May 9th, 2015 – Naramata Special … Part 1

May 7, 2015 00:42:47

hello

It’s the 7^th annual Naramata Bench Wine Tour through Victoria and Vancouver.
Part One features Elephant island. Upper Bench. Bench 1775. Lake Breeze. Tightrope. Hillside. TerraVista. Kettle Valley. Misconduct. Deep Roots.
Red Rooster. Therapy. Van Westen. La Frenz. Serendipity.

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THE SHOW

Having spent the better part of five years living on the Naramata bench and getting to know most of my neighbours… when they bring their travelling wine road show to Victoria and Vancouver..I just have to be there.

The Bench

It’s a two parter, so next week we’ll finish the story with Howling Bluff. Poplar Grove. Monster and Black Widow.

Naramata Bench is just an exceptional destination..not only for the wine grower but also for the wine fan.

naramata rush hour

Running above Lake Okanagan… East and North of Penticton, BC… it has the perfect soil and climate.
Big heat in the day… cool lake breezes at night.
It has also attracted some of the most interesting winemakers/growers in the business. They all have a story to tell.
Here’s the line-up and websites – www.naramatabench.com

In Victoria:

Del Halliday – Elephant Island https://www.elephantislandwine.com
Gavin Miller – Upper Bench www.upperbench.ca
Val Tait – Bench 1775 www.bench1775.com
Garron Elmes – Lake Breeze and Spice Jar www.lakebreeze.ca
Lindsay O’Rourke – Tightrope www.tightropewinery.ca
Kathy Malone – Hillside www.hillsidewinery.ca
Senka Tennant – Terra Vista www.terravistavineyards.com
Tim Watt – Kettle Valley www.kettlevalleywinery.com
Richard Da Silva – Misconduct www.misconductwineco.com
Will Hardman – Deep Roots www.deeprootswinery.com
Karen Gillis – Red Rooster www.redroosterwinery.com/
Steve Latchford – Therapy www.therapyvineyards.com
In Vancouver:
Rob Van Westen – Van Westen www.vanwestenvineyards.com/
Jeff Martin – La Frenz www.lafrenzwinery.com
Judy Kingston – Serendipity www.serendipitywinery.com

: Val Tait

: tightrope

: Senka Tennant

: Naramata vista

: naramata rush hour

: Naramata Chalk Board

: Jeff Martin

: del and miranda halliday

: Kathy Malone

: Karen Gillis

: Judy Kingston

: misconduct-wine-co

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

The Naramata Bench Part Two
Hawksworth
Tara O’Brady – Seven Spoons
Argentina
New Zealand

March 28th, 2015

March 27, 2015 00:42:32

hello

Spring wines from The Wine Diva. Summerhill Wines from Ezra Cipes. Naramata Bench wines from Val Tait at Bench 1775 and
New BC Wine Laws from lawyer Mark Hicken.

THE SHOW

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We welcome The Wine Diva Daenna Van Mulligen..who’s just back from Italy and from hosting the show at the Vancouver Wine Festival.
Daenna Loves her lists.
This one is a slam dunk.. Wines for Spring.
Daenna explains why these wines quality as spring wines and what it is we’re all looking for in our wines at this time of year.
If you’re feeling like its time to celebrate the change of season..read on!!

The Wine Diva

JoieFarm Riesling, Okanagan Valley BC $23.00
Blue Grouse Pinot Noir, Cowichan Station, Vancouver Island $23.00
Wild Goose Pinot Gris, Okanagan BC $18.95
Torley ‘Chapel Hill’ Pinot Grigio, Dunantuli Hungary $11.95
Spier ‘Signature’ Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch South Africa $13.90
Delas Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc Franc $17.00
Okanagan Crush Pad ‘Narrative White’ Okanagan Valley BC $17.00
CedarCreek Estate Winery Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley BC $24.95
La Jara Organic Prosecco Frizzante, DOC Prosecco, Veneto Italy $18.00
Spierhead Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley BC $25.00
Intrigue Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $17.00 \
Haywire ‘Pink Bub’, Okanagan Valley BC $25.00
‘Kono’ Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand $15.99
The Girls ‘Vivacious Rose’, Okanagan Valley BC $20.00
Serendipity Rose, Okanagan Valley BC N/A
Wakefield Riesling, Clare Valley Australia $21.00
Anna Spinato Oragnic Rose Spumante, Veneto Italy $14.99
Famille Perrin Tavel, Rhone Valley France $25.99
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria Australia $34.00
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $21.00
TH Wines “By Hand White” Okanagan Valley BC $20.00
Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley BC $21.99
Poplar Grove ‘Blanc de Noirs’, Okanagan Valley BC N/A
Carmen ‘Wave Series’ Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley Chile $14.99
Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand $18.99
Red Rooster Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley BC $16.99
St. Hubertus Chasselas, Okanagan Valley BC $19.50
JJ McWilliam’s Pinot Grigio, South Eastern Australia N/A
Segura Viudas Rosado, Penedes Spain, NV $16.99
Wolf Blass ‘Gold Label’ Sparkling $26.99
Luis Felipe Edwards Chardonnay, Central Valley Chile $11.00
Corvezzo ‘Extra Dry’ Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto Italy $19.99
La Puerta Torrontes, Famatina Valley Argentina $13.00
Taylor Fladgate Fine White Port, Douro Portugal $21.99
Steller’s Jay Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $24.99
Ferrari~Carano Fume Blanc, Sonoma County California $25.99
Laurenz und Sophie ‘Singing’ Gruner Veltliner, Austria $21.99
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley BC $25.00
Casolari Lambrusco Di Sorbara DOC Frizzante, Emiglia~Romagna Italy $15.99
Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay ‘Cathedral Coast’, San Luis Obisbo County California $19.99
Jean-Claude Boisset Bourgogne Pinot Noir ‘Les Ursulines’, France $24.95

www.winediva.ca
Ezra Cipes Summerhill Winery
Ezra, one of three sons of founder Stephen Cipes came through Vancouver pouring his latest releases.
Summerhill is one of the iconic family owned wineries in the Okanagan.
As a wine destination, for fans and the curious, Summerhill is quite simply one of the most visited wineries in Canada.

Ezra Cipes

Ezra is proud to carry on the family legacy at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Since the Cipes family moved from New York to Kelowna when Ezra was five, he has grown up with the wine industry around him, and learned it by osmosis.
After attending public school in Kelowna, Cipes embarked on a musical path, attending music college at Vancouver Community College. Ezra felt the call back to the vineyard. Home on the family farm, Cipes initiated a half acre permaculture garden, selling vegetables and herbs to Summerhill’s onsite Sunset Bistro. After reconnecting with the winery and the land, Cipes knew he needed to assume a greater role at the winery.
At Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Ezra Cipes is responsible for day to day operations, marketing, and leadership. He has completed courses in vineyard management and in permaculture design.
Summerhill is committed to producing 100% organic wine, and has received Demeter Biodynamic certification for their Kelowna vineyard in 2012. Certified organic status was achieved in the cellar in 2007, allowing them to display the Canadian certified organic logo on their bottles, ensuring that a level of quality and purity can be expected by the consumer.
http://www.summerhill.bc.ca/
Val Tait – Bench 1775

BENCH 1775 Winery is so lucky to have Valeria Tait as General Manager.
Not only is she a GM, she’s also one of the most in demand viticulturists in BC.
Val oversees the BENCH 1775 vineyards, winery operations, and guest experience. With wineries like Poplar Grove, Painted Rock and Mission Hill on her resume, Val brings a wealth of viticulture and winery experience to BENCH 1775.
And it was love at first sight for Val as well: “It’s so beautiful here. What really caught my imagination was this mind-blowing property with a spectacular deck and fantastic beach.”
BENCH 1775 currently produces approximately 7,000 cases of table wine per year, and Val has set her sights on expanding and invigorating the existing vineyard program. Also in her sights is the Tasting Room & Patio at BENCH 1775. “We want to over-deliver on quality while keeping our prices affordable,” Val claims. “And, I’d like it to be fun: a place for people to enjoy great wine, food, music and a fantastic view – a quintessential Okanagan experience.”
They’ve really caught the wine buying public’s attention with two easy going wines..
Chill and Glow..
Val takes us through those wines and then some.
Fabulous person. Fabulous wines.
Val Tait. Bench 1775
http://www.bench1775.com/
BC Wine Laws with lawyer Mark Hicken
What a mess.
April 1^st brings new wine laws that will affect everyone.
Wine stores, wineries, restaurants and you, the wine buyer.
From a legal standpoint, the most knowledgeable person I could ask to guest was Lawyer Mark Hicken from Vintage Law Group.
He’s been following the story for years now. Understands the players and the dynamics.

Mark Hicken

Mark says an $8 bottle may cost between $7.65 and $9.19 with the new wholesale pricing model.
According to Mark’s number crunching, a $10 bottle may retail between $9.75 and $11.75 shortly. A bottle worth $15 now could retail anywhere between its current price to $18. A $20 bottle now may cost either the same or up $24.
Mark will try and make sense of this mess and I’ll try not to foul the air with expletives!!

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

A great two winery pour in Gastown featuring Benjamin Bridge from Nova Scotia and Stratus from Niagara!!
Island Wineries…artisans from Vancouver island and Salt Spring pour their very best.

March 14th – Ireland in an hour!

March 13, 2015 00:42:56

hello

How better to celebrate St Patrick’s Day than presenting 2 One hour specials from our recent 2 weeks in Ireland.

Part One starts on a farm in the South of Ireland..through Clonakilty and ends in Dublin.
Guests include c, Connor Higgins, Michael Lawlor (Irish Whiskey Tours), Michael Reddy (Teeling Whiskey) and Willie Ahearn from The Palace Pub..Fleet St.

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THE SHOW…

Gilly Murphy
We start in the very South of Ireland..outside a wonderful small town called ClonaKilty.
In a place so small..i don’t think it’s on any maps..Dunworly and Dunworly Beach.
There we meet our host at Dunworly Cottages… Gilly Murphy..who welcomes us and shows us our cottage. It was a barn built LONG AGO!
We do a quick interview about the area and Ireland..then without pause Gilly grabs her bags and is off to visit her daughter in India. It was going to be that kind of trip.
Gilly does pop up dinners in her home – overlooking the Atlantic Ocean – and supplies organic vegetables to THE BEST local restaurants.

beach at dunworley

https://www.facebook.com/DunworleyCottage

Ellen McGailey – Molly’s Wine Bar

Allison Roberts – Clonakilty Chocolate Company
The closest town to our cottage was Clonakilty..51 km south of Cork, on the South
West Coast of County Cork.
The first sign that caught our eye was Molly’s Wine Bar and inside we found just the perfect person to talk about wine in Ireland Ellen McGailey who was running the place when we got there.

Ellen McGailey

Because I knew Ireland was a well established home for beer and whiskey, I needed to know wines place in every day Irish social life.
Ellen fills us in on what they’re sipping and the rise of craft beer over the past 5 years.
https://www.facebook.com/Next.Door.Off.Licence.Clonakilty/posts/403740546334751
Then she introduced me to Canadian Allison Roberts, who hails originally from Toronto.
She arrived with her musician husband via Australia.
Allison had been working with chocolate since she was a kid..most of us do get covered in chocolate as tiny little babies but she never lost interest and has just opened Clonakilty Chocolate to serious acclaim in the area.

clonakilty chocolate…
After filling me in on her new venture, I wanted to know Allison’s take on the Ireland we think we know and the Ireland that IS.
It’s a fun back and forth chat.
www.clonakiltychocolate.com

Deasy’s Harbour Bar and Seafood Restaurant. Ring Village, Clonakilty
Chef Caitlin Ruth

Caitlin Ruth and owner celebrate 10 years.

Even though the address says Ring Village..I drove this part of the coast a dozen times..never really saw a village..a gathering of various houses yes but a village..not so much.
Crumbling ancient buildings and stone walls – yup!
A strong sense of history on this part of the road..you can see what attracted people even 3-500 years ago.
And there, surrounded by the ocean and a small fishing fleet stands Deasy’s.
It came highly recommended by the locals.
The trick was getting there early enough for one of 6 parking spots just off the highway (its on a nasty little corner) and gets busy very quickly.
The reason – the amazing cooking talents of Caitlin Ruth – The Chef.
Originally from the USA, she married an Irishman and found her way back to the homeland from Belgium.
What a fine fine chef she is..
The menu features – as expected – many different fish, in many exceptional dishes. Paired with a very smart wine list.
It used to be an old pub..so it still has that comfortable pub feel but the windows give everyone a brilliant look at the ocean just across the highway.
Highly recommended destination. Memorable meals. Great hang!! Wicked parking.

deasys

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deasys-Harbour-Bar-Seafood-Restaurant/126741324027491

Then we’re off to Dublin..some 3-4 hours North. Taking the train from Cork is a LOT more fun than driving..
It’s fair to say we stumbled onto a small corner lunch place called Oxmantown..where owner Conor Higgins was holding court.

Oxmantown? At the time of the Norman invasion into Ireland, the Vikings, or Ostmen (East-men), as they called themselves were exiled to the north of the River Liffey where they founded the hamlet ofAustmanna-tún, later corrupted to Oxmantown. The district remained distinct from Dublin city for many centuries. Oxmantown celebrates this cultural distinction, its location in the heart of the homestead of the Ostmen.
Conor Higgins is the chef/owner at Oxmantown. Ex of Junior’s and l’Gueuleton – two of Dublin’s most lauded and successful eateries of the past decade – his provenance is distinguished. Applying classic culinary techniques to the art of sandwich making, with Oxmantown, Conor brings something unique to Dublin’s burgeoning café scene.

Oxmantown grilled cheese

The line-up was all the way to the door and out..and a rather bizarre mix of lawyers and judges from the law courts and farmers from the market around the corner.
You could tell at a glance that this place was very popular and as soon as we stepped inside..you knew they were on to something..
Great small menu..mostly well made and very inventive sandwiches, salads etc.
Out came the microphone and recorder and in between orders etc, Conner gave us the story.. (everyone here has a story)
http://www.oxmantown.com/ site is under construction but you can also find them on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/oxmantown/info?tab=overview

Then it’s a brisk 15 minute walk through Temple Bar (former site of original Viking settlement)..to Fleet Street and the home of one of Dublin’s historic pubs..The Palace Bar, established 1823.
The Aherne family bought the Palace in 1946..and have run it every since.
Its right around the corner from the Irish Times newspaper offices..thus many many columns have been written in its corners and nooks.
Its there that we meet three people…first

Michael Lawlor – Whiskey Expert and sales manager for Irish Whiskey Tours. www.irishwhiskeytours.ie

Michael Lawlor: Irish whisky Tours

I don’t think you can do a food and beverage tour of Ireland and not talk about Irish Whiskey.
Its fallen on some hard times, given the economy, but its making a wonderful comeback today.
I wanted to know from Michael..how their whiskey business made its comeback and why its so different from their Scottish neighbours.
We also talk trends..in craft brewing sand cider making.
Michael gives us a brief history of The Palace Bar, which was the first bar to bring back the tradition of making in house whiskey.

www.thepalacebardublin.com

And then we finish off with
Willie Aherne – Grandson of the original owner and the man behind the bar on many days..and sitting beside him Michael Reddy, one of the owners of The Teeling Whiskey Company, the first new whiskey maker in Dublin in 125 years.
Yes, we talk all about Irish Whiskey and Dubliners love for it but we also talk about what St Patrick’s Day is like in downtown Dublin.
That last question about March 17 is also answered by one of next weeks guests..John McKenna..Mckennas Guides!!

Michael Reddy on left and his Teeling Whiskey Barrel RacingTeam

www.thepalacebardublin.com
www.teelingwhiskey.com

and speaking of next week…

we have Ireland in an Hour Part Two..featuring some great storytellers..
Darina Allen – the founder of the famous Ballmaloe Cooking School of Shanagarry.
2013 Winner of Irish Cook Book of the Year.
Darina has been credited with leading the movement to bring back local and regional farmers markets all over Ireland.
The author of many book and one of Ireland’s leading culinary voices.
She joins me at Café Paradiso in Cork. The home of chef Denis Cotter..Ireland’s chef of the year in 2005.
Best Chef in Cork 2009.
Catherine Cleary – Food journalist for the Irish Times. Author of the forthcoming book “The Sheridan Brothers Guide to Cheese”
Author of “For the love of Food” named best Vegetarian Cook Book in the World.
Now THIS..is a wonderful sit down. I just knew that once I started the verbal ball rolling..Darina and Denis would take over and I could sit back and enjoy the dialogue. What they give us is a great overview of Irelands food scene which is getting better and better.
Then there’s Ray Blackwell..who manages the famous bar and folk club de barras. And his tales of Noel Redding..who made de Barras his home club after his Jimi Hendrix days.
We visit L Mulligan Grocer..a must see food and beer destination in Dublin..
Adam Killbain, the beer specialist and Seaneen Sullivan, who oversees the restaurant and bar talk about their clientele and about Stonybatter, the historic area they work in.

And finally John McKenna..famous Irish whiskey and food leader. He and his wife Sally run McKenna’s Guides.
More next week OK??

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HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY!!

February 28th, 2015-The 37th annual Vancouver international Wine Festival

February 23, 2015 00:42:11

hello

It’s the 37^th annual Vancouver International Wine festival..Hosted during Trade Tasting by Daenna van Mulligen.

The Wine World is In Vancouver. This week we’re welcoming 170 vine stars to Vancouver for the 37th Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Australian wines take centre stage but you’ll find wines from France, Italy, Croatia, South Africa, Argentina, USA, and Canada.

It also helps that the featured varietal is Syrah/Shiraz, something the Australians know very very well

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The Wine Diva

The Wine Diva has been my co-host for the past 6 years and this year the show is all hers.
Our coverage is presented by Road 13. “It’s all about The Dirt” www.road13vineyards.com

Road 13

Part One is an Hour special with the featured wine region Australia. (Part 2 next week..the rest of the World)
RARELY do you ever gather all of these wine stars on one radio show. Enjoy!!

THE SHOW

Wine Australia

Canada’s premier wine show marks its 37th anniversary of pairing wine, food and the performing arts from February 23 to March 1, 2015.
The festival features Australia as the theme country and Syrah as the global focus. Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver International Wine Festival Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Since inception in 1979, the festival has raised $8.1 million for the performing arts.
14 countries 170 wineries 8 days 1,750+ wines 25,000 participants 2015 theme country (Australia): 55 wineries from 20 distinct regions pouring 220 wines 2015 global focus (Syrah): 170+ expressions of Syrah from around the world in The Tasting Room
For more information visit VanWineFest.ca, like on Facebook, follow at @VanWineFest, or join the conversation at #VIWF. www.winediva.ca

Here’s the all star line:
(all Barossa group)
Yalumba – Jane Ferrari
Thorn-Clarke – Sam Clarke (owner)

Sam Clarke

Wolf Blass – Chris Hatcher
Harry Hertscheg – managing director VIWF
Mark Davidson – Brand Ambassador Wines 0f Australia
Hardy’s – Bill Hardy (family member)

Bill Hardy

McWilliams – Craig Stevenson
Henry’s Dive Vignerons – Kim Longbottom (owner)
Bernard Hickin – Jacob’s Creek
Tyrell’s – Bruce Tyrrell

Bruce Tyrell

Wynns – Sue Hodder
Wakefield wines – Justin Taylor (family & company director) Clare
Xanadu – Darren Rathbone (owner) Margaret River
Longview – Mark Saturno (owner) Adelaide Hills

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Official guest list-Tasting Room Radio in the Acura International Festival Tasting Room

VIWF 2015
Thursday, February 26
Show 1 – All Oz
1:30-2:30 pm
Segment 1: 1:30pm (all Barossa group) 10min
Yalumba – Jane Ferrari
Thorn-Clarke – Sam Clarke (owner)
Wolf Blass – Chris Hatcher
*Mark Davidson
Segment 2: 1:45pm – 12 min
Hardy’s – Bill Hardy (family member)
McWilliams Craig Stevenson (winemkaer Hunter)
Henry’s Dive Vignerons – Kim Longbottom (owner)
*Harry Hetscheg
Segment 3: 2:00pm – 12 min
Bernard Hickin – Jacob’s Creek
Tyrell’s – Bruce Tyrrell
Wynns – Sue Hodder
Segment 4 – 2:15pm – 9min
Wakefield wines – Justin Taylor (family & company director) Clare
Xanadu – Greg West (Winemaker) Margaret River
Longview – Mark Saturno (owner) Adelaide Hills
Show 2 – International
3-4pm
Segment 1: 3:00 pm (BC Group) 10 min
Painted Rock – John Skinner
Tinhorn Creek – Sandra
Joseph Luckhurst – Road 13
Segment 2: 3:15pm (USA)
Tony Stewart – Plume/Lake Sonoma
Ravenwood – Joel Petersen (founder)
Signorello – Ray Signorello
Segment 3: 3:30pm – (International Superstars) 12 min
Vina Montes – Aurelio Montes Jr.
St. Urbans-Hof – Anne Weiss (family)
Gonzalez Byass – Vicky Gonzalez Gordon
Segment 4: 3:45pm (Italy) 9min
Anna Spinato – Anna Spinato/Roberto
Rocca della Macie – Sergio Zingarelli (owner) Tuscany
Tenuta Sant’Antonio – Armando Castagnedi Veneto

NEXT WEEK PART TWO

The Rest of the World..

November 8th, 2014 – Portugal

November 6, 2014 00:42:29

hello

The Wine Diva returns from a trip to Portugal. Man, the stories she can tell.
The Italian wine tour passed through Vancouver. Met an old friend Ivano Reali GM of Castello di Gabbiano in Tuscany.
Jonathan Maltus, owner of Le Dome and Tessier in Bordeaux (100 pts) and World’s End in Napa. (Rock Labels like Good Times Bad Times and Rebel Rebel)
And we finish in the very South Okanagan..right on the border at Moon Curser..makers of very interesting wines. VERY.INTERESTING. WINES!

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[divider]

Alentejo Portugal

THE SHOW

The Wine Diva

Not only did Daenna van Mulligen head for Portugal to tour their top wine regions, she was also asked to be the keynote speaker at their annual wine gathering.
It’s the second time in 6 years that she’s been there.
We both acknowledge their winemaking skills..with some varietals not seen anywhere else.
We also wonder why the curious wine fan hasn’t yet discovered Portuguese wines, en masse!
Because they are SO good and cheap. It’s the combination everyone’s looking for.
Give me a $17 wine that tastes like a $30.00 wine. Its spelled PORTUGAL!!
www.winediva.;ca
www.winescores.ca
www.winesofportugal.com
[divider]

Ivano Reali GM of Castello di Gabbiano in Tuscany – A Tasting of Wines from Italy

Ivano Reali – Castello Di Gabbiano

This Italian Tasting tour across Canada is one of the most popular every year..and why not.
Canada loves Italian food and wine..considering they helped build this country, it makes perfect sense.
The first historical references to Gabbiano date from the 11th century, when work began on the square tower, which was built to defend one of the most important communication routes between Florence and Siena.
In the land survey presented by Tommaso Soderini in 1464 to the ‘Officials’ of the Land Registry of the Republic of Florence, it was noted that wine and oil were the most highly prized produce of the estate.
Mr Soderini, who owned the Castle was the man who commissioned the creating of The Statue of David.

Castello di Gabbiano

As you might surmise..these guys have been making wine a looooong time.
Ivano Reali oversees these historic vineyards in the very heart of Chianti.
Amazingly he’s a very down to Earth and charming as Italy itself.
He was pouring 5 of his best wines but we both seemed fixed on the amazing Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Bellezza (Bell-Ayeza)

http://www.castellogabbiano.it/
[divider]
Jonathan Maltus – Le Dome – Tessier (Bordeaux) and World’s End (Napa)
Winemaker Jonathan Maltus is the first Englishman in Bordeaux to win a perfect score from the influential critic Robert Parker. His label is Chateau Teyssier.

Jonathan Maltus Le Dome,Tessier & World’s End

The amazing Le Dome wines come from these vineyards. He also has a crazy good winery in Napa called World’s End, featuring wines called Against the Wind If 6 was 9 Wave Length Good Times. Bad Times Crossfire Jonathan Maltus is often referred to, variously, as a “cult winemaker” or “garagiste,” a kind of renegade Bordeaux winemaker who produces so-called “vins de garage,’ or “garage wine.
Jonathan is a natural story teller. I think you’re going to like his tales.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_Teyssier
www.maltus.com
[divider]
Moon Cursor – in the very south Okanagan..right up against the US Border.

Beeta & Chris Tolley Moon Cursor

Chris Tolley – Software Engineer by training. Farmer and winemaker by day. His academic year at NZ’s Lincoln University gave him a soft spot for offbeat varietals with loads of personality.
Beata Tolley – The shingle outside her office reads “Chartered Accountant”. Also trained in viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University, Beata manages the inner workings of Moon Curser. The home of Border Vines, Dead of Night, Nothing to Declare Rose, Afraid of the Dark etc.
Wonderful people..wonderful wines
http://www.mooncurser.com/

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[divider]

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Cornucopia – Whistlers Food and Wine festival
Celebrating The Golden Mile
Had a Glass 2014 is released. James Nevison visits

October 25th, 2014 – Chef Michael Smith

October 23, 2014 00:42:36

hello

The WineDiva reviews the big winners from this years Intervin International Wine Awards. Then the biggest winner of them all John Skinner from Painted Rock – The International Winery of the Year.
Chef Michael Smith..and his 8th cookbook Family Meals.
Ian Hemphill’s massive 800 page Herb and Spice Bible is the direct result of growing up with parents in the business and being hooked by age 6.
Thomas Perrin is the 5th generation of the very famous French winemaking family.
He also helped create Brad and Angelina’s Chateau Miravel Rose.

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[divider]

The SHOW

2014 InterVin International Wine Awards

Daenna van Mulligen/The Wine Diva was once again honoured to be one of the judges at the 2014 InterVin International Wine Awards held in Niagara.
They judged close to 1350 wines from 16 countries. and the winner was from BC. John Skinner and Painted Rock
They submitted their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Red Icon and 2011 . They all earned gold medals. Their 2010 Syrah and 2011 Red Icon were awarded silver medals, and honours went to their 2012 Chardonnay.
In any game that’s called “bringing the goods”..
So, we begin today’s show with Daenna’s reaction to the competition and some standout wines and then John joins us with his reaction to the breakthrough award.
www.winediva.ca
www.paintedrock.ca

Painted Rock Winery

www.intervin.ca
[divider]
Chef Michael Smith – new book Family Meals

Family Meals

Family Meals
Chef Michael Smith
Chef Michael Smith, one of Canada’s best-known chefs is a passionate advocate for simple, sustainable home cooking and an inspiration for families creating their own healthy food lifestyle. He’s the host of Chef Michaels Kitchen, Chef Abroad and Chef at Home seen on Food Network Canada, Global and in more than 100 other countries. He’s a judge on Chopped Canada and traveled the world for his innovative new web series Lentil Hunter.
Michael is Prince Edward Island’s food ambassador; Canada’s best selling cookbook author, teacher, professional chef and home cook. He led the team of Sodexo chefs that cooked for the worlds Olympians in the Whistler Athletes Village in 2010. His eighth cookbook, Family Meals, hit the bestseller list this summer. His food media production company is breaking new ground online and his Twitter feed is Canada’s top choice for foodie fun.
Michael and I talk about the two words in the title of his latest book. We talk Family and we talk Meals.
And Gin. We talk a little Gin.
We welcome back to the “other” Coast Michael Smith http://chefmichaelsmith.com/
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Ian Hemphill. New book The Spice and Herb Bible.

The Spice and Herb Bible. Third Edition

Ian Hemphill, a well-respected herb and spice expert from Sydney, Australia, just launched The Spice and Herb Bible, Third Edition. His shop in Sydney, Herbie’s Spices, boasts the largest selection of herbs and spices for sale and export in the Southern Hemisphere.
The third edition features six new spice entries, bringing the total number of entries up to 97; 102 new recipes; 33 new curry spice blends and 17 new spice blends, as well as the fascinating section “Travels in the Spice Trade,” which includes Ian’s personal anecdotes and travel stories. The new information truly makes this the definitive resource on spices, and you’ll actually feel like you’ve joined Ian on his world adventures!
He really gives you, the reader, “the inside story,” based on his learning and experiences in this ancient and stimulating industry.
This is Ian’s first visit to Canada. Hello Herbie!!!
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Famille Perrin

Thomas Perrin

and we meet Thomas Perrin… The famous French iconic family winery on this show is Famille Perrin. Represented by the 5^th generation Thomas Perrin
It is no coincidence Famille Perrin is the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhône Valley where they occupy the region’s best terroirs. Their values have given them a worldwide reputation for excellence: absolute respect for the soil, a commitment to manual methods and a deep belief that organic viticulture is the only way to express the true essence of the terroir. Moreover the combination of talents within the family ensures the continuation of their unique expertise. Nature and tradition are key to the Famille Perrin way and this approach has continued seamlessly over five generations.
In 1321, under the reign of Pope John XXII, four barrels were brought from the papal cellar in Avignon to be filled with wine in Châteauneuf. Subsequently, the Popes increased their vineyard holdings in the region and the papal wine gained in fame.
The Beaucastel family were living in Courthezon by the middle of the sixteenth century.
In 1549 “Noble Pierre de Beaucastel” bought “a barn with its plot of land extending to 52 saumées at Coudoulet”.

The Family Perrin.

In 1909 Pierre Tramier bought the property and Beaucastel then passed to his son-in-law, Pierre Perrin, a scientist who considerably increased the vineyard holding. His efforts were continued by Jacques Perrin until 1978…
Today the torch is carried by Jean Pierre and François, sons of Jacques. But Marc, Pierre, Thomas and Matthieu, who represent the fifth generation, are ready to pursue this fabulous family history.
Pouring for us today – in Vancouver – Thomas Perrin.
He brings with him the back story of this label and the family.
Thomas was part of the Perrin team that was personally chosen to create Chateau Miravel Rose for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Miraval – The house and Vineyard

It was a world wide success.
http://www.beaucastel.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

David Hawksworth Scholarship
The NZ tour Wrap up…includes Felton Road, Carrick, 8 Ranges Wines
And my Wines of NZ Hosts

June 7th, 2014 – New Zealand Part 2

June 6, 2014 00:42:59

hello

Tour Number 2 of New Zealand begins in Hawkes Bay where Syrah is King..through the legendary Gimblett Gravels… and finishes on the south Island in Nelson at NZ’s first Maori owned and operated winery.

North island

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THE SHOW

Part 1 of our wine tour of New Zealand took us through the Auckland area and on to Hawkes Bay and that’s where we begin Part 2. Elephant Hill Elephant Hill is a stunning and innovative winery estate and restaurant located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast, in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
They create 2 very fine chardonnays piggyslots , Sauv blanc, a white & red blends called Le Phant Blanc/Rouge and a 5 star Viognier and favour Syrah on the Red side.. We sit down in their fabulous restaurant with Viticulturist Jon Peet and sales and marketing leader Vince Labatt. The word I get from the NZ wine business is… watch these guys..they’re very good. http://www.elephanthill.co.nz/ Pask Staying in the Hawkes Bay area on North Island NZ we head for Pask.

On Roys Hill Overlooking Gimblett Gravels with
Greg Allinson (Pask)

On our tour of NZ #1 we talked to Kate Ranburnd the famous winemaker at Pask. This time we take to the Gimblett Gravels fields and meet the guys who grow in that stunning region.

Gimblett Gravels Pask’s 59 hectares of vineyards are located on Gimblett Road where Chris Pask was first to plant in the region now known as the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District®.
Formed over 100 years ago when the Ngaruroro River changed its course, the light, stony soils of the region are low in nutrients, completely free draining, and create the perfect environment for growing premium quality grapes. Their very first vintage of 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 5 stars in Cuisine Magazine.
Since then Pask wines have consistently enjoyed gold medal and trophy success in London, Australia, Asia, the United States, Canada and New Zealand across a range of varietals and winestyles. Pask is one of New Zealand’s leading wineries with an enviable reputation for excellence around the world for over 25 years. Pask has been a member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) since its inception.
Kate Radburnd spent five years as Chair of the SWNZ advisory/working group. I get to meet Danny van Selm

Greg-Allinson-marketing-and-Danny-van-Selm-vineyard-manager-at-Pask

the vineyard manager and Greg Allinson – direct sales and marketing manager. Interview takes place on a picnic table under a large tree in the middle of Gimblett Gravels. http://www.pask.co.nz/ Trinity Hill Their story began in 1987 when John Hancock met Robert and Robyn Wilson in their London restaurant Bleeding Heart. Over a bottle of John’s award-winning Chardonnay, the concept of a Hawkes Bay winery was born. They were convinced they could produce world-class red wines as well as white in this region of New Zealand.
John recognized the outstanding potential of Hawkes Bay’s Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district and in 1993 Trinity Hill became one of the region’s early pioneers, planting grape vines on a barren plot on the former bed of the Ngaruroro River. The first Gimblett Road wines, barrel-aged, were released in 1998 (vintage 1997); Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Syrah, to critical acclaim and a number of gold medals and trophies. In 2000, a further 20 hectare parcel of prime Gimblett Gravels land was purchased, named “Gimblett Stones” where Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot plus areas of Tempranillo, Syrah and Viognier were planted.
By 2001 The Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association was set up with 34 wineries and winegrowers from a “terroir”-defined area of the old Ngaruroro Riverbed, including Gimblett Road. Trinity Hill was and remains a founding member. In 2002, the first vintage super-premium wine Homage Syrah was made. When it was released in 2004 it received critical acclaim world-wide. The 2006 vintage of Homage Syrah won the Supreme Award at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards in 2007. John Hancock is our guest http://www.trinityhill.com/ http://www.gimblettgravels.com/ Sileni Estates Sileni Estates is a major vineyard and winery development in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest established vineyard area. The first vintage was in 1998. Sileni boasts a state of the art winery designed to crush over 1500 tonnes of grapes.

Sileni Estate

The Winemaking Team strive to maintain high standards in environmentally sustainable viticultural and winemaking practices Our Guests are Winemaker Grant Edmonds and Senior winemaker Rachael Garnham (currently on Mat leave. Two 1 year old twins)) With over 20 years experience in the New Zealand wine industry, including the position of Chief Winemaker for the Villa Maria Group and Esk Valley Estates, Grant now leads a team of talented winemakers and viticultural staff who all share Grant and Sileni Estates’ commitment to the vision of making internationally acclaimed wines.
They grow wines in a new sub-region of Gimblett Gravels The Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District in Hawke’s Bay has recently been launched to celebrate and promote one of New Zealand’s premium wine-growing sub-regions. The area extends over more than 2,000 hectares on the western side of the Heretaunga plains and includes the largest concentration of quality vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. It now has 10 winery members, including Sileni Estates. Sileni Estates has implemented and maintains both the ISO14001 and Sustainable Winegrowing certification.
http://www.sileni.co.nz/ Mission Estate In 1838 a group of French Missionaries (with the blessing of the Pope)
arrived and established a Marist Mission in the north of New Zealand. 1851 In 1851 a mission station was established near the Ngaruroro River between Napier and Hastings at Pakowhai. In 1858, the missionaries moved to land they had purchased at Meeanee and a major community was established.

Mission Estate

A cottage for living quarters was transported from Pakowhai and later a Church, school and study halls were built. Vines were planted to produce both sacramental and table wine. The first record of a commercial sale dates back to 1870 when a parcel of mostly dry reds were sold. Today Mission Estate is Hawke’s Bay’s oldest winery, with a well-respected reputation in the New Zealand market as a producer of consistent quality, value for money wines. Winemaker Paul Mooney Paul Mooney has been the winemaker at Mission Estate for over 30 years, making him one of the most experienced winemakers in New Zealand.

Paul Mooney

Paul’s winemaking philosophies are heavily influenced by his mentor, Brother John, who trained in Bordeaux during the 1960’s http://www.missionestate.co.nz/
Then it’s off to Wellington and then Nelson on the Northern tip of the South Island. Te Mania and Richmond Plains Te Mānia was established by Jon and Cheryl Harrey in 1990 near Nelson at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. A two time Champion of the prestigious Bragato Wine Awards, Te Mānia has created excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Riesling wine.
Te Mānia is the Maori name for “The Plains” pronounced “Tay Ma-ni-a” Big Balls Syrah To celebrate worlds biggest

At Richmond Plains & Te Mania with Lars Jensen owner of Richmond Plains plus winemaker Steve Gill

grapevine rugby ball and to support their world beating rugby team they have released the Te Mania 2010 Big Balls Syrah. It’s an ideal accompaniment to roast springbok, bbq wallaby, coq au vin and to wash down English puddings!

Big Balls at Richmond Plains

Richmond Plains is an organic and biodynamic Nelson wine making pioneer producing New Zealand’s first Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from certified Organic and Biodynamic grapes. They also produce Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rose, Syrah and Blanc de Noir – Pinot made as a white wine. Richmond Plains has been growing and making organic wine since inception in 1991 and its grapes are certified by BioGro and Demeter New Zealand. Richmond Plains won the Trophy for the best Sauvignon Blanc at the 2012 Sydney International Wine Competition. Our guests are Winemaker Steve Gill – Both labels Lars Jensen – Owner Richmond Plains Tohu

Tohu Wines..Maori Owned

Tohu produces award-winning New Zealand wine crafted from grapes grown in the breath-takingly beautiful, Awatere Valley Vineyard. When Tohu launched in 1998 we were the world’s first Māori owned wine company.
Since then they’ve grown a reputation for producing premium wine in a range of varieties, winning awards for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle. . Tohu Wines now has a sister brand. Aronui Wines was launched early in 2013 by the whanau who have been brining you award-winning Tohu Wines for over 15 years.
The word Aronui derives from the Māori mythological basket of knowledge associated with crafts, arts and working with the land in beneficial ways. This reflects their commitment to caring for the land and their artisanal approach to winemaking. As the owners are kaitiaki (guardians of their natural resources) and focused on sustainable enterprise, both Tohu and Aronui vineyards are certified by Sustainable Wine Growing New Zealand (SWNZ), the company is CEMARS accredited, and the wines are carboNZero certified.
Whenua Matua (Significant Lands) is the name of our Aronui vineyard. It is located in Nelson’s Moutere Valley – an area fast becoming an aromatics powerhouse. This compliments their Tohu vineyards located in Marlborough, where they continue to produce Single Vineyard Estate grown wines and exceptional Kaumatua-Reserve range, named after special elders from within their whanau.

Maori mussles Capt Dave Higgins aboard Hicapoo Hunter

Our hosts also take us to their mussle farms just off shore. That’s where we get the treat of the trip..fresh live mussels cooked on deck and washed down with their Sauvignon Blanc.
Whanau = family. Māori = indigenous peoples of New Zealand. Kaumauta = respected elder Our guests include: Kerensa Johnson – Company Secretary and Lawyer Mike Brown – CEO Kono beverages Capt Dave Higgins – Hicapoo Hunter fishing boat. Our next New Zealand special will feature: Spy Valley Yealands Stoneleigh & Brancott Seresin Staetelandt Maraqeta Lodge

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Stories we’re working on:

Director Jon Favreau talks about his new film – Chef

Wrap up on Argentina Tour
Part three of New Zealand tour
3 days in the Okanagan
2 day Oregon wine tour
Lisa Ahier – Sobo Cookbook
Chateau Teyssier – St Emilion
World’s End – Napa

Brewery and the Beast Changing Wine Laws R&B Brewing let the chefs do the beer Jason Priestley – The book – the man Vancouver chefs try and Kill Bill 24 Director Reuben Atlas shoots documentary on fake rare wines.

February 12th 2014 – David Foster Interview

February 10, 2014 00:54:02

hello

The last show features The wineries of Sonoma..and an exclusive interview with David Foster… (searing questions by Jason Priestley and myself)

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The Show

Sonoma wants out from the shadow of Napa.

They have more land, more vines and many of the wineries are run by families..not corporations. That’s a good thing.

We talk to Honore Comfort – The Executive director of Sonoma County

Honore Comfort

Adam Lee – Siduri. Maker of really great Pinot Noir.

Jeremy Baker..President of Thomas George. Grew up in Toronto. Friends with the Mayor.

Jeremy Baker

Dan Kosta – Co-Owner of Kosta- Browne. The bad boys of California Pinot
DJ Kearney – Knows more about wine than the whole room.

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and David Foster… Producer. Singer/Songwriter. Grammy winner… Producer of the year.

The list goes on and on. Now Chairman of Verve record Group.
Currently working with Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Diana Krall just to name a few.
Jason Priestley and I interviewed David at his home above Malibu..
He had been in bed for 3 days fighting the flu and still committed to the interview for Hollywood and Vines TV… then went straight back to bed.
Good Canadian Boy.

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February 6th- Canadian Culinary Championships

February 4, 2014 00:54:01

hello

Do you love your Australian wines? We start with a mini OZ tour. Mark Davidson is a sommelier who now represents wines of Australia, and he brought with him two of Australia’s cutting edge winemakers. Brendan Keys is from BK Wines Adelaide Hills, and poured his much talked-about Skin and Bones. Matt Fowles from Strathbogie Range brought his Ladies who shoot their Lunch (meant to pair with game), and his other wine Are you Game?

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The Show

James Nevison talks about his book Had a Glass, Top 100 wines under $20.00.
The Wine Diva and I join forces to interview Ed Flaherty, the wine maker of Tarapaca in Chile.

The Canadian Culinary Championships take place this weekend in Kelowna, with the very best chefs competing over two hard days. Three of those chefs are from Alberta and BC:

Duncan Ly – Calgary Paul Shufelt – Edmonton Brian Skinner – Vancouver
Partial proceeds from this Championship go to funding Canada’s Olympic Athletes.

Sam Roberts has a new album coming next week. My interview with Sam will run on Mulligan Stew as soon as the music gets here. In the meantime Sam is a huge wine fan and he joins us on Wednesday’s TRR.

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NEXT WEEK

– on our last show for CKUA. Jason Priestley and I visit David Foster in Malibu.
We talk wine and David’s career in music. It’s a really good interview.

February 5th, 2014

February 4, 2014

hello

The Show

Do you love your Australian wines??
We start with a mini OZ tour. Mark Davidson is a Sommelier who now represents The Wines of Australia.

Mark Davidson. Wine of Australia

He brought with him two of Australia’s cutting edge winemakers.

Brendan Keys BK Wines Oz

Brendan Keys from BK Wines Adelaide Hills who poured his much talked about Skin and Bones.

Matt Fowles from Strathbogie Range who brought his Ladies who shoot their Lunch (meant to pair with Game)

Matt Fowles – Oz

…and his other wine Are you Game?

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James Nevison talks about his book Had a Glass, Top 100 wines under $20.00 And The Wine Diva and I join forces to interview Ed Flaherty, the wine maker of Tarapaca in Chile.

James Nevison

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The Canadian Culinary Championships take place this weekend in Kelowna.
The very best chefs competing over two hard days.
Three of those chefs are from Alberta and BC Duncan Ly Calgary Hotel Arts

Paul Shufelt Edmonton Century Hospitality Group Edmonton
Brian Skinner Vancouver The Acorn Vancouver
Just a reminder…partial proceeds from this Championship go to funding Canada’s Olympic Athletes.
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Sam Roberts has a new album coming next week. My interview with Sam will run on Mulligan Stew as soon as the music gets here.

Sam Roberts

In the mean time Sam is a huge wine fan..and he joins us on Wednesdays TRR.

NEXT WEEK –

on our last show for CKA. Jason Priestley and I visit David Foster in Malibu.
We talk wine and David’s career in music. It’s a really good interview.