Tasting Room Radio

July 13th, 2024 Tasting with Tightrope (Naramata) & Bonterra Organic (Mendocino)

hello

2024 Releases – Tightrope (Naramata) and Bonterra Organic  (Mendocino)

 

THE SHOW

 

Lyndsay O’Rourke – Winemaker at Tightrope Winery (Naramata Bench)

Lyndsay O'Rourke Tightrope Winery - Good Life Vancouver

(Lyndsay and Graeme O’Rourke)

 

Tightrope Winery is a small, family-run, sustainable winery on the Naramata Bench.

A true Labour of love for owners Graham (viticulturist) and Lyndsay O’Rourke (winemaker). Their vineyards on the Naramata Bench are farmed sustainably to make hand-crafted wines with artistry and passion. Tightrope wines capture the soul of Naramata – the personality, character, culture and fruit of “the Bench.”

Tightrope is yet another story of a couple who discovered they both had a passion for wine and when given the self-inspired opportunity to become farmers and winemakers, they changed careers and homes to follow their dreams.

To those who seek such things, it should come as no surprise that their wines are completely passionate and speak to your senses.

 

Top 10 small wineries in Canada – 2019.

Our 2 part interview with co-owner and winemaker Lyndsay O’Rourke will cover their story as owners and winemakers and some of their  2024  Tightrope Releases..

2023 – Pinot Gris – 4 different vineyards. Notes of pear and grapefruit. Beautifully clean and dry. ( Lyndsay has prices in the interview)

2023 – Rose. What a nice surprise to find 96% Pinot Noir and 4% Barbera which adds spice notes to the tasting experience.

2022 – Semillon. Single vineyard Gem.  100% Sem. Lemon zest. Grapefruit and minerality. Clean and crisp.

2023 – Viognier.  Two vineyards were involved.  Ripe citrus notes, ginger. Dry and bright. Aged on lees for 3 months. French and Acacia Barrels. Worth it!!

2022 – Pinot Noir Rubis.  Destemmed not crushed. 3 weeks on skins. Then  French Oak – 30% new for 10 months. Cranberry. Strawberry. Spice. (Cellar for 2-10)

2022 – Pinot Noir Fleet Road. Complex vineyard management pays off. Ripe black fruit, plum. Leather. Some Oak. Impressive. (cellar 2-10 years)

www.tightropewinery.ca

 

Bonterra Organic Estates – Joseph Brinkley Director of Regenerative Farming/Benjamin Mitarakis Dir. of Trade Development (Mendocino)

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Continues to Advance Organically Farmed Wine | Minnesota Monthly

This taste and talk took place at Tap and Barrell Bridges on Granville Island. The afternoon was part of the Spring release tasting and very much a talk about organic farming at Bonterra Organic Estates. America’s #1 Organic Winery.

The winery and vineyards over the years have been known as Fetzer Vineyards and had winemakers such as Paul Dolan and Bob Blue.

Vina Concha y Toro took control of Fetzer in 2011 and when they launched Bonterra they were well ahead of anyone else in Organic farming and wines.

It has taken years of education to raise the profile of organic wines. With the consumer and surprisingly with wine sales staff. Not just in Vancouver but everywhere.

Benjamin and Joseph spent several hours walking us through the farming process, the certification of the vineyards and their commitment to The Earth.

(Joseph Brinkley – TDM – Benjamin Mitarakis)

Our  energized  conversation covered most of the questions asked in the room but then we talked about

“the wines”.

We tasted and talked about the following Bonterra  2024 Releases..

2022 – Bonterra Organic Estates Chardonnay. 2 vineyards. One sandstone and the other volcanic rock. On Lees 6 months American Oak – third new. $24

Delightful Mendocino Chard. Light oak notes – nice finish and the price is right.

2021 – Bonterra Organic Estates Cabernet Sauvignon. A nice touch of Petit Syrah adds fine aromas. 40% new French oak. Raised toast levels lift everything.

$25.  Dark ripe berries, lasting finish. Again, the price is right.

 

Not yet available but hopefully coming our way, we also tasted

 

2022 – Bonterra Estate Collection  (new) Chardonnay. Granny Smith, citrus, ripe pear. 50/50 oak  French/American. Brilliant nose.  Big hit!

2022 – Bonterra Estate Collection   (new) Cabernet Sauvignon. Butler Ranch Fruit. 100% French Oak.  40% new.

2022 – Bonterra Estate Collection  (new) (new) The Butler Red Blend. Butler Ranch Vineyards. 63% Syrah, 18 P Syrah, 12 Mourvedre,  6 Grenache and 1% Viognier. 14 months in French Oak (12 new).  Direct,  delicious and damn good.

Bonterra Certified: B Corporation/ Regenerative Organic Certified/Climate Neutral Certified/True Zero Waste Certified.

www.bonterra.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Meyer Family

Township 7

The Hatch/Black Swift Whites

Fort Berens

Hillside Estate

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cookbook

Sipster 3

Cowichan Valley Wine Festival

 

 

 

 

 

July 6th, 2024- 2 Wine Stories –From Garnet Valley, Solvero & Garnet Valley Ranch. Also from Bottleneck Drive,  Dirty Laundry & Pamplemousse Jus.

hello

Two Wine Stories –New wineries in Garnet Valley, Solvero & Garnet Valley Ranch Plus  Two from Bottleneck Drive,  Dirty Laundry and Pamplemousse Jus.

 

 

As much as I like to follow the wines we all share, I’m equally driven by the people who make them. The battles they wage against weather and man!

Best of all are the stories they tell. Every wine has a story.

Those are the people and stories I want to share with you on Tasting Room Radio.

 

Christine Coletta – Co-founder of Okanagan Crush Pad/Haywire etc and now Garnet Valley Ranch Wines

Alison Moyes – GM and Winemaker at Solvero Wines in Garnet Valley.

Discover Garnet Valley Ranch., a quick 7 minute drive from the town of Summerland!  The 320-acre ranch is a working farm that is surrounded by natural habitat, organic vineyards, fields of ground crops and a lavender farm. A small pond attracts more than 70 species of birds and wildlife. With no immediate neighbours, the site is tranquil and relaxing. There are places to hike and horseback riding options, or go off grid, listen to nature, and read a book while you sip wine.

 

Christine talks about the wines being planted, grown, harvested and released.

Christine Coletta is one of the veteran leaders in the BC wine industry. We’ll also be talking about the future of BC wine.

 

Her only “next door”  neighbor in Garnet Valley  is Alison Moyes and the team at Solvero Wines.

Solvero Wines: Summerland's Newest Winery Now Open - My VanCity

“It was just a dense forested mountainside, very steep slopes, very challenging terrain to farm. But over the course of two years, a 16-acre vineyard was planted in 2016. Then we started building the winery in 2020 to be able to produce the wines. And then finally, we’ve just finished this beautiful new tasting room and  we’re ready to launch this year.” Alison Moyes (Global TV)

 

This destination, is one of the highest vineyards in BC,  almost 600 metres. Its perfect for growing their signature  releases  of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

By hiring Alison Moyes, they’ve found the final piece of the puzzle.

She learned her  winemaking craft through years at Stoneboat, Osoyoos Larose and Liquidity.

Enjoy the conversation between winery neighbours. Both creating new wines in a new  destination. We get to taste and compare the same varietals from both locations.

Then a short trip down the road to Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive.

 

www.solverowines.ca

www.okanagancrushpad.com

 

 

Jordan Kubeck – owner/winemaker Pamplemousse Jus natural winery  (Bottleneck Drive)

Okanagan Crush Pad Announces Changes to the Winemaking Team - My VanCity

Jordan Kubeck winemaker/owner at Pamplemousse Jus

One of BC’s most admired new wineries is Pamplemousse. Not only making highly creative natural wines, they are  also creating “natural” converts with every season.

Jordan has been making wine in BC since 2010. After working at Cellar Tek, Okanagan Crush Pad and Lightning Rock, Jordan was excited to launch her own project along with her husband Tyler Knight and business partner James Langford-Smith in 2021.

Pamplemousse Jus is natural wine! Neutral vessels, basket press, manual labor and wild ferments create these wines. The wines are made in a garage turned winery with basic winemaking equipment and a whole lot of happy hearts. The Pamplemousse Jus team works hard, experimenting with unusual blends and winemaking styles to bring you the freshest, yummiest wines possible.

 

 

Mason Spink  Winemaker at Dirty Laundry (Bottleneck Drive)

A Q&A with our Winemaker Mason Spink

Mason Spink

When the recent Top 50 BC wines were announced, at the very top of the list – the wine of the year was

Dirty Laundry’s 2022 Cellar Series Gamay.

Wine of the year' is Dirty Laundry Cellar Series Gamay

this wine stood out among all entries for it’s exceptional quality and distinctive character, earning the highest honor in the competition.” Okanagan Wine Festivals.

Dirty Laundry Vineyard | Okanagan Wineries

dirty laundry

*

Mason Spink winemaker at Dirty Laundry Vineyards

After study at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont. by 2009, he was making wine and, in 2013, he left See Ya Later Ranch to join Dirty Laundry. Since Mason Spink took over as winemaker in 2013, Summerland’s Dirty Laundry Vineyard has doubled production. He likes to make serious, interesting wines but they don’t have to be pretentious. Over his time at Dirty Laundry he has been evolving the house style and winning awards. Including #1 at the new Top 50 in BC hosted by the Okanagan Wine Festivals

The vineyards were originally planted in the 1970s and are now some of the Okanagan Valley’s oldest vinifera vines.

Mason takes us through some of their recent releases and their plans for replanting vines lost in the latest winter freeze.

The other voice you hear belongs to Leeann Froese, the owner of Town Hall Brands. An outstanding  wine advisor and marketing firm.

 

www.dirtylaundry.ca

www.pamplemoussejus.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Meyer Family

Sipster 3

The Hatch

Township 7

Fort Berens

Hillside

Black Swift Whites.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cookbook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 29th, 2024- The BC Cider Festival Part Two

hello

THE SHOW

Happy Canada Day Weekend my friends!

After walks, yard work, the local bike path, family gatherings etc it comes time to reward yourself!

After drinking your body weight in water,  how about a Cider Experience!

There are  many cider choices/regions in this Country. So many,  that each region gathers together for a cider festival at least once a year.

The BC Cider Festival is one of my favourites.

(linda c)BC Cider Fest 2024

 

Takes place inside  and outside  The Pipe Shop, very foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Its where they built ships, especially leading up to WW2. My Father, Pat Mulligan worked in The Pipe Shop.

A gathering of ciderists is much like a wine and beer festival but with even more “character” behind the pour. Many of the stories told about cider are family related.

Orchards handed down from generation to generation. The new generation planting different fruit and making blended ciders that defy description!

Cider and

Bourbon

Sherry

Whisky

Wine!!

 

The interview guests in this second half of our salute to cider include:

 

Tariq Ahmed – Owner and cidermaker at Revel Cider in Guelph Ont.

 

Tariq’s family came to Canada from Africa and a younger Tariq told his family after high school he wanted to study farming. The family was not happy about that. “We came to Canada so you didn’t have to do that.

20230622revelcidersb

Tariq Ahmed

However Tariq had discovered an old wine press and started experimenting with pressing fruit,  like he had tasted in Quebec.

In 2014 he started Revel Cider and promptly ran out of money. Immediately after he posted that Revel was going to shut down, friends and fans started donating money and he was back in business.

I think you can tell that his ciders are very unique from some of the titles.

The spot you told me about

You are my sunshine

All Day

Flower Power – “smells like aged honey, lemon zest and orange creamsicles, garnished with chamomile blossoms”

I urge you to check out all their fascinating ciders at www.revelcider.ca

 

Clinton McDougall – Sunday Cider (Gibsons, Sunshine Coast)

Clinton McDougall (linda c)

Co-founder of Bestie in Chinatown and co-founder of  Sunday Cider – Vancouver’s first craft cider company.

Craft cider made on BC’s sunny Sunshine Coast. Discover and enjoy  an award winning cider in their  big, beautiful picnic area surrounded by West Coast Rainforest. Food trucks on site now through September. Plus locally made ice cream, non-alcoholic options and cider to-go. OPEN all year long.

Sunday Cider! Great on Saturdays.

www.sundaycider.com

 

Brent Carlson Owner and Cider Maker Homestead Craft Cider  (Agassiz, BC)

Surrounded by West Coast beauty and farms to the horizon,  Agassiz is the home in Homestead.

Brett Carlson Homestead Cider (linda c)

“Homestead Cider began as an idea to keep the family homestead thriving and grew into a way for us to share the place where we grew up with our community. Our cider is crafted with our farm-grown apples and local BC ingredients to create something that is flavourful and easy to drink. We hope you enjoy our cider just as much as we enjoyed making it for you.”

www.homesteadcider.ca

 

Casandra Anderton – representing Sea Cider Farm and Sea House  Saanich, Vancouver island.

Kristen Needham Jordan is the founder of Sea Cider. A 6th generation farmer. Even though she inherited the family orchard in 1985, she really wanted nothing to do with farming. Instead she went to boarding school – in Wales. After many years of education and travel around the World Kristen finally conceived Sea Cider.

The cidery became very successful…a huge portfolio found on shelves all across Canada.

Kirsten realized her dream to build a family-owned, community-minded business rooted in farming.

www.seacider.ca

www.goodlifevancouver.com

 

Quinn Ehrler – Owner Barrel Hugger. Cellar Rat  Raven’s Moon Ciderworx  Courtney/Comox Vancouver Island

 

Passionate and artistic. Studying culinary arts has him develop a wicked palette. Experienced in fermentation and developing left of center flavors of cider. Loves to experiment with new ideas and flavors and techniques. Hates cleaning the tanks.

Follows in the considerable footsteps of his founding father George.

 

“Our batches are small. In every bottle of cider you will find the crisp juice of naturally grown heirloom and  heritage apples from our farm and other BC farmers. You will find the traditional art of fermentation combined with a twist of a new age of cider. Always with apples as the base, we blend in other Vancouver Island and BC fruit, infusions and botanicals.”

 www.ravensmooncraftcider.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Garnet Valley Wines – Solvero and Garnet Valley Ranch

Meyer Family Pinot and Chardonnay

Sipster 3

Clos du Soleil

The Hatch

Township 7

Fort Berens

Hillside –  new releases (Chef’s Whites)

 

 

 

 

June 22nd, 2024- The fifth annual BC Cider Festival (Part One)

hello

The fifth  BC Cider Festival took place once again inside and out at The Pipe Shop,  the foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver. (photos by linda c)

As a kid growing up in North Van, I had always heard about the Pipe Shop. It’s where my Father Pat Mulligan and our neighbor’s mothers and fathers built ships for WW2.

To be in that room on Father’s Day was emotional and very reflective.

I love this gathering of cider makers and cidery owners. In many cases, it’s the same person.

 

Peri Lavender Ciderworks  (Salt Spring Island)

 

The tasting and information is immediate and direct.

There’s no PR baggage, rather it’s the bottom line story of how the cidery was conceived, and built and how generations of family have grown and created their craft cider.

Often, it’s Canadian history in a glass.

Curated by Shawn and Kelly Pisio from Txotx Imports and Rich Massey of Massey Wines, this tasting event allows attendees to enjoy unlimited samples from each of the producers over the course of the four hours.

Even though tables are laden with cider of all shapes, content and sizes, I chose to taste just the dead center of the portfolio – the dry cider they all made as they began.

Michela Palmer- Esquimalt Vermouth & Aperitifs (Linda c)

www.masseywines.com

@bcciderfest

www.cambiumcider.com

www.victoriaciderco

www.saltspringapplecompany.com

www.ciderworks.ca

www.esquimaltvermouth.ca

www.valleycider.com

 

Here are the guests we talked to in part one of this feature:

 

Shawn and Kelly Pisio – Co-founders of the BC Cider Fest  (Van)

Melissa (Missy) Dobernigg – Cidermaker and Owner   Cambium Cider   (Vernon)

Wayne Ralph – Victoria Cider Co.   Victoria (winner of the most popular cider of the year in 2023 and 2024)

Here’s Wayne’s champ smile below. Thanks to Linda c photo

Wayne Ralph – Victoria Cider Co

 

Peri Lavender – Co-founder of Salt Spring Apple Co. and Ciderworks Cider.

Bruce McKinlay – Cidermaker and owner of  Valley Cider (Duncan)

Bruce McKinlay (linda c)

Michaela Palmer – Owner Esquimalt Vermouth and Aperitifs   (Esquimalt)

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Meyer Family Spring Releases

Solvero and Haywire talking Garnet Valley

Township 7

BC Cider Festival Part Two

 

 

 

 

June15TH, 2024-New releases from Noble Ridge (OK Falls) & Bella Wines (Naramata Bench)

hello

New releases from Noble Ridge (OK Falls)

& Bella Wines (Naramata Bench)

 

THE SHOW

 

Leslie D’Andrea  Co-founder of Noble Ridge and Director of Winemaking

Benoit Gauthier  (Okanagan Falls)

Timing. It’s all about timing. My request for an interview and their Spring releases. The same day!!

Noble Ridge

Benoit creates and releases wonderful single reds and blends later in the year but right now it’s all about sparkling wines. Glorious Bubbles!

 

2019 The Pink One (clones 113, 114, 115 and 777)

100%  Pinot Noir. 135 cases. 4 hours on skins, 34 months en tourage. Method Traditionale. Toasted nuts and strong berry centre. If you see it – grab it. They’ll go quickly.

Its Some Yummy!

 

2018 The One   72% Chardonnay 28% Pinot Noir.

Brioche on the nose. Crème Brule on the palate.  Makes the biggest smile on my face.  345 cases.

 

2017  The One Grand Reserve  78%  Chard. 22% Pinot Noir

Exceptional flavour, clean acidity, baking spices, honey, apple. All with incredible balance. Citrus and apple together forever. World class wine.

 

2020 The One   20th anniversary Sparkling.

Has been called the best bubble yet from Noble Ridge. Frankly, I think everyone has a special bubble here.

Fantastic mouth feel, deep long finish. Very, Very good.

Congratulations on becoming the first Biosphere Certified Winery in Canada.

And thumbs up to Benoit and the winemaking team. To Jim and Leslie – Bravo!!

Father’s Day weekend events at Noble Ridge can be found at www.nobleridge.com

 

Jay Drysdale – co-founder/winemaker at Bella Wines (Naramata)

Bella – Jay Drysdale Wendy Rose

 

As it says on their webpage – Bella is a sparkling wine house focused on single vineyard, clonal expressions of Okanagan Valley grapes.

Perhaps the key word there is “focused.”  There are no more focused farmers that Jay Drysdale and his love Wendy Rose.

One of Jay’s mantras is “Gamay”,  as in – “I need more Gamay”

If you go to the Bella website – www.bellawines.ca you can see that they’ve been busy on The Bench. There is nothing normal about this winery. They push the boundaries of winemaking,  which is exactly why wine fans love them.

 

Spring releases we talk about  include :

 

2023 Muscat Sparkling Wine (Mariani Vineyard)   40 cases of bone dry zero-zero Pet-Nat at 9.9 %. A perfect starting point!

Really liked  this wine. You’ll be welcomed by immediate floral notes. Did I mention 9.9%

 

2022 Bella Sparkling – Blanc de Blancs.  Ancestrale Method. 90 cases. 10.6%  100% chardonnay from Bella Estate.

Bella recommends this be cellared for “a few years” as the reward is well worth it. It will become a BC Chablis. If you’re an oyster fan…this one is perfect!!

 

2020 Bella Reserve Brut (King Family Vineyards) Method Traditional  THIS IS SPECIAL.  Jay explains that he and Wendy went back into the cellar and pulled out the reserve brut all the way back to 2013.

So…available at Bella the Brut 2013-16-18-19 and 2020.  900 bottles. With notes of pineapple and fresh toast.

Small, busy bubbles.  Beautifully crafted.

Note: The King Family vineyard  is the one shown in the classic Naramata shot we’ve included on our website.

( King Family Vineyard – Naramata )

As beautiful as it is, it was damaged by the winter freeze.  May not see new  Brut for a while. We’ll see.

Highly recommended – These are amazing releases.  Bubble all the way back to 2013.

Please check the Bella website above for all the details.

And do enjoy the storyteller side of Jay Drysdale.  Hi Wendy!!

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Haywire

Garnet Valley  – Two Wineries.

Township 7

Solvero

BC Cider Festival

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 8th, 2024- BC Top 50 Wines & releases from Mayhem Wines  

hello

2024 BC Top 50 Wines  and New Releases from Mayhem Wines

 

THE SHOW

 WE HAVE THE WINNERS 

The Okanagan Wine Festival has returned with three weeks in Okanagan wine country. There’s simply no better time to visit than June,  just before the Summer season kicks into high gear. You can easily find all the details and planning support  at www.thewinefestivals.com

The official launch of the 2024 Spring Wine Festival takes place TONIGHT  June 7 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre when the

BC Top 50 Wines and the Wine of the Year were announced. Wine fans will then get a chance to  taste those winning wines.

 

We have two of the judges joining us on this weeks Tasting Room Radio.

Two great friends and mentors. I thank them both.

We are posting this feature story exactly as the awards are being announced.

 

DJ Kearney

In almost two decades in the wine business, DJ has trained over a thousand sommeliers throughout North America, judged and presented around the world, and tasted thousands of wines in pursuit of quality and value.

She has been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, the Chief Judge for several wine competitions, initiated a Judge Mentorship program in Canada, and contributes to WineAlign.ca.  DJ has a special devotion to wines of her home province, and frequently speaks, writes and teaches about the winelands of British Columbia.

DJ is the Wine Director for The Railway Club in Vancouver and a Global wine authority.  @djwines 

Rhys Pender MW

Rhys Pender MW is a wine educator, freelance wine writer, wine judge, and consultant to the industry. Working in the wine trade since age 14, Rhys’ career has included experience in the vineyard, cellar, wine retail, education and hospitality – providing knowledge in all facets of the business.

In 2010, Rhys became Canada’s youngest Master of Wine (MW) and was awarded the Taransaud Award for best Production of Wine paper. In his downtime, Rhys enjoys dirtying his boots at his vineyard and winery. Little Farm in Cawston. Rhys is also the owner and lead at Wine Plus.   @rhyspendermw    –    littlefarmwinery.ca

Rhys Pender

 

We had MUCH to talk about. What the Top 50 showed us about the state of BC Wines. Trends. What varietals lead the way and which ones simply didn’t show up.

Also regions that had a good competition. A surprising competition.

 

Here’s the now released Top 50 list and the Wine of the Year.  (NOTE – Meg/Corey -it’s attached but should be here  in body)

 

Terry Meyer Stone – President of Mayhem Wines

Terry Meyer Stone is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. Her brother JAK owns Meyer Family Vineyards

Terry is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. She and her husband Andrew Stone, along with four dogs and one cat, have a 4 acre vineyard on Anarchist Mountain where she works as a farmer growing Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Just when she thought she was going to “semi-retire” from her five year stint as DTC/Wine Club Manager at Tinhorn Creek, her younger brother JAK (Meyer Family Vineyards) convinced her to sell him her Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and start up a new wine label with him.

Mayhem Sneak Peek - My VanCity

Mayhem is  the name – Mayhem is the game. When she isn’t busy in every facet of the wine industry, she is at home with Andrew and the dogs, as well as entertaining their children and grandchildren.

Mayhem team

Terry takes us through their Spring releases.  Once again, outstanding pricing.

And congratulations to winemaker Ajay Chavan and his team.

 

2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata) 4 months in 8% seasoned Barriques and 92% stainless steel.  Clean. Bright. Acidity. Lemon-Lime notes – ripe fruit – lots of ripe fruit.  $20.99 at winery

 

2023 Rose  ( Pheasant Run Kaleden) What a blend., Zweigelt, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec.  Beautiful mid-colour  Notes of fresh strawberry. Crafted  balance with minerality.  Nicely bright  on the palate.  $21.83 at winery

OF NOTE: They made very special Rose Magnums. There are around 15 left. $5 from each mag goes to Breast Cancer Canada

 

2023  Sparkling Rose in can – perfect for Summer picnics, boating, camping, hiking etc. same clean, crisp rose – merlot driven, Nice small bubbles.

12 pack – $88.32  250 ml can

 

2023 Pinot Gris  (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) Harvested from 21 year old vines. Pineapple – kiwi – Granny Smith apples.

Again, bright and clean with a surprising creamy finish. Bone Dry!

Summer in a glass. Winery price $19.22

 

2023 Anarchy Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) It’s the very first vintage of this fabulous wine.  whole bunch pressed. 7 months in ceramic balls, 42% stainless steel, 17% neutral Puncheons.

14% ABV. Citrus, tropical fruit, spice, very balanced and complex with a surprising texture.  $26.18 at winery.

 

www.mayhemwines.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

 

Noble Ridge

Hester Creek

Haywire/Garnet Valley/Free Form/Narrative

The Hatch

Clos du Soleil

Bella Wines

 

 

June 1st, 2024- OK Spring Festival & Spring releases from Painted Rock & Winemaker’s Cut.  

hello

OK Spring Festival has started plus  Spring releases from Painted Rock & Winemaker’s Cut.

 

THE SHOW

 

Kimberly Hundertmark – GM Okanagan Wine Festivals 

Kimberly Hundertmark

 The Okanagan Wine Festival returns this June with three weeks in wine country.  There is no better time to visit BC Wine Country than in June.

Festival of the Grape

Just before the summer season kicks into high gear,  The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will focus on a TASTE and SIPS series of events throughout the Okanagan Valley – from June 2 through the 23.

The official launch of the  Spring Wine Festival will take place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, June 7, following the British Columbia Wine Awards where the 2024 BC TOP 50 and the Wine of the Year will be announced. The wines were judged by an hand picked  panel of wine experts the previous week, and the BC TOP 50 wines will be making their first public appearance at the  BC TOP 50 Grand Tasting.

The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival sees the return of the TASTE Series, which includes carefully curated events in various locations. The TASTE Series will launch with the Naramata Bench Wineries Association on Sunday, June 2, followed by the District Wine Village on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9.

 

Also new this year are two events in the SIPS Series.  Summer Sips at Spirit Ridge Resort and Destination Silver Star – outside in Vernon.

Best of all – Kimberly takes us through all the events,  big and small, so there’s something for everyone

All events can be found at www.thewinefestivals.com

 

John Skinner    co-founder Painted Rock Winery (Okanagan Falls)

John was a stockbroker in Vancouver for more than 25 years, during which time he became an avid wine enthusiast. John and his wife Trish dreamed of having their own vineyard after spending time exploring wineries in the South of France with their family. In 2004,  they purchased the land in south Penticton known locally as “The Blackhawk.”

Perched high on a bench on the east side of Skaha Lake south of Penticton, backing up against the famed climbing bluffs. Once an apricot farm, it had been fallow for 17 years. He planted in 2005 and 2006 and now has roughly 25 acres under vine, all of it Bordeaux reds or Syrah except for a block of Chardonnay. On the advice of consultants, he has planted multiple clones of every variety, giving his winemaker good blending options.

John was confident that this terroir and its site influences presented “a unique opportunity to create exceptional wines” and that he had “both the opportunity and the obligation to do this property justice.” John and Trish’s vision was and remains to grow exceptional grapes in their estate vineyard to produce ultra-premium wines that reflect the perfect marriage of new world fruit and old world processes, employing the best modern technologies and expertise, while respecting old world traditions.

Best of all, the whole family is involved. This is a very personal life journey for The Skinners.

John brings new information on possible deep freeze damages done to his vineyards and the news is good.

Painted Rock is open for business and pouring very top quality wines, including the two we talk about.

For example there are very few wineries who really attempt to make a rose that stands alone.

The 2023 Painted Rock Rose is a world class blend.

51% Merlot/15% Cabernet Sauvignon/12% Petit Verdot/ 11% Cab Franc/11% Malbec.

A rose completely and fully formed. Delicious and memorable. A real rose.

The second wine John talks about is his 2022 estate grown Skaha Bench Chardonnay.

Very fruit forward. Granny Smith, peaches, vanilla – some spice, Meyer lemon. Long glorious finish.

A blend of four micro-harvests picked over 7 days.  8% aged for 6 months in French Oak. (45 new/55 used)  The last 15% in Stainless Steel

There are 3 clones involved. The third is a trade secret. John explains.

We also talked about the future of wine in BC and the status of the wine war between Alberta and BC.

My thanks to The Skinner Family.

 

Michal Mosny – Co-owner/Winemaker of Winemakers Cut/Q&A Wine

Michal, Terry and Jason

Michal and his wife Martina were involved in the Slovakian wine business. They were regular viewers of a wine show called Hollywood and Vines TV from the travel channel London. Hosted by Jason Priestley and myself. Produced by Chad Oakes in Calgary.

They especially loved the Okanagan stories we did. So much so that they travelled to the Okanagan, checked everything out and then went home and sold everything and moved to Oliver. When they got settled they bought a vineyard at Deadman lake and called their new home Winemakers Cut.  The winery became an instant success. Still is.

When we finally met, Michal suggested we celebrate his new life and home by creating a new wine called Q&A.  A Bordeaux style red blend and a gorgeous white blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier. Both Jason and I are wildly happy for their success.

Soothing music used from vine to wine | Trends Magazine | Thompson Okanagan

Now comes the Spring releases  for Winemakers Cut – and there’s one that will have people talking.

 

They are:

2023 Rose – perfect for the months ahead

Rosé

200 ml Piccolina Frizzante – watch this little bottle get popular.\

2023  Wild Gruner – outstanding. Cloudy. Watch for The Cat on the front. Michal’s Slovakian roots are showing.

Charmat Fidelia – 85% Sauvignon Blanc  10% late harvest Riesling and 5% muscat canelli. All beautifully balanced.

2021 Merlot Franc   Delightful

2021  Cabernet Sauvignon  Real craft here.

2021 Syrah. – a varietal under the deep freeze gun. Grab what may be the last release.

 

www.winemakerscut.ca

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Noble Ridge

Haywire/Narrative/Garnett Valley Ranch/Free Form

The Hatch etc

Mayhem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 25th, 2024- Spring releases from Orofino and Poplar Grove’s 1st Pinot Noir

hello

Spring releases from Orofino and Poplar Grove’s 1st Pinot Noir

 

THE SHOW

John Weber – co-founder/winemaker Orofino Vineyards (Similkameen)

John Weber

Welcome to our series of specials on BC Spring Wine Releases.

We return to the Similkameen Valley to  John & Virginia Weber’s Orofino Vineyards.

Orofino

The whole valley, situated right on the US Border, was caught in 2 winter deep freezes over the last couple of years. Vines and vineyards do not do well in temperatures at -25 below or worse.  For the next couple of weeks every farmer, grower and winemaker will be walking the vineyard rows looking for signs of life.

Are the buds breaking?   Are the stalks green?  Have we lost our vines and grapes?

At the same time, previous great growing seasons have found themselves harvested crushed and cellared in bottles now being released.

It’s good news amid bad.

Orofino is an outstanding, award-winning winery in Cawston. Whatever John and Virginia send to taste and talk about is well worth my time.

This Spring I was delighted to try only two wines. Both were outstanding.

The first was

2023 Rose MagBag.  1.5 L Rose in a terrific carry bag.

Two things!  One, it’s great for camping, fishing, hiking, the beach, picnics and backyards.

Two, the rose is the same highly acclaimed rose they’ve been putting in bottles for years.  It’s not made with Cab Franc. This rose is made with pinot noir.

It’s just so yummy.  They also make a Pinot Gris Mag Bag

$43.30 on their website.

Rosé MagBag 2023

The other Spring release is Orofino 2022  Hendsbee Vineyard  Riesling Clone 239.  A German clone developed in the 1950s. This Riesling loves the Similkameen Valley.

Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling 2022 Clone 239

Riverstone wet rock, lime,  tropical citrus, acidity and minerality. A Silver medal winner at the 2023 All-Canadian Wine Championships.  $26.95 at winery. Can cellar to 2033. Bone dry.

 

FYI – Virginia Weber has created three fabulous guest suites on the property. All surrounded by vines. Wonderfully comfortable.  Highly recommended by yours truly.

Virginia Weber Owner Orofino Winery

Virginia Weber

www.orofinovineyards,com

 

Tony Holler – Co-owner of Poplar Grove Winery (Naramata Bench)

Tony and Barb Holler

Joined by Poplar Grove Asst. Winemaker Dan Marshall, Exec Winemaker Stefan Arnason and Exec Chef Stacy Johnston

June 21st Poplar Grove releases it’s first-ever Pinot Noir.  The 2022 Pinot Noir. An impressive blend of 6 clones that has already won Double Gold at the Great North West Wine Competition and several more awards. (FYI  Clones are 091/114/115/667/777/828

Pinot Noir 2022

The vines and fruit survived the deep freeze of 2022, in part due to the “lake effect” at the 13-acre Hudson Vineyard on the Naramata Bench.

Each clone was hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard prior to moving to their Pinot House, a separate winemaking facility specifically designed for Pinot Noir.

Poplar Grove Winery | MONTECRISTO

Poplar Grove. Naramata Bench

The nose is earthy and ripe red fruit and spice. The palate is round cherry, ripe plum and raspberry. Tannins are such a delight with a mile-long finish. This first Pinot from Poplar Grove has the skill, style, craft and future promise  of an instant classic. To the team – well done!!

The wonderful Poplar Grove Exec Chef Stacy Johnston steps in with pairing suggestions.  Truly enjoyed talking to everyone involved.

Seek, taste and enjoy!!

 

www.poplargrove.ca

 

 

Stories we are working on:

Painted Rock

Mayhem

The Hatch etc

Winemaker’s Cut

Anthony Buchannan

French Door

Noble Ridge

 

 

 

May 18th 2024-Spring wine releases from the Naramata Bench

hello

THE SHOW

Last week we featured Part Two of the Cowichan Spring Wine Releases.  10 interviews in total.

This week, we’re again set up in a very busy room. This time there are even more wineries pouring their Spring releases and all telling the stories that go with each.

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 Spring 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.

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

 

  • Haywire/OK Crush Pad
  • The Hatch
  • Mayhem
  • Poplar Grove Pinot
  • Winemakers Cut
  • Okanagan Spring Wine Fest
  • Best Coast Distillery

May 11th, 2024- Cowichan Valley Spring Wines & singular Scout Wines

hello

Cowichan Valley Spring Wines & singular Scout Wines in Similkameen Valley

 

THE SHOW

Cowichan Valley Spring Wines in Victoria

Even though they are only a 30 minute drive from each other, the wines from Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley have worked hard to  earn the respect of Victoria restaurants, stores and wine fans. The wineries delivered better wines  every year that have earned that respect.

These interviews were done several weeks ago,  when Cowichan Spring wines were poured for “the trade”.  The sales people in stores and the staff in restaurants who can make or break a wine year.

Unlike their farming brothers and sisters in the Okanagan, the wineries of “warmland” didn’t have to deal with the deep freeze of the past two Winters.

Fair to say, there is renewed interest in the Cowichan.

Two wineries purchased by powerful California wine families, new plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Even though we were all there to talk and taste Spring wines, everyone wanted to talk about the state of BC wines and how the farming community can help each other survive..

This weeks guests are

Xavier Bonilla – Cherry Point Wines.  The one the only Xavier.  www.cherrypointestatewines.com

Xavier Bonilla

Carla Busnardo – Devino Estate.  Wine pioneer Joe Busnardo’s family carries on.  www.devinowinetours.com

Lorin Inglis – Enrico Winery. Gaining in popularity every year. Platinum Winner. www.enricowinery.com

Lorin Inglis-tdm Enrico

Linda Holford – Rocky Creek.  Passionate wines. www.rockycreekwinery.ca

Zac Brown – Alderlea Winery. Swamped by interested trade. www.alderlea.ca

Alderlea Zac & Julie

Sheila Bails – Zanatta Winery.  One of the original wineries and a much admired treasure.  www.zanatta.ca

 

www.cowichanwineries.com

www.tourismcowichan.com

www.tourismvancouverisland.com

www.vancouverisland.travel

 

Scout Vineyard – Similkameen Valley.  Aaron Godard/Partner (with wife Carly plus  Murray and Maggie Fontaine)

Scout vineyards are completely different from just about everyone.

Their vineyard is not perfectly manicured. Their vines are sharing the hard mineral soil with weeds. The partners are re-thinking the way they farm.

Ecosystem first through regenerative farming.

The Similkameen is their home. , so the way they farm has a direct impact on their families, friends and surrounding community.

(Like most of the wineries in the Okanagan,  Scout was also devastated by two freezing Winters. Aaron explains how the Scout team is  coping.)

 

How does all this unique farming show itself in the wines?

 

We tasted Scout  Spring releases

 

2022  Gew Cab

This was born out of experimentation as a component for their Rosé.

Turns out that Cabernet Sauvignon and Gewurtztraminer are a wonderful match when co-fermented! They were co-fermented in open vats for about 10 days and then pressed off and into neutral barrels, where they sat aging undisturbed for 18 months.

Indigenous yeast, unfined, unfiltered, nothing added or taken away except 25ppm sulphur. This is a light, fragrant red wine. Think spring in a bottle, blossoms, herbs, wild berries. $30.00

 

NV Rose

Non-vintage (NV) blend of 2021 and 2022. The grapes come from four distinct “appellations”: Naramata, Oliver, Osoyoos, and the Similkameen Valley. Comprised of Cab Sauv,  rosé (8 hours on the skins), Cab Sauv and Gewurtztraminer co-ferment, skin contact Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Riesling, on the skins for 7-14 days, and in a variety of vessels (open top vats, qvevri – earthernwear vessels, neutral barrels, and a small amount of stainless steel).

This is a darker rosé. Herbaceous and floral like their  previous vintages, but with the addition of the older ’21 vintage, there’s a little more body and texture, and a slight savouriness that has started to develop. Nothing taken or added except 15ppm sulphur. 12.5% alcohol.  $29.00. Absolutely nothing like it.

 

www.scoutvineyard.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Naramata Bench Wineries  pour Spring wines.

Mayhem Spring Releases

Same with Painted Rock

And Winemakers Cut.