Pinot Gris    (Baba Ghanoush/Chicken Marbella/Okanagan Apple Crisp)

Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay  (La Traviata  Giuseppe Verdi)

Viognier  (Come away with me – Norah Jones)

Pinot Noir

Malbec  (Doo Bop Miles Davis)

Merlot

Cab Franc  (Stand in the Joy William Prince)

Rose  (Arriba  Bruce Becvar)

Syrah  (Harvest – Neil Young)

Athene (Dans Ma Main  Jean-Michel Blais)

Cab Sauvignon

Meritage  (Oscar Peterson plays Count Basie)

Coruja (fortified)  (Duke Ellington and John Coltrane)

 

The recipes were a collaboration between Jennifer and the Wyse Family. Some were inspired by Wyse family favourites. The book also provides Wyse Family history and stories.  I also loved the fact that Jennifer and Kerri suggested music that would pair with the meal prep and dinner.

 

In his foreword,  Master of Wine Rhys Pender wrote…

 

“In this cookbook, I like to think of 30 years captured of Wyse Family meals.

That’s 3 decades of family working, cooking and eating together. – their hard work, tough decisions and deep family conversations as they shared wines, shared recipes and helped pioneer the BC wine industry. That is what it takes to become an iconic winery”

 

 

Available now at www.burrowingowlwine.ca

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

New FALL Releases

A catch up with The Hatch

Zanatta – Cowichan original

Pluvio  and Ucluelet

Sons of Vancouver

Fort Berens

Ron Kubek – Lightening Rock

Best Coast Distilling

Hester Creek

Hillside new releases

Winemaker’s Cut

Q&A Winemakers Dinners

 

 

 

August 31st 2024- Interview with Anthony Gismondi: Co-founder of The Nationals!

August 31, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:39:30

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Full show Interview with Anthony Gismondi: Co-founder of The Nationals!

 

THE SHOW

 

The 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada wrapped up in June in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Founded by Canadian wine experts David Lawrason and Anthony Gismondi, ‘The Nationals’ are the largest and most respected Canadian wine competition.

This year 22 judges tasted 1,800 entries from 230 wineries. Canadian wine is indeed gathering acclaim internationally, but ‘The Nationals’ is the most important peer competition local wineries can enter. With nearly every producer of note in the country competing, making it to the top ten of any category list is special. Getting on the annual list of the Top 25 Wineries in Canada is one of the most sought accolades in the business.

The Judges

The entries came from seven provinces. British Columbia had the highest representation with 147 wineries entered, Ontario came second with 84, followed by wineries from Quebec, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

The finale, the Top 25 Wineries of the Year list, has become an all-out race we look forward to every year and one warmly received by consumers looking for an edge when shopping for top Canadian wine. Each year has its rhythms, and 2024 was no different. Less winemaking and more of that elusive terroir/site/origin was making its way into the top-scoring wines, something eminently satisfying for the judges tasked with finding the best in the country. Every medal is hard fought for at the national level and should signal consumers that something good is going on at the recipient wineries. Our goal has always been to award medals that mean something in a crowded retail market, and we couldn’t be prouder of this year’s collection.” Co-Chair, Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine

I look forward to connecting  with Tony each and every time. So much to talk about. He is, after all, the perfect guest.

Anthony Gismondi

I just ask the questions and get out of the way.

 

The master link for the final results is included below.  Perhaps pour yourself something: a morning coffee or an afternoon platinum rose (yes, that actually happened) and follow along.

Its an amazing read.  Congratulations to Anthony and David, their volunteers and staff, the judges and especially the wineries of Canada.

No photo description available.

https://www.winealign.com/awards/2024/07/23/2024-nwac-results/

and to the Winery of the Year – Grant Stanley GM and Winemaker

https://www.winealign.com/articles/2024/07/24/results-from-the-2024-nationals-winery-of-the-year/

 

Enjoy!!

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

 

Burrowing Owl Cook Book

Pluvio – Ucluelet

A Hatch Cage Match

Sons of North Vancouver

Sipster 3

Fort Berens

Ron Kubek – Wine Issues

Zanatta Wines

Wine Witch on Fire – Natalie Maclean

Hester Creek

August 24th, 2024- VanWineFest Part 3 with DJ Kearney and a reconnect with Sandra Oldfield

August 23, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:47:44

hello

THE SHOW

 

Our last segments of  2024 VanWineFest with DJ Kearney  and  an Okanagan reconnect with Sandra Oldfield

The Vancouver International Wine Festival (#45) has come and gone but the interviews live on….for at least this week.

I’m joined by my fourth & final co-host, the one and only DJ Kearney.  Educator, mentor, leader, wine judge, black belt, speaker and wine director at Terminal City Club.  None better!!

Deej is also the best friend a person could ever have. We all feel lucky to know her.

As I did with Daenna van Mulligen (The Wine Diva), Kelcie Jones  and Michaela Morris,  I asked DJ to choose who she’d like to interview and spotlight.

 

Immediately she belted out….. “Justin Hall  – first Indigenous winemaker in the World”.

So  winemaker Justin Hall joins us from Nk’Mip in Osoyoos.

And Stavros Kriaris Global Ambassador of Alpha Estate in Greece.

“I’ve been there and loved the winery and wines”

Justin Hall Nk’Mip

Then I had the gall to ask “who do we close with Deej?”

DJ yelled “Lets invite next years  feature theme region California“

Bonterra Organic  Mendocino    (Gabriela Marble  Export manager)

Robert Mondavi   Napa    (Kurtis Ogasawara, Director of Winemaking)

Signorello – Napa Valley Golden Mile (Ray Signorello Owner)

Signorello Estate   Napa Valley Golden Mile (Ray Signorello – Owner. North Shore guy)

Ray Signorello

www.signorelloestate.com

www.robertmondaviwinery.com

www.bonterra.com

www.alpha-estate.com

www.nkmipcellars.com

www.tcclub.com

@djkearney

 

 

Sandra Oldfield –  Elysian Projects / Tourism Leader

Sandra Oldfield  (Elysian Projects)

Many of you know Sandra from her over 20 years at Tinhorn Creek. Winemaker, co-owner, helped to establish BC’s first sub-appellation – The Golden Mile Bench.  In 2017 Sandra and husband Kenn started Elysian Projects, a beverage/tourism consulting company. Sandra named one of Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women of 2016.  She co-founded the Fortify Conference and  is in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Sandra embeds herself into the dialogue of today’s BC Wine Industry , she’s natural leader.

We met in Victoria in the Spring, just before a 3 day tourism conference kicked off. There was much to talk about at the conference.

In addition,  there were a number of issues Sandra and I had to talk about for the podcast. The on going BC/Alberta wine clash. What can tourism do to help the wine industry through this very tough year?  The loss of considerable vineyards to cold snaps and who speaks for the small farmer?

All of these issues were in play in the spring. Some have been sorted out, mostly they remain issues for the BC wine industry.

Sandra finished the interview with a story about several boxes that arrived at her house. Sent from Alberta to BC.

The question is/was “what’s in the boxes and why should we care?”

We welcome back Sandra Oldfield.  A Fall Update to follow.

 

www.elysianprojects.com

www.fortifyconference.ca

www.winebc.com

www.hellobc.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

The Nationals – Anthony Gismondi

Burrowing Owl Cook Book

Pluvio – Ucluelet

A Hatch Cage Match

Sons of North Vancouver

Sipster 3

Fort Berens

Ron Kubek – Wine Issues

Zanatta Wines

Wine Witch on Fire – Natalie Maclean

Hester Creek

 

 

August 17th, 2024-VanWineFest Part Two – 10 Italians and a Turyk!

August 16, 2024 Tasting Room Radio 0:14:30

hello

 

 

Featuring guest hosts and wine specialists  Kelcie Jones and Michaela Morris.

TDM. Kelcie Jones co-host – Ermes Scardova (Ermete) and Beatrice Schiavio (Marchesi di Barolo)

The feature region of the 2024 Vancouver International Wine Festival was Italy.

There were  71 wineries representing 13 different Italian regions, from Sicily in the far south to Trentino-Alto Adige in the north.
There were hundreds of autochthonous grape varieties and each region has its own mix of varieties, wine styles, and food and wine culture!

So much history and passion wrapped up in Italian wines. Italian winemakers and owners know that Canada has its own history of embracing the wines of Italy.

No matter what the region.

When I asked Kelcie Jones and Michaela Morris to consider co-hosting with me, I also asked who would they like to invite for the interviews.

Kelcie is the co-founder of This is Wine School and the Sommelier of the Year 2023.

Kelcie looked forward to talking with

Beatrice Schiavio –  Marchesi di Barolo. The first Barolo was created in their cellars.

Thomas Jefferson was an early fan. The King of Wines. The Wine of Kings.

 

Ermes Scarova.  Medici Ermete.   Growing vineyards and creating wines since 1890. Not just any wine but a sensational  CRU of Lambrusco: Concerto

 Next comes the charming Daniel Grace – the American owner of Il Molino di Grace

In the very heart of the Chianti region. Producing world-class wines for 350 years.

Urs Vetter – from Vietti.   Formed 150 years ago in the very heart of the Langhe at the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto. It’s still there today.

What followed were beautiful Arneis, Moscato, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and many  Barolo.

tdm – Michaela Morris– Daniel Grace. Katie Nussbaum. Sebastiano De Ferrari  Vanwinefest 2024

Unsworth Vineyards – Cowichan Valley Vancouver Island.  Chris Turyk.. marketing and family member.  If you listen to Tasting Room radio you know Chris Turyk.

Chris Turyk – Unsworth (Cowichan Valley)

Every region needs a spokesperson. Chris is the leading voice of the Cowichan Valley Wineries.

Unsworth leads by example.

 

Michaela Morris becomes the co-host in the second half of this Tasting Room Radio.

 

Michaela is a fully acknowledged leader in Canada’s wine world.

She’s an educator, mentor, sought-after wine judge and gifted writer. (Decanter)

Michaela had just returned from Tuscany.

Michaela’s interview guests included:

Katia Nussbaum Owner of San Polino.  Vineyards were created early in the  10th century. As of 1581 it was owned by the Montalcino Hospital, Santa Maria della Croce. The olive trees planted in 1581 are still standing.

Sebastiano De Ferrari. The owner of Boscarelli.

Barbara De Rahm from Marziano Abbona

Stefano Inama – Inama Wines  Owner and family member – perhaps the finest producer of Soave!!

Stefano brings his son along for the chat.

 

Thank you, Kelcie and Michaela!!  Thank you, Meredith and Harry!!

           www.michaelamorris.ca

           @kelciejones

            www.thisiswineschool.com  

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Van Wine Fest Part Three

  • with DJ Kearney
  • Burrowing Owl Cokbook
  • Sipster 3
  • Fort Berens
  • Anthony Gismondi – The Nationals
  • Ron Kubek – Wine Issues
  • Jim Moody – Zanatta
  • Wine Witch on Fire – Natalie MacLean
  • The Hatch – Jason Parkes Customs
  • Dining at Pluvio – Ucluelet
  • Hester Creek