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The first of several One Hour Specials recorded  in March during a two week wine blitz through New Zealand’s wine regions,  with special interest in their amazing sustainability programs. In this special we start in Auckland and conclude in Hawkes Bay.   

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THE SHOW

 The opportunity was just too good to pass up. For a number of years I’ve been interviewing NZ winemakers as they passed through Canada. The meetings were great but I had no sense of the land. Where these wines were grown and under what conditions. Kiwi’s kept referring to Gimblett Gravels, a place called Nelson, Central Otago and Waiheke Island. I very much wanted to “get it”. To complete my understanding of what went into the astounding success of New Zealand wines – in Canada and around the World.

The invite from Wines of New Zealand  to tour the country was Waaaay to good to pass up. 94% of all NZ wines are farmed under sustainable practices. It’s not so much a program as a way of life. New Zealanders are all about being green. Just a note:  I seem to have done enough interviews for at least 2 other specials. They’ll be coming over the next month and a half.

Our guests include: Sarah Szegota   New Zealand Winegrowers   www.nzwine.com  Rob Meredith/Connie Festa  Co-Owners of Peacock Sky Vineyard (Waiheke Island)  www.peacocksky.co.nz

Beautiful hilltop vineyard, wonderful Bistro. Rob’s retired and works 7 days a week. Connie’s from Montreal. Cooks like her Mom. Staying on Waiheke Island..just off the coast from Auckland..we visit Mike Spratt at Destiny Bay, maker of only three wines.  three Bordeaux influenced red blends..one of which,  Magna Praemia,  is the most expensive wine in NZ.  Mike, his scientist wife Ann and winemaking son Sean lead a stellar team.  http://www.destinybaywine.com/ In between both those Waiheke island wineries we talk to our “host” Phillip Manson, the man in charge of New Zealand’s Sustainability efforts.

He’s proud of New Zealand’s reputation. So he should be. www.nzwine.com Before we leave the dormant volcanoes of beautiful Auckland we visit just one more winery. The most awarded winery in all NZ – Villa Maria!!  www.villamaria.co.nz Sir George Fistonich has spent five decades at the forefront of New Zealand’s wine industry that he helped develop. As an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves such as moving to 100% screw cap through to the emphasis on sustainable practices in every area of the family owned company. Villa Maria Estate was named the supreme winner at the New Zealand Sustainable Business Network awards in November 2012
 

We start with David Roper/Winemaker. Then Fabian Yukich, in charge of wineries and vineyards and finally, the man himself, Sir George Fistonich.      [divider] Hawkes Bay is a short flight from Auckland. http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/ Hawke’s Bay’s long, hot summers and cool winters offer the best weather for growing grapes. The climate is dry and temperate. Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its horticulture with large orchards and vineyards on the plains.   Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and this has made it one of the country’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – but also with some quite stunning whites.   They are working on being the Syrah Capitol of NZ.  www.winehawkesbay.co.nz/ [divider] Pask Winemaker and Managing Director Kate Radburnd is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winemakers. She commands an international reputation for her extensive record of award winning wines and her vision and contribution to the industry. Kate holds the role of Deputy Chair of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, has been a Director of the Wine Institute of New Zealand and New Zealand Winegrowers since 1999, and is Chair of Judges at New Zealand’s oldest wine competition, the New Zealand Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. Kate has also been instrumental in the development of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand program and led Pask to be among the first group of wineries in the country to secure ISO environmental accreditation.

Kate  spent five years as Chair of the SWNZ advisory/working group, which at that time saw the introduction of the winery programme under the scheme. Four of her  labels command the wine world’s attention Declaration Gimblett Road Roy’s Hill Kate Radburnd  Loved this interview..Enjoy!!  http://www.pask.co.nz/ [divider]    In Our second New Zealand Special we will attempt to  include Elephant Hill Trinity Hill Selini Estates Mission Estates Winery (all in Hawkes Bay) TeMania Kono (in Nelson) Spy Valley Yealands Stoneleigh Brancott  ( all in Marlborough)  
 

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

David Lebovitz – My Paris Kitchen Bill Jones – The Dearholme Foraging Book The 2014 California Wine Tour Naramata Bench wine tour BC Vintage 2013 – 6 BC wineries Heartland from Australia

hello

This special starts back in Vancouver with a quick chat with Sebastian LeGoff, Service and Wine Director at Cactus Club Cafes. Until April 30 – a dollar from every desert goes to Make-A-Wish. We just wanted to remind you as the days are flying by. And then…it’s off to Argentina and an All-Star line-up. Steven Spurrier, DJ Kearney, Paul Hobbs and  Bruce Schoenfeld 

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Spectacular Argentina

THE SHOW When we last left our media bus it was leaving Patagonia and head for the airport and a flight to Mendoza. The Crown Jewel of Argentina. The first voice you hear will be that of our Host. Magdalena Pesce from Wines of Argentina. www.winesofargentina.org She reminds us of Canada’s place in the World of Wine. Almost 10% of all Argentine wine sales happen here. We LIKE this wine, this place and these people. Then it’s off to three character people and three wonderful wineries Jose Manuel Ortega – O Fournier. http://www.ofournier.com/ Candid, forthright, direct, focused, unreserved: all these describe both him and his wines. All based in one of the most striking wineries anywhere. Roberto Timms – Deumayen Wines  http://www.bodegasdeumayen.com.ar/

Where to begin. Three high profile businessmen including Roberto  created this new winery. They then created a label called Trez, named after the partners initials. Trez makes  a reserve Malbec that picked up  92 Points from Rob. Parkers website. Deumayen is pronounced Dayo-Mahgen. They also release a Petit Trez and distribute a Tokaj from Hungary. [divider] Pablo Cuneo – Ruca Malen


Ruca Malén’s dream began in 1998, when Jean Pierre Thibaud left the chairmanship of Bodegas Chandon in Argentina after 10 years of service. He met Jacques Louis de Montalembert who had also forged an outstanding career in the winemaking industry in his hometown, Burgundy and both men soon discovered that they shared the same dream: to start their own winery in Mendoza. The result was Ruca Malén; a winemaker’s paradise at the foot of the Andes range. Bodega Ruca Malén can be defined by three key words: style, elegance and distinction. The Director pf the winery and lead enologist is our guest.. Pablo Cuneo www.bodegarucamalen.com     Nadia Fournier – Montreal Journalist Guide du Vin.  French version of Wine Align

There were four wine journalists on this trip. Nadia arrived from Montreal and brought with her a bright, fresh approach to wine writing. This interview happened in the back on a taxi. Thus the various noises and rumbles. Salute!! https://twitter.com/NadiaFournier     [divider] Three of the judges.  DJ Kearney – Judge and Wine Expert. Vancouver.   Wine Educator, straight shooter, friend.

Deej gives us a overview of Canada’s relationship with Argentina’s wines. https://www.internationalsommelier.com/services/dj_kearney   Steven Spurrier – Consultant Editor Decanter Magazine

Famous the World over for being the man who created the Paris Tasting of 1976 between the wines of France and the wines of California. When the Yanks walked away with the top prizes it signaled to the rest of the wine world that indeed you can make great wines in places OTHER than France. The film Bottleshock is loosely based – very loosely – on this moment in time. Mr Spurrier was judging on behalf of Decanter magazine.  www.decanter.com   Bruce Schoenfeld – Wine and Spirits Editor  Travel and Leisure Magazine. Over 1 Million readers follow Bruce’s writing.

There’s a lot of opinion and information in this interview. A wonderful overview of Argentina and its wines. http://www.travelandleisure.com/       [divider] And finally… Paul Hobbs – Vina Cobos /  Paul Hobbs Wines. http://www.paulhobbsimports.com/

Paul Hobbs was already well on his way to being one of California’s top wines when he accepted an invitation to visit Chile and Argentina. In Paul’s words “ Over the twenty years that I have been working in South America, I have had the thrill of helping spark an Argentine winemaking revolution that has brought worldwide attention and prestige to the region. As a consultant, I have seen this trailblazing spirit take root in other South American countries, resulting in improved quality and the emergence of a variety of new and intriguing winemaking ventures.”   And that’s where we leave this Argentine Special part 2.  I’m thinking there may be even more interviews hidden within all we did while there. When I find those stories..I’ll pass them along.   My thanks to Wines of Argentina, Dana Lee and Monica Ralphs in Canada for their support.   
http://www.winesofargentina.org/noticias/ver/2014/02/22/argentina-wine-awards-2014-el-jurado-selecciono-los-mejores-vinos-argentinos/

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 [divider]

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

The wineries of Okanagan Falls pour through Vancouver. Bill Jones and the Deerholme Foraging Book Wines for Spring from Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva        

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Confused over BC wine laws? Join the Club.
We talk to lawyer Mark Hicken. John Clerides and The Wine Diva.
We talk to one of the finest creative  chefs in the World.  Ferran Adrian from Spain’s El Bulli.
I’m joined at Barbara Jo’s Books to Cooks by Chefs Vikram Vij and Quang Dang.
We talk to Chris Turyk of Cowichan Valley’s  Unsworth Vineyards.
James Cambridge from the Frazer Valleys Backyard Vineyards
Daniel Bontorin from The Okanagan’s only Rose specialty house  Seven Directions
And as a very special guest – Matt “Blue Buck” Sekeres from TEAM 1040 Vancouver.

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[divider]

THE SHOW

Matt  Sekeres hosts  the mid-day show on Vancouver’s Team 1040. As such, he’s opinionated, influential and entertaining.

We talk sports of course but also his Mom, the most memorable single broadcasting  day he could remember, also  wine and the fact that he’s a flat out Blue Buck beer man  through and through.
www.team1040.ca
[divider]
Yes, the wine laws are slowly changing in British Columbia but so is the weather. Actually the weather is waaaay ahead.
Some of the dumbest bureaucrats in Canada are controlling most  of the aspects of food, wine, beer, spirits and lifestyle in BC.
For example..one of the changes involved wine available at grocery stores..except they can’t be within 1 km of an existing licence. Which means only two stores qualify. Nice going. What a gong show.
CBC radio gathered a panel and listeners last week to talk about all the elements in play here.
I went backstage and talked to
Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva  www.winediva.ca
 

Mark Hicken – Vintage Law Group and Modernise Wine  BC   www.vintagelaw.com  
John Clerides – Marquis Wine Cellar. Also Modernise Wine BC   www.marquis-wines.com
www.modernizewine.ca
 
 
If you’re looking for clarify amid the confusion please join us.
[divider]
On a recent Sunday morning I attended a book-signing with Ferran Adrià, of elBulli, widely regarded as the world’s best restaurant until its closure in 2011.  We were gathered to  celebrate his new collection of books: elBulli 2005-2011: A Journey Inside the Creative Process of the World’s Greatest Chef. 
Raw Interview Here:


The chef is  credited with revolutionizing the culinary landscape and widely lauded as one of the most inventive gastronomic pioneers of the 21st century was in  North America to promote his new cookbook.
The Cala Montjoi restaurant in northern Spain snagged the title of world’s best restaurant five times by editors and experts at Restaurant magazine, and at its height received more than two million reservation requests a year for 8,000 available seats.
ElBulli shuttered in 2011, a legend in culinary mythology.
 
When I walked into Barbara Jo’s Books to Cooks in Kitsilano Ferran was in a great conversation with chefs  Vikram Vij and Quang Dang.
I just turned on the recorder and had at it.
Questions and answers had to be translated from Spanish to English and back again but the message did get through.
For those of us who never tasted the man’s culinary genius..this may be as close as we get.
FYI – I recorded his talk to the room..at just over an hour. You can listen to this exclusive audio. Please  find it posted on our website.
www.elbulli.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferran_Adri%C3%A0
 
[divider]
 
Three very entertaining guests finish off the show.
Chris Turyk, Brand Ambassador for Cowichan Valley winery – Unsworth!! The maker of one of the best Rose in Canada.

They’re growing by leaps and bounds..and it’s important to stay in touch with this  fine new winery.
HOW they got so good so quickly is a story that I’ll be following.
[divider]
Speaking of Rose…

Jason Priestley

 
6-7  years ago Jason Priestley and myself shot Year One of our wine show  Hollywood and Vines TV in the South Okanagan.
We made it a priority to visit Le Vieux Pin. We had been charmed by the GM Tony Buree and by their wines.
The highlight was meeting winemakers James Cambridge and Daniel Bontorin who poured us a Rose of such class, we knew the Okanagan had “arrived”.

Years later I decided to find out where James and Daniel had gotten to.
James is the winemaker at Backyard Vineyards in the Frazer valley. www.backyardvineyards.ca
 
 

…and Daniel has his own label – Seven Directions – based at Volcanic Hills in West Kelowna.  www.sevendirectionswine.ca
Daniel’s only making one style of wine – ROSE.  And you have to watch for it..because there’s less than 100 cases this year.
So. Two winemakers to keep an eye on..watch for their work. It’s the future in a glass.
 

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[divider]

NEXT WEEK

  
Part Two of our Argentina Tour.
We’ll travel and talk to the winemakers in Patagonia and Mendoza. Then finish at the Argentine Wine Awards with
Steve Spurrier, Paul Hobbs, DJ Kearney and many many more.
 
 
 

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The British Open takes place this weekend. Our first guest is golfing legend Dick Zokol, Director of Golf Operations at BC’s Predator Ridge. Right in the middle of BC wine country Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva – has part 2 of her Summer BBQ wines. Jim Cuddy (Jim Cuddy band/Blue Rodeo) returns to the show. Talking his wild summer and Ontario wines. Spencer Massey the man behind the wonderful wines of Clos du Soleil And we finish with the one and only Vikram Vij..we find the celebrated West Coast chef..working the streets in front of his new food truck.

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[divider]

THE SHOW

Dick Zokol It’s the weekend of the British Open and we wanted a golfer to kick off the show. Not just any golfer. We loved the idea of asking Dick Zokol.  Canadian golfing legend and director of Golf at BC’s Predator Ridge..located in BC’s wine country.

Yes, we talk golf, the Brit Open and even Tiger’s game. Oh yeah..we do talk local wines. http://www.predatorridge.com/
 
 
 
[divider]
Are you looking for new wine? Are you looking for wines that have been tasted by The Wine Diva and approved for pairing with anything you BBQ this Summer? Its Part Two of her latest list and As always, Daenna van Mulligen brings The Wine Diva with her. 
Daenna Van Mulligen

 
21. Frescobaldi ‘Pietraregia dell’Ammiraglia’ Riserva Morellino di Scansano Italy, 2008 – (BC – $27.99 )
22. Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley California, 2009 – (BC – $39.99 )
23. Graham Beck ‘The Game Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Robertson South Africa, 2009 – (BC – $19.99 )
24. Maggio Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Lodi California, 2009 – (BC – $18.99 )
25. Masi Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese, Veneto Italy, 2008 – (BC – $19.99 )
26. Nederburg ‘Winemaster’s Reserve’ Shiraz, Western Cape South Africa, 2009 – (BC – $12.99 )
27. Quails’ Gate Merlot, Okanagan Valley, 2009 – (BC – $24.99 ; Winery – $24.99 )
28. Rodney Strong ‘Knotty Vines’ Zinfandel, Northern Sonoma California, 2009 – (AB – $16.00 + price will vary; BC – $23.99 ; ON – $22.95 ; Yukon – $25.90 )
29. Roodeberg Western Cape South Africa, 2010 – (BC – $11.99 )
30. Sandhill Cabernet~Merlot, Okanagan Valley BC, 2009 – (BC – $19.99 )
31. Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley Chile, 2008 – (BC – $15.99 ; AB – $12.00 + price will vary; ON – $13.95 ; Widely Available – $13.00 to $16 across Canada)
32. Secco~Bertani Ripasso Valpolicella Valpantena, Veneto Italy, 2009 – (BC – $21.99 )
33. Skulls Shiraz, South Australia, 2008 – (BC – $19.99 )
34. Tenuta Guado Al Tasso ‘Il Bruciato’ DOC Bolgheri, Tuscany Italy, 2008 – (Quebec – $27.95 ; AB – $20.00 + price will vary; BC – $34.99 )
35. Terra Andina Carmenere~Syrah, Central Valle Chile, 2010 – (BC Private Wine Stores – $9.00 + price will vary; AB – $7.00 + price will vary)
36. Terre degli Svevi ‘Re Manfredi’ Aglianico del Vulture DOC Basiliicata Italy, 2007 – (BC – $19.99 )
37. The Grinder Pinotage, Western Cape South Africa, 2010 – (BC – $14.99 )
38. Tolaini Al Passo, Tuscany Italy, 2007 – (BC – $29.99 )
39. Tscharke Barossa Gold Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia, 2010 – (BC – $19.99 )
40. Wine Men of Gotham Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, 2008 – (BC Private Wine Stores – $13.99 )
41. Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz~Cabernet, Robe Mount Benson Australia, 2009 – (BC Private Wine Stores – $37.00 + price will vary; ON – $34.95 )
www.winediva.ca
[divider]
Jim Cuddy Love that Jim Cuddy. Musician. Singer/Songwriter, Father, Hockey Player and wine drinker and collector. Blue Rodeo has just been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. They’re touring the summer away. And so is The Jim Cuddy Band, Jim’s side project. (They’re at Interstellar Rodeo next weekend) As I said at the beginning. Love that Jim Cuddy. Love his music and Love talking to him. Enjoy!! www.bluerodeo.com www.jimcuddy.com

 
 
 
 
[divider]
Clos du Soleil is a small artisan winery and estate vineyard on the South Similkameen Valley Upper Bench, one of the newest, most exciting emerging appellations in Canadian wine.

 
They produce premium quality wines in a Bordeaux style ! The Clos du Soleil team includes celebrated Canadian winemaker Ann Sperling and vineyard manager Jean-Felix Boulais, who have a passion for sustainable viticulture using both organic and biodynamic practices. Since its first yield in 2006, the limited-quantity Clos du Soleil wines continue to debut with startling accolades.
During his tasting and pouring visit to Vancouver we had a chance to sit and get the whole story from Team Leader Spencer massey. www.closdusoleil.ca
[divider]
Vikram Vij and his street cart … and finally Vikram Vij works the streets of Vancouver.

Vikram Vij with truck

 
 
He’s one of the most successful culinary personalities in Canada and yet he’s working the front of house at his new food truck on Georgia Street. Wait till you hear the man work the streets. The truck is called Vij’s Railway Express. It features the food you find in India’s bustling railway Stations.  Each week, it’ll be the food of another destination. One week Bombay, another Delhi and another might be Calcutta!! Sounds like fun right?
 
 

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As promised here’s our second hour of coverage from the floor of the  36^th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival!!
All the World – in One Hour.
 
This special is brought to you by TOWN HALL BRANDS.

 
 
 
 
Follow them on Facebook, on Twitter @ Town Hall Brands and at
townhallbrands.com.

 

THE SHOW

For the 6^th year in a row TRR sets up a field studio right in the middle of the 36^th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival.
 
The trade tastings are happening all around us. Plus, we’re surrounded by winemakers and principals from all over the World.

 
My Co-Host again is Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva  www.winediva.ca

 
 
 
 
 

Segment One

Matt Mavety – Blue Mountain (BC)

Quang Dang – Executive Chef at West (Vancouver)

John Simes – Chief Winemaker – Mission Hill (BC)

Sandra Oldfield – Chief Winemaker Tinhorn Creek (BC)

Daenna van Mulligan – The Wine diva

Segment Two

Matt Stamp – Master Sommelier.  (USA)

Rhys Pender – Master of Wine (BC)

Frank Pabst – Executive Chef at Blue Water Café (Vancouver)

Daenna van Mulligen – Wine Diva

Segment Three

Yoav Gilat/Cannonball (California)

John Concannon (California)

Craig McAllister/La Crema (California)

David Phillips/Michael David Winery (California)

Segment Four

Harry Hertscheg Executive Director Van Wine Fest

Mark deVere/Mondavi (California)

Samantha Rahn – Sommelier of the Year.   Araxi in Whistler

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva

 

Yoav Gilat Cannonball

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

A 10 day Argentine Wine Tour in One Hour
A 12 day New Zealand Wine Tour in One Hour
What’s going on in Niagara?
Ferran Adria – Is he the best chef in the World?
Unsworth in the Cowichan Valley keeps getting bigger and better.
Richard Dreyfuss. The star of Cas and Dylan.
 
 

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Actor Max Martini not only kicks off the show, he also closes it..with a World premier cocktail created by Mixologist Lauren Mote of Uva Wine Bar.
It’s called The Maximilian. (see below)
In between, we head for Vancouver’s East End to The Wise Hall, where all the Cider makers have gathered.
The Dark Prince of Walla Walla Charles Smith returns. So does the first female winemaker in Argentina Susana Balbo.
Enjoy!!

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[divider]

THE SHOW

Max Martini is one busy actor.

Currently he’s just finished shooting 50 Shades of Grey in Vancouver and is wrapping a new series Crisis, in Chicago.
We know Max from Saving Private Ryan, 4 years as a member of The Unit, Pacific Rim, Capt Phillips, Sabotage (the new Schwarzenegger film) and many others.
Max remains active in the theater, having co-founded the Theatre North Collaborative in New York City, a company of American and Canadian actors dedicated solely to producing new works from both sides of the border.
So, we got on the phone to talk movies, acting and , of course wine.
After I hung up..I had the thought that Max should have a cocktail named after him..guys name IS MARTINI after all.
I called Mixologist Lauren Mote at Uva Wine Bar in Vancouver. She’s the best. She also has a thriving company called Bitter Sling Extracts.
@bittered_sling @laurenmote
www.uvawinebar.ca

I asked if she would consider creating a cocktail based on Max’s character and characters.
After much thought Lauren came up with The Maximilian.
 

The Maximilian 

Max’s cultural identity and background gives him the best of three worlds; Canada, Italy
and the United States. this cocktail pays less attention to his obvious “gin, vermouth, ice,
stir, twist” martini of a last name, and focuses more on a regal and sophisticated first name.
i give you, the maximilian cocktail. drink this, with an authoritative and attractive square
jaw line, army garb and off we go – max martini everyone, max martini.
– shaken, neat, coupe, orange peel –

• alberta premium dark horse canadian rye whisky, aperol, amaro montenegro, lemon juice,
• bittered sling malagasy chocolate bitters
• 1.00 oz alberta premium dark horse rye whisky (any canadian rye whisky or american rye
• whisky will do as a substitute)
• 1.00 oz aperol
• 0.50 oz amaro montenegro
• 0.25 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes bittered sling malagasy chocolate bitters (sadly, there is no replacement for our
• amazing chocolate aromatic bitters)
• shake all ingredients vigorously with ice for 7-10 seconds. double strain into a chilled
• cocktail glass or coupe, and garish with an orange peel.

www.bitteredsling.com
[divider]
Charles Smith and Susana Balbo

An unlikely couple. I found them one at a time in the Tasting Room at the 36th annual Vancouver International Wine festival.
Luckily I’ve been to both wineries. Charles founded K Vintners in Walla Walla.
Grew up in California. Compelled to travel. Ended up in Denmark managing Rock bands (Ravonettes)
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, Christophe Baron. The two men discovered their common passion for great Syrah and Charles was eventually convinced to move to Walla Walla
Charles brought to life a label he had once in a dream: House Wine. 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.
The man also gave us Kung Fu Girl.
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.”
A true friend to this show, we welcome back the ever refreshing Charles Smith.
http://www.charlessmithwines.com/
 
Susana Balbo was the first female winemaker in Argentina.

In a country dominated by male winemakers, Susana Balbo stands out not only for her gender, but for her incredible skill and experience. She has been making wine since she earned her enology degree in 1981, and she has probably produced a wider variety of wines than any other winemaker in Argentina.
She makes Crios, Marco and Susana Balbo wines at Dominio del Plata in Mendoza.
This is a quick interview because Susana is part of our Argentina in an hour special on March 29th.
http://www.dominiodelplata.com.ar/?lang=en
 
[divider]
Cider is on the rise. I caught wind of a cider gathering at the Wise Hall in East End Vancouver.
The room had the same buzz as many of the smaller beer gatherings that have become so popular.
Stepping up to the microphone is Cider Monger Alex Fortin, Cris Ohama from Untapped and the grand old guy of Cider Rick Pipes of Merridale Estate Cidery on Vancouver Island.
http://www.merridalecider.com/
http://www.untapped.ca/

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[divider]

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

• Next week – Vancouver Wine Festival PART 2.
• Co-Hosted by Daenna Van Mulligen – The Wine Diva
• Matt Mavety – Blue Mountain
• John Simes – Mission Hill
• Sandra Oldfield – Tinhorn Creek
• Matt Stamp – Master Sommelier
• Rhys Pender – Master of Wine
• Yoav Gilat – Cannonball
• John Concannon – Concannon
• Craig McAlister – La Crema
• David Phillips – Michael David Winery
• Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director of the festival
• Mark deVere – Mondavi
• Samantha Rahn – Araxi
• Chefs Frank Pabst (Blue Water Café) and Quang Dang (West)
• On March 29th.
• The highlights on my 10 day food and wine tour of Argentina.
• 32 wineries visited. Over 300 wines tasted.
• The special concludes at the annual Argentine Wine Awards.
• Special guests
• Stephen Spurrier
• Paul Hobbs
• DK Kearney