Coverage of the 5^th Annual Garagiste North – Kelowna

THE SHOW

What is a garagiste? (gar-ah-jeest)?

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

Garagiste North brings together the small guys. Wines produced from 100% Canadian grapes and under 2000 cases total production annually.

We’ve been covering this gathering of small BC producers from the beginning. We like the people, the wines and the no BS approach to farming, creating and selling.

This year Sperling Vineyards was once again the site for a gathering of the Garagiste. Many of the favourites are returning, but with the growth of the wine industry we are excited to see new small wineries popping up.

Sperling Vineyards

The likes of Lightning Rock, Scorched Earth and Burnt Timer all seem to have a theme! Added to this year’s event will be a wine pairing of Sperling Vineyards and cheese, music by Glendale Avenue, food truck service from CrAsian, a cool booth by Taste Advisor and a pop up wine store by Fairview Cellars.

tdm and Ann Sperling

This event gives you an insight into the passion, commitment, craziness and excellence that is the hallmark of a small producer. We love that for many this is their first time showing off their wines to the public. Others have been attending for awhile, carefully crafting their wines and growing their business and reputation. Others have grown up and graduated.

Former Garagiste are: