hello

Checking out new pours from Valeria Tate at Bench 1775.

Bloom 2016 brings fresh pours from  Ann Sperling (Sperling) , John Skinner (Painted Rock) Chris Jentsch  (CC Jentsch) and Gavin Miller (Upper Bench).

And Daenna van Mulligan brings a Master Class in the wines of The Loire Valley.

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THE SHOW

Val Tait – GM and Executive Winemaker  Bench 1775 (Naramata)

“There isn’t much Malbec grown in BC, and even fewer (any?) blended with cabernet franc. But that’s the beauty of being an adventurous winemaker like Valeria Tate of Bench 1775 in a pioneering wine region like the Okanagan Valley. From her coveted perch on Naramata Bench, she deftly weaves together interesting blends like this, ignoring convention, thankfully, to spark creativity.”  Treve Ring / Scout magazine

There was a fire sale of wineries on the Naramata Bench a couple of years ago.

They were all owned at one time by Lang Vineyards.

One was called Soaring Eagle with a hand carved sign you couldn’t miss.

The Viticulturalist who helped plan the vineyard was Val Tait. Upon the sale it was re-branded as Bench 1775. The key to any future success was Valeria,  who was pals with that land and those vines.

6 years later, she’s now the General Manager and Executive  Winemaker  There’s a whole wall of hard-won awards and a patio with one of the very best views in the entire province.

I caught up with Valeria at the recent Naramata Bench Spring pour in Vancouver. She proudly takes us through the new portfolio.

Keep an eye on Valeria Tait. She’s a winner!

www.bench1775.com

Bloom 2016 – Sperling/Painted Rock/CC Jentsch/Upper Bench

It’s the annual showcase of BC’s VQA wineries. All in one room at the same time.

It boggles the mind because we can’t cover them all.

I tried once – I ended up getting a knee replaced.

This year we feature four highly deserving wineries who want you to know about this year’s wines.

Ann Sperling – Sperling Vineyards (kelowna) www.sperlingvineyards.com

Ann Sperling

John Skinner – Painted Rock (ok falls)  www.paintedrock.ca

Chris Jentsch – CC Jentsch (golden mile)  www.ccjentschcellars.com

Chris-Jentsch CC Jentsch

Gavin Miller – Upper Bench (Naramata) https://www.upperbench.ca

Looking for your next favourite  BC wine?  Have a listen. It’s right here.

www.bcvqa.ca

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva – The wines of The Loire Valley

Wine-Diva

The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French.

The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles

As a testament to all the region contributes to French and global culture, the Loire Valley (between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire) was added to UNESCO’ World Heritage list in 2000.

Who better than to take all of us through a master class in the character of  Loire wines than The Wine Diva.

That consistency of character is remarkable when you consider that the Loire follows a 630-mile course from a source near Beaujolais to the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire is a land of moderation: It’s cold in the winter, and never gets super hot in the summer. Vines can really only grow here because of the river and its tributaries, which raise the temperature just those few vital degrees and ensure long, leisurely autumn days for the harvest.

The countryside is beautiful—wide expanses of vines, gentle slopes, grand castles and ancient cities, all dominated by the rivers and the milky blue light of the summer sky. If a vineyard area deserves to be called pastoral, this is it.

When you realize that the region is dominated by a mere four major varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc—the wines become accessible, and therefore enjoyable. This is step one in deciphering the surface complexity of Loire wine.

Please take a seat – The Wine Diva class is about to begin.

www.winediva.ca

www.loirevalleywine.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Jason Priestley – Wine Snob

Donnelly Group pours an all BC list

hello

Due to technical difficulties with the original broadcast of this show we are replaying it for you…

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

• Bloom 2016 festuring Ann Sperling (Sperling). John Skinner (Painted Rock) Chris Jentsch (cc Jentsch) and Gavin Miller (Upper Bench)
• A feature on Val Tait & Bench 1775
• Jason Priestley discusses Private Eyes. Van Helsing, wines  & Hollywood Hair.

hello

The Lure of Loire wines with Wine Diva.

David Hawksworth set to open Nightingale

La Frenz & Terra Vista from Naramata  Bench  pour in Vancouver

And Harry McWatters goes to the movies.

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THE SHOW

 Wine Diva and Loire Wines

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is France’s most diverse wine region, producing exemplary wines in every style. Popularity of Loire Valley wines with sommeliers and wine writers has been growing steadily for the last ten years because for all their variety, Loire Valley wines share important characteristics that make them perfect for contemporary taste.

• Moderate alcohol, refreshing acidity and minerality make them ideal food wines
• Pure expression of varietal and terroir unmasked by oak
• Excellent value

Loire Vineyards

The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French.

Leading the tasting session is the one and only Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva

http://loirevalleywine.com/

www.winediva.ca

www.winescores.ca

Exec Chef David Hawksworth launches Nightingale

David Hawksworth

Chef David Hawksworth realized his culinary vision at his first  restaurant, in the very heart of downtown Vancouver. At Hawksworth Restaurant, which opened in 2011, he has created the ideal setting to deliver compelling contemporary Canadian cuisine; a demonstration of his European-trained technical ability, deep appreciation for local ingredients and an absolute insistence on only the very best quality. Winner of 2012 and 2013 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year and for four consecutive years, Best Upscale Dining, as well as enRoute magazine’s top three Best New Restaurants, and Maclean’s magazine Restaurant of the Year; Hawksworth has anchored himself at the helm of the Vancouver – and Canadian – dining scene.

A native Vancouverite who spent a decade honing his talents in Europe working in Michelin-starred kitchens such as Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, L’Escargot and The Square, David Hawksworth soon emerged as one of Canada’s leading culinary talents upon his return in summer 2000. In 2008 David became the youngest chef inductee in to the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Now he gets set to open his next restaurant..Nightingale, a casual room with seriously great  food and service.  Check out the pizza..

It’s in a heritage building on West Hastings.

David explains everything.

www.hawknightingale.com

Jeff Martin  (La Frenz) and Senka Tennant (Terra Vista) – Naramata Bench

Naramata Bench

Every year about this time the wine regions of BC journey into Vancouver and pour their Spring wines.

It’s such a great time of the year.

The Naramata Bench always bring an organized and highly charged presence to their showcase pours.

Two of the very best winemakers in Canada joined us at the Roundhouse Radio Studios to walk us through selected wines from their portfolios.

Terravista Vineyards

Senka Tennant –Co- Owner / Winemaker

Terravista Vineyards was started in 2008 by Bob and Senka Tennant. As a bit of history…Bob and Senka have been in the BC grape/wine industry for the past 16 years. Senka as winemaker and Bob as vineyard and business operator at their first business, Black Hills Estate Winery. In 2007, Black Hills was sold and Bob and Senka, not wanting to leave the industry, started looking for a small piece of property on which to establish a new vineyard and winery. Their idea was to concentrate on a couple of white grape varieties that had been attracting their interest.

After extensive searching, a piece of property was found on the Naramata Bench about halfway between Penticton and Naramata. The two chosen grape varieties for the home vineyard were Albarino and Verdejo – white grape varieties grown for 9 centuries in northwest Spain and Portugal. Over the next three years they were able to plant their vineyard as certified plant stock, sourced from California nurseries, became available. From these two varieties they are now producing the sensational white wine they call “FANDANGO“!

Grapes purchased form a select few dedicated growers allow for the production of their other white wine.  It is a delicious blend of the grape varieties Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne that they call “FIGARO”!

New releases Senka  wanted  to talk about –  the Albarinio 2015 and Figaro 2014.

-Pouring- Albarinio 2015,  Fandango 2014, Viognier 2014, Figaro 2014.

https://www.terravistavineyards.com

La Frenz – Jeff Martin Co-Owner and Winemaker

Jeff Martin-La Frenz

– Jeff was ready  to talk about the 2014 Desperation Hill Pinot Noir and his

2015 Alexandria.

Jeff Martin comes from the Riverina area of Australia, and has been involved with grape growing and wine making since early childhood. Even today, much of his extended family is heavily involved in the Australian wine industry.

Jeff became involved in the wine industry at the age of eighteen, when he was employed by renowned Australian producer McWilliams as a trainee winemaker at their half million case Beelbangera facility. Here, Jeff gained a wealth of experience in a wide range of styles: table wines, fortified wines, and even fine brandy distillation. In 1983, he received one of the first degrees in enology from Charles Sturt University. During his fourteen-year career with McWilliams, he worked with many of their vineyards, from the “cool climate” hilltops area in New South Wales to the famous “terra rosa” of Coonawarra in South Australia. In 1989, Jeff became the chief red winemaker for the McWilliams group, with his wines winning major awards at Australian wine shows.

Jeff now dedicates his experience to producing some totally unique wine styles at LA FRENZ. His talent is widely recognized and he still regularly judges at international wine shows in the U.S.

http://www.lafrenzwinery.com/

Harry McWatters – Time Wine Cellars/Evolve Vineyards buys Pen-Mar Theatre.

Harry McWatters

Harry McWatters, one of the original wine pioneers in the Okanagan  has purchased the former PenMar Theatre Complex in Penticton and will convert it into an urban winery.

Encore Vineyards Ltd. made the announcement Last week.

The urban winery will be the first of its kind in the South Okanagan. While the concept is new to the area, urban wineries are in place in the United States.

Once renovations to the building are completed, the winery will include a crush pad, barrel cellar, custom fermentation hall, lab, warehouse and administrative offices.

It will also have a tasting bar, small plates lounge, outdoor patio and wine retail shop.

While three of the four theatres will be converted for wine production, the fourth will be maintained as a 75-seat theatre space.

Here’s a quick catch-up with harry about how it all went down.

Let’s hope it’s the first of many..a concept whose time has come.

http://www.evolvecellars.com/

http://www.timewinery.com/

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

The California wine tour rolls through Canada.

Nik Weis – St. Urbans-Hof

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Talking Oysters, C, Okanagan Food with Chef Roger Planiden

And the new kids in the Cowichan Valley Emandare

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THE SHOW

Mike and Robin Nierychlo   (Emandare-Cowichan Valley)

Mike and Robin Nierychlo – Emandare

Mike has always been around the wine business..I first met him when he was doing a wine interview show.

Then he and his wife Robin announced that they had purchased a working vineyard in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island

A number of years ago, Mike developed an overwhelming passion for wine. He began to spend every available moment nerding out on all things wine-related! This inevitably led to home wine-making in their garage, and many, many other wine adventures.

As Mike explored the vast world of wine, a desire to one day own a winery was born. Although this dream seemed unrealistic, there was always a sense of possibility.

On Sept. 28, 2013, in the pouring rain, he and Robin  moved onto their  8.5 acre adventure.    They named it  Emandare after their last names. M & R.

 “they’re also pioneers on the all-natural front—no irrigation, no commercial yeasts, organic farming techniques, and the bare minimum of sulfur. So far the results are stunning—the future of Island wine rests here.”  Neal McLennan  Vancouver Magazine

We taste and talk the  portfolio of wines of Emandare at Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver.

http://www.emandarevineyard.com/

Oysters – Recipes that Bring Home  the Taste of the Sea

Cynthia Nims – Author

The cover just jumps out to  oyster lovers..but like an oyster itself , it’s the inside that really wins you over. For oyster lovers everywhere, this luscious cookbook features recipes, shucking instructions, and the local farming success story of the many delicious oysters from the Pacific Coast. From Hangtown Hash with Fried Eggs to Half-Shell Oysters with Kimchi-Cucumber Relish, this gorgeous cookbook features 30 recipes, ideas for what to drink with oysters, and tips for buying, storing, and shucking to bring out the “oh!” in oysters.

Since oysters are grown and harvested in some of the most beautiful environments on earth, the book is brimming with scenic as well as food photography. The delectable oysters grown along the West Coast—which include Pacific, Kumamoto, Olympia, and Eastern and European Flat species–are the stars of this beautiful cookbook celebrating oysters.

FYI – I also ask questions for the borderline Oyster eater and the non-eater!!

Cynthia Nims is a cookbook author and culinary consultant focused on food, beverages, and travel. She studied cuisine in France, is the author of 15 cookbooks, and served on the editorial team for Modernist Cuisine.  She lives in Seattle.. Cynthia Nims (@cynnims) | Twitter.

Cynthia Nims

Check out her blog www.monappetit.com

www.sasquatchbooks.com/book

DJ Kearney – Wines of the Jura

DJ-Kearney

French winemaking doesn’t get much more extreme than this.

The Jura, on the French fringes of the Swiss Alps, is hard country. Winters are cold, spring comes late and while summer days are long, the nights are chilly. Fall is vintage time, a scramble to get the grapes ripe and harvested before rains arrive.

Jura Signage

This tiny wine region is 4,400 acres, similar in size to Yountville in Napa Valley. The Jura lies up against the mountains that separate the watersheds of the Rhine, Rhône and Po rivers.

Historically isolated, the Jura has evolved several distinct wine styles that are now being discovered by the rest of the world.

Leading the charge have been fashion-conscious sommeliers, who seem to thrive on springing surprises on unsuspecting diners.

These wines are becoming more widely available in the U.S and Canada  and more consumers can discover them.

“We are a little region with a huge range of wines,” says vigneron Pierre Rolet. “We appeal to drinkers who are happy to experiment.”

The ultimate in oxidative wine is vin jaune (yellow wine). It’s made Jura known throughout the wine world for its extreme concentration and range of flavors, from smoky to yeasty, with intense acidity.

A handful of Jura winemakers/growers/owners are just finishing up a short tour of the US and Canada.

With the help of  the wonderful wine teacher..’DJ Kearney .. they’ve poured their very different wines and made lots of new friends along the way.

Here’s an loving overview of these wines, the region and the people from The Deej!!
https://twitter.com/djwines

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/wine/10863147/Jura-wine-the-grapes-that-took-Manhattan.html

Chef Roger Planiden – Okanagan Culinary Adventures

Roger Planiden

Chef Roger Planiden’s family’s ability to appreciate food and seasonal offerings must have been what inspired Roger  at a young age. Growing up, seeing his mother extract the best of each season left a lasting impression on Planiden. Raised in British Columbia’s Kootenay region, the South Slocan native grew up with a family who preserved and canned the bounty of British Columbia’s offerings.
After completing culinary training at the Okanagan University College in Kelowna in 1987, Planiden got his first job at the Lake Okanagan Resort. This position gave Roger a taste of the industry, and ultimately led him to a career in five star hotels, where he has spent the last 20 years working in both city and resort environments.

Planiden was executive chef at The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.  Other notable experience on Chef’s resume include the Four Seasons Hotels, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Westin Resorts and Delta Hotels and Resorts.  I first met him at the kitchens at  Sumac Ridge.

Roger also has  been teaching in the Culinary Arts program at Okanagan College in Kelowna.

Chef’s Culinary Adventures includes a travelling kitchen that rocks the valley..plus a catering company that never stops from March to Christmas.

Besides talking about his company..I wanted to know from Chef about the status of culinary programs  and restaurants in the Okanagan..Improved..interesting..active??

Getting harried in the Okanagan this year..better call Chef – Now!!

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Angus An – Fat Mao

Vancouver Island artisan pour at Edible Canada

Michael Bartier – Bartier Bros

hello

Last comments on the VanWineFest from Master wine expert Tony Aspler, Pascal Madevon at Culmina, Will Flatt pours Cannonball,  Christine Coletta at Okanagan Crush Pad , The Stag’s Hollow story and the guys behind the hugely successful Railtown Café.

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THE SHOW

Wine fest Follow Up

After spending two jammed packed hours interviewing winemakers and principals  at the 38^th Vancouver International Wine festival I took the opportunity to return the next day with my trusty hand held microphone and sought our people I’d missed..

In a very active and invigorating room I had a chance to slow down and talk to:

My buddy Will Flatt. He’s moved around quite a bit but every time he shows up he’s always pouring the  most interesting wines.

He’s currently representing Dream Wines.  The home of Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Peter Michael, Colgin Cellars etc.

Wicked Willie Flatt

This time he’s pouring Cannonball and from that label a sensational blended rose called Angels and Cowboys. Sonoma fruit..some Estate growing.

A field blend of Grenache, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo.

Alexander Valley/Dry Creek area. WoW.

The  Cannonball Chardonnay – 70% Russian River. It’s a 50/50  Stainless Steele and new Oak.  Lovely..delicious wine.

Willy takes us through the reds as well.. Great start to the show.

www.drinkcannonball.com

www.dreamwines.ca

Tony Aspler – Master wine expert

Tony Aspler

We finally found Tony Aspler with a spare 5 minutes. He was surrounded by people who wanted his opinion on the 100’s of wines in the room.

They had to wait for a second because I only get to see Tony once every TEN YEARS.

Tony Aspler has been writing about wine for over 35 years.

He was the wine columnist for The Toronto Star for 21 years and has authored 15 books on wine and food, including The Wine Atlas of Canada, Vintage Canada, The Wine Lover’s Companion, The Wine Lover Cooks, Travels With My Corkscrew, and Tony Aspler’s Cellar Book. Tony’s latest book is The Five Minute Wine Book.

In December 2007, Tony was awarded the Order of Canada.

In 2012 Tony was the first Canadian to be inducted into the New York Media Wine Writers Hall of Fame. In that year Tony was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Wine royalty my friends.

http://www.tonyaspler.com/

Christine Coletta – Haywire

Christine Colletta

I found Christine Coletta from Okanagan Crush pad surrounded by her peers as she was talking to a well-placed politician and there was a serious back and forth going on.

So, I started a conversation with Julian Scholefield about the wines he was pouring from Haywire and OCP, then just barged into Christine’s posse and fired off some questions about um- wine!

And a pinot planting above the winery that could be a World Class site.

We talked wine laws and heading to New York for a “natural” wine symposium.( She was invited by the organizers after they tasted  her “natural” wines.)

She’s there right Now.

www.haywirewinery.com

Pascal Madevon – Winemaker at Culmina

Pascal Madevon – Culmina

Turn the audio up a bit because Pascal’s French accent seems to get thicker when he talks about his vineyards.

That’s because he gets excited and speedy.

We all got to appreciate his winemaking skills as the winemaker and blender at Osoyoos Larose.

Now he’s working with Donald Triggs at Culmina.  What a pair. With so many winemaking skills between them it’s no wonder the wines are so good.

www.culmina.ca 

Stag’s Hollow/OK Falls  Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger

Established in 1995, Stag’s Hollow is a family-owned winery in Okanagan Falls. Stag’s Hollow includes two vineyards…the Estate Vineyard and Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard….that are within 2 kms of each other.

The team at Stag’s Hollow has researched and sought out grapes, both new and old, suited to the area soils and microclimate. Hands-on owners, Larry Gerelus & Linda Pruegger, along with Winemaker, Dwight Sick, believe their passion and involvement in every aspect of the vineyard and winemaking process has created wines that express the terroir of Stag’s Hollow Vineyard and their Grower Partner.

Linda and Larry – Stags Hollow

2013 Cachet No. 4 – David Lawrason  Wine Align – 90 points

2012 Syrah – Brad Royale  Wine Align – 92 points

2013 Tempranillo – David Lawrason , Wine Align – 91 points

Besides talking about all of their wines..we touch on Okanagan Falls and their plan to get the wine fans attention.

Many just drive through this region on their way “someplace else”.

Trust me..there’s more than Ice Cream in OK Falls.

http://stagshollowwinery.com/

www.ofwa.ca

Railtown Café and Catering / Dan Olson and Tyler Day

Railtown-Cafe

This is yet another edition of “walking the neighbourhood”

The broadcasting home of Tasting Room Radio is Roundhouse Radio at 714 Alexander St..5 blocks East of Gastown in Vancouver.

There are a growing number of great new restaurants taking over what had been decaying or empty spaces in the East End.

Not anymore.

The Mackenzie Room Just ask Luigi, Belgard Kitchen and the truly successful Railtown Café and Catering.

The true sign of success in the hospitality business is when people will wait for their food. The regulars brings books, laptops, newspapers etc..

You don’t ever wait long and the reward is just the best food..

Dan Olson  and Tyler Day are chefs and cop-partners.

Dan explains that when he was cooking in LA..he was watching people try to change the salads etc on the menu to fit their needs..

They decided to make the Railtown menu just like that..put all the ingredients in front of the customer and let them make up their menu.

The finishing touch is,  the culinary talents on display are  top notch. Like, really really good. With passion and focus!

Most of the food is taken out..people with busy lives..eating at their desks..but man it’s fun to just sit there and watch the human flow.

The buzz in the room is catchy..Feeling less than stellar?

Spend 20 minutes inside Railtown café..with a salad or killer pulled pork sandwich and the rest of your day will be a breeze.

Can you imagine how good the catering is?

And that is why the boys will announce on this show when and where the next TWO locations will open in Vancouver.

They are that popular.  Enjoy!!!

www.railtowncafe.ca

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Australian thriller Crush – set in a vineyard.

The wine shipping outlaw

And other stuff.

hello

It’s  Hour TWO of our round table coverage of the 38th Annual Vancouver International Wine festival.

An All-Star cast of winemakers, journalists and principals from all over the Wine World.  Enjoy!!

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THE SHOW

Living the life

Hour Two of this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival begins with my wine friends around the table.

(Thank You to Technical Producer Julia Graff)

DJ Kearney – World Class wine expert, educator  and judge.  @djwines.

DJ Kearney

Kurtis Kolt – Wine Columnist Georgia Straight. Educator and expert. www.kurtiskolt.com

Kurtis Kolt

Rhys Pender  – Wine Plus Educator. Co-Owner/Winemaker of Little farm Wines www.littlefarmwinery.ca

Rhys Pender

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva. Columnist for Vines Magazine. Judge and expert.  www.winediva.ca www.winescores.ca

The Wine Diva

Matt Dumayne – Haywire Winemaker.  Summerland BC  www.haywirewinery.com

Andrew Windsor – Tinhorn Creek Winemaker.  Golden Mile BC  www.tinhorn.com

John Freeman – Winemaker  Waterbrook.  Walla Walla, Wash www.waterbrook.com

Elizabeth Douglas-Grant – La Crema Winemaker. Sonoma www.lacrema.com

Elizabeth Douglas-Grant La Crema

Adam Mettler  –   Winemaker  Michael David Winery (Lodi) www.michaeldavidwinery.com

Adam Mettler – Lodi

Mark de Vere –  Master of Wine. Robert Mondavi (Napa)  www.robertmondaviwinery.com

Richard Sowalsky –   Winemaker Clos Pegase  (Calistoga) www.clospegase.com

Richard Sowalsky – Clos Pegase

Marilisa Allegrini –  Allegrini  (Italy) www.allegrini.it

Maralisa Allegrini

Ermenegildo  (Joe)  Giusti  – Giusti (Italy)  www.giustiwine.com/en

Stefano Benini –  Marchesi de’Frescobaldi (Italy) www.frescobaldi.it

Gabriele Tacconi – Ruffino (Italy)  www.ruffino.com

David Scholefield – (Narrative Wines  BC/ Expert) https://okanagancrushpad.com/buy-narrative–wine/

David Scholefield

Leah Bickford – Marquis Wine Cellars. Italian Wine Expert  www.marquis–wines.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Tony Aspler – Wine Journalist/Judge

Pascal Madevon – Culmina

Christine Coletta – Okanagan Crush Pad

Will Flatt – Cannonball Wine. Angels and Cowboys (Sonoma)

hello

It’s one of the best wine festivals anywhere. The 38^th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival  Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from  Feb 20- March 1

For eight years TRR has set up a studio on the floor of the Trade Tasting on the Thursday and invited the World to sit in.

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THE SHOW

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world, offering something for every level of wine drinker, collector and trade professional. Winery principals (winemaker, proprietor, senior executive) representing 156 wineries from 14 countries will be in attendance to pour and discuss their wines. In 2016, the theme country will be Italy.

The heart of the festival is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where 776 wines are available for sampling, with an additional 164 wines available at two trade tastings. More than 625 additional wines will be served at special events orbiting the tasting room, including a gala dinner + auction, wine seminars, trade events, and food and wine pairing affairs such as winery dinners, lunches and brunches at top Vancouver restaurants and hotels.

The Italian table will represent an all-star moment.  Tedeschi/Ricasoli/Dogliani

Hour One:

• Michaela Morris – House Wine
• Stevie Kim – VinItaly
• Gurvinder Bhatia – Quench Wine Editor – Edmonton
• Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva
• Harry Hertscheg – Executive director of Festival
• Riccardo Tedeschi – Tedeschi Amarone (family owner/winemaker) Veneto/Valpolicella –
• Barone Francesco Ricasoli (32nd generation Ricasoli) Tuscany/Chianti Classico –
• Fiorenzo Dogliani – Batasiolo.  Piedmont  CEO   (Richardo March.. Export Director)
• Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva
• Michael Bartier – Bartier Bros  BC
• Chris Wyse – Burrowing Owl  BC
• Harry McWatters – Time  BC
• Ezra Cypes – Summerhill  BC
• Thomas Perrin – Famille Perrin  France

• Jim Robertson – Stoneleigh  NZ
• Eduardo Montresor  – Montessor .  Veneto Italy
• Loren Gil – Gil Family Estates  Spain

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NEXT WEEK HOUR TWO

•  Daenna van Mulligen
• DJ Kearney
• Kurtis Kolt
• Rhys Pender
•  Matt Dumayne –  WM  Haywire
• Andrew Winsor –  WM  Tinhorn Creek
• John Freeman – WM Waterbrook (Washington)
• Kirk Brewer – Gruet Winery (New Mexico)
• Poplar Grove – Stefan Arnason, Winemaker
•  
• David Phillips – Michael David Winery (Cali)
• Mark DeVere – Mondavi (Cali)
• Ted Seghesio – Seghesio  (Abigail Smith
•   
• Marilisa Allegrini  – Owner-CEO – Allegrini
• Ermenegildo Giusti – Owner – Giusti
• David Scholefield – Haywire  Advisor
• Stefano Benini – Int Export Director/Family member Marchesi De’Frescobaldi 
• Gabriele Tacconi – WM –  Ruffino (1^st visit to Canada)