May 9th, 2026- Tony Holler & Poplar Grove/Jordan Kubek Bottleneck in Bloom and Pamplemousse
hello
Poplar Grove 
Discovering Spring Wines Everywhere. This Week Polar Grove & Summerland/Pamplemousse.
The SHOW
Tony Holler is the co-owner and driving force behind the very successful Poplar Grove Winery on the Naramata Bench.
Tony Holler
He made his yearly visit to Victoria and Vancouver Island. Polar Grove has a lot of wine fans and club members all over the Island.
I convinced him to stop by for a chat on his way “up island’ and the conversation took place at our kitchen table.
Tasting Room Radio began in a studio on the Naramata Bench in 2006. Out of my French barn doors I could see the tile roof of Poplar Grove. Many of my first wine lessons took place under that roof with the original owners Ian Sutherland and Valeria Tait.
When Tony and his family purchased Polar Grove, I was lucky to watch the amazing growth right in front of me. Combined with a solid new restaurant, the winery became a “must visit” destination. Over 3 decades PG has become widely known for expressive whites, elegant rose and beautifully balanced Bordeaux blends
On this visit , Tony was telling tales of the new 2025 Spring Releases.
2025 Pinot Gris. Pale straw in colour. Flavours of stone fruit, tropical fruit and strong finish.
93% Pinot Gris 3% Muscat, 3% Viognier, 1% Chardonnay.
2025 Rose – what a field blend. 36% Malbec, 24% Cab Franc, 4% Chard, 3% Muscat, 3% Pinot Gris. Now that is a Rose.
2022 – CSM. 39% Merlot, 27 % Cab Franc, 17% Cab, 13 Syrah, 4% Malbec. Can you imagine?
Notes of cranberry, blackberry and a jammy mix. Delightful! Complexity and texture add to blend. Wine Align – Gold, SF Wine Awards – Gold!
Second Guest – Jordan Kubek is Chair of the Bottleneck Drive Winery Assn. (Summerland) and a partner/winemaker at the astonishingly original winery Pamplemousse.
Summerland comes alive with Bottleneck in Bloom on the May long weekend.
The 19 wineries and several ciders have partnered with local florists and greenhouses.
Each winery is working on baking with floral elements or wreath making. The Grand Sommelier Express train is back for its 10th year. The headline message is Bottle Neck Drive is open for the season!!!
The second half of the interview with Jordan is about her passion project Pamplemousse Jus Wines.
Jordan Kubek
For example:
Table White – a blend of chardonnay, riesling and gewurztraminer. Unfined and unfiltered.
Foch Nouveau – Marachel Foch. Wild, juicy. Think blueberry bubblegum.
Leon Millot – Pet Nat. One of a kind sparkling wine. Fresh and crisp. Dr. pepper flavours.
St Kats – 100% traditional method Pinot Noir sparkling wine. Made from their home block with some of the oldest pinot noir plantings in BC. 1000 bottles made.
STORIES WERE WORKING ON:
Bartier Brothers
Naramata Bench annual pour in Vancouver
Township 7
Clos du Soleil
Barnyard natural wines (Victoria)
Quails Gate
