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June 17th, 2023-CiderFest Part 2. Ones+ goes No/Low and Justin (Paso)

hello

 

 

THE SHOW

Good grief, it’s mid-June already!  The summer solstice is just around the corner and everyone in the world of wine is releasing new wines.

So, he asked. Why are you doing a feature on Cider and Non-Alcoholic Wines?

Because that’s what the wind kindly blew my way.  I’m a cider guy, fascinated by well-made low/no alcohols and a fan of Justin Wines. (And Paso Robles)

Last week we started featuring our interviews from the 4th annual BC Cider Festival and ran out of time and space to include the last two interviews.

Thus Part Two appears this week.

I felt that both of these guests deserved time to tell their stories. Just a little room to create a flourish or is it a fuss!


I can honestly say that Bruce McKinley is one of the planet’s more interesting people and he brings that character to every cider he makes at Valley Cider in Duncan.

Bruce McKinley – Founder and Ciderist  Valley Cider (Duncan)

The website says “Welcome to Simply Different”

Cider is fermented apple juice. All the flavour and joie de vivre nature can pack into a fruit, hosting a party for millions of super social yeast. After the sugar is consumed, the curtain comes down and the band packs up. Some extraordinary chemistry happens after this point depending on the care & creativity of the cidermaker, which is what you’re going to miss if the juice quality was low to begin with or if the cider is just being made as a cheap sugar delivery mechanism.

This is an unfortunate consequence of cider’s delayed & fairly recent reinvention as a valued craft product: the rise and domination of huge-scale low-cost commercial products, that unfortunately influence much of cider’s definition and public understanding. This need not be so. Cider can reflect the true heritage and at the same time continue evolving into modern ciders without being mired in unhealthy opportunism, as long as somebody cares enough to do it well. That is a craft.

What’s required is thoughtfulness, a commitment to crafting quality cider, some healthy delicious apples and a place to hang out and put it all together.

Check out the cider names –   

Bloo/Soda Love Potion/Faeriessense/Poiple/Piqabu

Pinko/Love Child /Bon Dry/Gingerella/Wait What?/Noir

After listening to our interview and Bruce’s thoughts on craft, don’t you really want to taste what he makes?

 

www.valleycider.com


 

Jennifer Turton-Molgat   President.  Wards Cider (Kelowna)

 

Great Granddaughter to George Ward who planted the original apple trees in 1918, Jennifer Turton-Molgat carries on the family’s apple-growing legacy. Under Jennifer’s direction, Wards Cider stands out as a fully authentic cidery. Everything from growing and harvesting their  traditional cider apples to pressing, fermenting and bottling the finished ciders is done at their 5th generation, family-owned orchard.

With her outgoing and creative style, Jennifer leads Wards daily operations and teams, including orchards, cellars, sales, marketing and guest services.

Since 2006 Jennifer Turton-Molgat has also proudly led both The View Winery and Wards Cider to success in her role as President. Jennifer’s vision and inspiration for the winery and cidery is drawn from her family’s passion for the land as pioneering Kelowna orchardists and agriculturists since 1922.

www.wardshardcider.com


 

(Tyler Harleton.  Ashley Wiles Marketing.  Chris Pagliocchini)

Chris Paliocchini – co-founder of ONES+  No/Low Wines and Bubble  (Summerland)

Chris  Paliocchini and Tyler Harleton grew up on family farms. Chris’ background led him to work in cherry and apple breeding in Summerland, while Tyler found his way back to the land through winemaking in the Okanagan (TH Wines)  Over the years (and glasses of wine) they realized there was a hole in the market for the non-drinker who was interested in a proper bottle of non-alcoholic wine. They landed on ONES+, a 1% wine made with BC Grapes with no added sugars or chemicals. They are proud to be making the Okanagan’s only non-alcoholic wine.

Two great sparkling wines from Ones+.

The 2021 Sparkling Rose, like champagne it arrives in your glass dry and features Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The 2021 Sparkling Red reminds all of a great Lambrusco

I personally recommend seeking out the 2021 Pinot Noir and the sensational 2021 Cab Franc.

 

It’s a fact – No and Low appears to be the fastest-growing segment in the drinks industry.

A younger generation is seeking healthier choices in social, family and business gatherings.

Also moving well-being up the wish list.

Finally, the right people are making the right wines for the right reasons.

Check out One+   Highly Recommended.

 

www.drinkones.com


Joe Spellman  – Master Sommelier  speaking for Justin Wines (Paso Robles)

Started this week’s show in the Pipe Shop North Vancouver at the Cider Fest. We finish back in the same room with our last guest.

I met and interviewed Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman who was attending the 2023 VanWineFest on behalf of Justin Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles, California. Joe has been a head sommelier, wine director and a star in Chicago’s dining scene. Capping it off with a great relationship with Chef Charlie Trotter. They’ve released three books together.

He’s a writer, consultant and educator on the geology, language and history of wine.

Many awards followed including Best Sommelier in the World. (French Wines and Spirits)

Founder Justin Baldwin planted his first vineyard back in 1981 with a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Since then, Justin has  expanded both their knowledge of viticulture in this unique region as well as their  acreage.

They make a sensational Bordeaux Blend and the Cabernet Sauvignon is World Class.

Joe and I talk about Justin Vineyards and Wines  of course but also about the state of wine in California, the rising profile of Paso Robles and its wines and his impression of BC wines.

Wonderful man with stories to tell. A total pleasure.

 

www.justinwine.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

  • Bartier Brothers
  • Moon Curser
  • Hillside
  • Okanagan Wine Festivals
  • Unsworth
  • Mt. Boucherie
  • Ruby Blue
  • Meyer/Mayhem
  • Winery of the Year

June 3rd, 2023- Top Drop, The Hatch and The Okanagan Wine Fests Kick off!

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Okanagan Wine Fests, Top Drop Vancouver & Calgary Plus  Wednesday The Hatch Punks pour in Vancouver.

 

THE SHOW

Such a crazy week.  Between BC fires, the smoke and bud break, its nutty these days.

So. We come to Top Drop, The Hatch and The Okanagan Wine Fests Kick off.  All in one show .

Also:

Kimberly Hundertmark – GM Okanagan Wine Fests

Kimberly Hundertmark

The Okanagan Wine Festivals returns with a new look, feel and time .

For many years the Spring festival was held in May, this year its been moved to June  to celebrate the release of new vintages.

New GM Kimberly Hundertmark takes us through the reimagined Okanagan Spring Wine Festival which kicks off June 3 with a WINE Garden Party  at the Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna.

 

Also, Friday June 9  the festival continues with a private reception to complete the BC Lt Governor’s Wine Awards by announcing the Wine of the Year at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

Then the doors open to host the Okanagan Spring Grand Tasting featuring wineries from Summerland, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos.

Kimberly brings all the background on the newly launched TASTE Passport.

 

On June  10/11 holders will explore the South Okanagan.

On June 11 the District Wine Village will offer the TASTE Passport in the Village. Speaking of taste..check out Ward’s Wine Country Kitchen.

 

Kimberly invites you to join her June 3rd to 11th to celebrate the craft of winemaking, get familiar with the wonderful communities of the Okanagan and perhaps find a new favourite.

Info and tickets through www.thewinefestivals.com

 

Top Drop 2023  (Vancouver and Calgary)

 

It is , quite simply, the best small wine festival each and every year. Organized,  in part, by wine educator Kurtis Kolt,  

Top Drop brings together a platform for terroir-influenced, handcrafted wines and the people behind them. They’re connected by a passion for sustainability and a very high standard of viticultural practices.

Kurtis Kolt

They believe in wines that are honest, wines of integrity and transparency. Top Drop is a time and place to gather,  celebrate and have their stories told.

Several of the Top Drop principal winemakers  found time to talk with us, just before the doors opened.

 

Guests include:

Severine Pinte – Le Vieuw Pin (South Okanagan)

Hannah Stuart – Lightfoot and Wolfville (Nova Scotia)

Kurtis Kolt – co-founder of Top Drop. Wine Educator

Kelsey Rufiange – Echo and Else Wines. (Okanagan Falls)

David Patterson – Tantalus Wines (East Kelowna)

All the winery details at www.topdrop.ca

Develyn  Barker – The Hatch/Jason Parkes Customs

The EVENT POSTER SAYS:

“from the punks who brought you The Hatch. Blackswift Vineyards. Crown & Thieves. Screaming Frenzy”

This Wednesday ( 5:30-9:00pm) at Mahony’s Tavern (False Creek) Vancouver.   You, lucky wine fans, can swill and buy some great Okanagan wines from The Punks.

Join us for “And Out Come The Wines,” a Jason Parkes Customs wine-tasting & library wines collecting event, taking place on June 7th from 5:30-9:00 pm at Mahoney’s Tavern in False Creek.

At this exclusive event, you’ll get to sample some of the most delicious wines from The Hatch, Black Swift Vineyards, and Crown & Thieves Wineries, poured by the bearded man himself, Jason Parkes. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about Jason Parkes Customs and our unique wines from the Okanagan Valley.

Dev takes us through what’s being poured and why some of these wines are years old and hugely drinkable.

www.thehatchwines.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Bartier Bros

Hillside

Moon Curser

Mt Boucherie

Unsworth

Ruby Blue

The Ones

Township 7

Wine of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SHOW

 

Such a crazy week.  Between BC fires, the smoke and bud break, its nutty these days.

 

So. We come to Top Drop, The Hatch and The Okanagan Wine Fests Kick off.  All in one show .

Also

Kimberly Hundertmark – GM Okanagan Wine Fests

 

The Okanagan Wine Festivals returns with a new look, feel and time .

For many years the Spring festival was held in May, this year its been moved to June  to celebrate the release of new vintages.

New GM Kimberly Hundertmark takes us through the reimagined Okanagan Spring Wine Festival which kicks off June 3 with a WINE Garden Party  at the Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna.

 

Also, Friday June 9  the festival continues with a private reception to complete the BC Lt Governor’s Wine Awards by announcing the Wine of the Year at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

Then the doors open to host the Okanagan Spring Grand Tasting featuring wineries from Summerland, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos.

Kimberly brings all the background on the newly launched TASTE Passport.

 

On June  10/11 holders will explore the South Okanagan.

On June 11 the District Wine Village will offer the TASTE Passport in the Village. Speaking of taste..check out Ward’s Wine Country Kitchen.

 

Kimberly invites you to join her June 3rd to 11th to celebrate the craft of winemaking, get familiar with the wonderful communities of the Okanagan and perhaps find a new favourite.

Info and tickets through www.thewinefestivals.com

 

 

Top Drop 2023  (Vancouver and Calgary)

 

 

It is , quite simply, the best small wine festival each and every year. Organized,  in part, by wine educator Kurtis Kolt,  Top Drop brings together a platform for terroir-influenced, handcrafted wines and the people behind them. They’re connected by a passion for sustainability and a very high standard of viticultural practices. They believe in wines that are honest, wines of integrity and transparency. Top Drop is a time and place to gather,  celebrate and have their stories told.

Several of the Top Drop principal winemakers  found time to talk with us, just before the doors opened.

 

Guests include

Severine Pinte – Le Vieuw Pin (South Okanagan)

Hannah Stuart – Lightfoot and Wolfville (Nova Scotia)

Kurtis Kolt – co-founder of Top Drop. Wine Educator

Kelsey Rufiange – Echo and Else Wines. (Okanagan Falls)

David Patterson – Tantalus Wines (East Kelowna)

 

 

All the winery details at www.topdrop.ca

 

 

 

Develyn  Barker – The Hatch/Jason Parkes Customs

 

The EVENT POSTER SAYS

“from the punks who brought you The Hatch. Blackswift Vineyards. Crown & Thieves. Screaming Frenzy”

 

This Wednesday ( 5:30-9:00pm) at Mahony’s Tavern (False Creek) Vancouver.   You, lucky wine fans, can swill and buy some great Okanagan wines from The Punks.

Join us for “And Out Come The Wines,” a Jason Parkes Customs wine-tasting & library wines collecting event, taking place on June 7th from 5:30-9:00 pm at Mahoney’s Tavern in False Creek.

At this exclusive event, you’ll get to sample some of the most delicious wines from The Hatch, Black Swift Vineyards, and Crown & Thieves Wineries, poured by the bearded man himself, Jason Parkes. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about Jason Parkes Customs and our unique wines from the Okanagan Valley.

 

Dev takes us through what’s being poured and why some of these wines are years old and hugely drinkable.

 

www.thehatchwines.com

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Bartier Bros

Hillside

Moon Curser

Mt Boucherie

Unsworth

Ruby Blue

The Ones

Township 7

Wine of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 27th, 2023- The 2023 Lt Governor’s Wine Awards – TerraLux Pour & Ned Bell does Shellfish Festival

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THE SHOW

2023 Lt Governor’s Wine Awards. TerraLux Estate First Pours & Ned Bell on BC Shellfish Festival

 

 

Overview | Okanagan Wine Festivals

2023 BC Lt. Governor’s Wine Awards (Penticton)

The intense competition recognizes the top varietals produced in BC across 21 distinct categories and was held over 2 ½ days in early April at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

After 3 days of tasting and spitting we couldn’t wait to get out of the building for a burger and a beer.

All-star Somm Team

I setup my trusty microphone, recorder and talked to several of the judges about their thoughts on the competition.

Brad Royale, Rhys Pender, DJ Kearney, Kurtis Kolt, Emily Walker, Mathew Landry, Sid Cross, Tim Pawsey, etc.

 

Some very interesting comments along the way.

We also include comments from Kimberly  Hundertmark GM of Okanagan Wine festivals and event organizer Alana Dickson.

Kimberly Hundertmark

 

 

Next –  an invitation came from Jennifer Tocher at Terralux  Estate Winery to taste the new releases from a winery still being built. 

  1. 2019 Reserve Viognier – retail $35
  2. 2020 Reserve Chardonnay – retail $40
  3. 2018 Syrah – retail $35
  4. 2019 Meritage – retail $35
  5. 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – retail $59

 

The tasting was moderated by BC’s Best Sommelier 2023 Kelcie Jones alongside Geoffrey Moss, MW and representing Terralux will be the Vineyard and General Manager Kevin Rossion.

Wine Issue Preview: 11 Questions With Kelcie Jones - Vancouver Magazine

Kelcie Jones

As for case production, they are currently sitting at about 3,000 cases per year and have planted a few additional acres over the past few years so this number will continue to grow. The new winery build in West Kelowna will comfortably handle 16,000 cases plus.

 

The winery is currently under construction with the production facility due to operate for Harvest 2024. The design of the winery pays tribute to the name “Terra” meaning earth and “Lux” meaning light. Gravity Fed winemaking facility.

Chef  Ambassador Ned Bell

And to close the show – Executive Chef Ned Bell once again joins the leadership team at the BC Shellfish Festival. This year at Mt Washington 

NED BELL

 

The 15th annual BC Seafood Festival returns with a new home atop Mount Washington from June 23 to 25, 2023. The three day festival boasts over twenty sea-foodie events with an all star line up of chefs. Attendees are invited to taste the bounty of the West Coast through a variety of events, happy hours, MasterClasses and friendly competitions.

 

Festival highlights are the elaborate Gala DinnerShucked! Canada’s largest oyster bar happy hour led by a World Champion Oyster Shucker, Kitchen Party with the Junior Culinary Team Canada, Clam it up! Happy hour and more. This year the Festival is led by Chef Ambassador Ned Bell. 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Top Drop Vancouver and Calgary

The Ones

Bartier Brothers

Moon Curser

Mt Boucherie

Unsworth

Cowichan Wine Festival

BC Cider festival

Hester Creek

Sipster’s Two

 

 

May 20th, 2023- The Third and final VanWineFest Feature – Masters and All-Stars!!

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The Third and Final VanWineFest Feature – Masters and All-Stars!!

 

THE SHOW

Welcome to the third series of interviews from the 44th annual Vancouver Wine Festival.

One of the Wine World’s outstanding events.

 

These interviews mixed Masters of Wine/Master Sommeliers  with winemakers, owners &  founders! A field blend of Napa, Sonoma, Okanagan Valley and  Mendoza Argentina.

Guests include –

 

DJ Kearney – (co-host) Wine Director Terminal City Club. Wine Authority/Educator.

Mark de Vere – Master of Wine. Robert Mondavi Winery. Napa

Garron Elmes – Winemaker and President of Lake Breeze Naramata Bench

Ray Signorello – Owner. Signorello, Edge/Trim/S  Napa Valley

Ray Signorello

Ray Signorello

Ben Pon – Co-Owner Bodegas Salentein, Mendoza Arg.

Evan Goldstein – Keynote Speaker. Master Sommelier. Full Circle Wine Solutions. Master Sommelier for SF Giants.

 

Evan Goldstein

 

Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director of Vancouver Wine Festival.

 

Thank you to DJ Kearney for the brilliance and support. She’s the Wine Director at Terminal City Club and a leading wine educator & judge.

DJ Kearney

Thanks also to Ruby Gillett  Milk Creative Communications

 

STORIES WERE WORKING ON

 

Hillside Estate

Moon Curser

Mt Boucherie

Okanagan Wine Festivals

Unsworth Vineyards

Sipster’s Two

Noble Ridge

Bartier Brothers

Justin Vineyards – Napa

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 13th, 2023- The 44th annual Vancouver Wine Festival. Part 2

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Winemakers from Aquilini/Beringer/Laughing Stock/Michael David/Nk’mip/Osoyoos LaRose/Vina Carmen/Santa Rita

 

THE SHOW

 

Welcome back to the 44th annual Vancouver Wine Festival.

Cutting through the clutter with world class wine smarts is our co-host DJ Kearney (Wine Director Terminal City Club. Speaker, writer, wine judge, noted authority)

dj kearney

This is our 17th year of covering this wildly successful wine gathering.

As always, we make a wish list of who we’d like to talk to and try to shape a tale of climate, regions, wines, winemakers and what’s ahead for an ever changing business. At some point the wish list gets thrown out and it’s a sprint to the finish line.

Exhausting but memorable.

This week’s guests are:

 Justin Hall – Winemaker Nk’Mip Cellars Osoyoos, BC

Michael Kullmann – Winemaker and GM Osoyoos LaRose Osoyoos, BC

Sandy Leier – Winemaker Laughing Stock Vineyards  Naramata Bench, BC

Sandy Leier

Sandy Leier

Ryan Rech – GM and Winemaker Beringer Vineyards  Napa Valley, Ca.

Tyler Tennyson – Consulting Winemaker Aquilini Wines Red Mountain, Washington

Dave Phillips – Co-owner and President Michael David Wines Lodi, Ca.

Oscar Salas – Winemaker  Santa Rita Maipo Valley/Limari Valley  Chile

Pablo Prieto – Winemaker Vina Carmen  Various Locations Chile

 

NEXT WEEK – PART THREE

DJ Kearney – Co-Host with the Most

Ray Signorello – Signorello, Edge, Trim  Napa/Alexander valley

Garron Elmes – Winemaker/Pres. Lake Breeze Naramata, BC

Ben Pon – Co-owner Salentein   Mendoza, Arg.

Joe Spellman – Master Sommelier  Justin Vineyards and Winery Paso Robles, Ca

Evan Goldstein – Keynote Speaker

Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director VanWineFest

Mark deVere – Master of Wine Robert Mondavi  Napa

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Township 7

Lt Governors Awards

New Releases

Moon  Curser

Hillside

Unsworth

Mt Boucherie

Okanagan Wine festivals

Noble Ridge

Cowichan Valley Wine Festival

 

May 6th, 2023- 44th Vancouver International Wine Festival (Part One)

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2023 QUICK FACTS  (Ever Changing)

44th annual (founded 1979)

8 days, April 22-30

18,000 admissions

17 countries

147 wineries » 44 wineries from South America

36 events at 19 venues » 26 public events; 10 trade-only events

25 participating restaurants, hotels, caterers

1135 wines, including:  800 wines in the Tasting Room –  335 wines at special events (dinners, seminars, etc)

15,000 bottles poured and/or purchased

THE SHOW

 This is our 17th year of covering the  adventure  of The Van Wine Fest!

For the Executive Director Harry Hertscheg and his top flight team of organizers,  it’s their 44th annual.

(Harry and keynote speaker Evan Goldstein will close our series in a couple of weeks)

harry hertscheg

Although it’s still a amazing “blur” I think we did at least 20 interviews in just under four hours.

A mix of winemakers and founders from Chile, Argentina, BC, Lodi, Napa, Sonoma and  Washington!

We could not have made this journey without the help of media/marketing support from Ruby Gillett (Milk Creative Communications) and Danielle Giroux (Director- California Wines Canada)

Thank you both.

Vancouver International Wine Festival

 

Here’s Part One of this years Festival

 We begin with the most amazing friend – Wine Director at Terminal City Club and much admired wine educator, speaker and wine judge,  DJ Kearney.

DJ and I were judging the Lt Governor awards last month and between flights I whispered “will you join me at VanWineFest for a couple of interviews. I love your questions and observations?”

She nodded OK!  How lucky I was to know her?

As promised,  DJ sat down for the first two interviews and to my complete surprise and delight,  she stayed for almost the entire series of chats. A small grouping of chairs – knee to knee –  because the crowd noise gets louder as the minutes click by. A lot of collective chatter.  In the chairs, we all found ourselves leaning in to listen and comment. Tasted many outstanding wines the guests brought.

Loved it.  Best of all, this is just Part One of 3 weeks of interviews.

This weeks guests are:

 DJ Kearney – Wine Director  (Terminal City Club) Wine Educator, Judge, Writer,  Speaker and great friend.

DJ Kearney

The one and only DJ Kearney with her observations about Van Wine Fest history, the line up of this years wineries and general opinions about the state of today’s winemaking. She brings so many memorable stories and details.

https://www.tcclub.com/

@djwines

 

JJ DowellWinemaker Lake Sonoma, Plume Wines. (Russian River, Sonoma, Alexander Valley, Napa Valley)

Jaime started her career “in the arts” at her family’s art gallery.

The art of wine came calling. Crooked Vine, Stony Ridge. Then off to New Zealand making high end Pinot Noir at Villa Maria.

Back to California in 2011 to join Bonny Doon, Alpha Omega, Round Pond Estate in Napa and finally joined West Coast Wine Partners – which included the Stewart Family at Quails Gate – to oversee Lake Sonoma and Valley of the Moon WinesPlume Wines were soon added to the portfolio.

All that experience shows in her wines.  https://lakesonomawinery.com/

Jaime "JJ" Dowell Named Round Pond Estate Winemaker - Wine Industry Advisor

JJ Dowell

 

Christa-Lee McWatters – McWatters Collection GM/Family (Penticton)

Tony Holler – Co-Owner Poplar Grove (Naramata Bench)

DJ and I knew this was going to be fast, informative and lots of fun.

Christa-Lee and Tony LOVE talking about wine. Theirs and many others.

But they also have new events and growth.

At Time Family of Wines in Penticton Christa-Lee has opened OROLO Restaurant with Damian Cole as Head Chef.  Fine dining friends.

Wine's Most Inspiring People: Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters, TIME Family of Wines - Wine Industry Advisor

Christa-Lee McWatters

She was also pouring her Father Harry’s last vintage. A  2017 Brut!

Cheers to Harry McWatters.

www.timewines.ca

 

Tony Holler poured his Pinot Gris “it has to be poured at this event.”

Tony Holler

And also revealed his new culinary team at Poplar Grove Restaurant.

Timing says Tony “its all about timing” His executive chef moved on to Canoe in Toronto and at the same time Executive Chef Stacey Johnson and Chef de Cuisine Minette Lotz came available at Naramata Inn. Think about it.  That team in that room with that view? Wow!

Truly loved DJ’s comments.

www.poplargrove.ca

 

On my way into the Convention Centre I bumped into Chris Turyk and his Father Tim from Unsworth in the Cowichan Valley.

I reminded Chris that last year I stood in front of their Unsworth pouring table but the line-up just kept getting bigger and bigger and we never got an interview done.

Secrets and Lives Interview with Chris Turyk - Victoria News

Chris Turyk

So, this year we put two chairs together and had a conversation.

About Unsworth, the Cowichan Valley, the Jackson Family adding Blue Grouse to their Cowichan Portfolio, what he was pouring at the festival (Charme de l’ile NV), his journey to Master of Wine status and an update on the Cowichan Wine Festival the month of August.

My thanks to Chris, Tim and Unsworth.

www.unsworthvineyards.com

 

Next Week –  Winemakers and Principals from

Tyler Tennyson – Aquilini (Red Mtn Washington)

Dave Phillips – Michael David Winery (Lodi, Cal)

Justin Hall – Nk’Mip  (Osoyoos)

Michael Kullman – Osoyoos LaRose

Ryan Rech  – Beringer Vineyards (Napa)

Oscar Salas – Santa Rita (Chile)

Pablo Prieto – Vina Carmen (Chile)

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Van Wine Fest Parts Two and Three

The Ones

Noble Ridge

Township 7

Lt. Governors Awards

Cowichan Wine festival

 

 

April 29th, 2023 – Our yearly Pinot Noir Geek Out!

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Our yearly Pinot Noir Geek Out – with  15 top experts and a  Pinot  Blind Tasting!

THE SHOW

 Bordeaux is made by man, Pinot Noir by God.

Pinot Noir may not be the most planted grape in the World but no other varietal even comes close to the dialogue that takes place between winemakers and wine fans about the place of Pinot in today’s wine world.

Whether they love Pinot Noir or not, wine people all have an opinion on this grape. Described as the diva of the wine world”, it takes a really focused winemaker and farmer to grow, harvest, and cellar this beauty.

The payoff is spectacular.

Notes and flavors of Clove, Cherry, Mushroom, Floral, Soil, Tea, Vanilla, blackberry, and plum. Lush and lengthy.

High acidity and lower tannin make Pinot Noir perfectly paired with pork, mushrooms, duck, and chicken.

I’ve been doing Pinot Noir interviews for 15 years and I’m still learning from the many stories being told.

I’ve gone back into the Tasting Room Radio files to share some of the stories and people who’ve stayed with me over the years.

Check this out:

Nigel Greening – Owner Felton Road Winery (Central Otago NZ)

Nigel Greening Felton Road NZ

Grant Stanley – Spearhead (South East Kelowna)

Grant Stanley

Mike Rathjen – Rathjen Cellars (Saanich)

Daniel Dragert – Kutatas (Salt Spring Island)

Layne Craig – 40 Knots (Comox)

Barb and Ian Phillip – wine educators  (Vancouver)

Christina Coletta –  Okanagan Crush Pad/Haywire (Summerland)

Chris Turyk – Unsworth (Cowichan Valley)

JAK Meyer – Meyer Family Vineyards (OK Falls/Skaha)

David Patterson  – Tantalus Vineyards (South East Kelowna)

Kurtis Kolt – Wine Educator – Judge – Sommelier (Vancouver)

Vikram Vij –  Chef – Author  (Vancouver)

This pinot noir  special concludes with a Blind Tasting of 2018 Pinots

It was organized by John Glavina – the owner of Giant Head Winery in Summerland. John wanted to include several of his pinots to discover how they stood up to the competition. (He didn’t tell anyone that his wines were in the mix)

Tasting on the day were two of the very best wine minds.  Great guys.

John Schreiner – The Dean of Canadian wine writers (15 books in total) Master Blogger.

TDM. John Schreiner. Brent Gushowaty

Brent Gushowaty – A Pinot specialist. Founder of  bcpinotnoir.com

I was delighted to be judging in such fine company.

The discussion went on for several hours and I’ve done my best to edit the prime points down into a segment of the show.

I couldn’t get all the comments on the blind wines when revealed but we did talk about the top two and several others not in the room.

The Pinot Noir poured on the day were…

2018 Giant Head Estate Winery Flagship Pinot Noir

2018 Fox and Archer – Brent G. choice

2019  Canyonview Wines Brand – CVW – Pinot Noir

2018 Spearhead- Saddle Block Vineyard

2018 Lake Breeze Aura

2018 giant head Pinot Noir Reserve

The segment is memorable just to hear the conversation between John Schreiner and Brent Gushowaty.

I thank John Glavina for the invitation for myself and the microphone plus John & Brent for the Pinot Masterclass. I also thank Harbour Air for the beautiful trip over and back.

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Next Week

Hillside

The Hatch/Jason Parkes Customs

Moon Curser

Unsworth

 

Clos du Soleil

Aug 4 Cowichan Pour

Sperling Vineyards

Scorched Earth

Robert Belcham /Cooks Camp

Bill Jones – Shrooms

 

 

April 22nd, 2023 Chris Waters (Globe and Mail) interviews  Jason Priestley. Michal Mosny and TDM

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Chris Waters (Globe and Mail) interviews  Jason Priestley. Michal Mosny and TDM

Michael, Jason and Terry

 

 

THE SHOW

What started out as a Zoom interview for a story Christopher Waters was writing on Q&A Wine for his Easter Globe and Mail wine column has now become  a Tasting Room Radio show, a Podcast and video interview for TDM YouTube Channel.

Full Disclosure :

Q&A wine is a new partnership in the South Okanagan between myself, Jason and Winemakers Cut winemaker/owner Michal Mosny.

Michael Mosney

How this came to be is a wonderful story that starts the interview.

tdm and Jason Priestley in Niagara
(globe&mail photo)

Make no mistake…  this interview is lead by Chris Waters.

Chris Waters

As someone who has done countless interviews,  it was such a treat to watch someone else carry the load and just enjoy the conversation. The surprise in the dialogue  were the outflow of words, opinions  and thoughts from Chris,  who was completely open and engaging.

I kept thinking “this would be a really good TRR and podcast”

So.  Here we are. With the help of Olivia Siu and Chris himself,  this weeks Tasting Room Radio is a friendly war of words about the wines of Canada, BC’s place in wine, Michal’s and Martina’s story of moving from Slovakia to Oliver BC and starting Winemakers Cut, Chris’s thoughts on Q&A Red and the just arriving Q&A RMV White , about wines that pleasantly surprise and Pink Floyd.

The Red is a blend of 45/Cab 38/Merlot 13/Cab Franc 4/Petit Verdot

The White  RMV a blend of 58/Rousanne 34/Marsanne 8/Viognier

Christopher was kind enough to award the Q&A Red Blend 91 Points and the Q&A White Blend  92 Points

 

Christopher Waters  is a WSET certified instructor. He is the acclaimed wine and spirits columnist at The Globe and Mail.

For 21 years, Christopher was the editor/co-founder of Canada’s largest circulation wine publication, VINES, and author of the nationally syndicated column, Waters & Wine. An internationally recognized wine judge, Christopher represents Canada for the Globe Fine Wine Challenge in Sydney, Australia and served as head judge and organizer of the InterVin International Wine Awards from 2009-2019.

Michal Mosny is the co-owner and winemaker at Winemakers Cut in Oliver, BC

He and his wife/winemaker Martina moved from Slovakia to BC in 2004 after seeing the Okanagan featured on Hollywood and Vines TV. The hosts were Jason Priestley and TDMulligan.

Producer was Chad Oakes... he has his own wine.

 

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/

www.qa.wine

www.winemakerscut.ca

@jasonpriestley

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Van Wine Fest

Moon Curser

Hillside Wines

Mt Boucherie

Okanagan Wine Festivals

Unsworth Vineyards

Lt. Governor’s Awards 2023

The Ones

Township 7

Lake Breeze

Cowichan Wine Festival

 

 

Chris Waters awarded:

Q&A Red (Bordeaux Blend) 91 Points

Q&A RMV White (Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier) 92 Points

 

 

April 15th, 2023- Barnyard Natural Wine Fest Part 2 & Natural Winemaker Ann Sperling

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Barnyard Natural Wine Fest Part 2 & Natural Winemaker Ann Sperling

 

THE SHOW

 Last week we happily presented a feature story on the first Barnyard Natural Wine Festival in BC.

As promised here’s the rest of the featured interviews.

Matt Cooke

We decided to start with a shortened version of the interview with Matt Cooke.

matt cooke

Matt conceived and organized  the Festival at his home base of Save-On Arena in Victoria.  Matt has a history of supporting natural winemaking through various restaurants  where he’s lead the wine program.

The Rogue Kitchen and Wet bar in Vancouver, Tableau Bistro, Homer St Café,
Ancora and finally  the wonderful OLO restaurant in Victoria. He featured natural wines all the way.

Completing the natural story are:

 Murray Fontaine and Aaron Goddard from the much admired Scout Vineyard (Similkameen)

Kesley Rufiage   – Winemaker  Else Wines,  Echo Bay and jocko (OK Falls)

Alex Thornley – Thorn and Burrow  (Various Locations)

Annelise Simonsen – Creek and Gully (Naramata Bench)

 

 

Ann Sperling – Winemaker and family member Sperling Vineyards  (East Kelowna)

Ann Sperling

Certified organic in 2017, Ann is the fourth generation of Sperlings tending the vineyards on the East Benches of Kelowna.

Ann created:

Natural organic Amber Pinot Gris

Organic Heritage Rose

 

Organic Pinot Blanc

Organic Vision Pinot Noir Reserve

Vision Series Brut Natural

Organic Old Vines Foch

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Van Wine fest

Moon Curser

Hillside

Unsworth..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 8th, 2023 BARNYARD  (Part One)  –  BC’s First Natural Wine Festival (Victoria)

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BARNYARD  (Part One)  –  BC’s First Natural Wine Festival (Victoria)

THE SHOW

NATURAL WINE:

“Wine unplugged. It’s the unfiltered, untamed, unphotoshopped version of what we know wine to be. Hand picked, no additives, little or no sulphites.

It flies against the status quo. Challenges what people think is good wine”

Madeline Puckette /Wine Folly

 

This first natural wine festival was organized by Matt Cooke .

In 2016 Matt moved to Victoria and joined the management team at OLO Restaurant, where he quickly took over the bar, and then wine programs. The food at OLO screamed natural – which inspired him to create a largely natural wine list, which over his nearly 5 years there, grew to become arguably the most natural list in Victoria.

Matt’s passion was really in finding new and exciting wines/regions/varietals to pair up with the food and encourage OLO guests to try. Then in fall 2021 he became the Food & Beverage General Manager at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.

It was a major career shift, from a 40 seat farm-to-table high end restaurant, to a 7000 person arena, but loved it. Over the course of two hockey seasons now, Matt has become confident in his role – but missed the aspect of educating people on wine, and  missed his connection to the wine world. Which is where the idea for Barnyard came from.

 

In Fall of 2022 Matt started reaching out to his contacts from his  buying days at OLO, and suggested this gathering. The response was immediate and highly supportive.

Matt Cooke

For BARNYARD they had 35 wineries/agencies attending, including 18 BC wineries and 1 Ontario winery – all with principals, and 16 import agencies. The import agencies presented  a range of products from their portfolio, which allowed the festival  to showcase wines from 17 other countries.

 

The full list of wineries and agencies is up on their website:

https://barnyardwinefest.ca/wineries

 

The guest line up for Part One:

 

Matt Cooke – Founder of Barnyard www.barnyardwinefest.ca <http://www.barnyardwinefest.ca>

 

Rajen Toor –  Winemaker Ursa Major (Black Sage Road)  https://ursamajorwinery.com <https://ursamajorwinery.com/>

RajenToor

Mathew Vasilev – Co-founder/cidermaker Twin Island Cider (Pender Islands) https://www.twinislandcider.com/ <https://www.twinislandcider.com/>

 

Jay Drysdale – Bella Vineyards (Naramata Bench)  https://www.bellawines.ca/

Bella- Jay Drysdale & Wendy Rose

Louise Fedyk – Massey Wines (Pouring Eastern European Wines) https://www.masseywines.com/ <https://www.masseywines.com/>

 

David Eiberg – Therianthropy (Ontario) https://therianthropy.wine/ <https://therianthropy.wine/>

 

Anthony Buchanan – Anthony Buchanan Wines (Kaleden) https://www.anthonybuchananwines.ca/ <https://www.anthonybuchananwines.ca/>

Anthony Buchanan

 

For a complete rundown of what everyone was pouring please head for

https://barnyardwinefest.ca/wineries

 

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Natural Wine fest Part Two

VanWineFest

Hillside

Moon Curser

Mt Boucherie

Okanagan Wine festivals

Unsworth

Lt Governors Awards

Hester Creek

New Releases.

District Wine Village

Wards Wine Country Kitchen

The Ones