Audio FIle

November18th, 2023- Swirl Two, at Sutton Place Hotel

hello

Tasting Room Radio Presents; Swirl Two 

(BC Winemakers & Principals. Pouring & telling tales)

 

 

THE SHOW

 

We return to Sutton Place Hotel on Burrard in downtown Vancouver.

Wine BC was hosting their 2023 Swirl trade tasting.

Over 65 BC wineries,  proudly pouring and talking about their new wines available for the Holiday Season and beyond.

Almost all  had sent their winemaker or leadership principal.

We thank  Pacific Coastal for flying us from Victoria into Vancouver and back. Interestingly, they’ve just launched flights from Nanaimo to Vancouver and Nanaimo to Kelowna.

The Okanagan is within easy reach and they to the wineries on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

 

All our guests are winery and community leaders. Honouring the land and its future.  Their wines reflect their talent and commitment.

Because it’s such an  important message, we close with a replay of Lindsay Kelm’s interview that started Swirl off.

Over the past two weeks every one of these guests has asked wine fans to step forward and support the wineries, restaurants and accommodations they offer.

Its been a very tough year for many. Vineyards lost to a big freeze, Summer fires, smoke and road closures.

They need our help to survive this hard road.

Buy BC, order BC wine when dining out, join an wine club, gift BC wine over the Holidays. Visit your favourite wineries.

 

Check out the  Guest List:

Christine Coletta (Summerland) – Founder.   Garnett Valley Ranch, Free Form, Haywire, Narrative, Okanagan Crush Pad.

Christine Coletta

Charlie Baessler (Similkameen)  – Managing Partner, Viticulturalist & GM. Corcelettes Estate Winery

Charlie Baessler

Leslie D’Andrea and Benoit Gauthier (OK Falls) – Co-Owner and CEO/Director of Winemaking/Viticulture Noble Ridge

Wilbert Borren (Naramata Bench) – Winemaker & Co-owner  Four Shadows Vineyard and Winery

Christa-Lee McWatters  (Okanagan) – GM Time Family of Wines. Chronos, McWatters, evolve, OROLO.

Bailey Williamson – (Cowichan Valley) Winemaker  Blue Grouse Estate Winery.

Bailey Williamson

Bailey Williamson

Ben Woodward (Kamloops Wine Trail)  GM  Privato Vineyard and Winery

Lindsay Kelm  (Kelowna)  Acting Communications Director.  Wine Growers British Columbia

 

wineBC.com

corceletteswine.ca

nobleridge.com

fourshadowsvineyard.com

timewines.ca

bluegrouse.ca

privato.ca

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Hester Creek – New Releases

Fort Berens – New Releases

Township 7  – New Releases

 

 

October 28th, 2023- Seven Wine Stars – Why it’s time to Buy B.C. We can ALL help!

hello

Seven Wine Stars – Why it’s time to Buy BC. We can ALL help!

 

THE SHOW

 

Christine Coletta – Co-founder  Haywire Wines (Summerland)

Grant Stanley – Winemaker and GM of Spearhead  – (East Kelowna) 2022 Best Small Winery in Canada.

Rhys Pender – Master of Wine and co-founder Little Farm Wines (Similkameen)

Kimberly Hundertmark – Executive Director Okanagan Wine Festivals (Fall Fest starts today)

Sandra Oldfield – Partner Elysian Projects and Organizer of  Fortify Conference in Penticton Nov 15

Tim Pawsey – Writer and Wine Judge (Hired Belly)

Leslie D’Andrea – Co-founder and CEO Noble Ridge Winery (OK Falls)

 

If ever the BC Wine industry could use your support, it’s right now .

Discover the Wines, Wineries and Vineyards of British Columbia | Wine BC

Farming and making wine is a long hard road during the growing season. However,  the past farming year was hit with

wild fires, smoke, a December freeze that killed many vines and the MacDougall Creek Fire, one of the largest and most vicious fires overlooking West Kelowna.

Then, at the height of the fires,  the BC government shut down the highways into the Okanagan.  Wine fans and tourists were asked to stay home.

They did stay home and when the roads opened again they either stayed home or went elsewhere.

The wineries, restaurants and accommodation business in the Okanagan lost weeks of prime time sales.

The lost revenue and the reduced fruit crop has put a hurt on many small wineries. Some will be lost. Many are holding on hoping for a better year ahead.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

 Have a listen to these BC Wine leaders.  Lots of suggestions and much wise advice.

From buying BC wines for the near future and ordering a BC wine when dining.

Join a wine club. Shop on line. Gift your friends. Rethink new plantings!

Also the Fall Wine festival is on in the Okanagan.  Now’s the perfect time to visit.  Kimberly Hundertmark Executive Director gives us a primer on the events.

 

Spearheadwinery.com

Haywirewinery.com

LittleFarmWinery.ca

thewinefestivals.com

elysianprojects.com

Nobleridge.com

TimothyPawsey

WineBC.com

Totabc.org

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Tomato Wheels Lambrusco

Sons of Vancouver –  Desert Grass and Blue Agave Whisky (Tequila Cask)

Swirl Around BC – Over 60 wineries from all over the province.

 

 

 

 

 

October 21st, 2023  “Fall for BC Wines”

hello

Wine Growers British Columbia  have a  new urgent initiative called “Fall for BC Wines” and they would love food and wine fan support.

As you all know , it’s a challenging time for wineries in BC  — they’ve had to be extremely resilient and adaptable over the past few years.  Fires, Covid, smoke, drought, cold winter conditions, climate change. The amount of grapes coming off the vineyards has dropped radically.

Here’s what can’t drop – wine fan support. Pick your favourite wineries and join the wine club, buy their latest reds and whites, visit the winery and take home your Winter wine. Share with your friends and neighbours and get them involved. When dining out, buy BC from the wine lists.

There are endless reasons to fall in love with BC during the harvest season. From the bounty of this beautiful place we get to call home to the growers and winemakers working against the elements to create magic in a glass –we raise a glass to all that makes BC wine so special. The Okanagan Wine Festival starts October 27  www.okanaganwinefestivals.com

 

Now more than ever before, it is important to buy local and support local growers and producers right in your backyard. Whether visiting the winery directly, joining a wine club, or picking up a bottle of BC VQA wine at your favourite wine store, there are endless ways to show your support for BC wine this harvest season.

 

Explore the wine adventures and activities below to uncover concerts, outdoor movie nights, passport experiences and other enjoyable BC wine events. https://winebc.com/wine-bc-events/

 

Know a BC Community Hero? Nominate them here for their chance to win a VIP Trip for two to BC Wine Country.

 

Guests this week include:

 John Skinner – Co-founder and wine leader at Painted Rock (OK Falls)

John Skinner

One of the true leaders in BC Wine.  Whenever John pours, he tells the story behind his award wining wine.  Then he does a great sell job on BC Wine.

From Painted Rocks lofty position in Okanagan Falls,  overlooking the valley from Penticton to the hills around Oliver, they can see many of the wineries needing an influx of fans and funds.

www.paintedrock.ca

Ned Bell – Star Chef  (Naramata Inn)  Spokesperson for Buy BC

@Ned Bell

nedbell.com

Ned Bell was born in Penticton. Even though he became a very successful chef, Ned always supported buying local. I keep waiting for someone to create a poster with a photo of Ned saying Local Hero

Ned Bell

He invites everyone back to the Naramata Bench.

When I started thinking about the whole of the BC Wine industry  I caught myself saying “ it’s not just about the wineries, its about the food and restaurant business that they partner with. Many of them are  farmers as well. Then, the thought about accommodations became clear.

When the BC Government shut down the highways to the Okanagan, at the very height of tourist season, they all suffered. Weeks later, when the road ban was lifted, most of the tourists had made other plans. The cash flow that normally would sustain them all through the Winter simply went away.

They need our help and support.  Right now.

 

If you’re going to buy wine, buy BC, if you gift,  gift BC Wine. Join a wine club, order on-line.   Travel to BC Wine Country and spend a weekend with them.

You will be welcomed with open arms and much appreciation!

Next guest is a great friend John Weber

John Weberco-founder and winemaking leader at Orofino (Similkameen Valley)

John reports fire and smoke this Summer. However, even when they were nowhere near the McDougall Creek Fire, when they closed the Okanagan Valley they closed the highway through Manning Park and the Similkameen as well.

Made a sketchy growing year even sketchier. John had opinions and suggestions for his fellow farmers and asks of the wine buying public.

If anyone can speak about the hardships of farming  its John Weber.

www.orofinovineyards.com

John Weber

 

Our last guest is Joanna Schlosser – Co-founder and CEO of Niche Wine Company!

Along with her winemaking husband James and son Hugh, they run a very small but much loved winery. Not just in West Kelowna,  where the big fires were. They are actually in McDougall Creek. That was the name given the fire. They were right next door.

Joanna, James and Hugh

Niche winery was evacuated and the fire burned on. It took out some of the vines but also burned down their machine shed AND the fencing.

In the days that it took to put out the fire and  get to go back to the winery, the local bears and deer ate their entire crop of grapes.

The winery was still standing thanks to the first responders and firefighters. We thank them for their commitment.

Remarkably Joanna brings with her the wines ready for the market from Niche. As creative director , Joanna is the designer of the very cool labels  and bottle neck tags.

The farm shop is closed but the on line desk is open. They’re the first to offer growler refills in the cellar.

Niche Wine Co

2021 Near and Far Pinot Noir –  made from estate fruit in West Kelowna and a vineyard in South East Kelowna. A blend of near and far. A beaut!!!

2021  Wild and Free Pinot Noir – Pinot grapes left to press themselves just with the weight of the fruit.  Free Run juice with wild ferment.

Fabulous.

2022 Small Batch White  – Riesling and Gewürztraminer.  Hand picked and basket pressed.

(Seafood. Salad)

https://www.nichewinecompany.com/

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Fall into BC Wine

Sandra Oldfield

Christine Coletta

Grant Stanley

Leslie D’Andrea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 7th, 2023- Barnyard Natural Wine Fest Part 2 & Natural Winemaker Ann Sperling

hello

Barnyard Natural Wine Fest Part 2 & Natural Winemaker Ann Sperling

 

THE SHOW

 Last week we happily presented a feature story on the first Barnyard Natural Wine Festival in BC.

As promised here’s the rest of the featured interviews.

Matt Cooke

We decided to start with a shortened version of the interview with Matt Cooke.

matt cooke

Matt conceived and organized  the Festival at his home base of Save-On Arena in Victoria.  Matt has a history of supporting natural winemaking through various restaurants  where he’s lead the wine program.

The Rogue Kitchen and Wet bar in Vancouver, Tableau Bistro, Homer St Café,
Ancora and finally  the wonderful OLO restaurant in Victoria. He featured natural wines all the way.

Completing the natural story are:

 Murray Fontaine and Aaron Goddard from the much admired Scout Vineyard (Similkameen)

Kesley Rufiage   – Winemaker  Else Wines,  Echo Bay and jocko (OK Falls)

Alex ThornleyThorn and Burrow  (Various Locations)

Annelise SimonsenCreek and Gully (Naramata Bench)

 

 

Ann Sperling – Winemaker and family member Sperling Vineyards  (East Kelowna)

Ann Sperling

Certified organic in 2017, Ann is the fourth generation of Sperlings tending the vineyards on the East Benches of Kelowna.

Ann created:

Natural organic Amber Pinot Gris

Organic Heritage Rose

Organic Pinot Blanc

Organic Vision Pinot Noir Reserve

Vision Series Brut Natural

Organic Old Vines Foch

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Fall for BC Wines

Solvero (Garnett Valley)

Stratus – Niagara on the Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September30th, 2023 BARNYARD  (Part One)  –  BC’s First Natural Wine Festival (Victoria)

hello

BARNYARD  (Part One)  –  BC’s First Natural Wine Festival (Victoria)

THE SHOW

NATURAL WINE:

“Wine unplugged. It’s the unfiltered, untamed, unphotoshopped version of what we know wine to be. Hand picked, no additives, little or no sulphites.

It flies against the status quo. Challenges what people think is good wine”

Madeline Puckette /Wine Folly

 

This first natural wine festival was organized by Matt Cooke .

In 2016 Matt moved to Victoria and joined the management team at OLO Restaurant, where he quickly took over the bar, and then wine programs. The food at OLO screamed natural – which inspired him to create a largely natural wine list, which over his nearly 5 years there, grew to become arguably the most natural list in Victoria.

Matt’s passion was really in finding new and exciting wines/regions/varietals to pair up with the food and encourage OLO guests to try. Then in fall 2021 he became the Food & Beverage General Manager at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.

It was a major career shift, from a 40 seat farm-to-table high end restaurant, to a 7000 person arena, but loved it. Over the course of two hockey seasons now, Matt has become confident in his role – but missed the aspect of educating people on wine, and  missed his connection to the wine world. Which is where the idea for Barnyard came from.

 

In Fall of 2022 Matt started reaching out to his contacts from his  buying days at OLO, and suggested this gathering. The response was immediate and highly supportive.

Matt Cooke

For BARNYARD they had 35 wineries/agencies attending, including 18 BC wineries and 1 Ontario winery – all with principals, and 16 import agencies. The import agencies presented  a range of products from their portfolio, which allowed the festival  to showcase wines from 17 other countries.

 

The full list of wineries and agencies is up on their website:

https://barnyardwinefest.ca/wineries

 

The guest line up for Part One:

 

Matt Cooke – Founder of Barnyard www.barnyardwinefest.ca <http://www.barnyardwinefest.ca>

 

Rajen Toor –  Winemaker Ursa Major (Black Sage Road)  https://ursamajorwinery.com <https://ursamajorwinery.com/>

RajenToor

Mathew Vasilev – Co-founder/cidermaker Twin Island Cider (Pender Islands) https://www.twinislandcider.com/ <https://www.twinislandcider.com/>

 

Jay Drysdale – Bella Vineyards (Naramata Bench)  https://www.bellawines.ca/

Bella- Jay Drysdale & Wendy Rose

Louise Fedyk – Massey Wines (Pouring Eastern European Wines) https://www.masseywines.com/ <https://www.masseywines.com/>

 

David Eiberg – Therianthropy (Ontario) https://therianthropy.wine/ <https://therianthropy.wine/>

 

Anthony Buchanan – Anthony Buchanan Wines (Kaleden) https://www.anthonybuchananwines.ca/ <https://www.anthonybuchananwines.ca/>

Anthony Buchanan

 

For a complete rundown of what everyone was pouring please head for

https://barnyardwinefest.ca/wineries

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Natural Wine fest Part Two

Stratus – Amazing Field Blend 

Niche – Small Batch/Big Love

Solvero – Welcoming Alison Moyes

New Releases – Everywhere

Okanagan Fall Wine festival 

September 16th 2023- The 4th Annual BC Cider Festival / Part One

hello

Photo by Linda C

Before the end of December, generally, they experience their first thawing. Those which a month ago were sour, crabbed, and quite unpalatable to the civilized taste, such at least as were frozen while sound, let a warmer sun come to thaw them, for they are extremely sensitive to its rays, are found to be filled with a rich, sweet cider, better than any bottled cider that I know of, and with which I am better acquainted than with wine. All apples are good in this state, and your jaws are the cider-press.</>

Henry David Thoreau

 

NEXT WEEKEND –  September 24th

Apple Days at Sea Cider  Saanichton

5th annual Cider Harvest Festival at Merridale, Cobble Hill BC

 

Shawn and Kelly Pisio with Terry David Mulligan – Photo by Linda C

We’re back to the 4th Annual BC Cider Festival – at The Pipe Shop, foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver, BC.

The BC Cider business continues to grow and create.

BC has always had a history of tree fruits.

The first thing planted seemed to have been apples and pears.

The first thing the wine industry wanted was the soil the fruit farmers were growing in and started cutting down  BC orchards.

Thankfully, educated minds began realizing there was value and heritage in that BC fruit.

Cider has continued to rise in popularity and when craft beer revealed their playbook, the cidermakers followed.

I believe there were some 45 ciders in attendance this year. Most are from BC but also Sweden and Spain.

Cidermakers are crazy, fun people. Hard workers.  Aware of the history and heritage of BC tree fruit. Very passionate about making better and better cider.

The Pipe Shop – Photo by Linda C

Every guest below is either the Creator of the festival,  Cidermaker or Owner of their Cidery.

Shawn and Kelly Pisio – Co-founders of BC Cider Festival

Kate Garthwaite – Left Field Cider (Logan Lake)

Christine Hardy – Riley’s  Cidery (Bowen)

Gerta Lattey – Salt Spring Cider (Salt Spring Island)

Clinton McDougall – Sunday Cider (Gibsons)

Mathew Vasilev  – Twin Island Cider  (Pender)

www.sundaycider.com

www.leftfieldcider.com

www.rileyscider.com

www.TwinIslandCider.com

www.bcciderfest.ca

Next Week – Part Two with

  • Bruce McKinlay – Valley Cider (Duncan)
  • Jennifer Molgat – Wards Cider
  • Shawn and Kelly Pisio – The Wrap-up

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Stratus  – Field Blend Rose (Ontario)

Niche – new releases

Solvero – Allison Moyes GM and Winemaker

Moon Curser  New Releases

Hester Creek   New Releases

 

September 2nd, 2023- The 44th annual Vancouver Wine Festival. Part 2

hello

Winemakers from Aquilini/Beringer/Laughing Stock/Michael David/Nk’mip/Osoyoos LaRose/Vina Carmen/Santa Rita

 

THE SHOW

 

Welcome back to the 44th annual Vancouver Wine Festival.

Cutting through the clutter with world class wine smarts is our co-host DJ Kearney (Wine Director Terminal City Club. Speaker, writer, wine judge, noted authority)

dj kearney

This is our 17th year of covering this wildly successful wine gathering.

As always, we make a wish list of who we’d like to talk to and try to shape a tale of climate, regions, wines, winemakers and what’s ahead for an ever changing business.

At some point the wish list gets thrown out and it’s a sprint to the finish line.

Exhausting but memorable.

This week’s guests are:

 Justin Hall – Winemaker Nk’Mip Cellars Osoyoos, BC

Michael Kullmann – Winemaker and GM Osoyoos LaRose Osoyoos, BC

Sandy Leier – Winemaker Laughing Stock Vineyards  Naramata Bench, BC

Sandy Leier

Sandy Leier

Ryan Rech – GM and Winemaker Beringer Vineyards  Napa Valley, Ca.

Tyler Tennyson – Consulting Winemaker Aquilini Wines Red Mountain, Washington

Dave Phillips – Co-owner and President Michael David Wines Lodi, Ca.

Oscar Salas – Winemaker  Santa Rita Maipo Valley/Limari Valley  Chile

Pablo Prieto – Winemaker Vina Carmen  Various Locations Chile

 

NEXT WEEK – PART THREE

DJ Kearney – Co-Host with the Most

Ray Signorello – Signorello, Edge, Trim  Napa/Alexander valley

Garron Elmes – Winemaker/Pres. Lake Breeze Naramata, BC

Ben Pon – Co-owner Salentein   Mendoza, Arg.

Joe Spellman – Master Sommelier  Justin Vineyards and Winery Paso Robles, Ca

Evan Goldstein – Keynote Speaker. Master Sommelier

Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director VanWineFest

Mark deVere – Master of Wine Robert Mondavi  Napa

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Moon Curser New Releases

Solvero – Summerland/Garnet Valley

Stratus – The Ultimate Field Blend  Niagara

Q&A in Quebec

State of the Okanagan

Harvest 2023

 

 

 

 

August 26th, 2023- Kelowna Fire Interviews

hello

THE SHOW

 Kelowna Fire Interviews

Okanagan Valley on fire | JancisRobinson.com

 

August 16  a ferocious wind-blown fire raced through the hills and ridges of West Kelowna and threatened subdivisions, wineries and whole communities.

The battles to slow down and halt the fires went on for days and nights.

We decided that there was no more important story, especially for Tasting Room Radio which began its broadcast life in the Okanagan on the Naramata Bench.

I needed to find farmers, winegrowers, friends  and food/wine leaders to let us know:

 

The damage done.

The current situation.

Smoke and fire effect on Vineyards

Confirming the Okanagan is open again…


Interviews with:

Jeff Hundertmark – winemaker at Mt Boucherie (was in fire area)

Jeff Hundertmark

Kimberly Hundertmark – OK Wine Festivals (festivals still on)

Jason Parkes and Develyn Barker – The Hatch (perhaps even closer to fire)

John Weber – owner Orofino.  Similkameen

Rhys Pender – Master of Wine & Little Farm Winery Similkameen

Mark Filatow – Chef and owner Waterfront Bistro Kelowna

Each one of these guests tells tales of fire and survival. They also recommend how we can help the Okanagan survive this fire and financial damage.

VIDEO: West Kelowna inferno crests over ridge; community on high alert - Kelowna Capital News

The last interview is special.

Its my Aunt,  Joyce Mulligan. Joyce was married to my late Uncle,  Terry Mulligan. That’s the reason why I have all three names.

Within the family he was Terry and I was Terry David.

Joyce lives in  McDougall Creek – the epi-center of the fire. She was advised to evacuate and headed for Kelowna  then Revelstoke to be with her daughter Gale.

Firefighters risked their lives trying to rescue people and save homes from McDougall Creek Wildfire | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source

McDougall Creek area

Her tale may be the closest,  as she watched it, felt it and lived it.

Her home was close to a just completed water plant and fire fighters made sure those buildings were paid special  attention to.

She’s headed home soon.

Our chat was enlightening and so welcome.

All of the interviews can be heard on the Mulligan Stew Podcast

Thank you first responders.

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

2023 Van Wine Festival Part 2 and 3.

2023 Cider Festival

Fire Follow up

 

 

August 19th, 2023- 44th Vancouver International Wine Festival (Part One)

hello

2023 QUICK FACTS  (Ever Changing)

44th annual (founded 1979)

8 days, April 22-30

18,000 admissions

17 countries

147 wineries » 44 wineries from South America

36 events at 19 venues » 26 public events; 10 trade-only events

25 participating restaurants, hotels, caterers

1135 wines, including:  800 wines in the Tasting Room –  335 wines at special events (dinners, seminars, etc)

15,000 bottles poured and/or purchased

THE SHOW

 This is our 17th year of covering the  adventure  of The Van Wine Fest!

For the Executive Director Harry Hertscheg and his top flight team of organizers,  it’s their 44th annual.

(Harry and keynote speaker Evan Goldstein will close our series in a couple of weeks)

harry hertscheg

Although it’s still a amazing “blur” I think we did at least 20 interviews in just under four hours.

A mix of winemakers and founders from Chile, Argentina, BC, Lodi, Napa, Sonoma and  Washington!

We could not have made this journey without the help of media/marketing support from Ruby Gillett (Milk Creative Communications) and Danielle Giroux (Director- California Wines Canada)

Thank you both.

Vancouver International Wine Festival

 

Here’s Part One of this years Festival

 We begin with the most amazing friend – Wine Director at Terminal City Club and much admired wine educator, speaker and wine judge,  DJ Kearney.

DJ and I were judging the Lt Governor awards last month and between flights I whispered “will you join me at VanWineFest for a couple of interviews. I love your questions and observations?”

She nodded OK!  How lucky I was to know her?

As promised,  DJ sat down for the first two interviews and to my complete surprise and delight,  she stayed for almost the entire series of chats. A small grouping of chairs – knee to knee –  because the crowd noise gets louder as the minutes click by. A lot of collective chatter.  In the chairs, we all found ourselves leaning in to listen and comment. Tasted many outstanding wines the guests brought.

Loved it.  Best of all, this is just Part One of 3 weeks of interviews.

This weeks guests are:

 DJ Kearney – Wine Director  (Terminal City Club) Wine Educator, Judge, Writer,  Speaker and great friend.

DJ Kearney

The one and only DJ Kearney with her observations about Van Wine Fest history, the line up of this years wineries and general opinions about the state of today’s winemaking. She brings so many memorable stories and details.

https://www.tcclub.com/

@djwines

 

JJ DowellWinemaker Lake Sonoma, Plume Wines. (Russian River, Sonoma, Alexander Valley, Napa Valley)

Jaime started her career “in the arts” at her family’s art gallery.

The art of wine came calling. Crooked Vine, Stony Ridge. Then off to New Zealand making high end Pinot Noir at Villa Maria.

Back to California in 2011 to join Bonny Doon, Alpha Omega, Round Pond Estate in Napa and finally joined West Coast Wine Partners – which included the Stewart Family at Quails Gate – to oversee Lake Sonoma and Valley of the Moon WinesPlume Wines were soon added to the portfolio.

All that experience shows in her wines.  https://lakesonomawinery.com/

Jaime "JJ" Dowell Named Round Pond Estate Winemaker - Wine Industry Advisor

JJ Dowell

 

Christa-Lee McWatters – McWatters Collection GM/Family (Penticton)

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

DJ and I knew this was going to be fast, informative and lots of fun.

Christa-Lee and Tony LOVE talking about wine. Theirs and many others.

But they also have new events and growth.

At Time Family of Wines in Penticton Christa-Lee has opened OROLO Restaurant with Damian Cole as Head Chef.  Fine dining friends.

Wine's Most Inspiring People: Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters, TIME Family of Wines - Wine Industry Advisor

Christa-Lee McWatters

She was also pouring her Father Harry’s last vintage. A  2017 Brut!

Cheers to Harry McWatters.

www.timewines.ca

 

Tony Holler poured his Pinot Gris “it has to be poured at this event.”

Tony Holler

And also revealed his new culinary team at Poplar Grove Restaurant.

Timing says Tony “its all about timing” His executive chef moved on to Canoe in Toronto and at the same time Executive Chef Stacey Johnson and Chef de Cuisine Minette Lotz came available at Naramata Inn. Think about it.  That team in that room with that view? Wow!

Truly loved DJ’s comments.

www.poplargrove.ca

 

On my way into the Convention Centre I bumped into Chris Turyk and his Father Tim from Unsworth in the Cowichan Valley.

I reminded Chris that last year I stood in front of their Unsworth pouring table but the line-up just kept getting bigger and bigger and we never got an interview done.

Chris Turyk

So, this year we put two chairs together and had a conversation.

About Unsworth, the Cowichan Valley, the Jackson Family adding Blue Grouse to their Cowichan Portfolio, what he was pouring at the festival (Charme de l’ile NV), his journey to Master of Wine status and an update on the Cowichan Wine Festival the month of August.

My thanks to Chris, Tim and Unsworth.

www.unsworthvineyards.com

Next Week  Part Two –  Winemakers and Principals from

Tyler Tennyson – Aquilini (Red Mtn Washington)

Dave Phillips – Michael David Winery (Lodi, Cal)

Justin Hall – Nk’Mip  (Osoyoos)

Michael Kullman – Osoyoos LaRose

Ryan Rech  – Beringer Vineyards (Napa)

Oscar Salas – Santa Rita (Chile)

Pablo Prieto – Vina Carmen (Chile)

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Van Wine Fest Parts Two and Three

 

 

 

August 12th, 2023 JAK Meyer & Terry Meyer Stone talking  fires, wines and family partnership.

hello

It’s the annual Meyer-Mayhem Gathering.  JAK Meyer & Terry Meyer Stone talking  fires, wines and family partnership.

  

THE SHOW

 Love these guys. Love their wines. Truly admire their partnership.

Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls and Mayhem Wines  on Anarchist Mountain Osoyoos.

JAK_& Terry

This year they decided to bring their tasting rooms together at Meyer Family Vineyards on McLean Creek Road.

“Not to compete but to compliment”  The Wine Diva.

After Terry left Tinhorn Creek, brother JAK convinced her to start a new label with him and wife Janice Stevens.  Janice happens to be an accountant and all round fine soul. Also in the mix was Terrys husband Andrew Stone who brought work smarts as vineyard manager with Liquidity, Arterra, Fort Berens and, of course, Anarchist Mountain.  All-in-all,  a formidable team.

Janice_JAK

Mayhem  leans towards Bordeaux style. The whites,  including the Rose all have a wonderful texture due to a light handed barrel program. The Sauvignon Blanc is quite frankly world class. A fine balance of new and used oak.

The reds are very approachable and all their wines are smartly affordable.

Their highly creative winemaker is Australian born, New Zealand raised Ajay Chavan.

Ajay Chavan – Mayhem winemaker

 

Over at Meyer Family Vineyards JAK and Janice focus on Burgundian wines Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and wine fans everywhere are  all better off for it.  Some wines are only available through the wine club.

Six different Pinot Noirs, including a “field blend”.  All clones in this vineyard are grown, picked, fermented together and aged in neutral oak for almost a year.

And

Six different Chardonnays.

Highly sought after and well worth the chase.

Winemaker is the gifted Chris Carson with assist and support  from Ajay Chavan.

Chris Carson_Meyer Winemaker (SomethingBlue)

Best of all, all the wines we talk about can be found in one location – Meyer Family Vineyards  Okanagan Falls.

www.mfvwines.com

www.mayhemwines.com

 

2021 Old Main Road Chardonnay (Naramata)

2022 Okanagan Valley Chardonnay (OK Falls, Osoyoos, Naramata)

2021 McLean Creek Road  Chardonnay (OK Falls)

We do chat about the Meyer Pinot Noirs..

2022 Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata)

2022 Mayhem Rose (Oliver)

2022 Pinot Gris (Osoyoos)

2022 Riesling (Naramata)

  

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 Repeats:

2023 Vancouver Wine fest

2023 BC Cider Festival