September 3rd, 2016 – Eric McCormack

September 1, 2016 00:50:52

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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.

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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.

August 27th, 2016-A Glass Full of Miracles

August 24, 2016 00:50:41

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A Glass Full of Miracles is the amazing Story of Mike Grgich – The man who fired the “Shot Heard Round the World” – in the Judgement of Paris tasting of 1976, as told by his daughter Violet Grgich!

And wine writer and expert Kurtis Kolt presents Top Drop Vancouver Year 3!!

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THE SHOW

A Glass Full of Miracles is the memoir of Mike Grgich.

“My life has been filled with miracles’” Mike Grgich says. “How else do you explain that a little boy from a little village in Croatia now has his wine on display in the Smithsonian Institution, in the same place as Abraham Lincoln’s hat and Neal Armstrong’s space suit?”

Mike Grgich, the youngest in a family of 11, studied enology and viticulture at Croatia’s University of Zagreb with the goal of making great wine. While he was a student, a professor whispered to him about California, a paradise where winemakers were free to make the best wine possible. Just before graduating, he fled Croatia to escape communism. With $32 sewn in his shoe and after spending time in Vancouver , Mike Grgich finally arrived in California after four years of adversity and uncertainty. The book takes readers along Mike’s journey from communism to freedom, becoming a California winemaker and earning his place as a Napa Valley icon.

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An inductee to the Vintners Hall of Fame, Grgich crafts wines in the classic Old World tradition that have won a stream of local and international awards, establishing Grgich Hills Estate as one of the premier wineries in the U.S. and the world.

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the famous Judgment of Paris.

In 1976, Steven Spurrier, an Englishman who ran a fine wine shop in Paris, decided to promote his wine shop by organizing a blind tasting to coincide with America’s Bicentennial celebrations. For the tasting, he gathered together the best French judges, the finest French wines and he added in a few wines from some upstart winemakers in California. The unimaginable happened: the 1973 Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich for Chateau Montelena, won with the highest total score of 132 points. This momentous verdict placed Napa Valley on the global wine map and set the bar for Chardonnay in Napa Valley.

The following year Grgich joined with Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee Company to open what became Grgich Hills Estate. The first vintage that Grgich crafted at the new winery was one of 221 Chardonnays from around the world entered into “The Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown.” The 1977 Grgich Hills Chardonnay emerged triumphant with the first place ribbon and the Chicago Tribune called it “The best Chardonnay in the world!”

George Taber, the Time magazine reporter who broke the story of the Paris Tasting and later was the author of “Judgment of Paris” about the famed tasting, praises “A Glass Full of Miracles:” “Mike Grgich may be small in stature, but he is a giant in the world of wine. His new book dramatically tells his full story, which is a great tale of a dream come true…there are a lot more aspects to Mike’s life than just Cabernet and Chardonnay. It’s a great and fun read.”

This feature interview consists of a 2009 interview I did with Mike at the Hotel Vancouver and a phone conversation I had with his daughter Violet just this past week.

Violet is now the General Manager of Grgich Hills.

Mike and Violet take us through the Paris Tasting, the recent 40^th anniversary of the Judgement of Paris..plus ..the forthcoming 40^th anniversary of the winery in July 2017.

Mike and Violet Grgich

www.grgich.com

www.violettapress.com/product/a-glass–full-of-miracles

Listen to RAW Interview here:

Kurtis Kolt – Top Drop Vancouver / Year Three

“The One Wine Tasting of the Year You Shouldn’t Miss” – Western Living Magazine

Embarking on its third year, Top Drop Vancouver is a two day trade and consumer event being held at the Roundhouse in Yaletown and various Vancouver restaurants September 7/8 , bringing together a collection of small, hands-on wineries, craft breweries, cideries and food purveyors who are passionate about their craft.

Their focus is terroir-influenced, handcrafted wines, and the people behind them.

They believe in the importance in farming one’s own fruit and/or being constantly engaged with grape-growers to ensure sustainability and a high standard of viticultural practices. They believe in wines that reflect their vintage, and wines that aren’t suffocated by vinicultural trickery. They believe in winemaking decisions that are made by a winemaker, and not by a board of directors or marketing team.

http://topdropvancouver.com/participants/

They believe in those who take chances. They believe these kinds of wines, honest wines of integrity, need a time and place to have their story told.

They also believe craft beer, cider, along with authentic and sustainable produce, dairy, meat and seafood are part of the same conversation, which is why they’re proud to showcase some of the best in those areas.

Kurtis

Kurtis is a Vancouver-based wine consultant who writes about wine, presents seminars, hosts events, judges wine competitions, works with restaurants on their wine programs.
His background is in running restaurants around Vancouver, most recently managing Gastown’sSalt Tasting Room until 2010 when he received the ‘Sommelier of the Year’ award at the 2010 Vancouver International Wine Festival. Kurtis has various certifications and credits through London’s Wine & Spirit Education Trust, the Court of Master Sommeliers & the Winemaking Program at UC Davis.

His great wine column is published every Wednesday in Canada’s largest urban weekly, The Georgia Straight.

www.topdropvancouver.com

www.kurtiskolt.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON;

Taco Fino – a new menu and new store in Yaletown

Pam Cohen – The Savvy Series highlights Rose

Eric McCormack – Actor, Father and wine geek.

Fanny Bay – The Oysters and The Restaurant

Unsworth Vineyards – Cowichan Valley

August 20th. 2016 – 2 Valleys… The Okanagan and The Loire!

August 16, 2016 0:50:32

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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)

Valeria Tait Bench 1775

“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.

Bench 1775

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

John-Skinner-Painted-Rock_5

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

MONMOUSSEAU TOURAINE CUVEE JM BRUT

CAVES DE SAUMUR CREMANT DE LOIRE ROSE DE CHANCENY

POUILLY FUME S DAGUENEAU & FILLES TRADITION

SAUMUR BLANC 2014 BOBINET

TOURAINE SAUVIGNON 2015 CHATEAUVIEUX

VOUVRAY SEC TURONIEN

HUREAU SAUMUR CHAMPGNY TUFFE

CHINON JUSTON MONMOUSSEAU

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Mike Grgich

The life, the book and being the Man in Napa through his daughters eyes.

August 13th, 2016-Tasting Room Radio

August 11, 2016 00:50:41

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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

August 6th, 2016

August 4, 2016 00:50:53

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A master class in Portugal’s gift to the Wine World – Vino Verde

With Iain Phillip (Barbariain Wine) and Mike Bernardo (Vij’s)

Charles Smith – The Dark Prince of Walla Walla and one of America’s most successful and original Vintners.

He asked that we meet at a foot massage palace call Footopia

Tony Stewart – leads the joining of Quails Gate, Benziger and Envolve wineries

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THE SHOW

The attraction was twofold.

A small master Class in Portugal’s “green” wine Vino Verde. Conducted by wine expert and educator Iain Phillip from Barbarian Wine paired with foods arranged by Vij’s Sommelier Mike Bernardo.

Iain Philip is the Senior Wine Instructor at the Art Institute in Vancouver where he teaches levels 2, 3 and 4 of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) programs. In the course of a year, Iain teaches over 200 students
that range from consumers to importers and retail buyers.

In addition to formal training, Iain also does seminars and tastings for private and corporate clients outside the wine industry.

Vine Verde – pours on the day

Mike Bernardo is currently Director of Operations and Wine Director for the Vij’s Companies. He has led the Vij’s wine program to win several awards, including the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and Gold Prize for best wine list from Vancouver Magazine. In 2014, Mike won The Vancouver International Wine Festival and the Vancouver Magazine’s Sommelier of the Year awards. Mike was inducted into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame, Industry Front of House. This makes him tied for the youngest Inductee into the Hall of Fame. (Scout Magazine)

Mike Bernardo

Vinho Verde is pronounced veeng-yo vaird.

Vinho Verde does not mean ‘green’ wine. ‘Verde’ refers to it being a young wine; the wines are released 3-6 months after harvest.

The wines of Vinho Verde have long been known for their vibrant fruit, low alcohol and refreshing qualities — a combination that makes them one of the most versatile partners with food. Vinho Verde is an ideal wine pairing for salads, seafood and Asian cuisine, and can be served alone or as an aperitif.

Vinho Verde wines are made from the combination of carefully selected varietals. Recommended white varietals include Alvarinho, Avesso, Azal, Arinto, Loureiro, and Trajadura.

Wines that were poured –

Via Latina Loureiro 2015

100% Loureiro. Crisp and refreshing with, green apple with floral notes.

Quinta da Aveleda 2014

A blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho. Beautifully crisp and summer refreshing.

Qunita de Azevedo 2014

95% Loureiro and 5% Pederna.

Pluma Alvarinho 2015

100% Alvarinho. Fabulous and very friendly. You’ll like this one.

Do Marques Arinto 2015

100% Arinto. Great nose with citrus and tropical fruit notes.

http://winesofvinhoverde.com/

http://www.barbarianwine.com/

www.vijs.ca

Charles Smith

charles smith wines

Growing up just outside of Sacramento, California, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Charles Smith began craving worldly travel at a young age due to his Welsh mother and French father. As soon as he had the chance, Charles decided to move to Denmark (for a lady friend he met in the states). While in Scandinavia, Charles spent the next nine years managing rock bands and concert tours throughout Europe, including the famed Danish duo, The Ravonettes. Wining and dining while on the road became a catalyst for his passion of wine, which ultimately triggered the career he has today.

In 1999, he moved back to the United States, specifically to the Pacific Northwest, opening a wine shop on Bainbridge Island, just across the Puget Sound from downtown Seattle. On a road trip in late 1999, he passed through the small town of Walla Walla and met a young Frenchman and winemaker. The two men discovered their common passion for great Syrah and Charles was eventually convinced to move to Walla Walla and make his own juice. In 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first wine, the 1999 K Syrah. The Walla Walla Valley was now his home.

After a devastating freeze in 2004, Charles brought to life a label he had once in a dream: House Wine. Low and behold, the label concept had never been created or trademarked, so Charles launched the legendary brand before selling it to Precept Brands in 2006. That same year, Charles started a second brand, Charles Smith Wines. The brand was themed as “The Modernist Project,” which focuses on the way people generally consume wine today: immediately. The intent was (and still is) to create wines to be enjoyed now, but with true typicity of both the varietal and the vineyard.

A self-taught winemaker, Charles is a true artisan and a pioneer in the wine world. In 2008, K Vintners was recognized by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of the “Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years,” and as “Winery of the Year” in their annual buying guide. In 2009 Food & Wine magazine awarded Charles “Winemaker of the Year” and in 2010 Seattle Magazine recognized Charles as their “Winemaker of the Year.”

Charles Smith

www.charlessmithwines.com

Tony Stewart – Quails Gate

Stewart Family – Quails Gate

Tony Stewart – Owner/Founder of Quails Gate

Tony Stewart

The Stewart Family are a third-generation BC winemaking family with more than sixty years of outstanding wines under their belt. The family owns Quails’ Gate winery in the Okanagan Valley.

Quailsgate Winery

They have just announced the acquisition of California’s prestigious Envolve Winery from sibling proprietors Mike, Kate and Chris Benziger and Ben Flajnik.

The two veteran multi-generation wine growing families became acquainted when the Stewart family joined the Sonoma community in 2012 with the acquisition of Glen Ellen’s Madrone Estate Winery, Valley of the Moon wines, and Lake Sonoma Winery.

Tony is Chief Executive Officer of the Stewart Family–owned winery business. His vision and guidance have been instrumental in the growth of Quails’ Gate and Old Vines Restaurant to what it is today: internationally respected as one of the leading wine producers and culinary experiences in BC.

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

TacoFino – World Domination, one taco at a time

Chef Ned Bell – Where you at?

The story of Mike Grgich – He could have been one of us

Fort Berens/Blue Grouse/Nagging Doubt

Bruce Cockburn. Talking music and wine

July 30th, 2016 – Garagiste North

July 27, 2016 00:50:40

hello

It’s Garagiste North 2016 in Vancouver.

GAR-aH-Jeest NOrTH…

Picked by London Financial Times as one of the top five new festivals in the world!

Anthony Buchanen. KRAZE LeGz. Nighthawk. Saxon. Seven Directions. Les Dames. Black Cloud. River Stone . BC Wine Studio. Roche. Marichel Forbidden Fruit . Symphony. Black Market. Niche. Black Cloud. Kitsch Wines.

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THE SHOW

Welcome to Garagiste North: The Small Guys Wine Festival! http://www.garagistenorth.com/

Wise Hall

What is a garagiste? (gar-ah-jeest). It started out in France (of course) where it was a derogatory phrase for those avante garde and crazy mavericks making wine in their garage and outside the highly regulated system. Gradually and grudgingly came the acknowledgement that something really interesting was happening with these small case lot artisan wines, and a movement was born.

They bring together the small guys. Wines produced from 100% Canadian grapes and under 2000 cases total production annually.

It’s been said that some of these winemakers and blending artists will change the way BC wines are made in the future. They have no restrictions..they think outside the box and they have unlimited passion for their craft.

Under the radar? Yup. Some even choose to stay under the radar and challenge all of us to FIND THEM.

Terry Meyer Stone – Co-Organizer (Anarchist Mtn) 250 cases. Osoyoos www.anarchistvineyard.com

Anthony Buchannan Wines – Anthony Buchannan 135 cases Penticton.

Ron Hammersley – Black Market Wine Co. 580 cases. 580 cases. Oliver www.blackmarketwine.com

Bradley Cooper – Black Cloud 450 cases. Penticton. www.blackcloud.ca

Mark Simpson – BC Wine Studio. 750. OK Falls www.bcwinestudio.ca

Mireille Sauve – Les Dames Wines. 500 cases. Vancouver. www.thewineumbrella.com

Richard Roskell – Marichel Vineyards. 1200 cases. Naramata. www.marichel.ca

Daniel Bibby – Nighthawk Vineyards. 1868 Cases. OK Falls www.nighthawkvineyards.com

Daniel Bibby

Steve Venables – Forbidden Fruit. 1850 cases. Cawston. Similkameen. www.forbiddenfruitwines.com

Gerry Thygesen – Kraze Legz @ SKAHA Vineyard. 1990 Cases. Kaleden www.krazelegz.com

Paul Graydon – Saxon. 1450 cases. Summerland www.saxonwinery.com

Ted Kane – River Stone Estate Winery – 2000 cases. Oliver www.riverstoneestatewinery.ca

Dylan Roche – Roche Winery. 460 cases. Penticton. www.rterroir.ca

Daniel Bontorin – Seven Directions Wine. West Kelowna. www.sevendirectionswine.ca

Shelly Thompson – Sagewood Winery. 500 cases. Kamloops. www.sagewoodwinery.ca

Lamont Brooks – Symphony Vineyards – 1202 cases. Saanichton www.symphonyvineyard.com

: Mireille Sauve

: Terry and Jennifer

: Ted Kane – Riverstone

: Team Roche

: Richard Roskell

: Anthony Buchannan

The next Garagiste North is in Penticton Sept 18^th

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Chef Ned Bell- swims with the fishes
What was the stand out wine of the summer?
Summer in Fanny Bay

July 23rd 2016

July 22, 2016 00:50:53

hello

A master class in Portugal’s gift to the Wine World – Vino Verde

With Iain Phillip (Barbariain Wine) and Mike Bernardo (Vij’s)

Charles Smith – The Dark Prince of Walla Walla and one of America’s most successful and original Vintners.

He asked that we meet at a foot massage palace call Footopia

Tony Stewart – leads the joining of Quails Gate, Benziger and Envolve wineries

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

THE SHOW

The attraction was twofold.

In addition to formal training, Iain also does seminars and tastings for private and corporate clients outside the wine industry.

Vine Verde – pours on the day

Mike Bernardo

Vinho Verde is pronounced veeng-yo vaird.

Vinho Verde does not mean ‘green’ wine. ‘Verde’ refers to it being a young wine; the wines are released 3-6 months after harvest.

Vinho Verde wines are made from the combination of carefully selected varietals. Recommended white varietals include Alvarinho, Avesso, Azal, Arinto, Loureiro, and Trajadura.

Wines that were poured –

Via Latina Loureiro 2015

100% Loureiro. Crisp and refreshing with, green apple with floral notes.

Quinta da Aveleda 2014

A blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho. Beautifully crisp and summer refreshing.

Qunita de Azevedo 2014

95% Loureiro and 5% Pederna.

Pluma Alvarinho 2015

100% Alvarinho. Fabulous and very friendly. You’ll like this one.

Do Marques Arinto 2015

100% Arinto. Great nose with citrus and tropical fruit notes.

http://winesofvinhoverde.com/

http://www.barbarianwine.com/

www.vijs.ca

Charles Smith

charles smith wines

Charles Smith

www.charlessmithwines.com

Tony Stewart – Quails Gate

Stewart Family – Quails Gate

Tony Stewart – Owner/Founder of Quails Gate

Tony Stewart

The Stewart Family are a third-generation BC winemaking family with more than sixty years of outstanding wines under their belt. The family owns Quails’ Gate winery in the Okanagan Valley.

Quailsgate Winery

They have just announced the acquisition of California’s prestigious Envolve Winery from sibling proprietors Mike, Kate and Chris Benziger and Ben Flajnik.

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Next Week – The Garagiste Small Guys wine tour – 2016

The best “under-the-radar” wineries in BC.

July 16 – Provence Rose

July 16, 2016 00:50:41

hello

Rose is on a World Wide Roll and leading the charge is Provence.

We talk to the President and Marketing director of Wines of Provence.

Then we pair their Rose with the food of Chef Dino Renaerts.

Meet Scotsman Norrel Robertson the only Master of wine in Spain and the
wines he creates.

The Crown Prince of Sonoma Randy Ullom from Kendall-Jackson

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THE SHOW

Provence Rose

Provence has been a leading wine region in France for generations and is
known for its specialty in making Rosé wines. The popularity of Provence
Rosés has grown to represent 5.6% of worldwide Rosé production and an
average of 141 million bottles of AOC Rosé produced each year.

Perfect for patio sipping or pairing with any cuisine, Provence Rosés are
versatile, fresh, pale in colour, dry and affordable.

Provence is the oldest French wine region and Rosé is the oldest known wine.
The region has a rich rosé tradition (over 2600 years long), and winemakers
today are the beneficiaries of the region’s collective knowledge and
time-honored techniques.

Since rosé is a delicate wine and one of the most difficult to produce with
success, these long-established traditions remain entirely relevant. The
area’s deep-rooted rosé culture goes a long way toward explaining why the
world’s best rosés still come from Provence.
Rose line up

A Rosé wine can be made from red or white grape varietals, but most commonly
red. Traditionally, the skins of a red grape are allowed brief contact (2-20
hours) with the grape juice but not enough to impart the colour or tannins
that would qualify it as a red wine.

Guests:

The President of Provence Alain Baccino.

Valerie LeLong – Marketing and Communications Wines of Provence

Based in Côtes de Provence, Mr. Baccino is a wine producer, with his family,
at the Domaine des Peirecedes in Pierrefeu.).

Valie LeLong – has the best job in Wine. Period.

Wines tasted –

LES SOLEILLADES 2015 $18.99

SABLES D’AZUR GASSIER 2015 $16.99

TERRES DE SAINT LOUIS 2015 $18.99

Twitter: @VinsProvenceCA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VinsWinesProvenceCA/

Web: http://ww.vinsdeprovence.com/

Dino Renaerts, Partner and Executive Chef (Bon Vivant Group)
Dino Renaerts - Bon Vivant

Dino Renaerts has firmly established himself as one of the west coast’s
culinary leaders. Born, raised, educated and trained in Vancouver, Renaerts
has built a prolific career spanning over two decades that has seen him cook
in a clutch of the city’s finest restaurants. Today, Renaerts applies his
talent, passion and vision to his role as partner in The Bon Vivant Group,
serving discerning clientele across the Lower Mainland.

A love of wine inspires Renaerts’s cuisine. In 1999, he was the first Red
Seal chef in Canada to become a Certified Sommelier through the
International Sommelier Guild, where he finished top in his class.
Renaerts’s expertise in oenology earned him the runner-up Sommelier of the
Year award at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival in 2006
and 2010.

We found Dino cooking like crazy at 39th and Cambie..matching his food with
the Wines of Provence.

http://www.bonvivantgroup.ca/

Norrel Robertson Master of Wine/El Escoces Volate (The Flying Scotsman)

Norrel Robertson

The Scottish Volante’, the name of oenological company founded by Master of
Wine Norrel Robertson in DO Calatayud, refers not only to its traveling
status as consultant to numerous Spanish wineries, but summarizes the long
journey of this British enologist. From the commercial sector wine, Norrel
Robertson has traveled the most important wine regions of the world learning
development processes to finish settling in Calatayud, where he decided to
make the most of the excellent potential offered by the grape variety
Garnacha in this area Aragon center.

You only have to see the landscape and these old bush vines to be swept away
by the romanticism of a Scotsman making cutting-edge wines in the central
region of Aragón. This is the heart of Garnacha country where Norrel, who is
a self-confessed Garnachista, realized the tremendous potential of this
varietal in this region.

His wines are very singular and fully express the terroir from which they
hail.

Norrel came through Vancouver and at Bodega on Main he proudly poured his
Anciano wines..I believe the last three are available under $20.00. Think
about it. Great wines.. Aged..affordable

· Anciano Tempranillo 2013

· Anciano Garnacha 2014

· Anciano 2009 Reserva, 5 Years

· Anciano 2006 Gran Reserva, 7 Years

· Anciano 2004 Gran Reserva, 10 Years

And watch for his own personal wines..

The Cup & Rings owes its English name the Scottish winemaker NORREL
Robertson, who under the name El Escoces Volante (The Flying Scotsman)
produces wines from several regions of Spain. The label shows the symbols
that are found in petroglyphs in, among other Galicia. His Albarino, after
two years in gærresterne, the wine become very rounded, almost oiled, in
the mouth feel so that the acid does not feel intrusive in any way, rather
slightly understated.

Like a Riesling – only better.

http://www.escocesvolante.es/about.html

Kendall-Jackson/Winemaker Randy Ullom

“I look at all of the vineyards we own, and all of the individual lots of
wines that we make, and the thousands of barrels we have sitting in our
cellar and sometimes I think, you gotta be kidding me! After I’ve
sufficiently recovered from my daily panic attack, I take off my coat, dig
in my heels and take it one barrel at a time. It’s a rewarding job that I
love.”

Randy Ullom

Hired by Jess Jackson in 1992 as Winemaker for some of our smaller and
international vineyards, Randy was handed his most prestigious assignment in
1997 – Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson Winery.

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Randy became interested in wine during a
three-year stay in Chile, while on sabbatical from college in the early
1970s. His stay inspired a cross-country trek through Chile’s vast
wine-growing regions. On his return to the United States, he entered Ohio
State University to study crop production with a specialty in Viticulture
and Enology and received his degree in 1975.

After six years as a vineyard manager and Winemaker in Ohio and upstate New
York, Randy moved to California to become associate Winemaker at De Loach
Vineyards in Sonoma County. He was promoted to Winemaker and Vice President
in 1991. The wines produced during his tenure were consistent gold medal
winners at wine competitions.

Dude looks like a Sherriff from Dodge City..Oversees the growing and
creating of 5 Million cases of wine from 35 labels. (check their website
below)

His job includes working with wines grown in Sonoma, Chile, Bordeaux,
Australia and Italy.

This is a fun interview..with lots of information on their wines. We love
these wines..and why not? They take such great care in their craft!!

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

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Bruce Cockburn – music and wine

Master class on Portugal’s Vino Verde

Charles Smith – an afternoon at Footopia

July 9th, 2016-The Food… The Neighbours!

July 8, 2016 00:50:41

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.

Sean in front of The Mac

“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

: Thor Paulson

: paul grunberg

: Savio Volpe Paul.Mark.Craig.

: Lisa Haley

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.

savio volpe

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

July 2nd, 2016 – Vancouver International Wine Festival-Hour 2

June 30, 2016 00:50:40

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:

Ben Glaetzer – Amazing Australian winemaker
Norwalk Robertson – Spain’s only Master of Wine and his wines
kd lang
Vino Verde – Portugal’s white wine
Summer Rose Special
Chef Dino Renaerts

Weekly Show

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THE SHOW

Eric McCormack – Traveller

Here are Pam’s choices..

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

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

Listen to RAW Interview here:

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON;

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THE SHOW

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

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

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

Ben Glaetzer – Winemaker at Glaetzer Wines (Barossa Valley)

Lick Your Plate – Authors Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

Charles Smith

Tony Stewart – Quails Gate

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

Charles Smith

Tony Stewart – Quails Gate

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

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THE SHOW

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

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THE SHOW

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON: