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DO REAL MEN DRINK PINK?  Let’s ask Eric McCormack!  Sommelier Pam Cohen pours 6 Roses for Savvy Series.

The Guys from Tacofino. From a truck in Tofino to a new location in Yaletown.

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THE SHOW

Eric McCormack –  Traveller

 Given the many choices on TV,  you may have missed  Eric McCormack in  Lonesome Dove or Andromeda Strain, Trust me, Perception or  Full Circle. However,  it’s fair to say that none of us missed his starring role for 8 years as Will Truman in Will and Grace. Here was a series so fresh, like a wild drum solo..you didn’t know where it was headed until the lines were delivered by a killer cast.

Eric McCormack – Travellers

Eric has moved on to many new roles. His latest  ‘Travellers’  is shooting in Vancouver for Showcase/Netflicks with a air date debut of October 17^th at 9PM.

I initially asked him to join me at the studios of Roundhouse Radio to talk about Travellers, Will and Grace, his one man show fundraising for Cancer Research and because he knows his wines..and yes because he’s a great guy who’s  funny as hell and makes me/us laugh.

But when I saw that Sommelier Pam Cohen from Marquis Wine Cellars was doing another Savvy Series on Rose..I decided to put them together.

Because Pam really knows her wines and  because Rose has presented a image problem for some “men” who don’t want to be seen with pink in their glass.

Thus, a manly man was needed to step  forward and Drink the Pink. Be the Guy. Enter Eric McCormack..known for years now as the gayest man on TV- Will Truman.

FYI – He’s a great Dad and Husband, a pal to your host and well versed on his wines.

Eric McCormack – The concert I never gave

Eric and I carry on after the Rose has been tasted..one-on-one. Man to Man. Revealing everything ..and nothing.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEricMcCormack/

https://www.facebook.com/TRVLRSseries/

Sommelier Pam Cohen  – The Savvy Series is back:
Professional Sommelier Pam Cohen guides Eric and I  through tasting six different styles of rosé in a fun, sit down tasting session. We Learn about the history and methods surrounding the production of rosé wines, and see how they have gained popularity in recent years. Find your new favourite  rose.

FYI – The Savvy Series  takes place at Marquis Wine Cellars  1034 Davie – Wednesday Sept 14  6:30-8:00 . Seats limited to 18 per class, so get your tickets now! $19.99!!

Pam Cohen Marquis Wine Cellars

Here are Pam’s choices..

Don Juan del Aguila 2012 Rosado                              –    11.21 (Spain).

Provenquiere 2014 Peche Coquin Rosé                     –     16.44 (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Argiolas 2014 Serra Lori Rosé IGT                             –    28.60  (Sardinia)

Domaine de Reuilly 2014 Pinot Gris “Les Chatillons” –   $30.34  (Loire)

Poplar Grove 2015 Blanc de Noir                                –     30.35  (BC).

Domaine des Apras 2015 Les Trois Freres                 –     34.69 (Provence)

https://www.marquis-wines.com

 Tacofino Managing Partner Gino Di Domenico and Owner/Partner Ryan Spong   – TACOFINO IN YALETOWN

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district, Tacofino is the latest venture by Tacofino cofounders Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinsong, who have been serving up their unique brand of eclectic, California-inspired cuisine since launching the original Tacofino food truck in Tofino, BC in 2009. The newest addition to an ever-expanding Tacofino family that includes three food trucks and four brick-and-mortar restaurants in Vancouver and Victoria.

Tacofino in Yaletown is a counter-service and take-out restaurant that features eighties-inspired, surf-punk decor, a 38-seat dining room and 12-seat patio, full bar and the trademark Tacofino fusion of quality, fresh and affordable food with an environmental and nutritional conscience.

Each location has its own unique neighborhood, clientele and menu.

TacoFino Yaletown

They each also have their own special charity and social service that they support.

This is our way of saying “Congratulations on your successes and  for making the Vancouver/Victoria food scene soooo much better”
1025 Mainland Street, Vancouver   www.tacofino.com | @TacofinoVAN

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Fanny Bay – The Osyter and The restaurant

Unsworth Winery – well worth the drive and the chase.

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Checking out new pours from Valeria Tate at Bench 1775.

Bloom 2016 brings fresh pours from  Ann Sperling (Sperling) , John Skinner (Painted Rock) Chris Jentsch  (CC Jentsch) and Gavin Miller (Upper Bench).

And Daenna van Mulligan brings a Master Class in the wines of The Loire Valley.

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THE SHOW

Val Tait – GM and Executive Winemaker  Bench 1775 (Naramata)

“There isn’t much Malbec grown in BC, and even fewer (any?) blended with cabernet franc. But that’s the beauty of being an adventurous winemaker like Valeria Tate of Bench 1775 in a pioneering wine region like the Okanagan Valley. From her coveted perch on Naramata Bench, she deftly weaves together interesting blends like this, ignoring convention, thankfully, to spark creativity.”  Treve Ring / Scout magazine

There was a fire sale of wineries on the Naramata Bench a couple of years ago.

They were all owned at one time by Lang Vineyards.

One was called Soaring Eagle with a hand carved sign you couldn’t miss.

The Viticulturalist who helped plan the vineyard was Val Tait. Upon the sale it was re-branded as Bench 1775. The key to any future success was Valeria,  who was pals with that land and those vines.

6 years later, she’s now the General Manager and Executive  Winemaker  There’s a whole wall of hard-won awards and a patio with one of the very best views in the entire province.

I caught up with Valeria at the recent Naramata Bench Spring pour in Vancouver. She proudly takes us through the new portfolio.

Keep an eye on Valeria Tait. She’s a winner!

www.bench1775.com

Bloom 2016 – Sperling/Painted Rock/CC Jentsch/Upper Bench

It’s the annual showcase of BC’s VQA wineries. All in one room at the same time.

It boggles the mind because we can’t cover them all.

I tried once – I ended up getting a knee replaced.

This year we feature four highly deserving wineries who want you to know about this year’s wines.

Ann Sperling – Sperling Vineyards (kelowna) www.sperlingvineyards.com

Ann Sperling

John Skinner – Painted Rock (ok falls)  www.paintedrock.ca

Chris Jentsch – CC Jentsch (golden mile)  www.ccjentschcellars.com

Chris-Jentsch CC Jentsch

Gavin Miller – Upper Bench (Naramata) https://www.upperbench.ca

Looking for your next favourite  BC wine?  Have a listen. It’s right here.

www.bcvqa.ca

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva – The wines of The Loire Valley

Wine-Diva

The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French.

The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles

As a testament to all the region contributes to French and global culture, the Loire Valley (between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire) was added to UNESCO’ World Heritage list in 2000.

Who better than to take all of us through a master class in the character of  Loire wines than The Wine Diva.

That consistency of character is remarkable when you consider that the Loire follows a 630-mile course from a source near Beaujolais to the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire is a land of moderation: It’s cold in the winter, and never gets super hot in the summer. Vines can really only grow here because of the river and its tributaries, which raise the temperature just those few vital degrees and ensure long, leisurely autumn days for the harvest.

The countryside is beautiful—wide expanses of vines, gentle slopes, grand castles and ancient cities, all dominated by the rivers and the milky blue light of the summer sky. If a vineyard area deserves to be called pastoral, this is it.

When you realize that the region is dominated by a mere four major varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc—the wines become accessible, and therefore enjoyable. This is step one in deciphering the surface complexity of Loire wine.

Please take a seat – The Wine Diva class is about to begin.

www.winediva.ca

www.loirevalleywine.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 Mike Grgich

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One of the World’s best winemakers Australia’s Ben Glaetzer, the maker of Amon Ra, Wallace, Bishop, AnaPerenna plus Heartland and Mitolo.

Then it’s   Sisters Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat who’ve released their third cook book Lick Your Plate.  These ladies are just a bag of fun.

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THE SHOW

 Ben Glaetzer – Winemaker at Glaetzer Wines (Barossa Valley)

 His father Colin was winemaker at Barossa Valley Estate before the family set up Glaetzer Wines, also based in the Barossa, in 1995.

Ben is now winemaker at Glaetzer Wines. The  line-up includes the top end, award-winning Amon-Ra and Anaperenna, and is also winemaker at Heartland Wines from the Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek (both in South Australia), and at Mitolo in McLaren Vale (just outside Adelaide).

Ben Glaetzer

Ben has been made a “Baron of the Barossa” for his contribution to the cultural fabric of the Barossa Valley. Life membership of this wine fraternity is by invitation only.

New World Winemaker of the Year in Behind the Label 2006 (UK).

Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2004.

Robert M. Parker Jr chose Ben as his Wine Personality of the Year 2005.

These wines have won so many awards around the World it’s important to know where and how  they’re grown.

All fruit for Glaetzer Wines is taken from the small sub-region of the northern Barossa Valley, called Ebenezer.

The ancient dry-grown vineyards in the renowned Ebenezer district are an important part of Australia’s winemaking heritage and a living link to traditional Barossa viticulture. Exceptional fruit from a loyal group of third and fourth generation Barossa grape growers is the backbone of Glaetzer wines. The most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80-110 year old, non-grafted bush vines which are extremely low yielding.

Glaetzer Vines

The very old vines require minimal attention. Their deep root structure means they are self-sufficient and can adapt to climatic extremes.

Amon Ra and Anaperenna are World class wines..at world class prices BUT one of the best secrets in wine you can afford is the fact that Ben Glaetzer also leads the winemaking team at Heartland Wines..The makers of Directors Cut  and Heartland wines and they are very affordable.

But before you leave this planet..please make an attempt to have one of Ben’s top wines. Glorious and good for the soul.

www.heartlandwines.com.au

https://www.glaetzer.com/

Lick Your Plate  –  Authors Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat

Yes,  they are sisters and best friends, they each have 3 kids and they live within 5 blocks of each other.

These sisters  create a force in any kitchen. Julie writes Lisa Cooks.

Julie and Lisa have  released their third cookbook Lick Your Plate. A follow up to Bite Me and Bite me Too!

The girls write about food and family (family first).

They talk with me about Sloppy Joe’s, Baja Fish Tacos, Slutty brownies and the fact that it takes  Twinkies 45 seconds to explode in a microwave!

We do take time to go back and remember their Grandmother.  Alice Leiberman welcomed them into her kitchen and very likely set this whole career in motion.

We also get sidetracked into their fave MuchMusic VJ, Bon Jovi and what BC wines I’m recommending to these two Torontonians

Lick Your Plate offers 160 original recipes, several 30-minute dinner ideas, tips, tricks, mouthwatering visuals, funny anecdotes, drool-worthy descriptions of every recipe, and is perfect for everyone from the beginner to the well-seasoned home cook.

“We’re not Martha telling someone to make the eight-hour broth, but we’re also not Rachael Ray saying put cheese on toast. There is that happy medium,” says Gnat, who developed the recipes.

The sisters say they understand the importance of accessible recipes, where all the ingredients can be bought in one shop.

“We love and admire ‘the foodie’ and we’re happy to sit down to a gourmet meal. And we are all about fresh flavours and great food. But we also live in the real world with six kids between us. We don’t always have that sort of time and inclination to go on a goose chase for fig paste,” says Julie.

http://www.bitememore.com/

http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252970/lick-your-plate-by-julie-albert-and-lisa-gnat/9780147529886/

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Mike Grgich – His life and his book

Fanny Bay Oysters. They open a restaurant in Vancouver.

Unsworth Wines in the Cowichan Valley.  The wines and the Food.

Bruce Cockburn.  Singer, songwriter. Wine fan

TacoFino.  The exploding taco truck.

The Wine Align Winners

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Tasting Room Radio has a home at Roundhouse Radio located at 98.3 on the fm dial in Vancouver and 5 blocks East of Gastown in Vancouver’s East End.

This special is a culmination of a “getting to know the neighbours” tour ..the food neighbours.

Here’s four of the best.

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THE SHOW

Sean Reeve – Chef/Partner The MacKenzie Room 415 Powell

Sean Reeve

Created out of a passion for food, drink and sharing both with good friends and partners Andrew and Katie Jameson.  They  all wanted  to share their  love of honest food and delicious drink with all of us, and also  helped us create a restaurant we are proud of . They believe that fresh ingredients and exceptional service are what you deserve, they also  think a delicious local beverage paired with food from around home should be your routine.  They search for the best quality ingredients the west coast has to offer,  get dirty and happy finding them for you, so you can get happy and full eating them.

“Our happiest surprise of the year. Co-owner Sean Reeves is a fiercely talented chef with an intrinsic understanding of what it takes to make local food sing in season without pretentious falsetto. Lovely room, too.”  Scout Magazine

www.themackenzieroom.com

L’ABATTOIR

Consistently one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Solid National profile. Dead Centre of Gastown.

Through hard work, great kitchen, top level service, creative staff, the very best of wines and a bar that just kills..l`abattoir consistently ranks Top of critical  and popular lists.

My question is Why?

With so many restaurants opening and closing..what is it they are doing that keeps them well ahead of the pack and always popular.  From the same people who just opened Savio Volpe.

L’Abbatoir

They must be doing something right because both locations are booming and gaining critical acclaim.

Guests include:

Paul Grunberg – co-owner

Lee Cooper – co-owner and Executive chef

Lisa Haley – Asst. General manager and Wine Director

Thor Paulson – Bar Manager

TACOFINO – The Truck/The Story

Tacofino

In July TacoFino is set to open a Yaletown location and it all started with a single truck in Tofino

Here’s an interview we did a couple of months ago about how this success story unfolded..one taco at a time.

TACOFINO GASTOWN  – Jason Sussman & Gino di Domenico

We’re back in the neighbourhood at Tacofino in Gastown

The Boys

Tacofino’s Gastown location opened over a year ago, and features an 80-seat dining room, 20-seat lounge, and 16-seat patio in addition to their Burrito Bar take-out counter.

Guests are the founder Jason Sussman and partner Gino di Domenico.

It’s a great story about one single food truck in Tofino that gets so popular they’re convinced to bring their concept into Vancouver with two more trucks which  leads to 2 restaurants in Vancouver and one more in Victoria!! (with Yaletown hinted at in this interview).

They honour Ocean Wise and have a great reputation of  giving  back to the community.

The Original Truck in Tofino

tacofino.com/gastown-home

Savio Volpe

Savio Volpe Paul.Mark.Craig.

 Co-Owner / Chef Mark Perrier

Co-Owner / Interior Designer Craig Stanghetta

Head Sommelier Mark McNeil

co-owner Paul Grunberg

Savio Volpe, 615 Kingsway at Frazer,  is a restaurant styled after the classic osteria–rustic fare in the Italian tradition of freshness and using local ingredients. Pasta is handmade fresh every day–fatto a mano in casa–and meat, poultry and fish are cooked by smoke over the wood-fired grill and rotisserie.  Italian wines and old world coffee  inspire conversation and good cheer among friends, family and strangers alike. Above all else, Savio celebrates liveliness, warmth and hospitality. Viva la convivialità!

The Savio Volpe menu features plenty of fresh, handmade pastas and heavy use of the wood fire grill and spit. Never fussy or complicated; always tasty. Inevitably, their version of Italian will be flavoured by as much of what is grown and sourced right here in the lower mainland and its environs: this is Italian by way of the local materia prima.

Talking, tasting, laughing, pouring wine, passing platters loaded with food and soaking up sauce with bread–this is how Italians do it at home and that’s how the food at Savio Volpe is meant to be enjoyed: wholeheartedly.

For parties up to 6, they offer a family style fixed price menu.

No fussy cocktails at Savio Volpe: simply a spritz, a negroni and some nice house-made Italian sodas with no/low alcohol. Their  beer list is a celebration of local; from easy drinking lagers to flavourful pale ales, selections will change with the season. The  wine list is, naturally, all Italian.

More than anything, Savio Volpe is warm and inviting—a place you’d want to walk into out of the rain with a unique layout affording plenty of space for cozying up to the bar, nestling into booths with a view, tucking away into nooks or sharing a long table with family & friends.

I asked the partners to gather over by the centre bar..from left to right

Savio Volpe: Paul, Mark, Craig.

Paul Grundberg (also well known for, L’abattoir, Chambar)

Craig Stanghetta (designed Just ask Luigi, Meat and Bread, Homer St Café)

Mark McNeil  (just ask Luigi, Provence. Chambar)

Mark Perrier – Co-owner and Executive Chef  (West, Le Gavroche)

This is a romping rolling conversation about “everything”..

The room,  which is really fun  when it fills, up is a reflection of these guys..

Smart and casual, yet when you look closer you’ll see very high levels of attention to detail and service.

Here’s a review from Open Table

Finding a restaurant that values authenticity and pure quality over profit is a rarity. Everything served was made from scratch including all the pasta noodles. Undoubtedly buying ready made pasta would be easier but this restaurant is passionate about the real thing. Modern style meets old school Italian cooking. If you always wished for an Italian Nonna’s Sunday dinner in a hip atmosphere, get yourself over there. Hands down the best Italian in the city. A rare example of pure passion for food. The service was as outstanding as our meal. We loved every second and every mouthful.

www.saviovolpe.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

A Rose Special featuring

The wines of Provence

The food of Chef Dino Renaerts

Norrel Robertson – Spain’s Master of wine and maker of Anciano

Ben Glaetzer – Amon-Ra/Anaperenna/Bishop/Wallace

Bruce Cockburn  Music and Wine

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It’s  Hour TWO of our round table coverage of the 38th Annual Vancouver International Wine festival.

An All-Star cast of winemakers, journalists and principals from all over the Wine World.  Enjoy!!

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THE SHOW

Living the life

Hour Two of this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival begins with my wine friends around the table.

(Thank You to Technical Producer Julia Graff)

DJ Kearney – World Class wine expert, educator  and judge.  @djwines.

DJ Kearney

Kurtis Kolt – Wine Columnist Georgia Straight. Educator and expert. www.kurtiskolt.com

Kurtis Kolt

Rhys Pender  – Wine Plus Educator. Co-Owner/Winemaker of Little farm Wines www.littlefarmwinery.ca

Rhys Pender

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva. Columnist for Vines Magazine. Judge and expert.  www.winediva.ca www.winescores.ca

The Wine Diva

Matt Dumayne – Haywire Winemaker.  Summerland BC  www.haywirewinery.com

Andrew Windsor – Tinhorn Creek Winemaker.  Golden Mile BC  www.tinhorn.com

John Freeman – Winemaker  Waterbrook.  Walla Walla, Wash www.waterbrook.com

Elizabeth Douglas-Grant – La Crema Winemaker. Sonoma www.lacrema.com

Elizabeth Douglas-Grant La Crema

Adam Mettler  –   Winemaker  Michael David Winery (Lodi) www.michaeldavidwinery.com

Adam Mettler – Lodi

Mark de Vere –  Master of Wine. Robert Mondavi (Napa)  www.robertmondaviwinery.com

Richard Sowalsky –   Winemaker Clos Pegase  (Calistoga) www.clospegase.com

Richard Sowalsky – Clos Pegase

Marilisa Allegrini –  Allegrini  (Italy) www.allegrini.it

Maralisa Allegrini

Ermenegildo  (Joe)  Giusti  – Giusti (Italy)  www.giustiwine.com/en

Stefano Benini –  Marchesi de’Frescobaldi (Italy) www.frescobaldi.it

Gabriele Tacconi – Ruffino (Italy)  www.ruffino.com

David Scholefield – (Narrative Wines  BC/ Expert) https://okanagancrushpad.com/buy-narrative–wine/

David Scholefield

Leah Bickford – Marquis Wine Cellars. Italian Wine Expert  www.marquis–wines.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Ben Glaetzer – Amazing Australian winemaker
Norwalk Robertson – Spain’s only Master of Wine and his wines
kd lang
Vino Verde – Portugal’s white wine
Summer Rose Special
Chef Dino Renaerts

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It’s one of the best wine festivals anywhere. The 38^th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival  Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from  Feb 20- March 1

For eight years TRR has set up a studio on the floor of the Trade Tasting on the Thursday and invited the World to sit in.

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THE SHOW

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world, offering something for every level of wine drinker, collector and trade professional. Winery principals (winemaker, proprietor, senior executive) representing 156 wineries from 14 countries will be in attendance to pour and discuss their wines. In 2016, the theme country will be Italy.

The heart of the festival is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where 776 wines are available for sampling, with an additional 164 wines available at two trade tastings. More than 625 additional wines will be served at special events orbiting the tasting room, including a gala dinner + auction, wine seminars, trade events, and food and wine pairing affairs such as winery dinners, lunches and brunches at top Vancouver restaurants and hotels.

The Italian table will represent an all-star moment.  Tedeschi/Ricasoli/Dogliani

Hour One:

• Michaela Morris – House Wine
• Stevie Kim – VinItaly
• Gurvinder Bhatia – Quench Wine Editor – Edmonton
• Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva
• Harry Hertscheg – Executive director of Festival
• Riccardo Tedeschi – Tedeschi Amarone (family owner/winemaker) Veneto/Valpolicella –
• Barone Francesco Ricasoli (32nd generation Ricasoli) Tuscany/Chianti Classico –
• Fiorenzo Dogliani – Batasiolo.  Piedmont  CEO   (Richardo March.. Export Director)
• Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva
• Michael Bartier – Bartier Bros  BC
• Chris Wyse – Burrowing Owl  BC
• Harry McWatters – Time  BC
• Ezra Cypes – Summerhill  BC
• Thomas Perrin – Famille Perrin  France

• Jim Robertson – Stoneleigh  NZ
• Eduardo Montresor  – Montessor .  Veneto Italy
• Loren Gil – Gil Family Estates  Spain

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NEXT WEEK HOUR TWO

•  Daenna van Mulligen
• DJ Kearney
• Kurtis Kolt
• Rhys Pender
•  Matt Dumayne –  WM  Haywire
• Andrew Winsor –  WM  Tinhorn Creek
• John Freeman – WM Waterbrook (Washington)
• Kirk Brewer – Gruet Winery (New Mexico)
• Poplar Grove – Stefan Arnason, Winemaker
•  
• David Phillips – Michael David Winery (Cali)
• Mark DeVere – Mondavi (Cali)
• Ted Seghesio – Seghesio  (Abigail Smith
•   
• Marilisa Allegrini  – Owner-CEO – Allegrini
• Ermenegildo Giusti – Owner – Giusti
• David Scholefield – Haywire  Advisor
• Stefano Benini – Int Export Director/Family member Marchesi De’Frescobaldi 
• Gabriele Tacconi – WM –  Ruffino (1^st visit to Canada)

hello

Finally.  It’s BBQ Season.

Here’s a full hour of TRR dedicated to the do’s/don’t/pleasures of cooking outdoors and what to pair with the BBQ menu!

Light em UP!!

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THE SHOW

 We start with Park Heffelfinger  and “crazy George”  Siu at Memphis Blues..

memphis Blues BBQ

These guys are not just in the BBQ business..they live it and  breath it.

They talk smoke like some talk wine.

And speaking of wine..their drink menu includes some of the best pairing wines, a great list of bourbons, beer  and whiskey.

Park and George make BBQ fun!!  The boys walk and talk us through the do’s and don’ts of Q.  It’s a Master Class in smoke!!

Multiple locations in BC and Alberta.

George Siu and Park-Heffelfinger

In January 1999 George Siu and Park Heffelfinger  had a stopover in Memphis while flying from New Orleans. Lunch was a Pulled Pork Sandwich, and it was love at first bite.

Since then, they have attended the World Barbecue Championships in Memphis where they conducted extensive research. They were able to reproduce the recipes at home, and decided to bring Authentic Southern barbeque to Canada.

http://www.memphisbluesbbq.com/

The Wine Diva – Daenna van Mulligen

Daenna van Mulligen

Who better to bring to us a list of wines to go with BBQ and Summer dining?

If you follow her Facebook postings nobody enjoys  summer dining more than Daenna.

If you’re looking to pair wines with meat, fish, veggies, shellfish even Tofu ,  Daenna has a list that will last until early September.

Whether its seafood, meat or veggies, everybody is firing up the BBQ.

But with those selections comes sauces, charcoal and seasoning.

So it takes a serious wine to complement your choices.

Enjoy Daenna’s choices..she’s tested and tasted them all.

The original list can be found at www.winediva.ca

Or go directly to her list posting

http://www.winediva.ca/viewnewsletterwines?nluuid=nl00111412816154fce46af89441&puid=951d0af1b9f76d8afd63cdbae104a9ee2594da08

Two Rivers/Left Field Cider/Chef Rob Belcham at Brewery and The Beast 2015

Two Rivers Meats

Three of the most interesting people at last year’s BBQ event Brewery and The Beast

Jason Pleym from Two Rivers Meats in North Vancouver,  who  supply 75% of the meats at this event and around BC.

Jason Pleym Two Rivers

Jason has tips on meat prep and working the heat!

Theresa Petersen – Left Field Cider (Logan Lake)  Helping to lead the cider breakthrough in BC  is this female driven Cidery. Cider works with most BBQ dishes and its also a perfect patio sipper  Have a listen.

Theresa-Pedersen-Left-Field-Cider

Rob Belcham from Campagnolo decided to go all the way and BBQ a whole farmed sturgeon. A fish that takes great skill to get just right.

Some fish Q tips as well.

www.tworiversmeats.ca

www.leftfieldcider.com

www.campagnolorestaurant.ca

 Similkameen BBQ King/Queen

 Guests – Chef Natasha Schooten.  Last year’s winner

And  Sara Crockett – Marketing Manager for Similkameen Winery Assn

 The 7th Annual Similkameen BBQ King event will be held on Saturday, July 9th from 5-9pm at the Historic Grist Mill & Gardens in Keremeos, BC

In this award-winning event, competing chefs will create unique dishes using organic ingredients from local farmers in the heart of Canada’s organic capital. In addition to the amazing food and wine at this event, there will also be live entertainment by Aidan Mayes & Mandy Coleand a silent auction that is a partial fundraiser for the Grist Mill and Gardens, which is a beautiful Heritage BC site.

This is a safe ride home event.  They  have shuttles available throughout the Okanagan and Similkameen. You can book your shuttle seats when you purchase your tickets on line or click here. Special thanks to Authentically Okanagan for working with us to coordinate our shuttle service this year.

A beautiful sunny day, amazing food, award-winning wines and ciders from the members of the Similkameen Wineries Association, live entertainment, a gorgeous venue and a silent auction with fantastic prizes. What more could you ask for?

Early bird adult tickets are $80 if purchased by June 30, 2016. After that, adult ticket prices increase to $90. Youth and children tickets are also available.

Click here to purchase your tickets and book your free shuttle seat now!  Tickets are also available at any of the Association Wineries, The Keremeos Visitor Centre, Tree to Me, and the Grist Mill and Gardens.

 NOTE:  Next week we’ll let you know how you could enter to win a trip for four to The Similkameen Valley and be one of the very first guests to stay at the new guest rooms at Orofino Winery!

 www.similkameenwine.com    

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Nathan Fong – Best patios in the City

Master Class:  The wines of Provence

Plus a Rose Special

hello

Checking out new pours from Valeria Tate at Bench 1775.

Bloom 2016 brings fresh pours from  Ann Sperling (Sperling) , John Skinner (Painted Rock) Chris Jentsch  (CC Jentsch) and Gavin Miller (Upper Bench).

And Daenna van Mulligan brings a Master Class in the wines of The Loire Valley.

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THE SHOW

Val Tait – GM and Executive Winemaker  Bench 1775 (Naramata)

“There isn’t much Malbec grown in BC, and even fewer (any?) blended with cabernet franc. But that’s the beauty of being an adventurous winemaker like Valeria Tate of Bench 1775 in a pioneering wine region like the Okanagan Valley. From her coveted perch on Naramata Bench, she deftly weaves together interesting blends like this, ignoring convention, thankfully, to spark creativity.”  Treve Ring / Scout magazine

There was a fire sale of wineries on the Naramata Bench a couple of years ago.

They were all owned at one time by Lang Vineyards.

One was called Soaring Eagle with a hand carved sign you couldn’t miss.

The Viticulturalist who helped plan the vineyard was Val Tait. Upon the sale it was re-branded as Bench 1775. The key to any future success was Valeria,  who was pals with that land and those vines.

6 years later, she’s now the General Manager and Executive  Winemaker  There’s a whole wall of hard-won awards and a patio with one of the very best views in the entire province.

I caught up with Valeria at the recent Naramata Bench Spring pour in Vancouver. She proudly takes us through the new portfolio.

Keep an eye on Valeria Tait. She’s a winner!

www.bench1775.com

Bloom 2016 – Sperling/Painted Rock/CC Jentsch/Upper Bench

It’s the annual showcase of BC’s VQA wineries. All in one room at the same time.

It boggles the mind because we can’t cover them all.

I tried once – I ended up getting a knee replaced.

This year we feature four highly deserving wineries who want you to know about this year’s wines.

Ann Sperling – Sperling Vineyards (kelowna) www.sperlingvineyards.com

Ann Sperling

John Skinner – Painted Rock (ok falls)  www.paintedrock.ca

Chris Jentsch – CC Jentsch (golden mile)  www.ccjentschcellars.com

Chris-Jentsch CC Jentsch

Gavin Miller – Upper Bench (Naramata) https://www.upperbench.ca

Looking for your next favourite  BC wine?  Have a listen. It’s right here.

www.bcvqa.ca

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva – The wines of The Loire Valley

Wine-Diva

The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French.

The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles

As a testament to all the region contributes to French and global culture, the Loire Valley (between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire) was added to UNESCO’ World Heritage list in 2000.

Who better than to take all of us through a master class in the character of  Loire wines than The Wine Diva.

That consistency of character is remarkable when you consider that the Loire follows a 630-mile course from a source near Beaujolais to the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire is a land of moderation: It’s cold in the winter, and never gets super hot in the summer. Vines can really only grow here because of the river and its tributaries, which raise the temperature just those few vital degrees and ensure long, leisurely autumn days for the harvest.

The countryside is beautiful—wide expanses of vines, gentle slopes, grand castles and ancient cities, all dominated by the rivers and the milky blue light of the summer sky. If a vineyard area deserves to be called pastoral, this is it.

When you realize that the region is dominated by a mere four major varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc—the wines become accessible, and therefore enjoyable. This is step one in deciphering the surface complexity of Loire wine.

Please take a seat – The Wine Diva class is about to begin.

www.winediva.ca

www.loirevalleywine.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Jason Priestley – Wine Snob

Donnelly Group pours an all BC list

hello

Due to technical difficulties with the original broadcast of this show we are replaying it for you…

They’re baaaack!!  THE CALIF0RNIANS!!

Cannonball/Merryvale/Lange Twins/Gloria Ferrer & St Francis and as a one off St. Urbans-Hof

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The SHOW

Once a year our winemaking friends in California pack up the latest releases and tour “up North”

Canada is one of their very best customers and it’s their way of thanking us, with a gentle reminder that California wines are always out there.

Like a wet hug on a dry day.

Here’s the line – up…

Cannonball/Angels and Cowboys  –  Yoav Gilat(Founder/CEO)  Healdsburg

The Cannonball dive is a dive for the people.  It doesn’t discriminate against body type, race, religion, political affiliation, social status, or fashion sense.  And if you’ve never done a Cannonball then you’d better just shut down this computer, go find a body of water, and dive in!  When you’re jumping into the water on a beautiful summer day, with nothing on your mind except leaping high, balling up tight, and making a splash that is going to get as many people wet as possible, that moment you’re in the air might be the best feeling you can have with your swimsuit on.

Cannonball exists because of 2 founding partners – Yoav Gilat and Dennis Hill.  Visionary Yoav brims with more energy than a speeding hummingbird as he oversees the entire Cannonball operation. He brings 20 years of experience in consumer goods and beverages and fell in love with Sonoma and Mendocino when providing strategy/marketing to Blackstone Winery. Fed up with the over-priced, stuffy wine scene, Yoav made it his mission to produce a range of “serious wines that don’t take themselves too seriously”.  He wants you to enjoy the expertly crafted wines whilst being transported back to a time when the only point in life was to have fun. “Dive in and share a splash”. This explains the concept behind the packaging and brand.

Pssst! If you find Angels and Cowboys Rose..buy it. Buy it all.. it’s that good.

www.drinkcannonball.com 

www.angelsandcowboyswines.com

Merryvale/Starmont – Rene Schlatter (Owner/CEO) St Helena

Right across the street from Taylor’s Refresher (now called Gott’s) is Merryvale.  1000 Main Street  St Helena

Rene Schlatter and his ever growing family have created wines that get better and better each year.

What started as award winning  Merryvale wines has now grown to a second label Starmont.

A native of Switzerland, René has lived in the U.S. since 1987.  Since taking the helm of the company in 2008, René has made significant contributions to Merryvale’s sales, marketing, finance, vineyard acquisitions and farming improvements — with particular focus and interest in the quality and expression of each individual wine and vintage.

In recognition of the success of the business, Wine Enthusiast magazine honored René with its prestigious “Person of the Year” Award in 2011.Presented at its Annual Wine Star Awards, the magazine included these comments: “Since 2008, the president of Napa’s Merryvale Vineyards has pioneered green initiatives while preserving the winery’s family legacy and excellence in producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.”

“I enjoy drinking wines from all over the world – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Switzerland and, Napa Valley. No matter what the origin I look for purity of fruit, personality, character and a sense of place. For a wine to be great it must stand the test of time.”

http://www.merryvale.com/

Lange Twins  –  Joseph Lange  (International sales/family member)  Lodi

Notes from Randall and Brad Lange

During the 1870’s  Great-Grandparents, Johann and Maria Lange, settled in Lodi and began a family farm growing non-irrigated watermelons with their son, Grandpa Albert. The farm grew year over year and by 1916 they had the  family’s first grape-ranch. It was on this ranch where their  dad, Harold, was born in 1920.

Grandpa and Dad’s farm expanded to include the River Ranch and the DeVries Road Ranch, where the family was raised. They  continued the tradition of working the vineyards and in 1974  decided to farm on our own. It was an exciting time for them because as they grew their business, their  family grew as well. Both married (Randall to Charlene and Brad to Susan) and by 1982 the fifth generation was here! Between our families we have five kids — Marissa, Aaron, Philip, Kendra and Joe.

As the kids grew up on the River Ranch they developed an appreciation for winegrowing by working summers and harvest . After college they each decided to come back to the family farm, so they took the next step and built a winery in 2006.

Today they all have unique responsibilities within the winery and viticulture teams, continuing their agricultural roots and growing their winery and wine brands. As fifth generation winegrowers they look forward to working with the sixth!

www.langetwins.com

Gloria Ferrer – Juan Furne  (President  Friexenet Atlantic)

Back in the early 80’s there were only a handful of winegrowers planting Pinot Noir in Carneros. And yet, the Ferrer Family knew the key to a world-class méthode champenoise wine would be Pinot Noir.

The Gloria Ferrer winemaking team’s quest for perfection takes them to Champagne where they manage to acquire Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones.

Gloria Ferrer is not only the first sparkling wine house in Sonoma Carneros, but also the first to plant Champagne clones and the first to plant in Carneros.

Almost thirty years later, with 335 acres under vine, the estate vineyards at Gloria Ferrer produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that rival some of the world’s finest.

www.gloriaferrer.com

St Francis  – Chris Silva (President/CEO)  Sonoma

Fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Christopher Silva is firmly rooted in Sonoma County agriculture. He was raised in a family of Petaluma dairy farmers, and nine years after graduating from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, he retired from practicing law to join St. Francis Winery. At the age of 38, he became President & CEO of St. Francis in 2003. He understands firsthand that a farmer’s footprint and intimate knowledge of the soil, microclimates and terroir of the region are the most important ingredients for healthy vines.

As President & CEO of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Chris has a specific focus: crafting world class Sonoma wine. St. Francis is best known for luscious, elegant, fruit driven Sonoma County Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and “Old Vines” Zinfandel.  Additionally, St. Francis was named “#1 Restaurant in America” by Open Table  in 2013 and 2015 in recognition of its farm to table wine and food pairings offered on site to Winery visitors each day.

“Our time at St. Francis will not be measured in years. It will be measured by the contributions each one of us makes—as individuals—to constantly improving the quality of our grapes and our wines. ‘Good enough’ is contrary to our mission.”

Chris gives us a Master Class in St Francis ZIN.

http://www.stfranciswinery.com/

St Urbans-Hof  –  Nik Weis  (Owner-GM)

and finally..from half a world away – in Germany’s Mosel Region comes Nik Weis Owner and GM of St. Urbans-Hof.

The winery St. Urbans-Hof is one of the most renowned wineries of the growing region Mosel and distinguishes itself by the particularity of owning best positions both on the Moselle and on the Saar. The Weis family who founded the winery in 1947, always focused on quality, which was almost a rarity, especially in the seventies and eighties. Authenticity is for Nik Weis, the grandson of the founder doing a very important feature. According Riesling is exclusively developed, the intervention in the vineyard and cellar are as gentle as possible. The nursery of the estate,  is among the most important in Europe.

It was a privilege to be poured some spectacular wines, including the Wiltinger Alte Reben 2014, which arrives in early spring, as well as some of the older vintages dating back to 1990 from Ockfener Bockstein, Laurentiuslay, Goldtropfchen  and a drop of Eiswein or two.

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STORIES WERE WORKING ON

• Bloom 2016 festuring Ann Sperling (Sperling). John Skinner (Painted Rock) Chris Jentsch (cc Jentsch) and Gavin Miller (Upper Bench)
• A feature on Val Tait & Bench 1775
• Jason Priestley discusses Private Eyes. Van Helsing, wines  & Hollywood Hair.