Tasting Room Radio

41st Van Wine Fest features California Wines – So Do We! THE SHOW Thursday Feb 28 Tasting Room Radio sets up a mobile studio at Vancouver International Wine Festival to record 35 winemaker interviews. It’s the wine version of an All-Star Game. First half: all Californian Second half  Canada, mostly BC. Those interviews will run for the next several weeks. We’re starting by going back to last week’s wine stars. In order to get everyone into the show plus include The Somms and Oscar specials I had to edit their interviews down to a hand full of minutes. Not This Week. Here are the feature interviews with: Joel Peterson – Ravenswood. Chief Winemaker & The Godfather of Zin. Inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame. One of the leaders in preserving the heritage Zin vines of California. Joel is a true California winemaking Icon and a tremendous person. https://www.ravenswoodwinery.com/ #VIWF IS ON Melissa Stackhouse – Meiomi. Head Winemaker The name Meiomi means “coast” and the brand’s winemaker, Melissa Stackhouse works with coastal vineyards to create one of the most popular Pinots in Canada (and of course The USA)   Born and raised in Michigan, Melissa worked for a number of years at a newspaper in Bellingham, so she’s familiar with Vancouver and its food scene. Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California Davis and her wine career was started. She worked her way through cellars at La Crema, J Vineyards Winery and Clos de Bois. That’s a lot of harvests. I’m really looking forward to her plans for Meiomi Bubble. https://www.meiomi.com/ Tom Gore – Farmer and Winemaker Tom Gore Vineyards Tom Gore is a second-generation grape farmer from Sonoma County and from the time he learned to walk, he was stomping alongside his dad, getting dirty and taking care of the grapes. For Tom Gore, farming isn’t a profession, it’s a way of life. His family helped develop the vineyards of Northern California into a world-class winemaking region, and Tom’s childhood was spent among the vines.     He has worked every harvest since he was seven years old, and has always known farming grapes would be his life’s work. He also has a wicked sense of humor. He’s funny. His wines are serious. https://www.tomgorevineyards.com/ Mark de Vere Robert Mondavi Wines Who better to speak to the history and legacy of Robert Mondavi than Master of Wine Mark de Vere? Robert Mondavi was one of just a handful of California winemakers who became a household name in the 20th century. He and his wife Margrit were one of the founding families of the wine culture in the Napa Valley. Some would argue, the founding family. One of their original vineyards To Kalon is considered equal to a Grand Cru vineyard. Google Robert Mondavi. It’s a huge story. And even though it’s not yet imported into Canada, try to get your hands on their Cab Franc. WoW! NEXT WEEK – 12 of the very best wine stars from California (Part One) STORIES WE ARE WORKING ON: 41ST Vancouver international wine festival 18 Californians. Winemakers and Owners And 15 Canadians. Winemakers and owners Uncorked and Untapped in Parksville Black Hills pours new releases. La Stella leans Italian! Vancouver Somms Okanagan Falls Wineries pour new releases in Vancouver Brigitte Raye Orto Astisan Pasta (bad dog bread) North Vancouver

Here Come “The Californians” and The Oscars   THE SHOW   This edition of Tasting Room Radio has a little bit of everything. Interviews with the wine stars of  Mondavi, Tom Gore, Ravenswood and Meiomi. Four Sommeliers have recommendations for 41st Vancouver International Wine Festival (starts Saturday) Kurtis Kolt (Georgia Straight) Kristi Linneboe (L’Abattoir) Kelcie Jones (Chambar) and Somm of the Year Matt Landry (Stable House Bistro) And we finish with Film and Wine. It’s Oscar weekend (Sunday).  Gary and Hayley Hamilton Cogill created a Podcast that focuses on film and wine because that’s what they both specialize in. Gary’s picking the winners and so is Hayley.   Melissa Stackhouse   Chief Winemaker  Meiomi https://www.meiomi.com/   Melissa brings a unique vision and spirit to her role at Meiomi.   With as much zeal and enthusiasm as when she first started out in the industry, Melissa aspires to create wines that are meant to be enjoyed while laughing and sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. While laidback and easygoing by nature, Melissa has an extensive and impressive background at some of California’s top wineries, including: La Crema, J Vineyards & Winery, Jackson Family Wines, and Clos du Bois.     Tom Gore Owner/Winemaker Tom Gore Vineyards https://www.tomgorevineyards.com    Tom Gore is a second-generation grape farmer from Sonoma County and from the time he learned to walk, he was stomping alongside his dad, getting dirty and taking care of the grapes. For Tom Gore, farming isn’t a profession, it’s a way of life. His family helped develop the vineyards of Northern California into a world-class winemaking region, and Tom’s childhood was spent among the vines. He has worked every harvest since he was seven years old and has always known farming grapes would be his life’s work. As Tom is most proud of explaining what he does as a farmer—connecting people to the earth and telling the story of where the wine comes from. The work of a farmer.     Joel Peterson Founder  Ravenswood Zins The Godfather of Zin https://www.ravenswoodwinery.com In 1976 Joel founded Ravenswood in partnership with fellow wine lover Reed Foster, a Harvard MBA. In 1977, he’d left his job in San Francisco and moved to Sonoma to work in the clinical lab at Sonoma Valley Hospital. He didn’t quit that job until 1992, a few years after the winery turned its first profit and Robert Parker pronounced Ravenswood wines “first class – bold, dramatic and complex.” Today, Joel works with 100+ northern California growers who provide grapes for Ravenswood. Ravenswood is one of the few wineries that has had the philosophical and winemaking skill of one winemaker for over 30 years.  That  contributes to a consistency of quality and style rarely found in California. Joel is a current member and former president of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance (S.V.V.G.A.) and is on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Vintner. He is a founding Board member and former two-time President of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (Z.A.P.). Joel is also a Senior Vice President with Constellation Wines US. He is also a member of the Vintners Hall of Fame. A great guy and a true friend to all of us.   Mark de Vere – Master of Wine For Robert Mondavi Winery. https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com     41 years ago, when the first wine festival took place… Robert Mondavi was the first and only winery attending.

Here Come “The Californians” and The Oscars   THE SHOW   This edition of Tasting Room Radio has a little bit of everything. Interviews with the wine stars of  Mondavi, Tom Gore, Ravenswood and Meiomi. Four Sommeliers have recommendations for 41st Vancouver International Wine Festival (starts Saturday) Kurtis Kolt (Georgia Straight) Kristi Linneboe (L’Abattoir) Kelcie Jones (Chambar) and Somm of the Year Matt Landry (Stable House Bistro) And we finish with Film and Wine. It’s Oscar weekend (Sunday).  Gary and Hayley Hamilton Cogill created a Podcast that focuses on film and wine because that’s what they both specialize in. Gary’s picking the winners and so is Hayley.   Melissa Stackhouse   Chief Winemaker  Meiomi https://www.meiomi.com/   Melissa brings a unique vision and spirit to her role at Meiomi.   With as much zeal and enthusiasm as when she first started out in the industry, Melissa aspires to create wines that are meant to be enjoyed while laughing and sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. While laidback and easygoing by nature, Melissa has an extensive and impressive background at some of California’s top wineries, including: La Crema, J Vineyards & Winery, Jackson Family Wines, and Clos du Bois.     Tom Gore Owner/Winemaker Tom Gore Vineyards https://www.tomgorevineyards.com    Tom Gore is a second-generation grape farmer from Sonoma County and from the time he learned to walk, he was stomping alongside his dad, getting dirty and taking care of the grapes. For Tom Gore, farming isn’t a profession, it’s a way of life. His family helped develop the vineyards of Northern California into a world-class winemaking region, and Tom’s childhood was spent among the vines. He has worked every harvest since he was seven years old and has always known farming grapes would be his life’s work. As Tom is most proud of explaining what he does as a farmer—connecting people to the earth and telling the story of where the wine comes from. The work of a farmer.     Joel Peterson Founder  Ravenswood Zins The Godfather of Zin https://www.ravenswoodwinery.com In 1976 Joel founded Ravenswood in partnership with fellow wine lover Reed Foster, a Harvard MBA. In 1977, he’d left his job in San Francisco and moved to Sonoma to work in the clinical lab at Sonoma Valley Hospital. He didn’t quit that job until 1992, a few years after the winery turned its first profit and Robert Parker pronounced Ravenswood wines “first class – bold, dramatic and complex.” Today, Joel works with 100+ northern California growers who provide grapes for Ravenswood. Ravenswood is one of the few wineries that has had the philosophical and winemaking skill of one winemaker for over 30 years.  That  contributes to a consistency of quality and style rarely found in California. Joel is a current member and former president of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance (S.V.V.G.A.) and is on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Vintner. He is a founding Board member and former two-time President of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (Z.A.P.). Joel is also a Senior Vice President with Constellation Wines US. He is also a member of the Vintners Hall of Fame. A great guy and a true friend to all of us.   Mark de Vere – Master of Wine For Robert Mondavi Winery. https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com     41 years ago, when the first wine festival took place… Robert Mondavi was the first and only winery attending.

We have four  stories for you.  A primer of the next VanWineFest, also advance notice on the 3rd BC Cider festival and a check in on the  wildly popular Oyama Sausage at Granville Market.  Joanne Sasvari editor of Vitis will pair wines with Oyama’s legendary offerings.   And we finish with Bob Blue, Winemaker at Bonterra plus winemaker of a Bourbon aged Zin called 1000 stories.  He’s one of the stars at this year’s Wine Festival.    The SHOW  Harry Hertscheg  – (Executive Director of 41st Vancouver International Wine Festival)    Vancouver International Wine Festival has been described as “the largest wine festival in the Americas” with 25,000+ admissions. It is Canada’s premier wine show and widely considered to be one of the best wine events in the world. At age 41, it is also among the oldest. Its slogan is “The Wine World is Here”. For the past six years, VIWF has been voted the #1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event in Canada by New York’s BizBash. This is Harry’s second visit in row. It’s because he can now talk about The Stars who will be appearing and pouring. From Gina Gallo and Jean- Charles Boisset to Joel Peterson (Ravenswood) Genevieve Janssens (Winemaker Mondavi) Randy Ullom (Kendall Jackson) Christine Coletta(Haywire) John Skinner (Painted Rock), the first pouring on Aquilini Red Mountain Wines and many more. Harry has the goods.   By-The-Numbers  41st annual (founded 1979) 8 days, Feb 23-Mar 3 (Bacchanalia Gala, Feb 23) 25,000+ admissions 16 countries 160 wineries; including 53 from featured region California 54 events (20 are California events) 1,500 wines projected, including an estimated: 42,000 bottles poured and/or purchased.   https://vanwinefest.ca Shawn Pisio – (Organizer/Co-Founder of BC Cider Week)    When he’s not organizing BC Cider Week, Shawn and his team run TXOTX – (pronounced Choech)  which is Basque for “to drink cider from a barrel” One of the  highlights of 2018 was attending, tasting and doing interviews at The Pipe Shop, foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver. It’s one of the few shipbuilding rooms still standing. 30 plus cider makers all pouring their very best. So many stories and tales. Cider has just exploded in popularity.  One of the people responsible is Shawn Pisio (and Rich Massey) who has a passion for cider than knows no bounds. So, just like the VanWineFest, the BC Cider Week is fast approaching from April 26th to May 5.  The last day,  May 5th,  is the third gathering of cider makers at The Pipe Shop 300 Vancouver early bird tickets sold out in 45 minutes. Shawn is here to tell you all about it. http://bcciderfest.ca/ Jerome Dudicourt  (Manager of Oyama Sausage. Granville Market\ Joanne Sasvari (Editor of Vitis and Vancouver Eats cookbook)  Most line-ups are a pain but at Oyama you need the wait time to check out every square inch of food displayed in the coolers..glorious cheeses, amazing sausages, pate to-die-for, smoked wild Boar, Porcini Mushroom pate, Toulouse Sausages, sweet ham, game everywhere. The signage is fun and informative. Our first guest is Jerome Dudicourt, the manager & trained chef who speaks of his store  like it’s priceless, which it is. And then Joanne Sasvari the editor of Vitis  comes into the picture with her wine choices to go with Jerome’s specials. From Vancouver Island to the Okanagan Valley, B.C. wine is rapidly gaining global attention for its quality, diversity and innovation. Vitis aims to capture the excitement by telling the stories of wineries and the passionate people that own and operate them, as well as offering accessible insights into the finer points of wine and current ...

The debut of Aquilini Red Mountain Wines.THE SHOWWe start with Harry Hertscheg  Executive Director of the 41st Vancouver International Wine Festival.Harry HertschegHarry brings the first of two updates on this years event. (Feb 23- March 3)https://vanwinefest.ca/Barry Olivier – President/Brands Aquilini WinesBarry Olivier – AquiliniBackbreaking days laying bricks and hauling mortar up rickety scaffolds; young Luigi Aquilini knew he had to find a better means of supporting his family. In 1957, Luigi left his hometown of Brescia, Italy and travelled to North America seeking a new life.Through strong relationships, saving his wages, and a legendary work ethic, the bricklayer struggled up the ladder – wooden and corporate – doing whatever it took to provide for his wife and three young sons. As his children came of age Luigi brought Francesco, Roberto, and Paolo into his now-thriving construction company.For three decades they grew the business as a family; diversifying from building skyscrapers, to farming blueberries, to purchasing NHL Hockey Team, the Vancouver Canucks in 2006.Francesco and LuigiFor these four entrepreneurs, fine wine was a lifelong passion and a natural unity of the pillars on which they’d built their empire: construction, farming, and entertainmentFrancesco Aquilini sought out Barry Olivier, a fine wine importer notorious for scouting up-and-coming producers.Francesco and his brothers had trusted Olivier to build their own cellars for years, and now they recruited him for the ultimate task: create the World’s Next Great Wine.The opportunity suddenly emerged in November 2013 with the most high-stakes land auction in Washington Wine History.670 acres of completely unplanted former Government Land on Red Mountain was on the block, and competition was fierce.Over 40 wineries from across America came to Washington looking for a piece of the Mountain.Though this was the last virgin acreage on Red Mountain, to acquire and develop that much vineyard all at once was risky.Luigi and his sons made the call. The Aquilinis outbid the room for the entire 670 acres.In just 24 hours, the family had become the largest landowner in the AVA.An overnight turn that left the Pacific Northwest wine community wondering “Who is Aquilini”? Philippe Melka joined as Consulting Winemaker. Heralded as one of the most influential wine consultants in the world. Bordeaux-born, Melka apprenticed at Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Petrus, then crossed the Atlantic to electrify the Napa Valley, working with icons like Quintessa, Bryant, Fairchild and Hundred Acre.Philippe Melka – WinemakerAquilini Wines are  headed to the Vancouver Wine Festival to introduce themselves to Canada.They’ll be pouringAquilini Horse Heaven Hills Syrah Rose 2017Aquilini Red Mountain’s Grand Vin is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon The Second Wine, Aquilini Red Mountain Family Blend,. The Family Blend is constructed of varying levels of Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot and occasionally Petit Verdot. Here’s a first taste with Barry Olivier. www.aquiliniredmountain.com STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON Vancouver Wine Festival The CaliforniansBC showcases at Wine festBC Sommeliers speak out Okanagan Falls wineries pour new releasesUnplugged/Uncorked 

THE SHOW It’s Super Bowl Weekend! Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole from Sports Centre at TSN are paying their annual visit to The Tasting Room. They began as a humble sports pairing at TSN and we heard from them 7 years ago before yet another Super Bowl. Then they headed for Fox Sports One in LA only to be shown the door several years later but not before guesting on yet another Super Bowl Tasting Room Radio.   There are some saying that it was their appearance on TRR that hastened their exit.  Not True. It was Jan and Dan’s appearance on Hollywood&Vines TV with Jason Priestley and myself that did them in. Upon returning to TSN, we were told by their “people” that J&D would never again guest  on Tasting Room or H&V. Several weeks ago I reached out to Onrait and O’Toole in the hopes they would relent. They didn’t exactly relent but they simply forgot ever having been on either show.  So we’re good. Jay and Dan will take us through: The Game The Food The Swill The Odds Their Podcast The Jannies Jay and Dan Direct. I was going to ask them for some of their favorite music tracks but when Dan said “Play Dean Martin”  I shut that down Right Away. https://www.tsn.ca/jay-and-dan/podcast  Mira Tusz and Daniel Dragert–  Co-owners/Winemakers at Kutatas (Salt Spring Island)  This is the first in a series of features on new wineries around the Province that we think you may want to know about. (working title The Chase) Mira and Dan realized a dream when they recently bought Mistaken Identity Vineyards on Salt Spring Island. Dan had been the winemaker at Averill Creek in the Cowichan Valley and Mira had been working in the vineyards at Unsworth, also in the Cowichan. I discovered their wines at last year’s Locals Only event that Rich Massey throws at Edible Canada, Granville Island. The wines were outstanding. I mumbled something like “who ARE these guys and how did they pull this off”? Currently,  a majority of their small production comes from 3 acres of Pinot Noir and Ortega in  Deep Cove/North Saanich, on Vancouver Island. These blocks are managed sustainably. Most of the vineyard is dry farmed to limit yields, restrict berry size and express terroir. They personally hand tend the vineyard to ensure they achieve the highest possible quality. Now they have their own vineyard and we’re the lucky ones who’ll be tasting their wines in years to come. Mira and Dan are redesigning their new Tasting Room … so we huddled in the cellar and tasted the whites and reds. Pinot Noir Rose Ortega Pinot Gris Plus 2 different Pinot Noirs  (Clone #114) (whole cluster and de-stemmed) Also, a Bubble program is in the works. Keep an eye and nose on  Kutatas (Koo Tah Tash) They hope to be open on Valentine’s Day  Feb 14th https://www.masseywines.com/kutatas-wines/ STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON: The Californians Vancouver Wine festival OK Falls pours in Vancouver Aquilini. Red Mountain Wines      

2019 Victoria Whisky Festival and Awards –  Year 14“This year’s Victoria Whisky Festival occurred just as Canadian officials were conducting prohibition-style raids, confiscating whisky bottles in bars in Vancouver and Victoria.Beyond this, however, the festival features top-level whiskeys and master classes, and serves as a focal point for the latest revival of Canadian whiskies from large and smaller independent operations alike now gaining momentum.”Forbes Magazine ( 10 Whisky Festivals that you have to go to if you love whisky) This special is another journey of discovery for me.Growing up I had no idea that whisky even existed and now I’m trying to discover what makes whisky such a favorite to millions of people worldwide.It helps that there are no dog whiskeys in Victoria. Quite simply they showcase some of the very best whiskeys ever made.Canada is right in the middle of the whisky boom. They have retaken their place in the whisky world after years of so-so releases.A number of our guests are directly responsible for bringing back Canadian Whisky to World-class levels. My thanks to Heather Leary for her support with this project.  Our pal Corey Wood recorded all of the interviews and bottle shots As seen below:Iain HooeyIain Hooey is a founder and organizer of the Victoria Whisky Festival.Davin de Kergommeaux Davin is Chairman of the Judges for the Canadian Whisky Awards and author of Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert. A certified Malt Maniac he has been writing and talking about whisky for over two decades.Don Livermore      J.P. Wiser’s Master Blender Don Livermore has an MS and Ph.D in Brewing and Distilling from Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University. Don’s whiskies received numerous medals at the  Canadian Whisky Awards and J.P. Wiser’s was awarded Distillery of the YearJohn HallMaster Distiller John Hall founded Forty Creek Distillery, pioneered Canadian Whisky’s return to prominence in the United States and Canada. Hall was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Whisky Awards in 2015.Tish Harcus  Tish Harcus is brand ambassador for Canadian Club, marking 30 years of bringing this whisky to the world. Canadian Club was a finalist for Canadian Whisky of the Year – their 41-year-old received the award for best Connoisseur Whisky Domestic at  Canadian Whisky Awards. They also took home several medals.Allisa Henley        Distiller –  Sazerac  TennesseeSazerac  owns Buffalo Trace and Barton 1792 in KentuckyJust a few years ago Henley was employed as distiller at the George Dickel Distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee, a facility still capable of making more than two million proof gallons of whiskey each year.But in 2015, Allisa accepted a position at a new distillery in northeastern Tennessee, built to make Popcorn Sutton’s whiskey.There, Henley and partner John Lunn made distillate according to a recipe developed by legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, essentially a bourbon mash bill (corn, rye,

Winter White Wines – If they exist, what are they?  THE SHOW It was a comment about a year ago. Almost blew by me. A winemaker used the phrase “I’m making Winter Whites”. I’m sorry – what?   “A Winter White – what is that? Well,  it’s a white wine that has enough texture and mouth feel to pair with Winter roasts, stews, soups, root vegetables etc. OK..what whites have that ability?” That’s where the whole idea got started.  This hour is dedicated to focusing in on white wines than can carry their weight through the Winter. I sought out winemakers and wine experts who could explain Winter Whites and then recommend wines we could get our hands on. Our guests include: Chris Rielly – Head Sommelier at (David Hawksworth’s)  Nightingale Restaurant in Vancouver https://hawknightingale.com/ Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson – Drinks Editor Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winealign.com/profile/43820-Ben-MacPhee-Sigurdson Kurtis Kolt – Georgia Straight Wine Writer http://www.kurtiskolt.com/ Rhys Pender – Master of Wine  https://www.mastersofwine.org/en/meet-the-masters/profile/index.cfm/id/dfb8a043-5e4b-e211-a20600155d6d822c Michaela Morris – Wine writer and judge  https://michaelamorris.ca/ Jason Parkes – Winemaker The Hatch https://thehatchwines.com/  Valeria Tait – GM and Winemaker at Bench 1775  https://www.bench1775.com/ Kathy Malone – Winemaker at Hillside https://www.hillsidewinery.ca/ If you join us for the hour you will indeed find out that Winter Whites do exist and we’ll tell you which wines to look for. Here’s Chris Rielly’s List 2016 Clos du Soleil Capella Sauvignon Blanc/Semillion Similkameen Valley 2013 Haywire Vintage Bubb Okanagan Valley 2016 Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris Alsace France 2016 Pietradolce Carricante Etna Bianco Sicily Italy 2017 Yalumba “Y” Series Viognier South Australia Aus Here’s Ben’s List:   Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne (McLaren Vale, Australia) $23 Everything Wine Guigal 2016 Cotes du Rhone white (Cotes du Rhone, France) $29 Everything Wine 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8 % Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 2% Grenache blanc. Torres 2017 Esmerelda (Catalunya, Spain) $16.99 BCLDB Moscatel and Gewurztraminer, spice and stone/tropical fruit with a hint of sweetness. Testalonga Baby Bandito “Keep on Punching” Chenin Blanc (Swartland, South Africa) The Winemakers have lots of suggestions. FYI – One name that pops up three times is Ava from Le Vieux Pin. STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON New small wineries to watch. Van Wine Festival The Californians Aquilini Family . Red Mountain wines. Victoria Whisky Festival Kutatas- Salt Spring Island    

Year Seven of The Four F’s (Food. Fishing. Fluids and Friends) As all good things sometimes do..it started with a “what if”.  What if I put together some of my food and wine friends who loved fishing – and we all went fishing together but we also brought along wines we wanted to share and food we wanted to cook?  Except for several years when one of them was just too damn busy,  the friends line up has been pretty much the same. Here are some links on “the friends” Basically, these are gents and artists you would love to hang with.   Chef Mark Filatow  Waterfront Bistro  (Kelowna)  https://waterfrontrestaurant.ca John Weber – Orofino Wines (Similkameen)  https://www.orofinovineyards.com/about-2/ Rhys Pender – Little Farm Wines (Similkameen) and Master of Wine.  http://littlefarmwinery.ca/ The really interesting thing with this group is that at times the fishing is EVERYTHING. Then the Wines become EVERYTHING. Then the food becomes EVERYTHING.   We dive into all three with a shared passion that seems to know no bounds.   For example – Fishing – Except for this year we have always fly fished in the interior of BC. Skitchine Lodge, Cathedral Lakes, 7  Half Diamond Ranch , Tunkwa Lake. This year we head for Campbell River on Vancouver Island and some Salmon Fishing. Our home base was the gorgeous Gowlland Harbour Resort on the jewel known as Quadra Island, just off downtown Campbell River. And most importantly,  our guide was one of the very best Mark Stewart from East West Charters in Campbell River. http://eastwestcharters.com/ So, here’s Mark with a boat build for four..now holding 5. As the rods went off..all four reaching for the now bouncing rod. Surprisingly, it all went very well thanks to Mark Stewart and his 28 years of experience. We caught and released lots of wild coho..kept one hatchery coho. John caught a Spring and everyone caught sockeye and pinks. We were chased by dolphins who surfed in the wake of the boat as we cut through the water. Exhilarating! We tasted Moscato d ‘Asti for breakfast..memorable. Wines – We each like to bring wines that we think the group would find interesting. A grand total of 22-25,  depending on who you talk to. Wines from Croatia that Mark brought back from his summer trip there. I brought a Viognier from France John from Italy and Orofino. Rhys from EVERYWHERE. Palo Portado for one A Spectacular Education. Food – Chef Mark has always traditionally brought to these trips his gift of making something truly special from an assorted bag of goodies. We know there will always be two Tomahawk Chops from Two River Meats in North Vancouver. He’s usually chosen to cook these on an open campfire but this year we had the luxury of a BBQ. (In the Dark) The rest of the meal started with a charcuterie board that was outstanding  It truly challenged the wines.. Including N’Duja made from #cheamviewranch pork from @tworiversmeats and @medleyorganics espelettes Salad..exploded on the plates. Lobster mushrooms with toasted corn gnocchi and glazed delicata squash. I dream about these meals..before and long after. Let me finish by thanking those who helped make this wonderful trip happen. The guys for one.  They all are busy. John and Rhys were just starting their vineyard harvest. Mark Filatow may be the busiest chef in the Okanagan. A minor miracle that they freed up. Thanks go out to Mark and Anita Stewart. A formidable Team –  Son and Mother.  

Year Seven of The Four F’s (Food. Fishing. Fluids and Friends) As all good things sometimes do..it started with a “what if”.  What if I put together some of my food and wine friends who loved fishing – and we all went fishing together but we also brought along wines we wanted to share and food we wanted to cook?  Except for several years when one of them was just too damn busy,  the friends line up has been pretty much the same. Here are some links on “the friends” Basically, these are gents and artists you would love to hang with.   Chef Mark Filatow  Waterfront Bistro  (Kelowna)  https://waterfrontrestaurant.ca John Weber – Orofino Wines (Similkameen)  https://www.orofinovineyards.com/about-2/ Rhys Pender – Little Farm Wines (Similkameen) and Master of Wine.  http://littlefarmwinery.ca/ The really interesting thing with this group is that at times the fishing is EVERYTHING. Then the Wines become EVERYTHING. Then the food becomes EVERYTHING.   We dive into all three with a shared passion that seems to know no bounds.   For example – Fishing – Except for this year we have always fly fished in the interior of BC. Skitchine Lodge, Cathedral Lakes, 7  Half Diamond Ranch , Tunkwa Lake. This year we head for Campbell River on Vancouver Island and some Salmon Fishing. Our home base was the gorgeous Gowlland Harbour Resort on the jewel known as Quadra Island, just off downtown Campbell River. And most importantly,  our guide was one of the very best Mark Stewart from East West Charters in Campbell River. http://eastwestcharters.com/ So, here’s Mark with a boat build for four..now holding 5. As the rods went off..all four reaching for the now bouncing rod. Surprisingly, it all went very well thanks to Mark Stewart and his 28 years of experience. We caught and released lots of wild coho..kept one hatchery coho. John caught a Spring and everyone caught sockeye and pinks. We were chased by dolphins who surfed in the wake of the boat as we cut through the water. Exhilarating! We tasted Moscato d ‘Asti for breakfast..memorable. Wines – We each like to bring wines that we think the group would find interesting. A grand total of 22-25,  depending on who you talk to. Wines from Croatia that Mark brought back from his summer trip there. I brought a Viognier from France John from Italy and Orofino. Rhys from EVERYWHERE. Palo Portado for one A Spectacular Education. Food – Chef Mark has always traditionally brought to these trips his gift of making something truly special from an assorted bag of goodies.

It’s the return of Top Drop 2018.  A dozen World class wineries you should know about! Top Drop – Two shows in one. When I first pulled out the microphone I promised myself I wouldn’t go crazy and try to talk to all 40  wineries pouring at The Roundhouse in Vancouver. The 6th TOP DROP 2019 will happen May 23/24th. But it was the Fifth Top Drop and it was the Liquid Love Child of Kurtis Kolt. Kurtis Kolt Kurtis is a wine educator, wine judge and wine columnist for The Georgia Straight. When it comes to wines, he absolutely knows what he’s talking about.  Anyway, I again got carried away and did 12 interviews and this time  put them into one complete show. Top Drop Vancouver returns  with a continued focus on sustainably-farmed, handcrafted wines offering a distinct sense of place, without heavy-handed winemaking trickery to get in the way. This is what this fine small wine festival believes in. 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.  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 very best in those areas. An Astonishing gathering of wine professionals.  Check out all the guests and details * Kurtis Kolt – Organizer and wine ambassador & educator. Wine writer for The Georgia Straight. * Paul Leary – President Blackbird Vineyards  (Napa) * David Scholefield – Wines of Chile * David Patterson – GM and Winemaker at Tantalus (Kelowna) * Justin Fair-weather – Partner. Alpha Box and Dice (Australia) * Jane Ferrari – Winemaker. Ambassador Yalumba (Barossa. Australia) * Jay Drysdale –  Owner/Winemaker Bella (Naramata Bench) * Simon Black – Winemaker Montalto (Australia) * Virginie Taupenot –  Taupenot-Merme   (France) * David Amadia – President of Ridge Vineyards  (Sonoma) * Beth Novak Milliken – President of Spottswoode  (Napa) * Mark Vlossak – Owner and Winemaker at St. Innocent Winery.  (Willamette Valley, Oregon) STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:   New wineries to watch for.

The Wine Diva Brings The Lists VanWineFest & Randy Ullom: Kendall Jackson (Sonoma)    THE SHOW    Daenna van Mulligen is The Wine Diva. Daenna tastes over 2000 wines throughout the year and reviews many of them for her website and various publications. All of the wines we’ll talk  about on this episode can be found  tasted and rated at www.winediva.ca and www.winescores.ca   There are many more to be found there. (For your convenience we’ve added the wines we talked about below, as well) Daenna loves her lists.  As long as I’ve know her she’s been making sensational wine lists. For this week’s show she’s ready to talk about * Top 100 (under $20) * Top 50   (Over $20) * Bubbles   Top 100 ($20 and under) *  Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Gewurztraminer, British Columbia * Harper’s Trail ‘Thadd Springs Vineyard’ Rose, British Columbia * Santa Carolina ‘Carolina’ Reserva Pinot Noir, Calsablanca Valley, Chile * Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Muscat ‘Rock Pocket Vineyard’, Okanagan Valley BC * Masi Passo Doble, Tupungato Argentina   Top 50 (Over $20 & 91 pts) *  Rust Wine Co. Syrah, Okanagan Valley, BC * Vanessa Vineyard Meritage, Similkameen Valley BC * Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California * Tantalus Vineyards Old Vines Riesling, Okanagan Valley BC * Bartier Bros. Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley BC   Bubbles (From The Queen of The Bubbles) * Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Blanc de Blancs, Okanagan Valley $40 * Meyer Family Vineyards Method Traditionnelle Extra Brut, Okanagan Valley $40 * Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards ‘Fitz’ Brut, Okanagan Valley BC  $33 * Chandon Rose Brut, California  $32.99 * Vaporetto Brut Prosecco DOC, Veneto Italy  $18.99 * Bride Valley Vineyard Brut Reserve, Dorset, UK  $47.00   www.winediva.ca www.winescores.ca    Harry Hertscheg  – (Executive Director  41st Vancouver International Wine Festival) Vancouver International Wine Festival has been described as “the largest ...

Three Questions for Wine  Experts – Wine/Trends/Gifts THE SHOW   DJ Kearney –  Global Wine Consultant. Sommelier. Educator (New District) -Wines of the Year  (see lists below) -Trends from 2018 heading into 2019 -Wine Gifts that work for everyone. It’s fair to say, there are a lot of year end lists going around. Films, books, foods, albums and of course wine I thought I’d jump into the season with Three Questions I wanted to ask. Then I got lucky. I was able to find Rhys Pender.  Master of Wine  (last week) And then in quick succession DJ Kearney and Kurtis Kolt. Both top flight wine consultants and educators. DJ has been teaching about wine as long as I have known her. She currently consults for NewDistrict.ca and many others. She organizes the annual Judgement of BC competition. If there’s any judging to do, she’s always first call. Here’s DJ’s recommended Wines of the Year DJ Kearney’s hit list: @djwines BC choices: Haywire Free Form Sauvignon Blanc 2016 – #10 in Decanter Magazine’s most exciting wines of 2018  (natural) Martin’s Lane Fritzi’s Vineyard Riesling 2015 $75.00 winery direct Ricco Bambino Syrah 2017  – $55.99 NewDistrict.ca – 2018 silver medal winner at the Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards – 11.7% alcohol which makes this lean and lithe, classic cool-climate Syrah. Corcelettes Micro Series Pinot Noir 2016  $36.00 New District Deep Roots Syrah 2016 $35 winery Canadian choices: Benjamin Bridge – any and all sparkling wines! Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc – New District $44.99 Closson Chase The Brock Chardonnay – BCL  $23.50 Global highlights: Champagne Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV – $69.99 BCL – everything done by hand even for the NV! Emiliana’s Coyam from Chile $29.99 BCL – this is a go-to gift every year. Biodynamic and delicious. White Bordeaux:  Clos Floridene 2015 for $39. At BCL – wonderful, gently oaked Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon for the dinner table or host gift China – Silver Heights at BCL – check this out – China is making wonderful wine and I hope we get access to more and more of the good ones Uruguay – Bodegas Garzon is an amazing project on the coast – Alberto Antonini is the consulting winemaker and the range is thrilling. Look for the Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc, Marselan, Tannat!  The astonishing Reserve Tannat is at the BCL for $24.99,

Road 13 & Gotham create a wine/Dan Wright @Unsworth/Rhys Pender Wines of the Year Also,  everyone answers three questions -Wine of the Year -Trends of 2018 -Wine Gifts THE SHOW   Joseph Luckhurst – GM Road 13 (Golden Mile) Much to talk about with Joseph. Blending  in-house wine for Gotham/Hy’s.  Answering our three questions, walking us through their new releases Jackpot Syrah –  Bronze Nat Wine Awards  2016  $43.48 Blind Creek Viognier – Gold Nat Wine Awards  2017  $18.49 Seventy-Four K –  2017  $25.99 ($2 off in December at BC Liquor Stores) And last but not least – The surprising sale of Road 13 to Anthony von Mandl Family of Wines. Sam Jonnery – Wine Director, Gotham Steakhouse Steve Schmeitenknop – Beverage Director, Hy’s of Canada (was there opening night) Megan Buckley – COO, Hy’s of Canada & Gotham’s opening GM Earlier this year, the  team from Hy’s and Gotham visited with Road 13 Vineyards, the 2018 Canadian Winery of the Year, to craft a proprietary red wine exclusively for Hy’s of Canada’s three British Columbia restaurants. Working carefully with Road 13, they created a  gorgeous blend that perfectly compliments Hy’s and Gotham’s  menus. The wine: named 18-six-18,  was added to their  wine lists in early December. It’s a great blend from Road 13’s Blind Creek Vineyard in The Similkameen. 34% Merlot. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon. 5% Petit Verdot. 15% Malbec Notes of Cassis, Black fruit.  In the mouth, a sense of black pepper, sage, dark chocolate, anise and more. Only available at the three BC restaurants. In addition, Gotham will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in early 2019 and we get some stories on those years. Gotham is famous  for being the home away from home for visiting hockey teams, film and music stars. Megan brings perspective on the 20 years of Gotham and how much the restaurant business has changed in Vancouver in those 20 years. Sam and Steve talk about creating their blend and then an...

Two of BC’s best Fitz Family & Tantalus plus Two Women who should run the World Jane Ferrari and Jann Arden   THE SHOW   Jane Ferrari –  The voice of Yalumba (Barossa, Australia)   Jane is one of the World’s great storytellers and Yalumba is one great story. Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family owned winery. Right off the top, Jane tells the gripping story of how the family and staff saved the winery many years ago. The very best part of this story is that Yalumba make sensational wines – for the world. Canada’s has been a Yalumba fan for years. The other story to watch for is when its founder Samuel Smith left Dorset England  in 1847 and found himself in Victoria, BC.  He  fell in love with the location but felt he had to move on to find a land for his vines. In 2010, Wine Enthusiast named Yalumba ‘New World Winery of the Year.’ “The world of wine is a big family and I like it for many reasons. It’s hellishly competitive in a commercial sense, but the Antinoris, Dujacs, Faiveleys, of the world and the Pol Rogers, Browns, Tyrells, Felton Roads, – they are all inspirations.”  Robert Hill Smith – Yalumba –  Fifth Generation Owner  The world of wine is a big family and I like it for many reasons.  https://www.yalumba.com/  Gordon Fitzpatrick – Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards (Summerland/Peachland. Take your pick)  Gordon Fitzpatrick is well known to  Canadian wine fans.  In 1986 his family started Cedar Creek  Estate Winery and 8 years later they bought Greata Ranch located on the  main highway between Peachland and Summerland. In 2014 Cedar Creek was sold to the Von Mandl Family and Gordon made serious plans for Greata Ranch, which had been somewhat forgotten over the years. A mere 4 years later Fitzpatrick Family Wines have become a destination for fresh whites and a serious house of bubble. I found Gordon on the back deck overlooking the Chardonnay and Pinot Vineyards and Okanagan Lake. Congratulations again to the complete team that helped to create a rising star in Canadian Wine.