The fifth BC Cider Festival took place once again inside and out at The Pipe Shop, the foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver. (photos by linda c)
As a kid growing up in North Van, I had always heard about the Pipe Shop. It’s where my Father Pat Mulligan and our neighbor’s mothers and fathers built ships for WW2.
To be in that room on Father’s Day was emotional and very reflective.
I love this gathering of cider makers and cidery owners. In many cases, it’s the same person.
Peri Lavender Ciderworks (Salt Spring Island)
The tasting and information is immediate and direct.
There’s no PR baggage, rather it’s the bottom line story of how the cidery was conceived, and built and how generations of family have grown and created their craft cider.
Often, it’s Canadian history in a glass.
Curated by Shawn and Kelly Pisio from Txotx Imports and Rich Massey of Massey Wines, this tasting event allows attendees to enjoy unlimited samples from each of the producers over the course of the four hours.
Even though tables are laden with cider of all shapes, content and sizes, I chose to taste just the dead center of the portfolio – the dry cider they all made as they began.
Michela Palmer- Esquimalt Vermouth & Aperitifs (Linda c)
Celeigh Cardinal has her latest dropping Friday – Boundless Possibilities.
Personally written songs that describe the feelings of losing her son’s Father in a murder and the death of a friend by suicide. Also surviving the pain and loss and changing her life forever.
It’s not your average album and certainly not your average interview. Open, bare and loving.
The second guest is Bridget Kearney—bassist, vocalist and songwriter for Lake Street Dive. The album is Good Together and after 20 years together, they’ve decided to write songs and create together in the same room. It shows in the exceptional songs.
They appeared this week on Colbert Show and they’re on tour. One of the dates is Madison Square Garden.
New music from Colin James and Charlie Musslewhite, Little Feat, Madeleine Peyroux, Honey Bear The Band, Walk off the Earth, Dan Mangan, Robert Plant and Allison Krauss.
Donor asks for Sam Cooke live, Tedeschi Trucks, John Mellencamp, Funkadelic, John Hiatt, and Jackson Browne.
Finally, Joni Mitchell released Blue on June 22 – 1971…we salute the album and Joni
Interviews coming:
Blue Rodeo (Greg and Jim)
The Jim Cuddy Band
The annual Festival Special with the Artistic Directors – features a group chat with Calgary, Winnipeg, Canmore and Vancouver Folk Festivals.
Who they booked and why!!!
PLAYLIST:
Mulligan Stew Guests Celeigh Cardinal
and Bridget Kearney/Lake Street DiveTerry Mulligan
TDMulligan
Devilment
Colin James (Charlie Musslewhite)
Chasing the Sun
why people like that?
Little Feat
Sam’s Place
Cherry Bomb
John Mellencamp
Best that I could do 78/88
Please come inside
Madeleine Peyroux
How I wish
Guests on todays Stew
Celeigh Cardinal
Bridget Kearney – Lake Street Dive
Can you get to that
Funkadelic
Maggot Brain
Have a little Faith in me
John Hiatt
Bring the Family
deane house & river cafe
NEXT Celeigh Cardinal
New album Boundless Possibilities
Celeigh Cardinal Interview
Boundless Possibilities
Album released Friday
The only way out
Celeigh Cardinal
Boundless Possibilities
Celeigh Cardinal Interview
Complete interview on Mulligan Stew Podcast
and tdm YouTube Channel
You made it look easy
Celeigh Cardinal
Boundless Possibilities
Celeigh Cardinal
Complete interview on Mulligan Stew Podcast
album Boundless Possibilities
Wandering River
Celeigh Cardinal
Boundless Possibilities
Celeigh Cardinal Interview
complete Video Interview
om TDM You Tube Channel
Everyday
Celeigh Cardinal
Boundless Possibilities
Mulligan Stew
Coming Up – Tedeschi Trucks
and Guest Lake Street Dive
Sleep’s Dark and Silent Gate
Jackson Browne
The Pretender
Mulligan Stew Year 28 on CKUA
Guest in Hour Two – Lake Street Dive
playlist at mulliganstewdotcaGuest in Hour Two – Lake Street Dive
Bound for Glory
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Revelation
I was wrong
Honeybear The Band
Honeybear The Band
You don’t know how I feel
Walk off the Earth
Petty Country & 2017 single
Find new ways (acoustic)
Dan Mangan
single
The Stew with Terry Mulligan
Coming up – new album and interview with Lake Street Dive
The Stew is Bruce Cockburn..bringing stories of his 35th album O Sun O Moon. Plus memories of Gordon Lightfoot and his place in the music of the World and especially Canada.
Answers the question: Was/is Gord the Sound of Canada?
Could you hear the space and place in his songs?
The Podcast is the complete interview with Bruce Cockburn on the release of his 35th album O Sun O Moon. And his thoughts on the music of and the loss of Gordon Lightfoot.
The YouTube this week is the video version of both conversations.
Leslie D’Andrea Co-founder of Noble Ridge and Director of Winemaking
Benoit Gauthier (Okanagan Falls)
Timing. It’s all about timing. My request for an interview and their Spring releases. The same day!!
Noble Ridge
Benoit creates and releases wonderful single reds and blends later in the year but right now it’s all about sparkling wines. Glorious Bubbles!
2019 The Pink One (clones 113, 114, 115 and 777)
100% Pinot Noir. 135 cases. 4 hours on skins, 34 months en tourage. Method Traditionale. Toasted nuts and strong berry centre. If you see it – grab it. They’ll go quickly.
Its Some Yummy!
2018 The One 72% Chardonnay 28% Pinot Noir.
Brioche on the nose. Crème Brule on the palate. Makes the biggest smile on my face. 345 cases.
2017 The One Grand Reserve 78% Chard. 22% Pinot Noir
Exceptional flavour, clean acidity, baking spices, honey, apple. All with incredible balance. Citrus and apple together forever. World class wine.
2020 The One20th anniversary Sparkling.
Has been called the best bubble yet from Noble Ridge. Frankly, I think everyone has a special bubble here.
Fantastic mouth feel, deep long finish. Very, Very good.
Congratulations on becoming the first Biosphere Certified Winery in Canada.
And thumbs up to Benoit and the winemaking team. To Jim and Leslie – Bravo!!
Father’s Day weekend events at Noble Ridge can be found at www.nobleridge.com
Jay Drysdale – co-founder/winemaker at Bella Wines (Naramata)
Bella – Jay Drysdale Wendy Rose
As it says on their webpage – Bella is a sparkling wine house focused on single vineyard, clonal expressions of Okanagan Valley grapes.
Perhaps the key word there is “focused.” There are no more focused farmers that Jay Drysdale and his love Wendy Rose.
One of Jay’s mantras is “Gamay”, as in – “I need more Gamay”
If you go to the Bella website – www.bellawines.ca you can see that they’ve been busy on The Bench. There is nothing normal about this winery. They push the boundaries of winemaking, which is exactly why wine fans love them.
Spring releases we talk about include :
2023 Muscat Sparkling Wine (Mariani Vineyard) 40 cases of bone dry zero-zero Pet-Nat at 9.9 %. A perfect starting point!
Really liked this wine. You’ll be welcomed by immediate floral notes. Did I mention 9.9%
2022 Bella Sparkling – Blanc de Blancs. Ancestrale Method. 90 cases. 10.6% 100% chardonnay from Bella Estate.
Bella recommends this be cellared for “a few years” as the reward is well worth it. It will become a BC Chablis. If you’re an oyster fan…this one is perfect!!
2020 Bella Reserve Brut (King Family Vineyards) Method Traditional THIS IS SPECIAL. Jay explains that he and Wendy went back into the cellar and pulled out the reserve brut all the way back to 2013.
So…available at Bella the Brut 2013-16-18-19 and 2020. 900 bottles. With notes of pineapple and fresh toast.
Small, busy bubbles. Beautifully crafted.
Note: The King Family vineyard is the one shown in the classic Naramata shot we’ve included on our website.
( King Family Vineyard – Naramata )
As beautiful as it is, it was damaged by the winter freeze. May not see new Brut for a while. We’ll see.
Highly recommended – These are amazing releases. Bubble all the way back to 2013.
Please check the Bella website above for all the details.
And do enjoy the storyteller side of Jay Drysdale. Hi Wendy!!
Some weeks the hourly donors say – “I like what you do please just keep doing it”
Many say “Here’s my 3 favourite artists/albums. If you can slide them in it would be great”
And then there comes the hour donor who’s speaking on behalf of an entire family remembering a lost member and because they are generational lifetime listeners to CKUA, they really know their music. The whole hour becomes a celebration.
That’s what we have this week.
Really good music segments…usually with memories attached.
New music from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, a remake of When the Levee Breaks, a song Plant sang with Led Zep. Sue Foley, and The Tibbs who are from Holland but sound like Stax, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lake Street Dive, Willie Nelson, Donovan Woods & Aysanabee.
Live tracks from Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne, Plant/Krauss, REM,.
Because I got found out by donor hour one – An 80’s set from Police, Queen/Bowie & Cindy Lauper,
Classics from Tom Waits, Leon Russell, Dylan, Stones, The Band (an outtake) Roy Orbison, Squeeze, JJ Cale, Van, John Lee Hooker and Ry Cooder.
Guests next week are
Celeigh Cardinal and Lake Street Dive. Both with just released albums.
In two weeks – Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy on the 2024 touring plans for Blue Rodeo, including Canmore and Edmonton Folk Fests. Being inducted into the Songwriters Hall, then Jim Cuddy takes us through his just-released album All the World Fades Away.
And finally – this note from hour two donor
The night that Darrel passed away, I asked him if I could get him anything. I asked if he wanted a drink and he shook his head no. I asked if he wanted another blanket and he shook his head no. I asked if he wanted to listen to CKUA and he nodded yes. That was the last music Darrel heard and it was good!
PLAYLIST:
Mulligan Stew-Father’s Day Weekend
Terry David Mulligan
Donor supported CKUA
when the levee breaks (live)
robert plant alison krauss
single
nothing in rambling
sue foley
one guitar woman
going back to memphis (outtake)
The band
moondog matinee
beast of burden
the roiling stones
some girls
The Stew –
Father’s Day Weekend
happy day to all
Deane House & River Cafe
Rose and Croquet
Silent Auction
Stay (live)
Bruce Springsteen (Jackson Browne/Tom Petty))
No Nukes
losing my religion (live)
REM
REM live
Father’s Day Weekend Stew
TDMulligan
Coming UP – Lake Street & Rateliff
Rafaela
the tibbs
keep it to yourself
good together
lake street dive
good together
get used to the night
Nathaniel Rateliff/Night Sweats
south of here
Next weeks guests Celeigh Cardinal
and Lake Street Dive
mulliganstewdotca
driven to tears
the police
zenyatta mondatta
under pressure
queen/bowie
hot space
true colors
cindy lauper
true colors
Celeigh Cardinal
Guests next week
with a new album
you got it
Roy Orbison
mystery girl
Next Week – Celeigh Cardinal and Lake Street Dive Guest
2024 BC Top 50 Wines and New Releases from Mayhem Wines
THE SHOW
WE HAVE THE WINNERS
The Okanagan Wine Festival has returned with three weeks in Okanagan wine country. There’s simply no better time to visit than June, just before the Summer season kicks into high gear. You can easily find all the details and planning support at www.thewinefestivals.com
The official launch of the 2024 Spring Wine Festival takes place TONIGHT June 7 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre when the
BC Top 50 Winesand the Wine of the Year were announced. Wine fans will then get a chance to taste those winning wines.
We have two of the judges joining us on this weeks Tasting Room Radio.
Two great friends and mentors. I thank them both.
We are posting this feature story exactly as the awards are being announced.
DJ Kearney
In almost two decades in the wine business, DJ has trained over a thousand sommeliers throughout North America, judged and presented around the world, and tasted thousands of wines in pursuit of quality and value.
She has been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, the Chief Judge for several wine competitions, initiated a Judge Mentorship program in Canada, and contributes to WineAlign.ca. DJ has a special devotion to wines of her home province, and frequently speaks, writes and teaches about the winelands of British Columbia.
DJ is the Wine Director for The Railway Club in Vancouver and a Global wine authority. @djwines
Rhys Pender MW
Rhys Pender MW is a wine educator, freelance wine writer, wine judge, and consultant to the industry. Working in the wine trade since age 14, Rhys’ career has included experience in the vineyard, cellar, wine retail, education and hospitality – providing knowledge in all facets of the business.
In 2010, Rhys became Canada’s youngest Master of Wine (MW) and was awarded the Taransaud Award for best Production of Wine paper. In his downtime, Rhys enjoys dirtying his boots at his vineyard and winery. Little Farm in Cawston. Rhys is also the owner and lead at Wine Plus. @rhyspendermw – littlefarmwinery.ca
Rhys Pender
We had MUCH to talk about. What the Top 50 showed us about the state of BC Wines. Trends. What varietals lead the way and which ones simply didn’t show up.
Also regions that had a good competition. A surprising competition.
Here’s the now released Top 50 list and the Wine of the Year. (NOTE – Meg/Corey -it’s attached but should be here in body)
Terry Meyer Stone – President of Mayhem Wines
Terry Meyer Stone is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. Her brother JAK owns Meyer Family Vineyards
Terry is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. She and her husband Andrew Stone, along with four dogs and one cat, have a 4 acre vineyard on Anarchist Mountain where she works as a farmer growing Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Just when she thought she was going to “semi-retire” from her five year stint as DTC/Wine Club Manager at Tinhorn Creek, her younger brother JAK (Meyer Family Vineyards) convinced her to sell him her Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and start up a new wine label with him.
Mayhem is the name – Mayhem is the game. When she isn’t busy in every facet of the wine industry, she is at home with Andrew and the dogs, as well as entertaining their children and grandchildren.
Mayhem team
Terry takes us through their Spring releases. Once again, outstanding pricing.
And congratulations to winemaker Ajay Chavan and his team.
2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata) 4 months in 8% seasoned Barriques and 92% stainless steel. Clean. Bright. Acidity. Lemon-Lime notes – ripe fruit – lots of ripe fruit. $20.99 at winery
2023 Rose ( Pheasant Run Kaleden) What a blend., Zweigelt, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec. Beautiful mid-colour Notes of fresh strawberry. Crafted balance with minerality. Nicely bright on the palate. $21.83 at winery
OF NOTE: They made very special Rose Magnums. There are around 15 left. $5 from each mag goes to Breast Cancer Canada
2023 Sparkling Rose in can – perfect for Summer picnics, boating, camping, hiking etc. same clean, crisp rose – merlot driven, Nice small bubbles.
12 pack – $88.32 250 ml can
2023 Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) Harvested from 21 year old vines. Pineapple – kiwi – Granny Smith apples.
Again, bright and clean with a surprising creamy finish. Bone Dry!
Summer in a glass. Winery price $19.22
2023 Anarchy Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) It’s the very first vintage of this fabulous wine. whole bunch pressed. 7 months in ceramic balls, 42% stainless steel, 17% neutral Puncheons.
14% ABV. Citrus, tropical fruit, spice, very balanced and complex with a surprising texture. $26.18 at winery.
Friday night the results were announced at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and then hundreds descended on the trade floor to do their own judging.
Kimberly Hundertmark, the GM of The Wine Fests said on Tasting Room Radio last week that wineries were asked to send their very best releases.
We have two guests and dear friends on this Podcast. Both are wine stars and both were judges at this event
DJ Kearney. A Global wine authority, educator and Director of Wine at Terminal City Club. Black Belt.
Rhys Pender – Master of Wine. Co-owner of Little Farm Wine in Cawston and owner of Wine Plus. World’s greatest fisherman.
We can now include here who made the Top 50 wines list and which winery won Wine of the Year
He is usually fixing BMWs in his garage, while the love of his life creates in the kitchen where she shapes much-admired meals.
Said donor was turned on to CKUA, exactly like me, by listening to the great Bill Coull play Brubeck’s Take Five Saturdays on CKUA.
Our donor became a CKUA volunteer and worked in the library where he met the late great David Ward. They discovered they both had a passion for music and canoes and ended up canoeing lakes together.
I received requests from the garage and the kitchen.
The second donor lives in Canmore. The last time he donated an hour he was as far south as you can get. The island of South Georgia where the southern cross can be seen in the sky. He did send a photo of what he was looking at while listening to The Stew. He was awash in penguins.
We have new music from Jim Cuddy Band, Madeleine Roger
Willie (The Border) and Lake Street Dive
Also Springsteen, BARK, Ray Willie Hubbard, Laurie Anderson, The Fugees, 54.40 and the aforementioned Dave Brubeck.
And we start and finish The Stew with Boz Scaggs – cause it’s his 80th Birthday.
I’ve had the distinct pleasure to host and produce Tasting Room Radio for 17 years.
Most weeks we consider featuring some of those stories on the podcast but music, arts and music history seem to carry the day.
These two interviews deserve to be featured because they tell the story of the current state of the BC wine industry.
The Okanagan has been burned by summer fires and choked by summer smoke, blocked by road closures at the peak of the summer season, deep frozen by two successive winters and disappointingly shunned by liquor governing bodies in Alberta.
All the while the BC wine industry is making better and better wines. So it all feels like three steps forward and two back
Kimberly Hundertmark, the GM of Okanagan Wine Festivals brings great news. Right now, they are kicking off the Spring Wine Festival all over the Okanagan Valley. It’s an amazing collection of events. Huge gatherings like 2024 BC Top 50 and the Wine of the Year. The TASTE series, carefully curated in locations North and South, the Naramata Bench this Sunday, June 2 and the District Wine Village in Oliver Sat-Sun June 8/9 and Saturday, June 8th at the Summer Sips at Spirit Ridge Osoyoos. Kimberly brings all the news and tips for making plans.
