January 10th, 2026 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW

January 8, 2026

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2025 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW

THE SHOW

A full-scale discussion about the 2025 Nationals! The Canadian Wine Awards, featuring one of the best wine minds in this or any country, Anthony Gismondi.

He also happens to be one of the key organizers of these tastings and awards. For over 35 years Anthony has been the feature wine writer for the Vancouver Sun. The creator and head writer of Gismondi on Wine plus co-host of the Food and Wine radio show. Our other guest is …..

Anthony Gismondi

Geoffrey Moss MW (@geoffreybmoss) / X

Geoffrey Moss . Master of Wine. Lives in Penticton and leads the team at Lithica Wine Marketing. He was on one of the team of judges at this year’s Nationals.

Here’s the very busy agenda for this discussion. It’s a celebration of Canadian Wineries and their Wines.

The ever growing size of the awards,

The top level judges, their responsibilities and procedures

The new category of aged wines ( 5 years)

The judges did a separate extra tasting of Crafted in BC Wines

The End of replacement wines?

The Winery of the Year? Best Small Winery?

2025 growing season.

Geoff talks about Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir style

Free Trade inside Canada.

The future of Syrah.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are top-performing categories.

Many many thanks to Geoffrey Moss and Anthony Gismondi. Congratulations to all who created, organized and worked The 2025 Nationals

The links below have all the winners and their awards plus connection to Anthony and Geoffrey.

Cheers!!!

Https://www.winealign.com/awards

Https://gismondionwine.com/

Https://www.lithica.wine/

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Canadian Whisky Awards – Victoria

Kismet Estate -Releases

Jeff Guignard – A reconnect with CEO/President of Wine BC

Wrap up of 2025 Crafted in BC Releases.

What worked? What didn’t ?

January 3rd, 2026- Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW

January 2, 2026

hello

2025 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW

THE SHOW

A full-scale discussion about the 2025 Nationals! The Canadian Wine Awards, featuring one of the best wine minds in this or any country, Anthony Gismondi.

Anthony Gismondi

Geoffrey Moss MW (@geoffreybmoss) / X

Geoffrey Moss . Master of Wine. Lives in Penticton and leads the team at Lithica Wine Marketing. He was on one of the team of judges at this year’s Nationals.

Here’s the very busy agenda for this discussion. It’s a celebration of Canadian Wineries and their Wines.

The ever growing size of the awards,

The top level judges, their responsibilities and procedures

The new category of aged wines ( 5 years)

The judges did a separate extra tasting of Crafted in BC Wines

The End of replacement wines?

The Winery of the Year? Best Small Winery?

2025 growing season.

Geoff talks about Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir style

Free Trade inside Canada.

The future of Syrah.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are top-performing categories.

Many many thanks to Geoffrey Moss and Anthony Gismondi. Congratulations to all who created, organized and worked The 2025 Nationals

The links below have all the winners and their awards plus connection to Anthony and Geoffrey.

Cheers!!!

Https://www.winealign.com/awards

Https://gismondionwine.com/

Https://www.lithica.wine/

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Canadian Whisky Awards – Victoria

Kismet Estate -Releases

Jeff Guignard – A reconnect with CEO/President of Wine BC

Wrap up of 2025 Crafted in BC Releases.

What worked? What didn’t ?

December 27th, 2025- Four remarkable reds with Mark Sheridan, President of Hester Creek

December 21, 2025 0:39:18

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We reconnect with Mark Sheridan President of Hester Creek and their 2022 Judge, 2022 Garland, 2024 The Columbia Valley Meritage and a remarkable new blend 2022 UNDICI. I believe will be an instant hit.

THE SHOW

These are conflicting days at Hester Creek.

At the very same time that they grow, create and release the 2022 wines from one of the most memorable harvests , the Hester Creek staff and community are stunned by the November 21 loss of their leader and founder Curt Garland.

Curt Garland

Our hearts go out to all who knew, worked with and became friends with Curt.

These wines and all wines moving forward , will be his legacy

Mark speaks to Curt’s leadership and heart. A legend in BC winemaking.

We reconnect with Mark Sheridan President of Hester Creek

Mark Sheridan

Mark and I then move on to the new reds being released..

There’s one that’s a brand-new blend and label. UNDICI. (11 in Italian)

Undici joins The Judge and Garland as part of the Origin Series. Reflecting the outstanding terroir and diversity of the Okanagan Valley.

The 2022 vintage will be remembered as a milestone year for producing exceptional , fruit-forward and age-worthy wines!

The wines in this segment are:

2022 Garland –

77% Cabernet, 10% Cab Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec.

Aged 24 months in 100% French Oak (cellar up to 15 years)

$64.99 at winery.

2022 Garland

2022 The Judge –

47% Merlot, 34% Cab Franc, 17% Cab Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

(cellar up to 10 years)

$49.99 at winery

2022 The Judge

2022 UNDICI (11 in Italian)

Mark Sheridan will explain the concept of the blend and the process. These grapes were harvested from the Osoyoos East Bench vineyard, which is nicknamed Vineyard Eleven. Mark tells the story of Curt’s name for the very special vineyard. He called it 11/10. UNDICI is Italian for Eleven.

Now, here comes an incredible blend….

2022 UNDICI

61% Sangiovese, 19% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec.

24 months in 100% French Oak. (cellar up to 10 years)

It’s quite simply one-of-a-kind! Outstanding.

$59.99 at winery.

2024 Meritage (Columbia Valley Collection)

Grapes were hand harvested from the famed Red Mountain AVA. Washington State.

62% Cab Sauv, 22% Merlot, 8%Malbec, 7% Cab Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.

8 months in French and American Oak. (can cellar up to 7 years)

$22.99 at winery

2024 Meritage

Heartfelt cheers to Curt Garland. Thanks to Mark Sheridan and congratulations to Winemaker Mark Hopley and his really good team.

www.hestercreek.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Kismet Estate Winery

Canadian Whisky Awards – Victoria

Wineries at Van Wine Fest

Fort Berens in Lillooet, BC we present a conversation with winemaker Alex Nel.

December 13, 2025 0:34:06

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THE SHOW

Fort Berens in Lillooet, BC we present a conversation with winemaker Alex Nel.

Alex Nel

From our friends at Fort Berens in Lillooet, BC we present a conversation with winemaker Alex Nel.

Originally from the wine regions of South Africa, Alex came to BC with his winemaking wife to create a new life in a completely new country.

They have both made us better. Better wines, better vineyards and a better country.

FORT BERENS ESTATE WINERY - Updated November 2025 - 13 Photos & 10 Reviews - 1881 Highway 99 North, Lillooet, British Columbia - Wineries - Phone Number - Yelp

Right off the top, just want the reader to know how impressed I am with these wines.

Not kidding here folks, these wines from Fort Berens announce the arrival of a winery to follow, taste and admire.

Fort Berens Winery

We have 9 wines to taste and talk about. Each crafted with focused balance and skill.

Newly Released 2022 (All Gold Medal or above)

Blanc de Blanc 2022 Traditional method ( 91 Points and Gold at The Nationals)

Meritage 2022 ( Gold LA, Nationals, 93 points Natalie MacLean)

Meritage 2022

Cabernet Franc 2022 (Gold and Best in Class LA)

Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 (95 Points. Double Gold Global Fine Wine Challenge)

Newly released 2023 Wines

Reisling Reserve 2023 (91 points Silver. The Nationals. 90 points Silver. Decanter World Awards)

Chardonnay Reserve White Gold 2023 (92 points Christopher Waters, Globe and Mail 2025)

Chardonnay Reserve White Gold 2023

New or soon-to-be-released 2024 Wines

Small Lot Pinot Gris 2024 Outstanding (wine club and winery direct)

Riesling 2024 (93 Points Gold Global Wine Challenge. 92 Points Gold The Nationals )

Pinot Noir 2024 (very small crop. Truly Unique)

What’s truly remarkable is all of these wines and vineyards somehow managed to survive 2 Winter cold snaps that decimated many vineyards throughout BC.

It’s possible that their vineyards survived due to their farming practices. Fort Berens Winery has been certified as a sustainable winegrowing BC vineyard and winery.

Congratulations to the new CEO Heleen Pannekoek and Winemaker Alex Nel.

Bravo!!!

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Hester Creek

New red releases and

UNDICI – new super Tuscan style

Kismet – New Reds.

December 6th, 2025- Swirl Around BC Wine Expo / Part Two

December 5, 2025 0:39:12

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THE SHOW

It’s the annual BC Wine gathering designed to showcase many of the wines from all the regions in BC.

Wine Growers of BC named it Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.

SWIRL AROUND BC WINE EXPO - Kurtis Kolt

The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.

60 wineries from across the province were all set up to welcome everyone attending.

Winemakers, proprietors and industry leaders.

We all came to reconnect with each other and discover the best of what BC’s wine community has to offer.

As always, I couldn’t interview everyone but thanks to Kelly Josephson from Wine BC, I was able to do 15 in total. Thank you, Kelly.

There were two walkaround tastings plus timely, intimate and thought-provoking seminars designed for trade and media professionals.

Just a note: The Seminars interview that we did last week was so vital to the future of BC wine, that we’ve decided to finish this special feature with a replay.

Check out the guests in that segment (below).

Swirl Part Two Guests are

Grant Stanley

Grant Stanley – Winemaker and GM Spearhead Winery (Kelowna)

Mike Cox – Sales and Marketing The Hatch (West Kelowna)

Adam Woodward – Winemaker/Production Manager Privato (Thompson Valley)

Robbie Hundertmark – Wine BC Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador (Mission Hill)

Ron Kubek – Co-Owner Lightning Rock (Summerland)

Seminar – BC’s Fresh New Wave.

Kelcie Jones – Sommelier/Educator/Panelist – This is Wine School

Kurtis Kolt – Sommelier/Educator – Panel Moderator

Kurtis Kolt

Seminar – An Alternative Approach for BC Wine. Rethinking the changing market

Christine Coletta – co-owner Haywire, etc.

Christine Coletta

spearheadwinery.com

privato.ca

thehatchwines.com

lightningrockwinery.com

www.winebc.com

Kurtiskolt.com

Thisiswineschool.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Fort Berens – New releases

Hester Creek – Just released

Year End Feedback

November 29th, 2025- Vancouver’s Biggest Non-Alc Wine, Beer, Spirit & Cocktail Tasting!

November 29, 2025 0:39:12

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Vancouver’s Biggest Non-Alc Wine, Beer, Spirit & Cocktail Tasting!

Free Spirit Vancouver.

THE SHOW

The low and non-alcoholic sector has exploded into a $13-billion-dollar global industry, recording staggering year-over-year growth, with Canadians among its top international consumers.

According to NielsenIQ, the overall market grew by more than 35 per cent in 2023, and 120 per cent over the past three years. It’s already scooped up 10 per cent market share in Spain and Germany. Industry research shows that Millennials and Gen-Z consumers are increasingly looking for booze-free alternatives, a trend driven by factors like cost, diet, legal cannabis consumption, and a positive awareness of mental health.

Supply is growing to meet this demand in the form of de-alcoholized spirits, mixes, wines and beer that, compared to products of the past, actually taste good. Better distillation and brewing techniques, sophisticated food science, and elegant bottling are creating a new world of beverages: light on calories, high on taste, with no or low alcohol, and zero hangovers. Canadian Geographic March 2024

Vancouver's largest sober tasting event returns with 50+ non-alcoholic makers | Food & Drink

No/Lo spirits, wine, cider, beer have been “trending” for many years now. The search for wine and beer replacements have always been there. A number of producers began to find results after they made their wine and beer, then stripped the alcohol out and substituted the taste with other elements. Fruit, tea, spices etc. Suddenly, some of the replacements tasted even better than the originals.

Kurtis Kolt, sommelier and wine educator, wine judge, co-founder of Top Drop Vancouver, has organized a second Free Spirit Vancouver.

Kurtis Kolt

The first was January of this year when he hosted 10 vendors pouring, collectively, just under 20 brands.

Monday Dec 8 630-830 Heritage Hall 3102 Main Street Free Spirit Vancouver will have almost 60 producers pouring no/lo.

That, my friends, is called “Trending”. With a capitol T.

Please check out the link below to see the producers list and to follow along with Kurtis Kolt’s interview.

Be sharp, he motors through a lot of labels and tastes.

Merry no/lo Holidays

www.freespiritvancouver.com

Www.kurtiskolt.com

https://www.kurtiskolt.com/p/free-spirit-a-sauv-blanc-duo-featuring

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Fort Berens – new releases

Hester Creek – new releases and a new label.

Haywire – new releases

November 22nd 2025- The spectacular, award winning winemaker Mary McDermott and Township 7

November 22, 2025 0:33:19

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The spectacular, award winning winemaker Mary McDermott and Township 7 & seven stars Fall releases.

THE SHOW

At the 2025 “Nationals” – (Wine Align National Wine Awards) – Township 7 received the highest number of awards of any sparkling producer in Canada.

The 2025 National Wine Awards | A Layman's Wine Musings

Three Gold Medals

Three Silver Medals

The 2017 seven stars Sirius alone received a Gold Medal and 92 points from an elite judging panel.

Also handed a Gold Medal was the 2021 seven stars Polaris

“We craft these vintage sparklings in very small lots, in the true traditional method, with time, care, and uncompromising standards. To be recognized as the most highly awarded sparkling producer in Canada is a tremendous honour for both myself and our entire team.”

Mary McDermott.

Mary McDermott

Township 7 has two main vineyard locations.

The original, right next door to where I started Tasting Room Radio, in a studio in a barn, on the Naramata Bench and their surprising vineyard in Langley..

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery’s cover photo

Why surprising? Well, 15 years ago when I asked about vineyards in the Fraser Valley, the response from all was immediate “you can’t grow grapes there, not enough heat.”

What they and I didn’t know was that sparkling wines can do very well without “heat” because they make up for it with character and minerality and finesse.

Basically, everything that sparkling wine showcases. All with outstanding aging potential.

Mary is kindly going to walk you and I through 4 new releases. Each deserves a grand moment in the spotlight.

2021 seven stars Polaris A Blanc de Blancs Brut, 100% unoaked Chardonnay. Grown at Hidden Terrace vineyard in North Oliver and Township 7 in Naramata. Aged en tirage for 21 months to develop delicate autolytic notes. Following disgorgement, Polaris was bottle aged for 18 months. $37.97 (at winery)

2017 seven stars Sirius.
Amazing blend, crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Harvested, pressed and co-fermented together.

Left en tirage for 60 months and carefully crafted by Mary to enhance depth, texture and complexity. Then spent an additional two years in bottle before release. The payoff, a wine with depth, nuance and balance. Gorgeous mouthfeel. Crafted by a true artist Mary McDermott. $79.97 (at winery)

Sky's the limit for Township 7's new sparkling wine collection - Wines In Niagara

2017 seven stars Sirius (late disgorged)

Made by the same process and care as the wine above. However, the wine was left en tirage for 72 months (12 months longer) What followed was complexity and softness on the acidity. The additional year developed “character”. Something to celebrate? Or, the end of a weird year? Here’s your reward. $79.97 (at winery) Highly Recommended.

2022 Provenance Series Cabernet Merlot. – a delicious blend of 78% Cab and 22% Merlot. Grown in part in Naramata and Osoyoos. This is a wow wine.

Finding the best of her barrels Mary crafted a fruit forward blend, , driven by tannins and complexity. Aged for 18 months in a combo of French and American oak. Lots of character, yummy moments and balance. $29.97 (at winery)

www.township7.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Free Spirit Vancouver

Kurtis Kolt

Forty Berens new releases

November 15th, 2025- Wine Growers of BC present Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025

November 14, 2025 0:45:19

hello

It’s been called various names over the years. It’s the annual BC Wine gathering meant to showcase the wines from all the regions in BC.

Wine Growers of BC named it – Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.

The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.

60 wineries from across the province were all set up to welcome everyone attending. Winemakers, proprietors and industry leaders.

We all came to reconnect with each other and discover the best of what BC’s wine community has to offer.

As always, I couldn’t interview everyone but with the all-star wrangling of Kelly Josephson from Wine BC leadership, I was able to do 15 in total. Thank you Kelly.

There were two walkaround tastings plus really timely, intimate and thought-provoking seminars designed for trade and media professionals.

Swirl Part One Guests are

Seminar – BC’s Fresh New Wave.

Kelcie Jones – Sommelier/Educator/Panelist – This is Wine School

Kurtis Kolt – Sommelier/Educator – Panel Moderator

Seminar – An Alternative Approach for BC Wine

Christine Coletta – co-owner Haywire, etc.

Including –

Lauren Skinner Buksevics – Sales & Family Painted Rock (OK Falls)

Robbie Hundertmark – Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador (Mission Hill)

Valeria Tait – Winemaker & General Manager Gold Hill Winery (Oliver)

Chris Turyk – Sommelier & Leadership at Unsworth Winery (Cowichan Valley)

Josie Tyabji – Managing Partner Gneiss Wines District Wine Village (Oliver)

Paul Sawler – VP Dirty Laundry Winery (Summerland)

www.winebc.com

Dirtylaundry.ca

Gneisswines.com

Unsworthvineyards.com

GoldHillWinery.com

Paintedrock.ca

Haywirewinery.com

Kurtiskolt.com

Thisiswineschool.com

missionhill.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Christmas in Wine Country

Township 7

Fort Berens

Gifting Wines.

November 8th, 2025- Noble Ridge (OK Falls) Guests: Benoit Gauthier and Libby Nixon

November 8, 2025 0:37:55

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Noble Ridge (OK Falls) Guests: Benoit Gauthier director of Winemaking/CEO and Asst Winemaker Libby Nixon

Benoit Gauthier Noble Ridge

After somehow surviving the cold snaps of the several past Winters, Noble Ridge in Okanagan Falls has found itself right side up and raring to go.

Noble Ridge

The guests this week are
Benoit Gauthier – Director of Winemaking and CEO
Libby Nixon – New Assistant Winemaker and Asst Viticulturist.

Libby Nixon

Benoit has been one of the faces and voices of Noble Ridge. This conversation involved a new face and voice, Libby Nixon who came to the Okanagan from Australia half a dozen years ago.
With a background and training in chemistry and a masters in detecting smoke taint. – University of Adelaide.

Benoit was happy to report that the vineyards have rebounded well beyond expectations. It’s simply the best news of the year.
The Noble Ridge Crafted in BC Vilicus Series is almost sold out. This hour will focus on new releases and especially the sparkling wines that are getting rave reviews.

2018 The One Traditional method. 72% Chardonnay 28 Pinot Noir. A journey through Brioche.

2019 The Pink One. Four hours of skin contact En Tirage 34 months. Baking on the nose. Berries and pears on the palate.

2020 The Pink One Sparkling

2017 The One Grand Reserve 78% Chardonnay 22% Pinot Noir 66 months En Tirage. Brioche and tight beauty bubbles.

We all had lots to talk about…growing season, the future of Noble Ridge and The Valley. Resilience.

Also, the annual Okanagan Falls open house events.

Saturday and Sunday Nov 19 & Nov 20

Holiday Cheer being poured and tasted from 11am to 4pm all across Okanagan Falls.

www.nobleridge.com

https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/581525/South-Okanagan-wineries-hosting-13-annual-Holiday-Cheer-Open-House

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Holiday Season
Crafted in BC Year Two
Wines off the year
Township 7
Orchard and Field

November 1st, 2025- Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and Tantalus Winery.

November 1, 2025 0:43:48

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A Complete Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and Tantalus Winery.

THE SHOW

I’ve been counting down the days to the end of 2025 Harvest.

It marks the end of the 2025 growing season AND my first chance to interview Tantalus Winery GM and Winemaker David Paterson.

Tantalus-Vineyards

First, to talk about the National Wine Awards where Tantalus was named #6 winery in BC, one of the Top 10 wineries in Canada and #10 of the Top 25 in Canada.

www.winealign.com/awards

“This year’s results—five Golds, three Silvers, and a Bronze—reflect the thoughtful work happening across our vineyard sites and in our cellar. With over 1,700 wines entered from 250 wineries across the country, we’re truly honoured to be recognized among such a strong showing from coast to coast.

A sincere congratulations to our growing and winemaking teams for their care in bringing these wines to life. It hasn’t been an easy few years for viticulture in the Interior, and so we’re feeling pretty grateful for a few feathers in our cap as we approach vintage 2025.”

David covers a lot of subjects

Tantalus Crafted in BC wines, crop loss, using his extensive winemaking contacts in Oregon and Ontario. The resilience of BC wineries to survive what nature throws at them, finding vineyards growing the same Riesling clones Tantalus grows.

David takes us through various Tantalus wines.

2024 Pinot Noir Rose (Oregon)

2024 Riesling (Ontario)

Old Vines Riesling (21B) 95 Decanter

Tantalus Riesling LAB (Experiment #14)

Pinot Gris (Oregon)

(I love the fact that the Ontario grapes were harvested, packed in special containers and two drivers drove the truck 16 hours to reach Kelowna)

2024 Riesling

David also takes us through pairing Tantalus wines with the demanding flavors from Angus An’s Maenam menu and finishes with an extended and passionate rant about wine trade between our provinces and who’s standing in the way.

www.tantalus.ca

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Noble Ridge

Haywire

Garnet Valley Ranch