hello

Can food be funny?  Yup! If the chef is Colin Mochrie from Who’s Line Is It Anyway?

We visit two Okanagan wineries and talk to Joe Luckhurst at Road 13 and then David Paterson from Tantalus.

We finish with Marcelo Papa..star winemaker at Marques de Casa Concha in Chile

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THE SHOW

David Paterson – Winemaker and GM at Tantalus

Tantalus is situated on the eastern slopes of the Okanagan Valley, overlooking the shores of Lake Okanagan and Kelowna.

Originally known as Pioneer Vineyards, the site was first planted to table grapes in 1927 and today is known as the oldest continuously producing vineyard in British Columbia

David Paterson is a Kiwi and a Canadian, having been born in Vancouver. He received his winemaking degree from Lincoln University NZ & following time spent working in the local NZ industry he travelled the wine world gaining experience at premium wineries in Oregon, France & Australia.

He landed at Tantalus in 2009 and with seven successful vintages under his belt with the winery he took on the role of GM as well in 2016. Prior to joining Tantalus, David was working with celebrated South Australian producer Henschke Cellars. 

As such he got to work the vineyards at the world famous Hill of Grace.  Riesling has always been the leader at Tantalus however, through  David’s guidance Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Blanc de Noir have caught our attention.

We found each other between crushes..

www.tantalus.ca 

Joseph Luckhurst  – GM at Road 13.

Joseph is the next Luckhurst working The Golden Mile in the South Okanagan.

His parents Mick and Pam gave their lives and their passion to get this winery to liftoff.

They’ve now handed off the reins to Joseph and he’s done a great job  keeping Road 13 popular and productive.

They have always placed in the Top 10 wineries.  This year they were awarded third best in all of Canada at the WineAlign National Wine Awards.

This is how they did it…

Platinum:
2014 Syrah Mourvedre
Silver:
2012 5th Element
2012 Jackpot Syrah
2014 GSM
2012 Sparkling Chenin Blanc
2014 Syrah Malbec
Bronze: 
2014 Roussanne
2015 Chip off the Old Block Chenin Blanc

So,  you can see they touch all the bases.

Joe also reveals next year’s plans and that they have a new winemaker on board… Jeff Del Nin from Church and State.

www.road13vineyards.com

Colin Mochrie –  Actor, Comic, Zoodle maker. (Who’s line is it Anyway?)

Colin Mochrie

Colin comes back to Vancouver at least one a year to raise funds for  the Colin Mochrie Scholarship Fund at VTSL’s theatre school, the Improv Comedy Institute. Established in 2014, the scholarship provides assistance to people wishing to study improv but are unable to do so because of financial barriers

Founded in 1980 Vancouver TheatreSports League is Vancouver’s #1 improv comedy company and a well-respected international leader in the art form. In addition to Colin Mochrie, alumni include improv super-star Ryan Stiles(also from Whose Line Is It Anyway), actresses Ellie Harvie (Stargate SG-1, New Addams Family) Nancy Robertson (Corner Gas) and Veena Sood (The X-Files, Supernatural).

And just like last time Colin leaves us with a recipe from his state-of-the-art kitchen thingy.

Colin also brings stories of working stages such as The Kennedy Centre, where he took his pants off – for  a laugh!

Now.  Where did I put that Zoodle Recipe??

•  2 medium zucchini
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
• 1/2 pound (225g) peeled and de-veined shrimp or what ever protein you prefer
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced or crushed
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 large egg
•  2 cups (480ml) bean sprouts
• 1/3 cup (80ml) roasted peanuts
• Few lime wedges for serving (optional)

for the sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce or to taste
• 3 Tablespoons (45ml) ketchup
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 small red chili, sliced
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, or to taste

Directions:

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients (vinegar, fish sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, chili garlic sauce), then set aside.
2. Cut the zucchini into noodles or long pasta by using a spiralizer..
3. Heat a large pan on medium high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil (reserve the other half for later). Then add zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the zucchini noodles are tender. Don’t overcook the noodles. The zucchini noodles should be slightly crunchy with a tender bite. 
4. Let the noodles rest for about 3 minutes to allow as much moisture as possible to release. Remove the noodles from the pan and drain the excess water.
5. Carefully wipe the same pan to remove the excess water, and then re-heat the pan on medium high heat. Add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Cook the garlic until soft and translucent, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and cook until shrimp is tender and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
6. Add the bell peppers and green onions. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until tender. Add the egg and stir in with the vegetable until the egg is cooked.
7. Add the zucchini noodles back into the same pan, then add the sauce. Cook for about 1 more minutes or until the zucchini noodles are heated through. Then stir in the bean sprouts.
8. Serve the warm zucchini pad thai noodles with roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.

www.colinmochrie.com

Marcelo Papa  – Winemaker at Marques de Casa Concha & Concha Y Toro , Chile

marcelo-papa

For the past 10 years, Marcelo Papa has been responsible for crafting some of Chile’s best known and most popular wines – Concha y Toro’s immensely successful and internationally acclaimed

Casillero del Diablo range.  Educated at Catholic  University in Santiago. He was subsequently recruited by Kendall–Jackson, where he spent the next five years before joining Concha y Toro in 1998. In 1999, a year after working on his first vintage of Casillero del Diablo wines, Papa was given the additional assignment of working on Concha y Toro’s prestigious Marques de Casa Concha wines, and named chief winemaker of Concha y Toro’s Puente Alto cellar.  Under his direction, Marques de Casa Concha wines have earned some of the most vaunted accolades in Chilean winemaking.

The 2002 edition of the Chilean Wine Guide hailed Papa’s Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon as “Best Wine of its Class,” while in the U.S. Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines each named it among their “Top 100 Wines of 2002.” Wine Spectator then went on to recognize Papa’s Marques de Casa Concha Merlot as one of its “Top 100 Wines of 2003.”  In 2005 Papa captured Chile’s highest honor, when the Chilean Wine Guide distinguished him as its “Winemaker of the Year,” with a special tribute to his remarkable work on the Casillero del Diablo range, referencing Papa’s capacity to “create exceptional wines that are widely available in the marketplace, yet achieve extraordinary levels of quality in spite of large production levels.”

We taste and talk our way through the following wines:

Marques de casa Concha 2014 Chardonnay from the Limari Valley.  Around $20

Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere  2014 from the Cachapoal Valley. Around $22.00

Marques de Casa Concha  Cabernet Sauvignon  2014.   From the Maipo Valley.   Also around $22.00

http://www.conchaytoro.com/descubre-vinos/enologo/marcelo-papa-en/

http://www.conchaytoro.com/?lang=en_us

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Kettle Valley

Charles Smith hits the jackpot

Fall wines

Ben Glaetzer

What are they drinking in Alberta?

hello

Ten BC wineries in one hour.

ALL pouring their new Fall wines for YOU.

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THE SHOW

Colour is the semi-annual showcase for Fall releases of BC Wines.

Each winery brings their very best..or at  least, the wines they want the
industry and consumers to be aware of.

We couldn’t talk to them all..there were far too many..so I made a wish list
and decided to stop at Ten wineries.

Made sure  there was enough time for each to tell their story and you get a
sense of who they are.

For this special, we’re talking to  either the winemaker or the owner..and
in some cases,  it’s both.

In order they are

Harry McWatters  (Time/McWatters)            One of the founding Fathers of
BC Wine and he hasn’t lost a step. Who better to talk about the growing
season and Okanagan Meritage?

Harry McWatters

http://www.encorevineyards.ca/

Jeff Harder –  (ExNihilo Vineyards)   Winner of Lieutenant Governor’s Award
of Excellence for his 2014 Pinot Noir.  As happy as he is, he can’t wait to
tell you about his other wines.

www.exnihilovineyards.com

Christa-Lee McWatters Bond –   (Evolve)

Christa-lee McWatters

From the land of four named people. Yes, Harry’s daughter has fully and
completely committed to the BC wine business.  Making popular wines and
helping to steer the future direction of the industry. At Colour she poured
Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Cab/Merlot, Teased White and two sparkling wines
called Effervescence. One white and one pink.

www. <http://www.evolvecellars.com> evolvecellars.com

Christine Coletta  (Okanagan Crush Pad/Haywire & Narrative)

Christine Coletta

Just celebrated  five years of winemaking..Christine poured her 2013
Canyonview Pinot Noir, 2014 Switchback Pinot Gris, 2015 Narrative Red.

Congratulations to OCPad for winning a Lieutenant Governor’s Award of
Excellence for 2014 Haywire  The Bub.

Over 500 wines entered ..only 12 winners.

https://okanagancrushpad.com/

Ezra Cipes  – (Summerhill)

Ezra Cipes

From the home of the Pyramid, Ezra proudly poured his Cipes Brut Rose, his
2015 Ehrenfelser & Riesling and 2013 Organic Merlot

https://www.summerhill.bc.ca

Kathy Malone  – (Hillside Winery)

Working with some of the oldest vines in the Okanagan, Kathy reminds all
that  since 2013 they have only used Naramata Bench grapes.

Hillside poured a 2012 Cab Franc, 2013 Syrah & Merlot and snuck in a 2015
Muscat Ottonel.

http://hillsidewinery.ca/

Graham Pierce –  (Black Hills)

Graham Pierce

From the home of the hugely popular Bordeaux blend  Note Bene comes a beauty
2014 Viognier, 2014 Syrah, The Alias a well constructed blend of Riesling,
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.  Their second label Cellar Hand Red   2014
was a popular pour.  GP is a great guy..fine winemaker.

http://www.blackhillswinery.com/

Judy Kingston and Katie O’Dell  – (Serendipity)

Judy Kingston

Judy and her daughter are larger than life characters. Frankly, I believe
that’s exactly what BC wine needs..story tellers who make the wine come
alive through narrative.

Yes, they showcased  2015 Sauv Blanc, 2015 Rosé 2011 Merlot, Next Step 2012
but they added  a wonderful surprise,  a vertical of 13-14-15  Serendipity
Viognier

http://www.serendipitywinery.com/

Ann Sperling  –   (Sperling)

I found Ann Sperling driving in her truck in Niagara, heading for Southbrook
her organic and bio-dynamic winery.

Ann is a two region winemaker these days as she’s also watching over her
family  vineyard Sperling,  East of Kelowna.

Ann Sperling

Ann poured her Amber Gris – an Orange wine..made as wine used to be made
100’s of years ago.

Also a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, and her Market red and white. Made with
30 year old vines. Wild yeasts and ferments.

www. <http://www.sperlingvineyards.com> sperlingvineyards.com

Bruce Schmidt  – (Intersection)

Fresh from winning a 2016  Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence for his
2013 Cab Franc..Bruce poured his heart out  in Vancouver.

Lots of choices for Bruce to pour..this year it was 2014 Riesling,2014
Viognier/Marsanne and the  wonderful 2013 Merlots Alluvia and Silica.

www.x <http://www.xwine.ca> wine.ca

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Jane Ferrari and Peter Gambetta from Yalumba

Chef Meets Truck – Star chefs hit the trucks

The Cuddy – Wines from Jim Cuddy and Moray Tawse

Joseph Luckhurst – Road 13

Colin Mochrie – Funny Food

David Paterson – Tantalus

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:

The one and only Jane Ferrari – Yalumba

DJ Kearney – Nedw District and Fall Wines

Daenna Van Mulligen – Rhone and Fall Wines

Chef Meets Truck

Rhone wines at Maenam

hello

DO REAL MEN DRINK PINK?  Let’s ask Eric McCormack!  Sommelier Pam Cohen pours 6 Roses for Savvy Series.

The Guys from Tacofino. From a truck in Tofino to a new location in Yaletown.

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THE SHOW

Eric McCormack –  Traveller

 Given the many choices on TV,  you may have missed  Eric McCormack in  Lonesome Dove or Andromeda Strain, Trust me, Perception or  Full Circle. However,  it’s fair to say that none of us missed his starring role for 8 years as Will Truman in Will and Grace. Here was a series so fresh, like a wild drum solo..you didn’t know where it was headed until the lines were delivered by a killer cast.

Eric McCormack – Travellers

Eric has moved on to many new roles. His latest  ‘Travellers’  is shooting in Vancouver for Showcase/Netflicks with a air date debut of October 17^th at 9PM.

I initially asked him to join me at the studios of Roundhouse Radio to talk about Travellers, Will and Grace, his one man show fundraising for Cancer Research and because he knows his wines..and yes because he’s a great guy who’s  funny as hell and makes me/us laugh.

But when I saw that Sommelier Pam Cohen from Marquis Wine Cellars was doing another Savvy Series on Rose..I decided to put them together.

Because Pam really knows her wines and  because Rose has presented a image problem for some “men” who don’t want to be seen with pink in their glass.

Thus, a manly man was needed to step  forward and Drink the Pink. Be the Guy. Enter Eric McCormack..known for years now as the gayest man on TV- Will Truman.

FYI – He’s a great Dad and Husband, a pal to your host and well versed on his wines.

Eric McCormack – The concert I never gave

Eric and I carry on after the Rose has been tasted..one-on-one. Man to Man. Revealing everything ..and nothing.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEricMcCormack/

https://www.facebook.com/TRVLRSseries/

Sommelier Pam Cohen  – The Savvy Series is back:
Professional Sommelier Pam Cohen guides Eric and I  through tasting six different styles of rosé in a fun, sit down tasting session. We Learn about the history and methods surrounding the production of rosé wines, and see how they have gained popularity in recent years. Find your new favourite  rose.

FYI – The Savvy Series  takes place at Marquis Wine Cellars  1034 Davie – Wednesday Sept 14  6:30-8:00 . Seats limited to 18 per class, so get your tickets now! $19.99!!

Pam Cohen Marquis Wine Cellars

Here are Pam’s choices..

Don Juan del Aguila 2012 Rosado                              –    11.21 (Spain).

Provenquiere 2014 Peche Coquin Rosé                     –     16.44 (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Argiolas 2014 Serra Lori Rosé IGT                             –    28.60  (Sardinia)

Domaine de Reuilly 2014 Pinot Gris “Les Chatillons” –   $30.34  (Loire)

Poplar Grove 2015 Blanc de Noir                                –     30.35  (BC).

Domaine des Apras 2015 Les Trois Freres                 –     34.69 (Provence)

https://www.marquis-wines.com

 Tacofino Managing Partner Gino Di Domenico and Owner/Partner Ryan Spong   – TACOFINO IN YALETOWN

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district, Tacofino is the latest venture by Tacofino cofounders Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinsong, who have been serving up their unique brand of eclectic, California-inspired cuisine since launching the original Tacofino food truck in Tofino, BC in 2009. The newest addition to an ever-expanding Tacofino family that includes three food trucks and four brick-and-mortar restaurants in Vancouver and Victoria.

Tacofino in Yaletown is a counter-service and take-out restaurant that features eighties-inspired, surf-punk decor, a 38-seat dining room and 12-seat patio, full bar and the trademark Tacofino fusion of quality, fresh and affordable food with an environmental and nutritional conscience.

Each location has its own unique neighborhood, clientele and menu.

TacoFino Yaletown

They each also have their own special charity and social service that they support.

This is our way of saying “Congratulations on your successes and  for making the Vancouver/Victoria food scene soooo much better”
1025 Mainland Street, Vancouver   www.tacofino.com | @TacofinoVAN

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Fanny Bay – The Osyter and The restaurant

Unsworth Winery – well worth the drive and the chase.

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

 Mike Grgich

hello

One of the World’s best winemakers Australia’s Ben Glaetzer, the maker of Amon Ra, Wallace, Bishop, AnaPerenna plus Heartland and Mitolo.

Then it’s   Sisters Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat who’ve released their third cook book Lick Your Plate.  These ladies are just a bag of fun.

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THE SHOW

 Ben Glaetzer – Winemaker at Glaetzer Wines (Barossa Valley)

 His father Colin was winemaker at Barossa Valley Estate before the family set up Glaetzer Wines, also based in the Barossa, in 1995.

Ben is now winemaker at Glaetzer Wines. The  line-up includes the top end, award-winning Amon-Ra and Anaperenna, and is also winemaker at Heartland Wines from the Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek (both in South Australia), and at Mitolo in McLaren Vale (just outside Adelaide).

Ben Glaetzer

Ben has been made a “Baron of the Barossa” for his contribution to the cultural fabric of the Barossa Valley. Life membership of this wine fraternity is by invitation only.

New World Winemaker of the Year in Behind the Label 2006 (UK).

Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2004.

Robert M. Parker Jr chose Ben as his Wine Personality of the Year 2005.

These wines have won so many awards around the World it’s important to know where and how  they’re grown.

All fruit for Glaetzer Wines is taken from the small sub-region of the northern Barossa Valley, called Ebenezer.

The ancient dry-grown vineyards in the renowned Ebenezer district are an important part of Australia’s winemaking heritage and a living link to traditional Barossa viticulture. Exceptional fruit from a loyal group of third and fourth generation Barossa grape growers is the backbone of Glaetzer wines. The most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80-110 year old, non-grafted bush vines which are extremely low yielding.

Glaetzer Vines

The very old vines require minimal attention. Their deep root structure means they are self-sufficient and can adapt to climatic extremes.

Amon Ra and Anaperenna are World class wines..at world class prices BUT one of the best secrets in wine you can afford is the fact that Ben Glaetzer also leads the winemaking team at Heartland Wines..The makers of Directors Cut  and Heartland wines and they are very affordable.

But before you leave this planet..please make an attempt to have one of Ben’s top wines. Glorious and good for the soul.

www.heartlandwines.com.au

https://www.glaetzer.com/

Lick Your Plate  –  Authors Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat

Yes,  they are sisters and best friends, they each have 3 kids and they live within 5 blocks of each other.

These sisters  create a force in any kitchen. Julie writes Lisa Cooks.

Julie and Lisa have  released their third cookbook Lick Your Plate. A follow up to Bite Me and Bite me Too!

The girls write about food and family (family first).

They talk with me about Sloppy Joe’s, Baja Fish Tacos, Slutty brownies and the fact that it takes  Twinkies 45 seconds to explode in a microwave!

We do take time to go back and remember their Grandmother.  Alice Leiberman welcomed them into her kitchen and very likely set this whole career in motion.

We also get sidetracked into their fave MuchMusic VJ, Bon Jovi and what BC wines I’m recommending to these two Torontonians

Lick Your Plate offers 160 original recipes, several 30-minute dinner ideas, tips, tricks, mouthwatering visuals, funny anecdotes, drool-worthy descriptions of every recipe, and is perfect for everyone from the beginner to the well-seasoned home cook.

“We’re not Martha telling someone to make the eight-hour broth, but we’re also not Rachael Ray saying put cheese on toast. There is that happy medium,” says Gnat, who developed the recipes.

The sisters say they understand the importance of accessible recipes, where all the ingredients can be bought in one shop.

“We love and admire ‘the foodie’ and we’re happy to sit down to a gourmet meal. And we are all about fresh flavours and great food. But we also live in the real world with six kids between us. We don’t always have that sort of time and inclination to go on a goose chase for fig paste,” says Julie.

http://www.bitememore.com/

http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252970/lick-your-plate-by-julie-albert-and-lisa-gnat/9780147529886/

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Mike Grgich – His life and his book

Fanny Bay Oysters. They open a restaurant in Vancouver.

Unsworth Wines in the Cowichan Valley.  The wines and the Food.

Bruce Cockburn.  Singer, songwriter. Wine fan

TacoFino.  The exploding taco truck.

The Wine Align Winners

hello

Tasting Room Radio has a home at Roundhouse Radio located at 98.3 on the fm dial in Vancouver and 5 blocks East of Gastown in Vancouver’s East End.

This special is a culmination of a “getting to know the neighbours” tour ..the food neighbours.

Here’s four of the best.

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THE SHOW

Sean Reeve – Chef/Partner The MacKenzie Room 415 Powell

Sean Reeve

Created out of a passion for food, drink and sharing both with good friends and partners Andrew and Katie Jameson.  They  all wanted  to share their  love of honest food and delicious drink with all of us, and also  helped us create a restaurant we are proud of . They believe that fresh ingredients and exceptional service are what you deserve, they also  think a delicious local beverage paired with food from around home should be your routine.  They search for the best quality ingredients the west coast has to offer,  get dirty and happy finding them for you, so you can get happy and full eating them.

“Our happiest surprise of the year. Co-owner Sean Reeves is a fiercely talented chef with an intrinsic understanding of what it takes to make local food sing in season without pretentious falsetto. Lovely room, too.”  Scout Magazine

www.themackenzieroom.com

L’ABATTOIR

Consistently one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Solid National profile. Dead Centre of Gastown.

Through hard work, great kitchen, top level service, creative staff, the very best of wines and a bar that just kills..l`abattoir consistently ranks Top of critical  and popular lists.

My question is Why?

With so many restaurants opening and closing..what is it they are doing that keeps them well ahead of the pack and always popular.  From the same people who just opened Savio Volpe.

L’Abbatoir

They must be doing something right because both locations are booming and gaining critical acclaim.

Guests include:

Paul Grunberg – co-owner

Lee Cooper – co-owner and Executive chef

Lisa Haley – Asst. General manager and Wine Director

Thor Paulson – Bar Manager

TACOFINO – The Truck/The Story

Tacofino

In July TacoFino is set to open a Yaletown location and it all started with a single truck in Tofino

Here’s an interview we did a couple of months ago about how this success story unfolded..one taco at a time.

TACOFINO GASTOWN  – Jason Sussman & Gino di Domenico

We’re back in the neighbourhood at Tacofino in Gastown

The Boys

Tacofino’s Gastown location opened over a year ago, and features an 80-seat dining room, 20-seat lounge, and 16-seat patio in addition to their Burrito Bar take-out counter.

Guests are the founder Jason Sussman and partner Gino di Domenico.

It’s a great story about one single food truck in Tofino that gets so popular they’re convinced to bring their concept into Vancouver with two more trucks which  leads to 2 restaurants in Vancouver and one more in Victoria!! (with Yaletown hinted at in this interview).

They honour Ocean Wise and have a great reputation of  giving  back to the community.

The Original Truck in Tofino

tacofino.com/gastown-home

Savio Volpe

Savio Volpe Paul.Mark.Craig.

 Co-Owner / Chef Mark Perrier

Co-Owner / Interior Designer Craig Stanghetta

Head Sommelier Mark McNeil

co-owner Paul Grunberg

Savio Volpe, 615 Kingsway at Frazer,  is a restaurant styled after the classic osteria–rustic fare in the Italian tradition of freshness and using local ingredients. Pasta is handmade fresh every day–fatto a mano in casa–and meat, poultry and fish are cooked by smoke over the wood-fired grill and rotisserie.  Italian wines and old world coffee  inspire conversation and good cheer among friends, family and strangers alike. Above all else, Savio celebrates liveliness, warmth and hospitality. Viva la convivialità!

The Savio Volpe menu features plenty of fresh, handmade pastas and heavy use of the wood fire grill and spit. Never fussy or complicated; always tasty. Inevitably, their version of Italian will be flavoured by as much of what is grown and sourced right here in the lower mainland and its environs: this is Italian by way of the local materia prima.

Talking, tasting, laughing, pouring wine, passing platters loaded with food and soaking up sauce with bread–this is how Italians do it at home and that’s how the food at Savio Volpe is meant to be enjoyed: wholeheartedly.

For parties up to 6, they offer a family style fixed price menu.

No fussy cocktails at Savio Volpe: simply a spritz, a negroni and some nice house-made Italian sodas with no/low alcohol. Their  beer list is a celebration of local; from easy drinking lagers to flavourful pale ales, selections will change with the season. The  wine list is, naturally, all Italian.

More than anything, Savio Volpe is warm and inviting—a place you’d want to walk into out of the rain with a unique layout affording plenty of space for cozying up to the bar, nestling into booths with a view, tucking away into nooks or sharing a long table with family & friends.

I asked the partners to gather over by the centre bar..from left to right

Savio Volpe: Paul, Mark, Craig.

Paul Grundberg (also well known for, L’abattoir, Chambar)

Craig Stanghetta (designed Just ask Luigi, Meat and Bread, Homer St Café)

Mark McNeil  (just ask Luigi, Provence. Chambar)

Mark Perrier – Co-owner and Executive Chef  (West, Le Gavroche)

This is a romping rolling conversation about “everything”..

The room,  which is really fun  when it fills, up is a reflection of these guys..

Smart and casual, yet when you look closer you’ll see very high levels of attention to detail and service.

Here’s a review from Open Table

Finding a restaurant that values authenticity and pure quality over profit is a rarity. Everything served was made from scratch including all the pasta noodles. Undoubtedly buying ready made pasta would be easier but this restaurant is passionate about the real thing. Modern style meets old school Italian cooking. If you always wished for an Italian Nonna’s Sunday dinner in a hip atmosphere, get yourself over there. Hands down the best Italian in the city. A rare example of pure passion for food. The service was as outstanding as our meal. We loved every second and every mouthful.

www.saviovolpe.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

A Rose Special featuring

The wines of Provence

The food of Chef Dino Renaerts

Norrel Robertson – Spain’s Master of wine and maker of Anciano

Ben Glaetzer – Amon-Ra/Anaperenna/Bishop/Wallace

Bruce Cockburn  Music and Wine