hello

One of the legends of Canadian dining..John Bishop joins us for the first two segments..

So much to talk about. Organic. Sustainability. The star chefs who’ve gone through the kitchen.

How Vancouver became the dining destination it is today.

John Bishop IS dining in Vancouver.

Two interviews remaining from our coverage at 2017 VanWineFest.  Tony Holler Owner of Poplar Grove and Chris Tolley  Owner. Winemaker at Moon Cursor

And Josh Hammond – Villa Maria Winemaker in Marlborough.

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THE SHOW

John Bishop grew up loving food  in Newton Powys, Wales.  After starting his culinary career in England John moved to Vancouver in 1973.

There were no farmers markets (except for Chinatown) Ingredients always came from somewhere else. France, California, Asia, Italy.

John slowly changed all that by connecting with local farmers, foragers and growers.

John Bishop

John began his career in Vancouver with  Umberto Menghi .  Eventually he opened Bishop’s in 1985 on Fourth Ave.

Since then, Bishop’s has consistently been one of the city’s top restaurants. Annually the restaurant receives top grades from local as well as all the respected North American guides.

FYI – There are four John Bishop books out there..each a great help in your kitchen. Bishop’s, Cooking at My House, Fresh and Simply and  Bishop’s.

John is a storyteller,  a chef, an author and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

 www.bishopsonline.com

  Tony Holler – Owner of Poplar Grove and Monster Vineyards (Naramata Bench)

Tony Holler and friends! photo courtesy of Scout Magazine

Chris Tolley – Moon Cursor Winery (Osoyoos)

 Tasting Room Radio aired around 35 interviews during the 2017 Vancouver International Wine Festival.

We proudly present the last two guests.

Tony Holler purchased Poplar Grove from Ian Sutherland and immediately set about building a spectacular home winery on Munson Mountain above Penticton.He created Monster vineyards just down the hill and has never been busier.

Love catching up with Tony..never at a loss for words or winemaking passion.

www.poplargrove.ca

 Chris Tolley  Moon Cursor Vineyards

Beeta & Chris Tolley Moon Cursor

Chris and his wife Beata met at Lincoln University in NZ.  The original name of the winery was  Twisted Tree, which had been the name since 2004.

In the dark of winter 2011, they  made the bold move to change our identity to Moon Curser Vineyards – a name that captures many colourful stories of the Osoyoos area, as well as the renegade spirit of their  winemaking.

Chris was a Software Engineer by training. Farmer and winemaker by day.  His  academic year at NZ’s Lincoln University gave him  a soft spot for offbeat varietals with loads of personality.

Many of us are attracted by their amazing wines they release.

Carmenere, Tannat, Tempranillo, Arneis,  Touriga Naciona and Dolcetto

And the blends – WoW

Border Vines, Dead of Night, Afraid of the Dark.

Love these guys..and love their wines.

http://www.mooncurser.com/

 Josh Hammond – Villa Maria

Josh Hammond

Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s highest profile wineries and certainly the most awarded.

Their sustainable practices are exemplary and consistent.

So…how are the wines?

Given their commitment to the land and the vineyards it’s not surprising how good they are. What may surprise is that their wines – white, red and bubble – are consistent. From one year to the next which all  wine fans  want from their winery.

Production winemaker Josh Hammond passed through Vancouver and most of Canada,  pouring his latest portfolio.

Josh Hammond – Villa Maria

Josh was born and raised in Marlborough, becoming the 5th generation to grow up on the family sheep farm situated next door to where the Villa Maria Marlborough winery now stands. The land, which was considered too fertile for growing grapes by his grandfather, now produces Sauvignon Blanc for Villa Maria.

An early interest in law led Josh to the University of Otago to study a double degree in Law and Chemistry. During this time he also spent six months in Europe on a law exchange studying at Charles University in the Czech Republic.

Then  to California and Burgundy where he gained valuable experience working with a range of grape varieties.

Returning back to his roots Josh joined the Villa Maria Marlborough team as Assistant Winemaker in 2013 and was promoted to Production Winemaker in December of that year.

With the Marlborough Sounds on his door step he enjoys spending time in the outdoors, diving, water skiing and sailing. He also enjoys recreating local dishes from the countries he has visited and matching these with New Zealand wines, for friends and family.

Yours truly had the pleasure of joining others at a tasting in Gastown that was a pleasure from beginning to end.

I had to wait until Josh got back to Marlborough before he had time to talk and give us the full background on the wines below.

Some you can find now..the others marked as “spec” hopefully in the new year.  Just thought you might like to know what’s possible from this fine company down the road.

http://www.villamaria.co.nz/

•  Private Bin Lightly Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, spec, $16.99 plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, listed, $16.99 plus tax+dep
• Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc, spec, $21.49  plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Pinot Gris, listed, $17.79 plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Pinot Noir, spec, $18.79 plus tax+dep
• Cellar Selection Pinot Noir, spec, $30.49 plus tax+dep
• Private Bin Merlot Cab Sauv Hawke’s Bay, spec, $13.99 plus tax+dep

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 The 9^th annual Parksville Uncorked and Untapped Festival.

Howe Sound Brewing

Love Shack Libations

Mt Arrowsmith Brewing

Arbutus Distillers

Sheringham Distilling

Richard de Silva – Misconduct (Naramata Bench)

Tim Pawsey – The Hired Belly

Alberto Antonini – Bodega Garzon  (Uruguay)

hello

Last Week’s TRR Hour One was all BC.

This week Hour Two  features winemaking guests from Ontario, Nova Scotia and back to BC.

Chris Waters (Vines Mag) / Daenna van Mulligen (The Wine Diva) /Keith Tyers  (Closson Chase)/ Bruce Nicholson (Inniskillin Niagara)/Charlie Pillitteri (Pillitteri)

Craig McDonald (Trius)/ Bruce Ewert (L’Acadie)/ Jean Benoit Deslauriers (Benjamin Bridge)/  Moira Peters (The Wine Lovers Guide to Atlantic Canada)

HansPeter Stutz  (Grande Pre)

Ezra Cipes (Summerhill)/Val Tait (Bench 1775)/Randy Picton (Nk Mip)/John Skinner (Painted Rock)/Mark Hicken (Vintage Wine Law) and Randy Ullom (Kendall Jackson)

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THE SHOW

These were the best two weeks for wine fans in Canada!!

Because Canada was the Theme  Region of the 39^th Vancouver International Wine Festival.   Hour One was all BC.

This week Hour Two  will feature Ontario and Nova Scotia Wine stars and then we come full circle back to BC to finish off with “The Eastsiders”

Summerhill, Bench1775 and Nk Mip.. plus a Skinner, a Lawyer and a Yank!!

Our guests include:

 Ontario

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva once again joins me on air to hold my wine hand and share her insights..she also brought along

Chris Waters – Co-Founder and Editor of Vines Magazine. Through their InterVin judging they both have a unique view of Canada’s wines.

www.vinesmag.com   www.winediva.ca

chris waters

Keith Tyers – Winemaker  From Closson Chase in Prince Edward County. Famous for their Chardonnay..now comes Pinot Noir.  One to watch.

www.clossonchase.com

Bruce Nicholson – Inniskillin  Niagara. Spent many years in the Okanagan at Jackson Triggs. Famous for their Ice Wines.  A Pro!  https://www.inniskillin.com/Niagara

Bruce Nicholson

Charlie Pillitteri – CEO/President  of Pillitteri Wines.  Charlie told me “ why bother sending Ontario wines to BC. You’re Homers!!  You drink everything BC makes.”  Fabulous troublemaker. https://www.pillitteri.com

Craig McDonald – Trius Wines.  Ontario Winemaker of the year 2008 & 2016. A legendary risk taker who paid his dues at Villa Maria, Penfolds, De Bortoli, Sokol Blosser in Oregon.  Great guy. https://www.triuswines.com

Nova Scotia

 Vines were planted in Nova Scotia in the 1600’s. Making it one of the first wine regions in North America.

There are now 70 growers and ALL are close to water..mostly the Bay of Fundy.

Welcome to The Annapolis and Gaspereau Valleys.

The acid and minerality in the soil makes it perfect for bubble.

Our guests:

Bruce Ewert – L’Acadie Vineyards. BC Born. Earned his skills through Cal/Oz/BC and Ontario. Created Nova Scotia’s first Traditional Method Sparking Wine in 2008.  Wonderful man and family. www.lacadievineyards.ca

Bruce Ewert

Jean Benoit Deslauriers – Winemaker Benjamin Bridge.  A stunning hunk of burning wine love.  “Ben Bridge is the new Canadian sparkling wine star”  Oz Clarke. Their Prestige Brut  won Gold and Top Score at 2010 Wine Awards.

“If a young Hemmingway made wine – he would be  just like JBD!” tdm www.benjaminbridge.com

Jean Benoit Deslauriers

Moira Peters – Co-Author of The Wine Lovers Guide to Atlantic Canada.

Along with partner Craig Pinhey she gives the first complete guide to wines now in the Maritimes and where they’re headed.

Great overview.  https://www.nimbus.ca/store/wine-lover-s-guide-to-atlantic-canada-the.html

HansPeter Stutz-  Domaine de Grand Pre owner.  One of the first four wineries on Nova Scotia.  A leader and a legend. www.grandprewines.ns.ca

Back to BC

Ezra Cipes – CEO Summerhill Wines. Bio-Dynamic. Demeter Certified (1^st in BC) Director of the BC Wine Institute.

Chaired the Task Force to certify BC’s wine sub-regions. Summerhill is winner of many awards including Worlds Best Sparking Wine and White Wine of the year BC Wine Awards. https://www.summerhill.bc.ca

Ezra Cipes

Valeria  Tait – GM/Chief Winemaker Bench 1775 

Voted Top 10 Best Small Winery in Canada at National Wine Awards.

Val Tait

Because She was a viticulturalist first, very few wine makers have the soil/varietal  knowledge that Val possesses.

She was pouring Spirit a fortified Petit Verdot, Spirit of the Splendid Bastard,  Ice wine and Chill comprised of 7 varietals.

www.bench1775.com

Randy Picton – Chief winemaker Nk Mip (Ink-a-meep) – Canada’s first Aboriginal owned winery.  Current Canadian Winery of the Year.  Amazing wines from a huge success story.  www.nkmipcellars.com

Randy Picton

John Skinner – Proprietor of Painted Rock.  A mover and a shaker who produces outstanding wines. Making strides in the Chinese market with his Icon Reds. www.paintedrock.ca

John Skinner

Mark Hicken – Vintage Law Group and Vice-Chair of VanWineFest.

When the wineries want a legal opinion the go-to guy is Mark Hicken.  Mark also reveals the thinking behind the choosing of Canada as the theme region.  www.winelaw.ca

Mark Hicken – Vintage Law Group

Randy Ullom – Chief Winemaster  Kendall-Jackson Sonoma  The very popular Californian seems to have found a second home here. He likes us. He really likes us.

Randy Ullom

John, Mark and Randy get into a last minute discussion about a possible trade scuffle between California and BC over our odious wine laws.  www.kj.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Tony Holler – Poplar Grove

Chris Tolley – Moon Curser

hello

The 39th Annual VanWineFest kicked off on Live From RailTown @RoundhouseRadio

Thursday of this week.

Guests include DJ Kearney, Rhys Pender, Kurtis Kolt, Harry Hertscheg, Christine Coletta, Joseph Luckhurst (Road 13) and   Chris Turyk (Unsworth)

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    THE SHOW

 Tasting Room Radio has supported the BC and Canadian wine industries for 8 years through broadcast of the Vancouver Wine Festival.

This year has the potential to be the best ever. That’s because Canada is the featured wine region. Finally!!

For the next three Saturdays we will present the stars of Canadian wine.

From BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia.

We start with a free-for-all hour in the Roundhouse Radio studios. Like a wine cage match.

All shows like this need an overview. A how, why and when.

Leading the way are:

• DJ Kearney.   Director of Wine at NewDistrict.ca  Acknowledged wine educator and judge.
• Kurtis Kolt – Wine Educator, event producer and wine columnist for The Georgia Straight
• Rhys Pender – Master of Wine and co-owner of Little Farm Wines.
• Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director of VanWineFest. The Man With a Plan
• Christine Coletta – marketing expert and now co-owner of Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Wines.
• Joseph Luckhurst – GM of Road 13 Vineyards. Son of founders Mick and Pam.

Moving the winery forward through Rhone style wines.

    Chris Turyk – another son of an owner.  A highly trained chef and Sommelier, Chris was named “one to watch” by MacLean’s Magazine.

We go around the studio table multiple times..conversations include the history of bc wines, what being featured means to Canadian wines.

What they’re pouring at VanWineFest and what wines to try.

all of us at Roundhouse Radio!

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    STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Hour One from  VanWineFest.

14-15 guests.  All the stars from  BC

Hour Two from. VanWineFest

15 guests from Ontario, Nova Scotia, California, BC and Germany

hello

We’re talking Whiskey (and spirits)!!

Guests include Solomon Siegel from Pagliacci’s and JP Wiser’s Master Blender Dr  Don Livermore!

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THE SHOW

Solomon Siegel – Pagliacci’s (Victoria)

Full disclosure!!  I have limited knowledge of whiskey and spirits.
During my teen years, my brother Denis and I would travel with the Kamloops Rube Band.  Mostly guys who were in their mid-late 20’s and early 30’s and light years away from me as drinkers.

When we travelled I tried to keep up with the big boys and failed miserably.

It didn’t help that they all seemed to like Lemon Gin.. which curled my toes and caused numbness of the brain.

Thus, when I moved on I left spirits and whiskey behind.

I was far more comfortable with wine and Tasting Room Radio was born.

However, It’s important on Tasting Room  to include everyone in the drinks business and this show is my small way of paying attention.

We start with Solomon Siegel, GM of the legendary Pags in Victoria. His Father Howie helped to create this fabulous place.

When I walk into Pagliacci’s on Broad St, I’m transported back to the 1950’s in Brooklyn.

It has a tremendous vibe going on. Autographed photos of all the great baseball stars, signed photos and posters from everyone  Etta James to Louis Armstrong and his band on their tour bus.

The level of conversation in this room is unparalleled.  A buzz few can rival.

The food is involved and delish… huge portions..and now,  with Solly’s smarts,  a wine and drink list that’s really good.

I needed someone to school me on spirits and the new cocktail nation and Solly’s the guy.

Solomon talks me through his new cocktail menu and then the wines and what he pairs with them.

It also helps that he knows Dr Don Livermore our second guest.

www.pagliaccis.ca/

Dr. Don Livermore – Master Blender JP Wiser’s Union 52

 Wiser’s Union 52. It’s exclusive to BC and it’s very limited edition. Created by the Master Blender himself, Dr. Don Livermore. Their  master blender connected  their very  last barrel of 52 year old highland malt scotch with their finest 16 year old Canadian whiskey, resulting in a rich smooth blend. A union of new and old world styles. On the nose, notes of toffee,  sourdough bread, green apples and mesquite. In the mouth Union 52 begins with honey  rich vanilla and smoke.

Dr Don Livermore

They made 4386 bottles.

Its fermented, distilled and aged separately then blended.

AND its only available in BC.

Dr Don and I talk Union 52, Wiser’s and whiskey in general.

It’s a Master Class from a Master Blender

Here’s a review from Beppi Crosariol – The Globe and Mail

J.P. Wiser’s Union 52, Canada

SCORE: 94 PRICE: $69.99

“A one-time-only release, Union 52 is as uncommon as whisky gets. A blend of mostly Canadian whisky, matured for 15 years in new-oak barrels, it features a 4-per-cent dollop of 52-year-old Highland single malt. The combination harks back to a time when Canadian blenders were regularly flavouring their whiskies with tiny quantities of imported Scotch. Full-bodied, luscious and smooth, with big caramel, toffee and vanilla flavours from new oak as well as mellow dried-fruit and chocolate characters, it then turns spicy and firm, with a subtle smoky overtone. My kind of chocolate bar. Available only in British Columbia.”

http://www.jpwisers.com/ca/

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Dine Out Vancouver  Speed eating through Railtown

Railtown Grill/The Uncommon CAFE/The Settlement Building/Pidgin

 The annual Vancouver International Wine Festival

hello

They’re baaaack!!  THE CALIF0RNIANS!!

Cannonball/Merryvale/Lange Twins/Gloria Ferrer & St Francis and as a one off St. Urbans-Hof

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The SHOW

Once a year our winemaking friends in California pack up the latest releases and tour “up North”

Canada is one of their very best customers and it’s their way of thanking us, with a gentle reminder that California wines are always out there.

Like a wet hug on a dry day.

Here’s the line – up…

Cannonball/Angels and Cowboys  –  Yoav Gilat(Founder/CEO)  Healdsburg

The Cannonball dive is a dive for the people.  It doesn’t discriminate against body type, race, religion, political affiliation, social status, or fashion sense.  And if you’ve never done a Cannonball then you’d better just shut down this computer, go find a body of water, and dive in!  When you’re jumping into the water on a beautiful summer day, with nothing on your mind except leaping high, balling up tight, and making a splash that is going to get as many people wet as possible, that moment you’re in the air might be the best feeling you can have with your swimsuit on.

Cannonball exists because of 2 founding partners – Yoav Gilat and Dennis Hill.  Visionary Yoav brims with more energy than a speeding hummingbird as he oversees the entire Cannonball operation. He brings 20 years of experience in consumer goods and beverages and fell in love with Sonoma and Mendocino when providing strategy/marketing to Blackstone Winery. Fed up with the over-priced, stuffy wine scene, Yoav made it his mission to produce a range of “serious wines that don’t take themselves too seriously”.  He wants you to enjoy the expertly crafted wines whilst being transported back to a time when the only point in life was to have fun. “Dive in and share a splash”. This explains the concept behind the packaging and brand.

Pssst! If you find Angels and Cowboys Rose..buy it. Buy it all.. it’s that good.

www.drinkcannonball.com 

www.angelsandcowboyswines.com

Merryvale/Starmont – Rene Schlatter (Owner/CEO) St Helena

Right across the street from Taylor’s Refresher (now called Gott’s) is Merryvale.  1000 Main Street  St Helena

Rene Schlatter and his ever growing family have created wines that get better and better each year.

What started as award winning  Merryvale wines has now grown to a second label Starmont.

A native of Switzerland, René has lived in the U.S. since 1987.  Since taking the helm of the company in 2008, René has made significant contributions to Merryvale’s sales, marketing, finance, vineyard acquisitions and farming improvements — with particular focus and interest in the quality and expression of each individual wine and vintage.

In recognition of the success of the business, Wine Enthusiast magazine honored René with its prestigious “Person of the Year” Award in 2011.Presented at its Annual Wine Star Awards, the magazine included these comments: “Since 2008, the president of Napa’s Merryvale Vineyards has pioneered green initiatives while preserving the winery’s family legacy and excellence in producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.”

“I enjoy drinking wines from all over the world – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Switzerland and, Napa Valley. No matter what the origin I look for purity of fruit, personality, character and a sense of place. For a wine to be great it must stand the test of time.”

http://www.merryvale.com/

Lange Twins  –  Joseph Lange  (International sales/family member)  Lodi

Notes from Randall and Brad Lange

During the 1870’s  Great-Grandparents, Johann and Maria Lange, settled in Lodi and began a family farm growing non-irrigated watermelons with their son, Grandpa Albert. The farm grew year over year and by 1916 they had the  family’s first grape-ranch. It was on this ranch where their  dad, Harold, was born in 1920.

Grandpa and Dad’s farm expanded to include the River Ranch and the DeVries Road Ranch, where the family was raised. They  continued the tradition of working the vineyards and in 1974  decided to farm on our own. It was an exciting time for them because as they grew their business, their  family grew as well. Both married (Randall to Charlene and Brad to Susan) and by 1982 the fifth generation was here! Between our families we have five kids — Marissa, Aaron, Philip, Kendra and Joe.

As the kids grew up on the River Ranch they developed an appreciation for winegrowing by working summers and harvest . After college they each decided to come back to the family farm, so they took the next step and built a winery in 2006.

Today they all have unique responsibilities within the winery and viticulture teams, continuing their agricultural roots and growing their winery and wine brands. As fifth generation winegrowers they look forward to working with the sixth!

www.langetwins.com

Gloria Ferrer – Juan Furne  (President  Friexenet Atlantic)

Back in the early 80’s there were only a handful of winegrowers planting Pinot Noir in Carneros. And yet, the Ferrer Family knew the key to a world-class méthode champenoise wine would be Pinot Noir.

The Gloria Ferrer winemaking team’s quest for perfection takes them to Champagne where they manage to acquire Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones.

Gloria Ferrer is not only the first sparkling wine house in Sonoma Carneros, but also the first to plant Champagne clones and the first to plant in Carneros.

Almost thirty years later, with 335 acres under vine, the estate vineyards at Gloria Ferrer produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that rival some of the world’s finest.

www.gloriaferrer.com

St Francis  – Chris Silva (President/CEO)  Sonoma

Fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Christopher Silva is firmly rooted in Sonoma County agriculture. He was raised in a family of Petaluma dairy farmers, and nine years after graduating from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, he retired from practicing law to join St. Francis Winery. At the age of 38, he became President & CEO of St. Francis in 2003. He understands firsthand that a farmer’s footprint and intimate knowledge of the soil, microclimates and terroir of the region are the most important ingredients for healthy vines.

As President & CEO of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Chris has a specific focus: crafting world class Sonoma wine. St. Francis is best known for luscious, elegant, fruit driven Sonoma County Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and “Old Vines” Zinfandel.  Additionally, St. Francis was named “#1 Restaurant in America” by Open Table  in 2013 and 2015 in recognition of its farm to table wine and food pairings offered on site to Winery visitors each day.

“Our time at St. Francis will not be measured in years. It will be measured by the contributions each one of us makes—as individuals—to constantly improving the quality of our grapes and our wines. ‘Good enough’ is contrary to our mission.”

Chris gives us a Master Class in St Francis ZIN.

http://www.stfranciswinery.com/

St Urbans-Hof  –  Nik Weis  (Owner-GM)

and finally..from half a world away – in Germany’s Mosel Region comes Nik Weis Owner and GM of St. Urbans-Hof.

The winery St. Urbans-Hof is one of the most renowned wineries of the growing region Mosel and distinguishes itself by the particularity of owning best positions both on the Moselle and on the Saar. The Weis family who founded the winery in 1947, always focused on quality, which was almost a rarity, especially in the seventies and eighties. Authenticity is for Nik Weis, the grandson of the founder doing a very important feature. According Riesling is exclusively developed, the intervention in the vineyard and cellar are as gentle as possible. The nursery of the estate,  is among the most important in Europe.

It was a privilege to be poured some spectacular wines, including the Wiltinger Alte Reben 2014, which arrives in early spring, as well as some of the older vintages dating back to 1990 from Ockfener Bockstein, Laurentiuslay, Goldtropfchen  and a drop of Eiswein or two.

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STORIES WERE WORKING ON

• The 39th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival