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It’s Super Bowl Weekend..

We visit Savio Volpe and talk Vancouver Italian!!

Then  for your Super Bowl Sunday it’s food, wine and laughs   from

Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole from Fox Sports 1 in LA

Park and George from Memphis Blues BBQ  House

And Dino and Nessa from The Bon Vivant Group..

They’re all loaded with suggestions for your day… Are you IN?

THE SHOW

 Savio Volpe

 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

It’s Super Bowl Weekend..a readymade excuse to eat, drink and gather with friends and family.

Even if you could care less who’s playing..there’s always a nice buzz around the day.

So, I’ve asked 3 pairs of friends – who know this area of expertise very well – to talk about their food and wine plans..where they’re watching the game itself and if they have any suggestions for us.

Jay and Dan

Jay and Dan

We know them as Jay and Dan..first with TSN and now with Fox Sports One in LA.

Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole are friends on the air and off. They know their sports and their comedy.

Let’s see what they know about Super Sunday dining and drinks..and where will they be. We found them in their cars heading for work at Fox studios.

These boys bring the laughs… always have, always will.  They also have your betting line nailed down..  www.jayanddan.com

Park and George

Park Heffelfinger and George Siu are the owners of Memphis Blues BBQ House..

You’ll usually find then at their Broadway location or the one on /Commercial..there are lots of others but these two shops have a special “lived in” feel.

Super Sunday will find them crazy busy before first light..people just keep coming for Elvis platters and mounds of ribs and pulled pork..it’s a wild place to be around Super Bowl.

I asked Park and George about what people are looking for in their food and especially their drinks.. Don’t let the down home smoke house fool you… these guys are all over their drink lists..always changing wines and beers and bourbons..they’re serious about getting things right.

And as always…funny as hell.  www.memphisbluesbbq.com

Dino and Nessa

Dino Renaerts

Partner and Executive Chef, Bon Vivant Group

Dino Renaerts has firmly established himself as one of the west coast’s culinary leaders. A Kitsilano boy, Renaerts completed his education and training in Vancouver and has built a prolific career spanning over two decades that has seen him cook in a clutch of the city’s finest restaurants. Today, Renaerts applies his talent, passion and vision to his role as partner in The Bon Vivant Group, serving discerning clientele across the province.

In 1999, he was the first Red Seal Chef in Canada to become a Certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild. Renaerts’s expertise in oenology earned him the runner-up Sommelier of the Year award at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival in 2006 and 2010.

Nessa van Bergen.  Partner The Bon Vivant Group.  Sommelier.

Nessa’s first foray into high-end dining was with Umberto Menghi as part of the opening team for Mangiamo Ristorante in Yaletown in 1994, long before it became the ‘in’ neighbourhood it is now. Nessa earned her International Sommelier Guild certification (ISG) in 1999, the first year it was available in Vancouver.

From Mangiamo, Nessa moved to Le Crocodile to become the youngest Maitre d’ chef/owner Michel Jacob had worked with at his award winning restaurant.

Three years later, Nessa would see her first foray into the hotel business with position of Outlet Manager at the four-star Delta Pinnacle Hotel.

A big move was to follow when Nessa was headhunted to join the team at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House to run the beverage program and study under the tutelage of famed restaurateur, Bud Kanke.

Then came her best role ever..Mom..

She and Dino now have the world they always dreamed about.  A career in the culinary and wine arts..AND a real life.

It’s because they started The Bon Vivant Group..and have taken their skills to the catering business.

They know their Super Bowl weekends..both from the food and wine side and what their house is going to be like..Dino gives us lots of food suggestions and Nessa has the perfect pairings..  Enjoy!!  http://www.bonvivantgroup.ca/

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

38^th Annual Vancouver International Wine festival

L’Abattoir   

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

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Now an Officer of the Order of Canada along with his co-founding partner Greg Keelor, Jim Cuddy checks in from the road.

Blue Rodeo has released their Live at Massey Hall LP and Jim is on the CP Holiday train from Calgary to Vancouver – all the while on crutches.

Lots to talk about including what wine he’s travelling with.

John Clerides (Marquis Wine Cellars) knows his wines and speaks his mind. If he recommends a wine, you know it’s good.

And we re-visit a great Texas BBQ  truck on Vancouver island near  Parksville!!

 THE SHOW

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Jim Cuddy

Jim Cuddy

It’s been quite a year for Jim Cuddy.

First Blue Rodeo released Live from Massey Hall, a landmark recording for one of Canada’s best loved bands.

Then Jim and his partner Greg Keelor were made Officers of the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada

There’s no higher award.  Jim talks about how he felt on the night.

He also reveals that the Massey Hall recording wasn’t going to be used until it was compared to the one what was to be used and everyone agreed that Massey Hall was the best.

And right now the 17^th year of the CP Holiday Train is on its way across the USA and Canada.

It sees two trains travel across Canada and the U.S. bringing entertainment and helping local food banks along the way.

This year, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo will be on board, along with his musician son Devon and the CP Holiday Train band which is made uo on members of The Odds.

Also travelling along for the Western leg of the Canadian tour will be Kelly Prescott.

The Local Food Banks  will be on hand to collect donations and to pass out hot chocolate etc.

Believe  or not Blue Rodeo then tours Canada in January

We welcome back Jim Cuddy.

www.cpr.ca/en/community/holiday–train 

John Clerides  – Marquis Wine Cellars

John Clerides

There’s a certain pattern to my week..somewhere near mid-day Wednesday I start to get stopped by someone wanting  a recommendation on a wine and wine store then it gets crazier  as the weekend approaches.

The wine recommendations change from week to week but as far as the STORE is concerned that’s a no-brainer..Marquis Wine Cellars on Davie in Vancouver.

Great staff, remarkable selection and a solid leader in  John Clerides.

Some of the regulars simply walk in, the staff know their tastes so well they just put certain bottles together with the customer and they’re  out the door.

John has the singular ability to not only know what he’s talking about when it comes to all things wine,  he shares that view to anyone standing in front of him. Sometimes it’s the actual winemaker.

This conversation covers the odious liquor laws in BC and the manipulation by the BC Government.  John gets on a  classic rant then calms down to talk about BC wines and how the industry must up their game.

We welcome back John Clerides..first class troublemaker.  First Class  Guy!

www.marquis–wines.com

Lynn and Rick Allen  Texas BBQ Parksville

The Texas BBQ Oven

If you take the island Highway North of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island ..one of the first off ramps takes you to Parksville..beautiful town right on the Beach.

If you’re lucky, there’s a truck doing BBQ off to the right…and you have to drive through a cloud of BBQ smoke.  If you turn follow the smoke , this story is  for you.

If you just see it as smoke – keep driving.

The sign on top says Traditional  Texas BBQ and its owned by Lynn and Rick Allen.

Not only is the BBQ bang on but Lynn makes and sells fabulous sauces..available only at the truck.

Loved talking to these guys..my kind of people.

Their twitter handle is BBQ_Texas

FB is Texas-BBQ

Heading to Vancouver Island?   …don’t miss this experience.

https://www.facebook.com/Texas–BBQ-394654067257013

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Gift wines/Party wines from Kurtis Kolt, Rhys Pender and DJ Kearney

Haywire Wines

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We visit the winemaker of  Villa Maria NZ, Harry/Christa-Lee McWatters and their winemaker and two wine loving music friends Colin Linden and Royal Wood.

Music and Wine friends for your weekend.

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THE SHOW

 Josh Hammond – Villa Maria

Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s highest profile wineries and certainly the most awarded.

Their sustainable practices are exemplary and consistent.

So…how are the wines?

Given their commitment to the land and the vineyards it’s not surprising how good they are. What may surprise is that their wines – white, red and bubble – are consistent. From one year to the next which all  wine fans  want from their winery.

Production winemaker Josh Hammond passed through Vancouver and most of Canada,  pouring his latest portfolio.

Josh Hammond – Villa Maria

Josh was born and raised in Marlborough, becoming the 5th generation to grow up on the family sheep farm situated next door to where the Villa Maria Marlborough winery now stands. The land, which was considered too fertile for growing grapes by his grandfather, now produces Sauvignon Blanc for Villa Maria.

An early interest in law led Josh to the University of Otago to study a double degree in Law and Chemistry. During this time he also spent six months in Europe on a law exchange studying at Charles University in the Czech Republic.

Then  to California and Burgundy where he gained valuable experience working with a range of grape varieties.

Returning back to his roots Josh joined the Villa Maria Marlborough team as Assistant Winemaker in 2013 and was promoted to Production Winemaker in December of that year.

With the Marlborough Sounds on his door step he enjoys spending time in the outdoors, diving, water skiing and sailing. He also enjoys recreating local dishes from the countries he has visited and matching these with New Zealand wines, for friends and family.

Yours truly had the pleasure of joining others at a tasting in Gastown that was a pleasure from beginning to end.

I had to wait until Josh got back to Marlborough before he had time to talk and give us the full background on the wines below.

Some you can find now..the others marked as “spec” hopefully in the new year.  Just thought you might like to know what’s possible from this fine company down the road.

http://www.villamaria.co.nz/

•  Private Bin Lightly Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, spec, $16.99 plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, listed, $16.99 plus tax+dep
• Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc, spec, $21.49  plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Pinot Gris, listed, $17.79 plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Pinot Noir, spec, $18.79 plus tax+dep
• Cellar Selection Pinot Noir, spec, $30.49 plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Merlot Cab Sauv Hawke’s Bay, spec, $13.99 plus tax+dep

 Harry McWatters – Time/McWatters Wineries

Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond –      Encore Vineyards and Local Lounge and Grill.  Vintage Consulting Group

Lawrence Buhler, Director of Winemaking

Harry McWatters

Harry McWatters is a leader in the British Columbia wine industry, and has been involved in it for more than 40 years. In 1980, he founded BC’s first estate winery, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, and later started See Ya Later Ranch Estate Winery in 1995. By spring of 2000, the Sumac Ridge Estate Wine Group was sold to Vincor Canada and Harry continued as the winery president as well as Vice-President of Vincor Canada. Harry “retired” in April 2008, and on May 1 established Vintage Consulting Group Inc. and the Okanagan Wine Academy.

Harry is the founding chair of the British Columbia Wine Institute. In addition, he is the founding chair of the British Columbia Wine Information Society. He is also a Director of the Canadian Vintners Association, founding Chairman of VQA Canada and is the founding Chairman of the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation.

Harry was also instrumental in founding VQA Canada, a trade association that spearheaded the development of national wine standards for Canadian vintners and served as the first Chairman.

In his role as director of winemaking for the ENCORE Vineyards wine brands, Lawrence Buhler  is responsible for setting the winemaking direction of TIME Estate Winery as well as for McWatters Collection and Evolve Cellars. He brings with him more than 15 years experience in the wine industry, most recently from Ontario where he worked in wineries large and small.

Lawrence Buhler – Winemaker

Christa- Lee McWatters-Bond  been in the BC wine industry ever since she was born.

Christa Lee McWatters-Bond

After growing up in her family’s winery, Sumac Ridge  Christa-Lee went on to open a restaurant with her husband Cameron Bond which is now one of the most popular restaurants in the Okanagan Valley, Local Lounge and Grill.

And if that isn’t enough, her hands are very full of these days as she is the marketing manager for Encore Vineyards, which is the parent company to TIME Estate Winery under construction in Oliver BC, her family’s legacy label the McWatters Collection, and the brand-new Evolve Cellars in Summerland BC.

We welcome on of the first families of Okanagan winemaking The McWatters and a guy named BUHLER!!!

Colin Linden

Colin Linden

 He doesn’t own any wineries, or vineyards or cellars. He does own two 56 bottle capacity wine coolers that are always be filled with wines from his travels.

And because he IS Colin Linden, solo artist, record producer, guitar for hire, one of the driving forces behind Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and the music director of the Nashville Television series his travels take him everywhere.

Even The White House. Even as part of Bob Dylan’s road band.

Colin has just relwased his best solo LP (my opinion) It’s called Rich in Love.

Anyone who has listened to Mulligan Stew, my weekly music show on CKUA Radio in Alberta knows Colin and I always talk music and then switch at some point to wines and what he’s been drinking.

Here’s the latest chat session, which includes his answer to my question..what DID they pour for you at The White House?

http://www.colinlinden.com/

Royal Wood

Love his music. He’s not like everyone else..that’s one of the reasons I like him.

Royal’s latest release is

Royal Wood

“Playing to a full house at the National Arts Centre was so special, so energizing. It was an honour.” Royal’s fan base continues to grow at home and abroad.

“I’m now performing around the world, in part because of the respect there is internationally for the NAC. If you’ve headlined there, you can stand tall.”

Growing up in Peterborough, Ontario, Royal Wood realized early on that music and art and literature weren’t his career choices—they were his calling. “It’s what I wake with every morning and what I think about when I go to bed.” Perhaps that’s the secret to his success.

Royal explains on today’s TRR that he mentioned during an interview that he loved his wines and was taking a sommelier course.

Listening in was Steve Latchford from Therapy wines on the Naramata bench.

It took several years for the project to come together but there are now atiny selection of large format bottles of

The Players are Therapy Winemaker Steve Latchford and the fine  singer/songwriter Royal Wood.

Royal Wood

 Steve has always wanted to do a “special project”. He wanted to pair music and wine and when he heard Royal say on CBC radio that he was taking a sommelier course that he knew he had his musician.

It took two years to design and create that special project. Magnums of Marselan. A cross of Cab and Grenache.

They called the project Vanguard Wines 2013. Old Wounds New Scars. (title of a Royal Wood song)

Only 200 bottles made. Every bottle comes with a special CD of Royals Songs. Songs that relate to the wine and the artists involved, along with a number of photos on the label from Dave Moorman. Available only at the winery..on the Naramata Bench.

www.therapyvineyards.com

www.royalwood.ca

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Randy Ullom – Kendall – Jackson

The battle of the Somms

Jim Cuddy

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It’s the return of Australia’s First Families of Wine!!

10 iconic wineries who shaped Australian wines. Yalumba / Henschke / d’Arenberg / Tahbilk / McWilliams / De Bortoli / Tyrrel’s / Brown Brothers / Howard Park / Wakefield

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THE SHOW

 Australia’s First Families of Wine

Wakefield Wines

10 multi-generational wine families unlocked rare and revered wines from their private cellars to showcase Australia’s rich wine heritage, modern diversity, and the celebrated wine stories that have become the foundation for future generations. Get a sneak preview of a limited number of wines that are being released from each winery at BC Liquor Stores.

Through these exclusive interviews, you will have the rare chance to meet the people behind the wines. Family members from each winery will share wines that provide a glimpse into the past, present and future of Australia’s most iconic winemaking families.

And they are all great storytellers..with outstanding stories to tell.

De Bortoli Wines

Their message is all about the farms and rich soils that they work, the quality of the wines they craft and the pride they have in their  history and how it has shaped who they are and what they  stand for.

Together, they are the custodians of over 5000 hectares of land that includes some of Australia’s most iconic vineyards, creating premium quality wines that proudly bear their  names.

Australia’s First Families:

(and the years they first planted)  

Australia’s First Families of Wine

• Yalumba (1849) – Robert Hill Smith  www.yalumba.com
  •             Tyrrell’s Wines (1858) – Bruce Tyrrell  https://www.tyrrells.com.au
  •             Tahbilk (1860) – Alister Purbrick  www.tahbilk.com.au
  •             Henschke (1868) – Stephen Henschke  https://henschke.com.au
  •             McWilliam’s Wines (1877) – Scott McWilliam  www.mcwilliamswine.com
  •             Brown Brothers (1885) – Ross Brown  www.brownbrothers.com.au
  •             d’Arenberg (1912) – Chester Osborn  www.darenberg.com.au
  •             De Bortoli Wines (1928) – Darren DeBortoli  www.debortoli.com.au
  •             Taylors (1969) & Wakefield – Justin Taylor  www.wakefieldwines.com
  •             Howard Park (1986) – Jeff  and Amy Burch   https://www.burchfamilywines.com.au 

www.australiasfirstfamiliesofwine.com.au 

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Tasting Room Radio will return to the airwaves Saturday October 17^th at 10am

On Vancouver’s Newest FM station Roundhouse Radio 98.3

www.roundhouseradio.com

 Guests include:

 Kurtis Kolt – Wine Consultant – Sommelier of the Year 2010

Rhys Pender  Master of Wine. Winemaker Little Farm (Similkameen)

DJ Kearney – Wine Expert

Colin Linden

In the coming weeks:

DJ Kearney

Savour Cowichan

Singer/Songwriter Royal Wood partners  with Therapy Vineyards

The Garagiste Wineries of BC

John Clerides – Marquis Wine Cellars

DK Kearney, Kurtis Kolt

Judgement of BC

Top Drop Vancouver Terroir and Craft

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Garagiste North  – The small guys wine festival

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The Show

GAR-aH-Jeest NOrTH…

the coolest wine festival ever

Garagiste-poster-2015

What is a garagiste? (gar-ah-jeest).  It started out in France (of course) where it was a derogatory phrase for those avante garde and crazy mavericks making wine in their garage and outside the highly regulated system. Gradually and grudgingly came the acknowledgement that something really interesting was happening with these small case lot artisan wines, and a movement was born.

Anarchist. River Stone. SEVEN DIRECTIONS. NAGGING DOUBT. CoRCeleTTes. Roche. SynCHROmesh. Kraze Legz/Skaha  ROCHE. Niche.

Couldn’t fit everyone in but we are committed to bringing you all these stories over the course of the year.

They are all driven, passionate winemakers who qualify by producing under 2000 cases a year and use only BC Fruit.

Small they may be but these wineries have an effect on the future of BC wines.

They take the time and commitment to grow different varietals, use experimental methods and take chances in the cellar that few others would or could. When you find one you like it’s best to buy and hold because all productions are small.

Our guests are:

Terry Lynn Meyer – Organizer and pouring Anarchist Mountain

One of the smallest wineries with the biggest view.  Anarchist is owned by Andrew Stone and Terry Meyer Stone and sits overlooking Lake Osoyoos on Anarchist Mountain.  At an elevation of 1700 ft, their micro terroir brings cool evening temperatures and some of the longest degree days in the valley to their small case lot production of old vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

www.anarchistvineyard.com

Ted Kane  – River Stone

River Stone is a small, family owned and operated vineyard and winery near Oliver. Winemaker, owner and garagiste Ted Kane started making wine when he was 18. He and his wife Lorraine moved to Oliver to fulfill his long held dream to grow Bordeaux red varietals and one day own their own winery. Check out their two Bordeaux blends: Stones Throw and Corner Stone and for the white lovers don’t miss out on Splash!

www.riverstoneestatewinery.ca

Rob Westbury – Winemaker Nagging Doubt

Nagging Doubt is a small artisan winery located in South East Kelowna on a 5.8 acre vineyard. Winemakers Rob Westbury and Mark Simpson create the wines by hand using a combination of modern and centuries old techniques to produce unique small case lot wines. Not to miss is their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and red blend–The Pull.

www.naggingdoubt.com

working the room

Gerry Thygesen – Co-Owner and winemaker of Skaha/KrazyLegz

Gerry and Sue Thygessen are the Proprietors of a beautiful vineyard above Skaha Lake in Kaleden. Steep slopes of shale and fossilized sandstone with lake influences encourage the vines to concentrate flavours in the ripening fruit resulting in elegant, well-balanced fruit forward wines.  For this pour Gerry is talking about his Skaha Wines.

 www.krazelegz.com

Daniel Bontorin – Seven Directions. Rose` Specialist

Daniel was the winemaker at Le Vieux Pin before be departed to consult and make his own rose.

With a total case production of 375 cases, this Small Guy virtual winery has a big heart.

There’s no winery to visit, which makes the opportunity to sample in person rare.  Daniel remarks that you can buy his Rose at Volcanic Hills, West Kelowna .  Specializing in single vineyard, single variety Rose wines, Daniel Bontorin and Kritine Witkowski use 100% BC grapes, are 100% VQA and 100% cool.  They  have made  their 2013 Zweigelt Rosé and 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé with two more new roses coming.

www.sevendirectionswine.ca

Dylan Roche – co-winemaker/co-owner  Roche

Dylan and Penelope Roche relocated from Bordeaux in 2011. Penelope was Director and Winemaker at her family’s Grand Cru Chateau in Bordeaux before coming to Canada. Dylan studied in Burgundy and apprenticed in Burgundy and New Zealand before Bordeaux and the Okanagan. With this prestigious background they still say farming is their priority, they make the wine from the fruit they farm. They make exceptional Pinot Gris, Rose and Pinot Noir. All I can say is “wow” – Find them. Buy them! Want to taste where Canadian wine may be headed? Start right here!!

www.Rterroir.ca

Roche Wines

James Schlosser – co-owner and winemaker  Niche

James Schlosser of Niche Wine Co of West Kelowna poured at the Small Guys Wine Fest. James and Joanna Schlosser call themselves ‘ farmers who love making (and drinking) wine’. They harvest grapes from small batch crops and their wines benefit from gravity, smarts and a few strong hands. They are passionate about Pinot Noir but also big fans of Gewürztraminer, Rose and Marechal Foch.

www.nichewinecompany.com 

Alan Dickinson – Winemaker  Synchromesh Wines  

A small family run operation in Okanagan Falls focused on terroir driven, world class Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Alan and Amy Dickenson have quickly been carving a name for themselves. They approach their whole business with a holistic philosophy and minimal intervention to produce fabulous wines.

www.synchromeshwines.ca

www.garagistenorth.com 

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Stories we’re working on:

Texas BBQ in Parksville

Salmon Fishing at King Pacific Lodge

Wines paired with Music at Interstellar Rodeo

Ocean wise gathering at The River Cafe in Calgary

The Wine Diva Returns

The Wine Diva at 2015 Vancouver Wine Festival

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TOP DROP Vancouver..Year 2.

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THE SHOW

It’s the return of Top Drop Vancouver, a unique, two-day event bringing together international, terroir-focused wineries, craft breweries, cideries, gastronomy & more.

Top Drop Vancouver continues its focus on sustainably-farmed, handcrafted wines offering a distinct sense of place, without heavy-handed winemaking trickery to get in the way.

Now in its second year, Top Drop Vancouver is a two day trade and consumer event being held at the Roundhouse in Yaletown and various Vancouver restaurants  bringing together a collection of small, hands on wineries, craft breweries, cideries and food purveyors who are passionate about their craft.

We quote Our Host Kurtis Kolt:   (from his column in the Georgia Straight)
“Our focus is terroir-influenced, handcrafted wines, and the people behind them.

Kurtis Kolt

“We believe in the importance in farming one’s own fruit and/or being constantly engaged with grape-growers to ensure sustainability and a high standard of viticultural practices.

We believe in wines that reflect their vintage, and wines that aren’t suffocated by vinicultural trickery.

We believe in winemaking decisions that are made by a winemaker, and not by a board of directors or marketing team.

We believe in those who take chances.

We believe these kinds of wines, honest wines of integrity, need a time and place to have their story told.
We also believe craft beer, cider, along with authentic and sustainable produce, dairy, meat and seafood are part of the same conversation, which is why we’re proud to showcase some of our best in those areas.”

The event took place at the Roundhouse in downtown Vancouver.

In the limited time and resources we had at hand..I was able to talk to and get stories from the following guests:

Kurtis Kolt – Organizer,  fearless leader and Wine Expert  http://www.kurtiskolt.com/

Kate Durisek – Co-Owner Howling Moon Cider House   Oliver BC www.howlingmoon.ca

David Lancelot – Wine Buyer Cask and Barrel  Kelowna BC   www.thecaskandbarrel.ca

Shawn Bachynski – Red Truck Beer – Vancouver, B.C.  www.redtruckbeer.com

Mark Davidson – Global Education Director  Wine Australia  www.wineaustralia.com

Tyler Harlton – Owner/Winemaker TH Wines  – Okanagan Valley, B.C.   www.thwines.com

José Lovaglio Balbo    Winemaker   Vaglio Wines – Salta Argentina   http://www.joselovaglio.com/

Anthony Truchard – Truchard Vineyard – Carneros, California  www.truchardvineyards.com

Jean Benoit DesLauriers – Wine Maker Benjamin Bridge   Gaspereau Valley Nova Scotia   https://www.benjaminbridge.com

Shirley Brooks – Elk Cove  Willamette Valley Oregon  www.elkcove.com

Paul  M  Brunner   Owner Blue Grouse Estate Winery  Duncan BC  www.bluegrouse.ca

http://www.topdropvancouver.com/

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Finding a new Vancouver radio Home at Roundhouse Radio

Harry McWatters – What Next?

Garth Eichel  – A new book on the Naramata Bench

Wine Laws in Canada – Mark Hicken (Lawyer)  & Sandra Oldfield  (Tinhorn Creek)