August 30th, 2025Winemakers Kathy Malone – Hillside Estate & Rhys Pender Master of Wine – Little Farm (
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Winemaker Kathy Malone – Hillside Estate (Naramata ) and Rhys Pender Master of Wine – Little Farm (Similkameen)
THE SHOW
These have been troubling times in Okanagan Winemaking.
Two Winter cold snaps damaged many prized vineyards. Some of the same vineyards made a slow recovery with an assist from winemakers and vineyard crews. One thing is for certain; everyone is considering making wine with the best of whatever they can find.
This interview with Kathy is all about her finding grapes to work with.
I’ve tasted both of the wines below and was very impressed with the nose & deep taste but most impressed with the craft involved.
Blends they hadn’t considered in previous years came to life, this year.
Kathy covers a lot of territory in this engaging conversation. Enjoy!!
2024 Dickinson Vineyard Pinot Gris
I was shocked when I went to check out the Dickinson vineyard last September and found there enough fruit to harvest. I also found what looked like the entire starling population of the Okanagan. I immediately offered to replace the 18-year-old bird netting, to protect what could be the only wine made in 2024. The first white to be included in our “Single Vineyard” series, the grapes were given 2 hours skin contact before pressing, then fermented in a 3rd fill Tokay oak barrel. Followed by six months sur lies with frequent stirring. Splendid Release.
2022 Montage
Montage is an exciting new blend for us.
Think of this as Mosaic’s younger sister, a bit more modern and adventurous. Blended from Merlot from the Thomas, Occhi Dolci and Gjoa’s Vineyards (76%), Cabernet Franc (21%) from the Occhi Dolci and Cinwick Vineyards and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Howe Vineyard. While the 2022 is a blend of Bordeaux varieties, the intent is to use whatever varieties make the best blend.
Oh. this is a beauty. Fresh and engaging. Congratulations to everyone involved and Gold Star to Tightrope for the lively merlot. Delightful!!
Rhys Pender – Master of Wine. Educator. Judge. Co-founder of Little Farm Winery (Similkameen Valley)
Rhys Pender brings Master of Wine sensibilities to everything he does. Wine+ courses, judging Decanter and Wine Align National Wine Awards, Winemaking at Little Farm Winery and perhaps his greatest achievement, becoming a new Father. Congratulations to all!
It makes sense in the wine world that if a MOW is making the wines, get your hands on some. However, when the same maker is compelled to push the edge of what wine is, then you may want to keep an eye on exactly what she/he is up to.
Pied de Cuve (A Foot of Tank) is the name on a series that Little Farm makes. It’s described as like a sour dough starter for wines. Little Farm ferment their wines in neutral barrels , with wild yeast, unfined and unfiltered.
The real deal.
If they’re available, they make a pied de cuve Chardonnay, Riesling, an orange which seems to disappear upon release and a release called cabernets.
Rhys takes us through Crafted in BC, the new generation of wine drinkers who aren’t showing up and our wine world in general. Also a 2020 Chardonnay and 2021 Riesling.
The Non Vintage Rose which is wildly yummy. (Rhys says fresh and zippy)
It’s a combo of 2019 Riesling with Cabernet Franc. Ripe plums, raspberries, currants and lime zest. Long finish. This is NOT a poolside sipper. Its a “what’s for dinner?’ Rose.
Rhys talks about his Siliceous Chardonnay (rich in silica) Racy, intense, stony and spice. Sugars are gone so it’s is bone dry.
Rhys, with Alan Dickinson from Synchromesh, has launched The Riesling Project with star chef Angus An. Also very involved are Kurtis Kolt and GM Colin Schira.
Angus An has three very successful restaurants. Maenam, Mekong and Sainam. Each serve completely engaging regional Thai, Vietnamese and northeast Thai food. You need a very specific wine to match those flavors.
Rhys Pender and Alan Dickinson created such a Riesling.
At this point, only be found at those three restaurants.
Enjoy the interview. Have a wonderful Weekend
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON
Meyer Family/Mayhem Wines
Orofino
Tantalus
Fall Reds
Anthony Gismondi – The Nationals
