Corey Wood

EP 277 | Buffy Sainte-Marie & Tom Wilson

hello

First Podcast guest is Buffy Sainte Marie.

Buffy has announced after a glorious 60-year career, she’s not touring anymore and her documentary Carry it on has been nominated for an International Emmy Award. They’re announced Nov 20.
The only Canadian entry.
I’ve been honoured to know Buffy for much of my life.

Buffy Sainte-Marie and Terry David Mulligan, Juno Couch Calgary Photo by Corey Wood

Buffy’s first comment was “How long have we been doing this Terry?”  We cover off the film, why touring can be a hard road.

Early days in Greenwich Village NYC.  Her role in the indigenous community. Reveals why she’s been so committed to tribal education. Lots of other stories.

Watch our Podcast YouTube version on the TerryDavidMulligan Channel.

Please Like and Subscribe



Second Podcast  Guest is Tom Wilson

Tom brings his music to Calgary Festival Hall October 19 and Festival Place Sherwood Park Edmonton Friday Oct 20. 
He’s been just a tad busy. A new documentary, two new albums. An Indigenous Scholarship program.

Named to the 2024 Order of Canada list. Working on BARK music. Reuniting his 90’s band Junkhouse and re-releasing their 30-year-old Strays album. And his art has exploded up and out.

Tom Wilson and Terry David Mulligan

 

Writing lately with Daniel Lanois, Terra Lightfoot and Colin James.
There’s another book coming and Lee Harvey Osmond things.
And that’s why we have him guesting. To support this up-and-coming new artist!!!

Next week – Barney Bentall and Cariboo Express

Two weeks – Susan Tedeschi – celebrating the 25th anniversary of Just Won’t Burn.

Her second album earned her a Grammy Nomination and started her career.

 

EP 268 | Robbie Robertson Revisited-Terrys last interview with Robbie -The 50th anniversary of The Band’s landmark self-titled 1969 album

hello

“…and then there was one “

One of the greatest bands to ever walk our stages and play with our hearts has been taking the final curtain – one by one.

Ricky Danko

Levon Helm

Richard Manual

This week – the heart of The Band –  Robbie Robertson

Left to carry the flag Garth Hudson.

Very few artists can ever lay claim to changing popular music. Just a handful.

Then one day it hits you– hammers you actually.  You get total clarity and begin to change everything you’ve known and held sacred.   So it was when Eric Clapton heard The Bands Music from Big Pink.

It was like all of a sudden he heard this record and said to himself, “Now this is what music should sound like.” For me personally– this has always been one of the most interesting moments in rock music history.

Photo-Don Dixon

My pal Corey Wood called me just as I was finishing recording Saturdays Stew. “Sorry to tell you this but Robbie’s gone”

He knew how special I thought Robbie Robertson was.

Dixie Down, Cripple Creek, I shall be Released, Chest Fever, King Harvest, Stage Fright, Acadian Driftwood, Somewhere down the crazy river. Once were brothers.


On the eve of the 50th anniversary of The Band’s landmark self-titled 1969 album, Terry David Mulligan catches up with Robbie Robertson. As the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the brotherhood known to all as The Band, Robertson holds an esteemed place in music history.

On September 20th, his sixth solo album Sinematic will be released. The record will be followed by the release of the documentary Once Were Brothers, the story of The Band on film. Robbie talks with Terry about his many projects, including the soundtrack he wrote for Martin Scorcese’s film The Irishman. 

Mulligan Stew Aug 12th 2023-Robbie Robertson

hello

Photo-Don Dixon

“…and then there was one “

One of the greatest bands to ever walk our stages and play with our hearts has been taking the final curtain – one by one.

Ricky Danko

Levon Helm

Richard Manual

This week – the heart of The Band –  Robbie Robertson

Left to carry the flag, Garth Hudson.

Very few artists can ever lay claim to changing popular music. Just a handful.

Then one day it hits you– hammers you actually.  You get total clarity and begin to change everything you’ve known and held sacred.   So it was when Eric Clapton heard The Bands Music from Big Pink.  It was like all of a sudden he heard this record and said to himself, “Now this is what music should sound like.” For me personally– this has always been one of the most interesting moments in rock music history.

My pal Corey called me just as I was finishing recording Saturday’s Stew. Sorry to tell you this but Robbie’s gone”

He knew how special I thought Robbie Robertson was.

Dixie Down, Cripple Creek, I shall be Released, Chest Fever, King Harvest, Stage Fright, Acadian DriftwoodSomewhere down the crazy river. Once were brothers.

I had just enough time to finish The Stew with Once Were Brothers.

The last interview I did with Robbie will be repeated on the Mulligan Stew Podcast this week.

I promise there’ll be a Robbie Remembrance on The Stew shortly.

The only reason I got to stand in the Winterland Ballroom one Thanksgiving Evening in SF was because Robbie invited me to attend The Last Waltz.

Changed my life.

Lots of music this week..check out the playlist.

Somebody, please take care of Garth.

 

PLAYLIST:

The Summer Stews Terry David Mulligan playlist mulliganstewdotca
The Weight King Curtis and Duane Allmann Duane Allman Anthology Two
Voo Doo Woman Susan Tedeschi Just won’t burn (25th ann)
Love Enough Julian Taylor The Ridge
Stay right here Allison Russell The Returner
Follow the Money Buddy Guy and James Taylor Blues don’t lie
TDMulligan – 27 year Coming UP – Tami Neilson and Brandi Carlile details mulliganstewdotca
Yet to be Rhiannon Giddens and Jason Isbell You’re the one
Next – Tami Neilson-her most Canadian song TDM
Manitoba Sunrise at Motel 6 Tami Neilson Kingmaker (live with Auckland Symphony)
Next – Van Morrison Live The Summer Stews TDMulligan
Domino (live) Van Morrison It’s too late to stop now
Money Roger Waters Dark Side Redux
Deane House River Cafe With Thanks from CKUA
Can’t let go Lucinda Williams Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
The way it is Bruce Hornsby & The Range The way it is
CKUA On Demand The Summer Stews Next – Marc Jordan
Coltrane plays the blues Marc Jordan Waiting for the Sun to rise
50/50 Promo TDMulligan Good Luck
Coming Up in Hour Two Bob Marley. Bonnie Raitt. Paul Simon Little Feat. Mark Knopfler. King Curtis
Waiting in Vain Bob Marley and the Wailers/Tiwa Savage Africa Unite
I’m on your side Bonnie Raitt Fundamental
Rosy Delbert McClinton Self man man
Summer Time Taj Mahal Savoy
Irish Girl Mike Campbell and Dirty Knobs Wreckless Abandon
The Summer Stews – with TDM NEXT Teskey Bros – Valerie June -and Paul Simon [email protected]
This will be our year The Teskey Brothers The Winding Way
Fade into you Valerie June Under Cover
Gone at Last Paul Simon – Jessie Dixon Singers Paul Simon – Box Set 64/93
Take me to the Mardi Gras Paul Simon Paul Simon Box Set 64-93
Sleeping dogs best left alone Doctor John Guess things happen that way
Coyotes Banff – Thank You The Summer Stews mulligan stew dot ca
Dixie Chicken Little Feat Dixie chicken
Show me Joe Tex The Hits
Just a boy away from home Mark Knopfler Tracker (deluxe)
Once were Brothers Robbie Robertson Sinematic

Mulligan Stew Dec 31st 2022- 18 guests – New Years Eve!!

hello

First things First – I hope you’re having a memorable Holiday Season.

I have some New Years’ Eve drop-in guests for you.

With the help of my transplanted Albertan friend Corey Wood, we created a social promo post called the Corey Clip. Short clips from feature interviews.

5-7 Mountain  New Year’s Eve, @ckua we gathered 17 artists who joined us on The Stew in the Year 2022.

Dec 31  with short comments  and  music,  we welcome back

Joni Mitchell

Tami Neilson

Susan Tedeschi

Keb Mo

David Bowie (from 2000)

Billy Joel (same time)

Cheech and Chong

The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer

Blue Rodeo

Mariel Buckley

Barney Bentall

Bruce Cockburn

Larkin Poe

The Bros. Landreth

Harrison Kennedy

Duke Robillard

Ken Ehrlich – Remembering his friend Dr. John

Happy New Year – Be Safe Out There.

February 5th, 2022- The Hatch becomes Jason Parkes Customs/Emily Walker Wine List/New Emandare pours

hello

The Hatch becomes Jason Parkes Customs/Emily Walker Wine List/New Emandare pours

 

THE SHOW

 Jason Parkes is….

  • A  former member of a punk band whose van broke down and he needed money to fix it – so he made wine.
  • the hub of an ever-expanding wheel.
  • The dark star at the center of a distant universe
  • Lead singer of the house band Proper Man
  • Founder,  winemaker, visionary winery owner who surrounds himself with like-minded thinkers and doers.

Actually,  his greatest talent is being a husband and father.  From that family base comes his strength to start The Hatch, then create, build, open, or buy  Hatching Post Brewery, Crown and Thieves, Black Swift Vineyards, Screaming Frenzy, Truck 59 CiderHouse,  Smoke Show by JPC, Gobsmacked, and Jason Parkes Customs.

Team JPC

JPCustoms will become the new name of the overall company.

That’s why it was time to slow the man down long enough to talk things through and get a sense of what the road ahead looks like.

There are very few BC wineries expanding at this rate. Not just creating new wines and new destinations but whole new concepts in how to reach people, how to entertain them, and at times speak an entirely different language.  Best of all, the wines are as memorable as the man.

“do you feel lucky?  Well do ya,  punk?” 

“Dirty” Harry Callahan

 

www.jpcfanclub.com

 https://www.facebook.com/jasonparkescustoms/

 

Emily Walker  – Wine Director Naramata Inn

(a video of Emily’s interview and her wines can be found below)

Emily Walker – working it

 Imagine you’re Emily Walker and you are the Wine Director of the historic Naramata Inn in the village of Naramata.

The Inn is surrounded by 100’s of wineries. As far as the eye can see.

Naramata Heritage Inn

Every one of those wineries would like to be on Emily’s wine list but only a select few are chosen.

It’s those choices I wanted to know more about.  Many of the wines she chooses are small lots. Perhaps as few as 25 cases.

But in between those hard-to-find wines, you’ll find gems that we can all search for. They’re all worth the chase.

Emily Walker is up to the task. Running wine programs at The Four Seasons Vancouver, the group Sommelier at all Tap and Barrels, and the opening of the Fairmont Pacific Rim in time for the Winter Olympics. Emily Walker brings all that big room experience into a dining room built-in 1907. You are going to love the experience.

I asked Emily to choose a handful of wines to tell us about.

Lightning Rock  –  2021 Rose Pet-Nat  $29 (Summerland)

No sugar. No yeast. Whole cluster & double pressed. One night on skins. Fermented in concrete tanks. Cloudy. Lower alcohol. Yummy!

www.lightningrockwinery.com

2020 Lightning Rock Rose Pet-Nat

CoolShanagh  2018 Chardonnay (Naramata Bench)

Pedro Parra,  renowned soil expert proclaimed their soil conditions Top 15% in the World.  Matured in a combination of new oak, concrete, and stainless steel… Notes of nutmeg and caramel. Mighty texture and finish. Award-winning chardonnay!!

www.coolshanagh.ca

 

Scout Vineyards  Syrah  $39 (Similkameen)

Made in Georgian Clay Vessels.  Neutral oak. Unfined and unfiltered. A very different wine. Unpolished. Layered and textured.

And gorgeous. Special Syrah from a very special spot.

 

Nichol Vineyards  St Laurent.  A medium-dark red. The oldest St Laurent in Canada. Ripe blueberry and cassis on the nose.  Tannins, acidity, and pepper in the mouth.  Unfined & unfiltered. Cellared in Neutral French Barrique.

www.nicholvineyard.com

 

Fox and Archer Pinot Noir  Around $29 (Naramata Bench)

The home of Diane Fox and Tyson Archer..  They make three Pinot Noirs on one of the highest vineyards on Naramata Bench.

Emily brought The Creekside. Grown in a dry creek bed. They also make a Malbec.

Small batch winemaking.   Clones 828 and Pommard 91.  Aged for 10 months in 25% new oak, 25% Neutral oak, and 50% stainless steel.

A wine to be proud of.

www.foxandarcherwines.com

 

Mike Nierychlo  Co-founder (with wife Robin)  and winemaker of Emandare Wine (Cowichan Valley)

Team Emandare

 

It was raining ugly when Mike showed up for a quick pour.

I turned on the recorder and Mike took it from there.

He was pouring his new releases from Emandare.

2020 Alice  $40 Traditional Method Rose made from 100% Cowichan Pinot Noir. Named after Robin and Mike’s 2nd daughter.

20ALICE

Strawberry, peach, and citrus scents and flavors abound. It is a great pour but very little was made. If you see it – buy it.

A big congratulations to everyone involved. Especially the label artists.

2020 Estate Pinot Noir – Mike and Robin’s original vines. Some 20 years in the ground now. They present a juicy, cherry, and cranberry-driven experience. Also, a texture that surprises. These are very happy vines.

2020 Estate Marechal-Cabernet Foch. $35  Flavours of ripe blackberries and black current. Cracked pepper delights.

2021  (From the Valley) – Farm  Fresh Foch. $25  85% M. Foch and 15% Pinot Noir. It’s Mike’s Beaujolais.

Or because it’s from the Cowichan Valley it’s perhaps  Cowjolais.  It’s very drinkable. Restaurants are going to love this as a house pour.

Mike explains “from the valley.  It’s a neighborhood thing.

www.emandarevineyard.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Checking in with

Hillside

Unsworth

Jason Parkes Customs

Moon Curser

Graham Pierce  Kitsch Wines

Emily Walker – Naramata Inn

Barclay Robinson – Road 13

(heavyweight whites and love is blind)

Hester Creek

Gold Hill

and more..

 

 

 

 

January 15th, 2022- Week Four of our Okanagan Reconnect (OK Falls)

hello

Week Four of our Okanagan Reconnect (OK Falls)

Presented by The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

The SHOW

 

Because…

Tasting Room Radio started its audio life in a studio in a barn on the Naramata Bench and…

Hadn’t been back to the Okanagan since  Fall 2019 and

the pandemic kept us from returning,  it was time to Reconnect to the Okanagan.

(The Vista in OK Falls)

Week Four finds us with a  home base at the very popular Noble Ridge in Okanagan Falls.

All the interviews are on video. On our website and our YouTube Channel.

Our guests this week include:

John Skinner – co-founder of Painted Rock www.paintedrock.ca (OK Falls)

John Skinner. Painted Rock Winery   (Jon Adrian  Photo)

John poured the aptly named 2018 Red Icon and truly wonderful 2020 Chardonnay. Both are world-class.

Terry Meyer Stone – co-founder of Mayhem Wines and family member of Meyer Family Wines. (OK Falls)

www.mayhemwines.com

www.mfvwines.com

For Meyer Family Terry pours:

2019 Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay (again World Class) and 2019  McClain Creek Pinot Noir (simply marvelous)

For Mayhem Wines Terry pours

2019 Pinot Gris (better? – you bet)  and 2019 Anarchy (Wow. Huge Merlot with a touch of Cab Franc. Oak heaven)

John, Terry, and TDM

Leslie D’Andrea – co-owner of Noble Ridge (OK Falls)

Benoit Gauthier – Winemaker Noble Ridge

(My apologies to Benoit for calling him Bernard.  A Senior moment!)

Terry. Leslie D’Andrea Benoit Gauthier. Noble Ridge

www.nobleridge.com

Leslie/Benoit pour

2016 The One Sparkling (sublime)   and 2017 Kings Ransom Pinot Noir (what a beauty)

The One

Thank you Noble Ridge for hosting and putting on A SHOW. Thank you, Okanagan Falls!

And Thank you to Ellen, Rob, and all at The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

www.TOTABC.org

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Okanagan Reconnect Week Five

Beata and Chris Tolley  – Moon Curser

Paula Cooper – CC Jentsch

Dan and Carol Scott – Lariana Cellars

 

 

 

January 8th, 2022- The Okanagan Reconnect Week Three. South Okanagan

hello

The Okanagan Reconnect Week Three. South Okanagan

(Presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association)

THE SHOW

What an adventure. Talking, traveling, and tasting our way through the Okanagan.

Moon Curser is our home base this week. Spectacular place! What a great winery Beata and Chris Tolley have created.

They’ll join us for a sit-down interview in Week Five

www.mooncurser.com

 

We Re-Connect with –

John Weber –  Co-owner and winemaker at Orofino Vineyards  (Similkameen Valley)

John Weber

John brings two of his best wines. The  2019 Chardonnay (Fantastic) and his 2020 Gamay (Sublime)

(check out the interview on video. On our website or our YouTube channel)

www.orofinovineyards.com    

@orofinowinery

 

Bill Eggert – Owner & winemaker at Fairview Cellars. (Golden Mile)

This is not Bill Eggert. But it IS  his tasting room at Fairview Cellars.

Wild Bill brings two nice surprises. 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Sauv/Sem) “my oyster wine”

And the engaging  2019 Crooked Post Pinot Noir. (Interview also on video)

This is Bill Eggert.

www.fairviewcellars.com

@fairviewcellars

Justin Hall – Estate Winemaker at Nk’Mip (Osoyoos)

With many fine wines to choose from, Justin poured the beautiful 2019 QQ Pinot Noir and the delightful 2020 White Merriym.  (Interview also on video) 

 

www.nkmipcellars.com   

@Nk’MipCellars

 

Justin Hall  Nk’Mip Estate Winemaker

Executive Chef Jeff van GeestMiradoro at Tinhorn Creek (Golden Mile)

Jeff talks about the staffing problems that all restaurants have been having. It’s tough  times  in the Okanagan and some restaurants are cutting down hours and days in order to stay open. Jeff is revealing,  enlightening, and a damn fine chef.

www.tinhorn.com

 

@miradororesto

 

Jeff Van Geest

 

Thank You TOTA – www.totabc.org

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Next Week –

At Noble Ridge (OK Falls)

Leslie D’Andrea Owner  Noble Ridge

Benoit  Gauthier Winemaker/Vineyard Manager  Noble Ridge

John Skinner – Owner Painted Rock (OK Falls)

Terry Meyer Stone – Pres Mayhem Wines. Also pouring Meyer Family (OK Falls)

 

 

 

 

January 1 2022- The Okanagan Reconnect Week Two

hello

The Okanagan Reconnect Week Two – at Hillside,  Naramata Bench.

(Presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association)

THE SHOW

It’s week two of our Okanagan Reconnect!

This week we are gathering at Hillside Winery and Bistro  on the Naramata Bench

FYI – Tasting Room Radio was conceived in a studio in a barn on The Bench in 2007.

So we’ve come full circle.

Our winery and food guests were asked to bring two wines to profile.

 

Rickard and Jill Richardson Branby – Sperling Vineyards  (East Bench Kelowna)

(Final interview from last weeks show)

Rickard & Jill Richardson Branby-Sperling

Sperlingvineyards.com  Sperling Organic 2018 Pinot Noir & Sperling Pet Nat


Jay Drysdale –  co-founder and winemaker Bella Wines

Celebrating 10 years of making fine wines.

Jay Drysdale and Josie

Bellawines.ca Estate Chardonnay made ancestral method and 2016 Reserve Eastside Trad Method


Master of Wine Marcus Ansems – co-founder and winemaker Daydreamer Wines

Master of Wine Marcus Ansems (Daydreamer)

Daydreamerwines.ca 2019 Amelia (Syrah/Viognier) & 2019 Orange Wine (100% Viognier)


Exec Chef Ned Bell and Sommelier Emily Walker – Naramatainn.ca

Chef Ned Bell

Emily brought L-ST Projects Ambient Chardonnay (Alyssa Hubert) & 2020 jocko a light Cab Franc (Kelsey Rufiange Echo Bay) BRAVO to both.  Thanks Emily.

Emily Walker


Penelope and Dylan Roche –  co-founders/winemakers of Roche Wines

Penelope and Dylan Roche – Roche Wines

www.rterroir.ca    2020 Pinot Gris Texture & Nuances (Bordeaux Blend) (such promise)


Kathy Malone – Chief Winemaker Hillside Winery  hillsidewinery.ca

Chef Evan Robertson. Kathy Malone Winemaker & Shelann Sleegers Wine Club Hillside Winery and Bistro

2020 Muscat Ottonel & 2015 Mosaic (Bordeaux Blend) History in a bottle

Evan Robertson – Exec Chef  Hillside Bistro/Shelann Sleegers – Wine Club Manager 

 

 Associate Producer Corey Wood has edited video versions of the interviews with Jay Drysdale, Marcus Ansems, Ned Bell, and Emily Walker. They can be found on YouTube https://youtu.be/uralP29wDOE

THANK YOU TOTA!

https://www.totabc.org

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

NEXT WEEK

At Moon Curser

John Weber – Orofino

Bill Eggert – Fairview Cellars

Justin Hall – Nk’Mip Cellars

Chef Jeff van Geest – Miradoro

 

August 28th, 2021 – The Okanagan Reconnect Week Two – Naramata Bench

hello

The Okanagan Reconnect Week Two – Naramata Bench

(Presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association)

THE SHOW

It’s week two of our Okanagan Reconnect!

This week we are gathering at Hillside Winery and Bistro  on the Naramata Bench

Tasting Room Radio was conceived in a studio in a barn on The Bench in 2007.

So we’ve come full circle.

Our winery and food guests were asked to bring two wines to profile.

 

Rickard and Jill Richardson Branby – Sperling Vineyards ( final week 1 guest)

Rickard & Jill Richardson Branby-Sperling

Sperlingvineyards.com  Sperling Organic 2018 Pinot Noir & Sperling Pet Nat


Jay Drysdale –  co-founder and winemaker Bella Wines

Jay Drysdale and Josie

Bellawines.ca Estate Chardonnay made ancestral method and 2016 Reserve Eastside Trad Method


Master of Wine Marcus Ansems – co-founder and winemaker Daydreamer Wines

Master of Wine Marcus Ansems (Daydreamer)

Daydreamerwines.ca 2019 Amelia (Syrah/Viognier) & 2019 Orange Wine (100% Viognier)


Exec Chef Ned Bell and Sommelier Emily Walker – Naramatainn.ca

Chef Ned Bell

Emily brought L-ST Projects Ambient Chardonnay (Alyssa Hubert) & 2020 jocko a light Cab Franc (Kelsey Rufiange Echo Bay) BRAVO to both.  Thanks Emily.

Emily Walker


Penelope and Dylan Roche –  co-founders/winemakers of Roche Wines

Penelope and Dylan Roche – Roche Wines

www.rterroir.ca    2020 Pinot Gris Texture & Nuances (Bordeaux Blend) (such promise)


Kathy Malone – Chief Winemaker Hillside Winery  hillsidewinery.ca

Chef Evan Robertson. Kathy Malone Winemaker & Shelann Sleegers Wine Club Hillside Winery and Bistro

2020 Muscat Ottonel & 2015 Mosaic (Bordeaux Blend) History in a bottle

Evan Robertson – Exec Chef  Hillside Bistro/Shelann Sleegers – Wine Club Manager 

 

 Associate Producer Corey Wood has edited video versions of the interviews with Jay Drysdale, Marcus Ansems, Ned Bell, and Emily Walker. They can be found on YouTube https://youtu.be/uralP29wDOE

THANK YOU TOTA!

https://www.totabc.org

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

NEXT WEEK

At Moon Curser…(Osoyoos)

John Weber – Orofino (Similkameen)

Wild Bill Eggert – Fairview Cellars (Golden Mile)

Justin Hall – Estate Winemaker   Nk’Mip (Osoyoos)

Chef Jeff Van Geest – Miradoro. Tinhorn Creek (Golden Mile)

 

 

June 23rd, 2018- A Tour of Saanich !

hello

A Four Stop Stroll through Saanich :

The SHOW

Saanich is that gorgeous stretch of farmland on the drive from the BC Ferry
Docks in Schwartz Bay, Vancouver Island  into Victoria.

The idea for the show was suggested by Corey Wood, transplanted Albertan.

(Corey is the tech/creative director for TRR and MulliganStew the  show and
podcast)

He kept reminding me that he was surrounded by growers,  farmers, and
artisans who should be recognized.

DeVine wines and spirits, Church and State Winery, the brand new

Deep Cove Winery in North Saanich and the award-winning Sea Cider.


DeVine Wines and Spirits

Ken Winchester  ( DeVine Wines and Spirits)

Ken Winchester

Devine was created by John and Cathy Windsor in 2007 out of a 25-acre piece
of land located in Saanichton on the Saanich Peninsula land. Originally a
grape farm supplying organic grapes to local wineries, the decision was soon
made to open an onsite winery and experiment with various types of grape
varietals to see which ones would thrive.

Early grape varieties included:
Pinot Gris and Noir, along with the Austrian white grape Gruner Veltliner.
The winery has since diversified to include other varietals over the years.
The first vintage was produced in 2009, and today, the farm produces over
2000 cases of wine

Distiller Ken Winchester has been experimenting with turning grapes into a
base spirit for gin and other spirits over the last couple of years. His
philosophy is focused on being a local winery and distillery, using
Vancouver Island ingredients first and wherever possible. The winery’s
grapes are now all grown locally making De Vine’s gins among the few using
island grown ingredients for their base spirit.
.

Ken Winchester has been a winemaker and distiller for more than 20 years.
Ken studied winemaking at the University of California, then planted
Winchester Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. Back in Canada, Ken
produced award-winning Pinot Noirs, consulted for other Island wineries, was
the first winemaker at Church and State and even came up with the name and
taught viticulture at UBC.

He studied distilling at Michigan State and
apprenticed at Bruichladdich Distillery in Scotland. In 2007 Ken launched
Winchester Spirits, the first distillery on Vancouver Island, and created
the iconic Victoria Gin. Ken has consulted for deVine since its first
plantings, and became its Winemaker & Distiller. deVine produces
terroir-driven, organic spirits including Gins, Whisky, fruit Brandies, and
Rum.

The great thing about the distillery is it doesn’t  have to pay the bills at
deVine. They  have a successful winery that makes 2,000 cases a year.

We found Ken at deVine is his cellar and barrel room..completely surrounded
by the implements of his craft.

We even had time to talk about his wines as well.

FYI – on this home page you’ll find a video companion to this conversation –
shot & edited  by..wait for it ..Corey Wood

https://www.facebook.com/Devine-Wines-Spirits-503317226397913/ 


CHURCH AND STATE WINERY

Danica Jeffrey – Church and State Wines

Church and State are right around the corner from deVine wines and spirits.
Frankly, everything is “right around the corner” relatively speaking.

This wonderful vineyard was the dream of former owner Kim Pullen.

Kim was always pushing the wine boundaries in BC.

Being one of the first to locate the winery in Saanich but then bringing his
grapes from the Okanagan.

Hiring  Napa Valley winemaker Bill Dyer, formerly with Burrowing Owl.

Rather than bringing Okanagan grapes to a Vancouver Island winery, in 2008,
Church & State owner Kim Pullen opened a second crush facility in a leased
packing house in the south Okanagan. A second tasting room opened in 2010 on
the winery’s Coyote Bowl Vineyard on Black Sage Road.

 

The Brentwood Bay winery was launched originally as Victoria Estate Winery.

Church and State  was  named producer of Best Canadian Red Wine six times
since 2009, Best Canadian White blend three times since 2013 and received
countless Gold medals, Best in Class awards and Trophies for both red and
white wines.

Even though I much preferred the original labels..the wine inside is still
classy and very well made.

The surprise is how great the winery and restaurant are as a destination.

I was originally going to be talking to GM Tony Buree but his dentist had
the final say and thus Danica was kind enough to step in front of the
microphone and take his place.

www.churchandstatewines.com


DEEP COVE WINERY

Elyse (Owner/Manager ) & Tasem Ramadan (Owner/Winemaker)  Deep Cove Winery

Pascal Madevon – Vineyard and Winemaking Consultant)  Deep Cove Winery

Elyse and Tasem

This is quite a story..

The original winery was called Muse.

 

A wonderful young couple,  Elyse and Tasem Ramadan decided to change their
careers and take over this beautiful little winery.  It’s the closest to the
Ferry terminal and right across the street from the iconic Deep Cove Chalet.

Two things needed to change.

The winery has been completely rebuilt and made into a destination for
weddings, meetings and tastings.

The second change? The wines had to be much better and that’s where they
made a wise decision and hired winemaker and consultant Pascal Madevon
(Osoyoos Larose. Culmina)

WoW!  I’m impressed.  With the wines, the winery and the dedication shown by
Tasem and Elyse.

Right out of the June 1st starting gate, this is a winery that could affect
wines made in  Saanich into the future.

But..and it’s a BIG BUT they don’t make very much wine.  Have a listen to
the amounts available.

(I think Tasem said there were 6 cases of a delicious Foch)

Pascal Madevon was saying he hadn’t worked with  Foch since France.

This story was a really nice surprise.  You can find it and them in North
Saanich.

 

 

 

 


Kristen Needham – Founder and Cidermaster at Sea Cider

Kristen Needham

Kristen  credits her father Jim for first planting the orchard bug in her
when she was a teenager.

Then , like most teens, she took off to see the World.

Kristen decided  to return to the idea 16 years ago. It took her five years
just to set up the operation before she bottled her first batch of cider.
She took a huge risk early on – planting more than 1,300 trees of “inedible”
apples in her orchard.

Sea Cider – Saanich

How difficult is Cider making?  Check this out.

As she told Kim Kalinowski (Medicine Hat News)

“‘Bittersweet’ is a traditional English-style cider. It is made from
Dabinetts and Yarlington Mills apples, and a few other varieties, that are
really unheard of.  They are basically inedible, and you can’t buy them. And
yet, if you are going to make a truly traditional, English-style cider in
North America, you really have to grow those apples yourself.”

Sea Cider is not just a Saanich/Vancouver island success story. Through its
amazing growth and award winning ciders, it has become one of the very best
Canadian success stories. Period.

 

 

 

I’m more than pleased to sit back and let Kristen tell the story. They all
should be this good!

If you’re looking for the nuances of cider..this is the interview for you.

Many of us grew up drinking a horrible sweet juice that was passed off a “a
cider”. THIS is cider the way it was meant to be.  It’s not for everyone but
neither is wine or beer or cocktails.

Enjoy.

Final Word.

If you’re making plans to come to Vancouver Island consider spending a day
in Saanich with deVine, Church and State, Deep Cove and Sea Cider.

 

http://seacider.ca/

https://www.tourismvictoria.com/plan/local-info/greater-victoria/saanich

http://www.saanich.ca/#d=21 <http://www.saanich.ca/#d=21&m=5&y=2018&v=month>

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

The 16th BC Shellfish festival.  Courtney-Comox

Guests include:

Nathan Fong

Tojo

Pino Posteraro

Ned Bell

Quang Dang

Lisa Ahia

Sal Howell

Matthias Fong

Sabrine Dhaliwal

Eva Chin

Melissa Craig

Shawn Hall

Rebecca Mackenzie

In conversation about BC’s fishery and their menus PLUS a very special
segment on memories of Anthony Bourdain from friends Tojo, Ned Bell, Pino
Posteraro, Quang Dang, etc.