Audio

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

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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

 

 

 

EP 191 | Chief Clarence Louie ‘Rez Rules’

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Here’s what you might know about Chief Clarence…

CLARENCE LOUIE has been chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, in the south Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, for almost 40 years. In 2013, Maclean’s named him one of the “Top 50 Canadians to Watch.” In 2003, Louie was chosen by the U.S. Department of State as one of six First Nations leaders to review economic development in American Indian communities… He is a member of the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Canada, and in 2019, he was the 1st  First Nations person ever inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

And some info you may not know.

When you talk to  Chief Clarence, ask your question, and then Get Out of The Way.

He’s talking about Respect. Truth. Reconciliation. Healing. Wellness. Land. Justice. Economic Freedom.

He believes in Native names for Sports Teams. He believes in renaming mountains, parks, rivers and cities/towns after the original nations who called it home for 10,000 years.

“tribes have been hanging around the Funding Trough for far too long.  I was taught by the old-timers that there is no such thing as a free lunch – Indians gotta stop looking for that free lunch. I’ve learned we have to move from spending Grant money to making our own money.”

The Osoyoos Indian Band leases include Arterra (Jackson Triggs), Spirit Ridge Resort, Sonora Dunes Golf course, District Wine Village, a provincial prison, 1,100 acres of prime vineyards, etc.

OIB businesses include a 300-acre vineyard, Nk’mip Cellars, a culture center, campground RV park, daycare, gas stations, cannabis stores, etc.


“A raw and honest perspective on First Nations leadership.”

—Manley A. Begay, Jr., former co-director, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.

“A common-sense blueprint for what the future of First Nations should look like as told through the fascinating life and legacy of a remarkable leader”  Google Books

EP 190 | Brent Butt

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Hey kids. What’s the secret of great comedy?   TIMING.

Just as we were starting to post our latest podcast, this weeks  guest Brent Butt posted this message:

Sorry for the Butt Bummer.

However, we have some great news. Brent Butt, star of Corner Gas will still be the special guest of the MulliganStew Podcast.

After all, this is the comedian, writer, actor who created small town funny for 6 years with Corner Gas.  Then the movie and finally the animated version. Brent’s fans stick to him like super glue.

Please Enjoy this audio and video visit from the man himself., Brent Butt.

Click the YouTube tab at the top of the page and you’re magically transported into Brent’s garage.

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

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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

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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

 

EP 189 | Rick Mercer ‘Talking To Canadians’

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Canada is famous for its hockey and hockey stars.

Singers and Songwriters?  Yup!

Sometimes lost in the debate is one of our greatest resources,   “Funny”.

We do funny as well as anyone.

Dan Aykroyd. Martin Short. Andrea Martin,  John Candy. The people of Schitt’s Creek, Second City,  Kids in the Hall, Norm MacDonald, Samantha Bee, Jim Carrey, Lorne Michaels to name just a few. That’s not even counting the writers, directors, and producers who do funny,  under the radar.

They all went South to work and became stars in the US.  Go for “The Show”

Rick Mercer, our guest this week has created an astounding career and profile.  Rick achieved fame making Canadians laugh. At themselves! Rick stayed in Canada and mined comedy gold. He has released his very personal memoir, Rick Mercer.  Talking to Canadians.

It’s funny, clever, and revealing from cover to cover.

He first came to fame with Show Me the Button I’ll Push It, or Charles Lynch Must Die, a one-man show that toured across Canada. He co-created and was a resident performer on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and was the host of The Rick Mercer Report, CBC’s highest-rated comedy show, for fifteen seasons. Rick is co-chair of the Spread the Net campaign, dedicated to preventing the spread of Malaria in Africa, and has also campaigned for the Canadian AIDS Society’s The Walk for Life project. His many honours include 21 Geminis and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He is from St. John’s and currently resides in Toronto.

He shaved and cleaned up for this interview.

 

EP 188 | Joey Landreth ‘All That You Dream’

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The very first time I heard The Bros Landreth my heart jumped “those boys were raised on Little Feat (One of the very best bands to ever step onto a stage. Anywhere)

They were led by the late Lowell George. Lead singer, primary writer, singular guitarist.

When I got to interview Joey and brother David, they spun a story of growing up in Winnipeg. Their father was a well-known working musician and the house was filled with Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Poco records but the most popular were the early 70’s albums by Little Feat. (Little Feat. Sailin’ Shoes. Dixie Chicken. Feats don’t fail me now)

It was a true musical education.

This all leads us to this Podcast featuring Joey Landreth and his new solo album All that you dream.

It’s a tribute to Lowell George and Little Feat. A “thank you” if you will.

Turns out, we’re the ones who should be saying thank you. It’s a beautiful table full of the Little Feat Dixie Chicken. One generation saluting another.

The Bros are headed back to Europe for tour dates (listed here)

Remarkably they are even bigger stars in Europe than here but that imbalance will surely change this year when this killer solo album is joined by the next Bros Landreth album, in the Spring!

Note:  check out Joey in episode #52

Dec 25, 2021 -The Okanagan Reconnect – (The Repeat) Week One!

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The Okanagan Reconnect –  (The Repeat) Week One

(A 5-week series repeat presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association)

 See Full Video below!

The SHOW

 It’s been close to two years since Tasting Room Radio toured the vineyards and restaurants of the Okanagan.

TRR started its 14-year existence on the Naramata Bench in 2007.  Since leaving the valley we’ve stayed in touch through Zoom, Phone, Text, What’s app, Skype, email, and in person. The in-person was usually in Vancouver or Victoria when wineries poured for the media and public.

I truly missed traveling through the Okanagan, walking the vineyards, seeing and smelling the cellars, and listening to the winemakers and winery principals tell great stories of bud break, harvest, and release days. The past year and a half also included a heat dome, wildfires, and Covid19.

With the assistance and support of TOTA –  The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association – On Aug 3 we headed back to the Okanagan.

Rather than drive around to 20 plus wineries and losing valuable interview time to the driving, we decided to try and base ourselves at our sponsor locations.

The Hatch in West Kelowna, Hillside Winery and Bistro on Naramata Bench, Moon Curser in Osoyoos, and Noble Ridge in OK Falls.


This first week we called The Hatch our home.

Winery Guests were asked to bring a red and white to feature.  They included:

 

Mark Filatow – Executive chef and Sommelier Waterfront Wines Restaurant (Kelowna) waterfrontrestaurant.ca

Mark Filatow

David Patterson – GM and Winemaker at Tantalus Vineyards (East Kelowna) Tantalus.ca

David Patterson Tantalus

2018 Chardonnay and 2019 Pinot Noir

Jason Parkes – Founder of The Hatch Wines  (West Kelowna) (also Black Swift/Crown and Thieves/Screaming Frenzy) The HatchWines.com

Jason Parkes The Hatch

Grayson Riordan, Mikayla Jones, Graham Dell – (Manager Black Swift/Manager The Hatch/CFO) blackswiftvineyards.com

Grayson Mikayla and Graham. The Hatch

2017  Crown and Thieves Arch Doxy Cab Franc   2020  Black Swift Pinot Blanc

Ellen Walker-Mathews – new CEO of TOTA (Kelowna)

Ellen Walker-Mathews

Jeff Hundertmark – Chef Winemaker of Mt Boucherie and Rust Wine Co mtboucherie.com/rustwine.com

Jeff Hundertmark

 

Rust Wine 2020 Chardonnay  &  2019 Solus

Christine Coletta, Matt Dumayne and (standing) Duncan Billing  – Founder of Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Wines/OCP Winemaker and Director of Viticulture

Duncan, Matt and Christine… OCP and Haywire

2019 Narrative Chenin Blanc  Haywire 2019 Gamay Rose  okanagancrushpad.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Okanagan Reconnect Week Two ( at Hillside Naramata Bench)

Rickard & Jill Branby – Sperling Vineyards

Jay Drysdale – Bella Wines (Naramata)

Marcus Ansems – co-founder/winemaker/master of wine  Daydreamer Wines (Naramata)

Chef Ned Bell and Sommelier Emily Walker – Naramata Inn

Penelope and Dylan Roche – Roche Wines (Naramata)

Kathy Malone and Evan Robertson – Winemaker Hillside Winery and Bistro Executive Chef

 

Okanagan Reconnect  5 week series  presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

 

EP 187 | Benjamin Cleary Writer, Director ‘Swan Song’

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In the recently released film Swan Song,  Oscar winner  Mahershala Ali plays Cameron, an illustrator involved in a happy marriage,   father of one with another on the way.  He’s also terminally ill. This being the future, a medical procedure exists which allows Cameron to be cloned and have his memories and DNA  implanted in the clone. The clone then returns to Cameron’s wife Naomie Harris and family, so that they don’t have to deal with the grief of losing him.

In his first leading role, Mahershala Ali takes on a demanding role. Playing both  Cameron and his clone. Taking the stereotypical double role, he shaped it with such an amazing level of sensitivity and genuine craft, that he matched his work in his Oscar-winning Moonlight and The Green Book roles. He’ll very likely be in the middle of the Critics Choice and Oscar races yet again.

Swan Song also stars Glenn Close, Adam Beach, Awkwafina and is written for the screen and directed by our guest this week  Academy Award winner Benjamin Cleary

 

December 18th, 2021- The Wine Diva’s Top 50 Over $20 & Best Bubbles Plus Fitz Wines

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The Wine Diva’s Top 50 Over $20 & Best Bubbles Plus Fitz Wines

 THE SHOW

Even though it’s been a completely eventful year we still arrive at perhaps the best season of the year.  Hanukah,  Christmas,  the Holidays, and New Year’s Eve. If ever there was a great time to heal and recommit to family and friends this is the one.

If you’re considering those important last-minute gifts – the ones that say “Thank You” – great wine and sparkling wines can’t be beaten.

Daenna van Mulligen through her websites, winediva.ca, and winescores.ca has tasted 100’s of wines every month of 2021 and her year-end lists are a fantastic resource. This week it’s the Top 50 over 90 points and over $20.00

 

To start The Show we head to Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards just south of Peachland.  You can’t miss the gateway sign at the entrance of Greata Ranch.

Our guest is Gordon Fitzpatrick, the president of the winery.

Gordon Fitzpatrick and TDM

Grew up in Vancouver.  Father Ross became a Senator.  Gordon worked for a future Prime Minister. Spent 10 years in mining (gold!). Came to the Okanagan in 1996 to run CedarCreek Estate Winery.  Helped shape the BC wine industry as the Former Chair of the BC Wine Institute.

The family sold Cedar Creek with their eyes firmly on the almost forgotten Greata Ranch Estate above Okanagan Lake.   It was a  former peach-producing estate that had been left to wither but Gordon had a dream to reclaim the land and rebuild the home base as a producer of bubble and still wines.  Voila!  Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards.  They have a quickly expanding portfolio.

Here are the latest releases from Gordon and the team at Fitzpatrick.

Greata Ranch – Fitzpatrick Winery

2017 Fitz Brut  Their signature Cuvee (Pinot Noir. Chard. Meunier)  Bottle aged. 24 months on lees. $32.50

2019 Fitz Cremant soft and yummy.  $24.50

2020 Big Leap Chardonnay.  Ripe stone fruit.  Caramel.  Texture.  50% Stainless steel and 50% Neutral French oak.  $24.50

2018 Sudden Inversion Meritagewe turned the valley upside down” 70% Merlot. 20% Cab Franc 10% Cab. 14 months on Oak  (some new) $28.50

Also, keep an eye out for the Fitz Reserve Sparkling wines.

The glorious Blanc de blanc – Blanc de Noir – and Blanc de Noir Special Rose

 

www.fitzwine.com

 

Wine Divas Top 50 Wine List for 2021  (Year 15)

All more than 90 points and over $20.00..

ALL tasted and reviewed by Daenna van Mulligen.  The full list can be found at  www.winediva.ca  and www.winescores.ca

daenna van mulligen – The Wine Diva

 

Belle Glos Pinot Noir ‘Clark & Telephone’, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, Calif. $62.99

Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel, Sonoma California $36.99

Meyer Family Vineyards ‘Micro Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Okanagan Falls, BC N/A

Pentage Winery Syrah, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Zinfandel, Sonoma County California $25.99

Philipponnat ‘Royale Reserve Rose Brut’, Champagne, France $109.99

Robin Ridge ‘Falcon’ Merlot, Similkameen Valley BC N/A

Monte del Fra Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ‘Lena di Mezzo’, Valpolicella, Veneto $57.99

Carmel Road Pinot Noir, Monterey, California $30.00

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery ‘Seven Stars Sirius’, British Columbia N/A

CedarCreek ‘Platinum’ Home Block Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley BC $55.00

Stag’s Hollow Pinot Noir, Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, BC N/A

Chateau de Rauzan~Gassiers ‘L’Orme’, Haut~Medoc, Bordeaux, France $45.00

Cambria Estate Winery ‘Julia’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California $38.99

Da Silva Vineyards and Winery Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley N/A

Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir, Vancouver Island, British Columbia $35.00

Moon Curser Tannat, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Phantom Creek Estates ‘Red’, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Hester Creek ‘Limited Edition The Judge’, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Quartz & Yarrow Sustainable Red, Okanagan Valley, BC $36.00

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery ‘Summit’, British Columbia N/A

SpearHead Pinot Noir ‘Saddle Block’, Okanagan Valley BC $40.00

Laughing Stock Vineyards ‘Portfolio’, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc, Okanagan Valley $25.00

Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir, Vancouver Island, British Columbia $35.00

Painted Rock Syrah, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley BC $42.99

Domaine Drouhin ‘Arthur’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, Oregon $43.99

Lake Breeze Winery ‘Cellar Series Mistral’, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

 

Wine Diva Sparkling Wines of 2021

McWatters Collection Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $65.00

Time Estate Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $35.00

Chronos Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $35.00

Gray Monk Odyssey White Brut Sparkling, Okanagan Valley BC $26.00

Jackson-Triggs ‘Entourage’ Grand Reserve Brut, Niagara Peninsula N/A

Philipponnat ‘Royale Reserve Rose Brut’, Champagne, France $109.99

Pentage Winery ‘Fizz Blanc’, Okanagan Valley N/A

Steller’s Jay ‘Mountain Jay’ Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $22.99

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery ‘Seven Stars Equinox’, Okanagan Valley N/A

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery ‘Seven Stars Rigel’, Okanagan Valley N/A

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery ‘Seven Stars Polaris’, Okanagan Valley N/A

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery ‘Seven Stars Sirius’, British Columbia N/A

Medici Ermete ‘Concerto’ Lambrusco Reggiano Frizzante, Emilia-Romagna, Italy $19.99

CedarCreek ‘Platinum’ Sparkling Rose, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Unsworth Vineyards ‘Charme de L’ile’ Rose Brut, Vancouver Island, BC $25.99

Da Silva Vineyards and Winery ‘Isabella’ Frizzante, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Stoneboat ‘Piano’ Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $25.00

Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards ‘Fitz’ Brut, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

Hester Creek Estate Old Vine Brut, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Covert Farms Family Estate Sparkling Zinfandel, Okanagan Valley, BC $35.00

Marques de Monistrol ‘Monistrol Seleccion Especial’ Cava, Penedes, Spain $18.00

Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Aurore’ Cremant Brut Rose, Bourgogne, France $26.99

Evolve Cellars Pink Effervescence, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

Evolve Cellars Effervescence, Okanagan Valley BC $19.99

Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards H’s Brut, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Gold Label Brut, Okanagan Valley BC $30.00

 

www.winediva.ca

www.winescores.ca