Tasting Room Radio

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 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. 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) 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

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 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. 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 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,

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.   THE SHOW Sean Reeve – Chef/Partner The MacKenzie Room 415 Powell 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. “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       TACOFINO – The Truck/The Story   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 Vict...

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!! THE SHOW       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.               Kurtis Kolt – Wine Columnist Georgia Straight. Educator and expert. www.kurtiskolt.com Rhys Pender  – Wine Plus Educator. Co-Owner/Winemaker of Little farm Wines www.littlefarmwinery.ca Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva. Columnist for Vines Magazine. Judge and expert.  www.winediva.ca www.winescores.ca   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 Adam Mettler  –   Winemaker  Michael David Winery (Lodi) www.michaeldavidwinery.com Mark de Vere –  Master of Wine. Robert Mondavi (Napa)  www.robertmondaviwinery.com Richard Sowalsky –   Winemaker Clos Pegase  (Calistoga) www.clospegase.com Marilisa Allegrini –  Allegrini  (Italy) www.allegrini.it 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/ Leah Bickford – Marquis Wine Cellars. Italian Wine Expert  www.marquis–wines.com STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON: Ben Glaetzer – Amazing Australian winemaker Norwalk Robertson – Spain’s only Master of Wine and hi...

It’s one of the best wine festivals anywhere. The 38th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival  Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from  Feb 20- March 1 For eight years TRR has set up a studio on the floor of the Trade Tasting on the Thursday and invited the World to sit in. THE SHOW     The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world, offering something for every level of wine drinker, collector and trade professional. Winery principals (winemaker, proprietor, senior executive) representing 156 wineries from 14 countries will be in attendance to pour and discuss their wines. In 2016, the theme country will be Italy. The heart of the festival is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where 776 wines are available for sampling, with an additional 164 wines available at two trade tastings. More than 625 additional wines will be served at special events orbiting the tasting room, including a gala dinner + auction, wine seminars, trade events, and food and wine pairing affairs such as winery dinners, lunches and brunches at top Vancouver restaurants and hotels. The Italian table will represent an all-star moment.  Tedeschi/Ricasoli/Dogliani   Hour One: * Michaela Morris – House Wine * Stevie Kim – VinItaly * Gurvinder Bhatia – Quench Wine Editor – Edmonton * Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva * Harry Hertscheg – Executive director of Festival * Riccardo Tedeschi – Tedeschi Amarone (family owner/winemaker) Veneto/Valpolicella – * Barone Francesco Ricasoli (32nd generation Ricasoli) Tuscany/Chianti Classico – * Fiorenzo Dogliani – Batasiolo.  Piedmont  CEO   (Richardo March.. Export Director) * Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva * Michael Bartier – Bartier Bros  BC * Chris Wyse – Burrowing Owl  BC * Harry McWatters – Time  BC * Ezra Cypes – Summerhill  BC * Thomas Perrin – Famille Perrin  France * Jim Robertson – Stoneleigh  NZ * Eduardo Montresor  – Montessor .  Veneto Italy * Loren Gil – Gil Family Estates  Spain   NEXT WEEK HOUR TWO *  Daenna van Mulligen * DJ Kearney * Kurtis Kolt * Rhys Pender *  Matt Dumayne –  WM  Haywire * Andrew Winsor –  WM  Tinhorn Creek * John Freeman – WM Waterbrook (Washington) * Kirk Brewer – Gruet Winery (New Mexico) * Poplar Grove – Stefan Arnason, Winemaker *   * David Phillips – Michael David Winery (Cali) * Mark DeVere – Mondavi (Cali) * Ted Seghesio – Seghesio  (Abigail Smith *    * Marilisa Allegrini  – Owner-CEO – Allegrini * Ermenegildo Giusti – Owner – Giusti

Nathan Fong on the Best Patios in Vancouver and why.. Celebrating Pride month in Vancouver with Absolut Rainbow cocktails!! It’s 40 years since The Judgment of Paris. BC had its own “judgement” last year. We remember with DK Kearney and surprise winners  Chris Jentsch and Amber Jones at CC Jentsch.   THE SHOW Nathan Fong – Fong on Food and the best patios in Vancouver  My challenge to Nathan was simple..after it stops RAINING where are the best patios for dining, seeing and being seen? Here’s Nathan’s response “For me, most patios places are always packed and buzzing during the summer. It’s the time to be seen and alfresco dining is in! Food and service are always in my top tier…atmosphere, locations and views to me are secondary, nice but not as important as the food that comes out on the plate. Sure, it’s always great to see the athletic and buff passer-bys rollerblading or jogging on the seawall (such as Ancora, Beach Bay or Provence) or the glorious sunsets from the Coal Harbour Cactus Club or The Teahouse at Ferguson Point, but as you said before, there’s so many places that take the location for granted and the food takes a step down. It’s still important no matter where the location is.”  Nathan Fong is a Vancouver born chef who is an award-winning food stylist, an accomplished food & travel journalist and founder of Fong on Food. His love for food is a family trait that has been the drive behind his work, although he wouldn’t call it a ‘job’ or ‘work’. In the business since 1989, Nathan is a pioneer in preparing food for photography and film. He developed many of the mouth watering techniques used by food stylists today. It is important to Nathan for the food to look as good in media as it does in person. For Nathan, travel and food go hand in hand. His drive and passion for travel stems from his desire to expand his palate and share this with others. Explore the world of food through Nathan’s eyes and share in his experiences. Personally, I think the awards say it all  * Former Director, IACP (Int’l Ass’n of Culinary Professionals) * Founder and Chair, Passions for The Dr Peter AIDS Foundation * Honorary Director, The Dr Peter AIDS Foundation * Travel Media Assoc of Canada (BC Board) * IACP Award of Excellence (Foodstyling) * GlobalTV * ShawTV * The Vancouver Sun * Taste Magazine, contributing editor * International Taste and Travel Magazine, contributing editor * Boulevard Magazine, Food and Travel * Canadian Traveler * www.fongonfood.com * twitter: fongonfood June is World Pride Month – To celebrate we mix Absolut Rainbow with  bartenders Kaitlyn Stewart (Royal Dinette) and Terence Lowe (Keefer Bar-Fountainhead Pub) Just in time for World Pride Month in June,

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.   THE SHOW   Val Tait – GM and Executive Winemaker  Bench 1775 (Naramata) “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. 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 John Skinner – Painted Rock (ok falls)  www.paintedrock.ca Chris Jentsch – CC Jentsch (golden mile)  www.ccjentschcellars.com 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  

The Kiwi’s are back in town..and they’re pouring!! And David Stansfield…A Sommelier on the Move..from Tap and Barrel to Vancouver Urban Winery – and more. THE SHOW It was World Sauvignon Blanc Day around the Planet and I had the pleasure of welcoming four of the very best in the Roundhouse Radio studios for a live broadcast. Yes, we talked about Sauv Blanc and New Zealand’s place in the wine World but we also talked about sustainability, about how they got their message to all of us from half a World away. AND best of all they poured their best and latest releases.  We’re all Kiwi fans.  Fans of them as a people and as winemakers. Guests include: Tim Lightbourne Co-Founder and Director of Invivo Wines,  Waikato, NZ  www.invivowines.com Haysley MacDonald Proprietor and Director of Maori owned te Pa  Blenheim, NZ  www.tepawines.com Jim Robertson Global Wine Ambassador Manager – Pernod Ricard Winemakers.  Brancott  Estate and Stoneleigh Marlboroughwww.pernod-ricard-winemakers.com Simon Toneycliffe General Manager of Whitehaven Wines of Marlborough  https://www.winehaven.com Like your New Zealand wines?  These guys have serious insight into what’s coming our way and the immediate future for Kiwi Wines. @NZWines  #NZWines  www.nzwine.com David Stansfield – Sommelier/Wine Consultant/Wine Geek Most Somms I meet work one room. It’s a demanding job.  Pairing wines with what the Chef and his team deliver to the customers. David Stansfield is all over the food map in Vancouver. He’s in charge of the wine programs at Vancouver Urban Winery..one of the places where wine-on-tap really got it’s start. David gives us some background on how he chooses his BC wines for feature pours. How he himself got into the winemaking business by creating in house wines for VUW. Some of his tap pours are exclusive because he buys everything the winery makes. 

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

Sir Charles Smith. Crown Prince of Walla Walla has the third largest winery in Washington State  and the largest head of hair in the industry. He insisted on getting out feet massaged while doing the interview. Nathan Fong is a chef and food specialist. He’s also the voice and face of BC food around the World. We finish with a visit to the wines of Navarra with Jordi Vidal The managing director of  the region in the North of Spain.   THE SHOW Charles Smith 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 ...

  It’s the annual  gathering of Locals Only..wine, spirit and cider makers from Vancouver Island  and the Gulf Islands. And then one of BC’s best winemakers Michael Bartier/Bartier Bros!!  THE SHOW     It’s a one-of-a-kind  tasting event featuring the makers and proprietors themselves.  All from either Vancouver island or The Gulf Islands. Vancouver is an important market for these artisans and what better way to get our attention than to set up a tasting event at Edible Canada at the Granville market. Even though the room was jammed with friends and fans..we all got a chance to  taste our way through their coastal appellation and discover the diversity of their  exciting and dynamic small farms. Each artisan has a story to tell.. David Gouge from Sea Star about life on Pender Island and how he’s raised his profile in Vancouver’s best restaurants. www.seastarvineyards.ca Sea Star Vineyards Jim Moody from Vancouver Island’s oldest  commercial winery  Zanatta   www.zanatta.ca Zanatta Alayne MacIsaac – making the very cool Sheringham Spirits with husband Jason  just outside of Shirley. (see explains) http://www.sheringhamdistillery.com/ Sheringham Distillery Paul Troop who is part of coastal  winemaking history at  Salt Spring Vineyards.  Talking  Blattners.  http://www.saltspringvineyards.com/ Keara White – Assistant Cider Maker at Tod Creek Craft Cider.  Small batch. No water. No sugar. www.todcreekcider.com Brenda Hetman-Craig  Owner of 40 knots Winery in Comox  www.40knotswinery.com Comox Valey Michael Bartier – Bartier Brothers Wines Bartier Bros Yes, there are actual Bartier Bros..it’s not a marketing ploy. They grew up in the Okanagan but Don headed for the oil business in Alberta..but always kept his hand and his land in the mix. Brother Michael  grew up in the Okanagan Valley.  After receiving a degree from the University of Victoria and working in wine sales on Vancouver Island for a few years, he and his wife Jodi returned home to the Okanagan. While looking for a “real job”, Michael accepted casual work in a winery cellar. And, since he’s still in the cellar, you could say he hasn’t found a real job yet. Through on-the-job training, university extension, and distance learning at Washington State University and University of California Davis, Michael worked his way into a winemaking position.   Michael Bartier  quickly made a name for himself: first as a maker of white wines, earning two Canadian White Wine of the Year titles within three years, and then as a maker of red wines with several consecutive Lieutenant Governor’s awards for his red wines. Michael enjoyed stints at Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards, Township 7, Okanagan Crush Pad  and Road 13,

TOP DROP Vancouver..Year 2. THE SHOW It’s the return of Top Drop Vancouver, a unique, two-day event bringing together international, terroir-focused wineries, craft breweries, cideries, gastronomy & more.   Top Drop Vancouver continues its focus on sustainably-farmed, handcrafted wines offering a distinct sense of place, without heavy-handed winemaking trickery to get in the way. Now in its second year, Top Drop Vancouver is a two day trade and consumer event being held at the Roundhouse in Yaletown and various Vancouver restaurants  bringing together a collection of small, hands on wineries, craft breweries, cideries and food purveyors who are passionate about their craft. We quote Our Host Kurtis Kolt:   (from his column in the Georgia Straight) “Our focus is terroir-influenced, handcrafted wines, and the people behind them.   Kurtis Kolt “We 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. We believe in wines that reflect their vintage, and wines that aren’t suffocated by vinicultural trickery. We believe in winemaking decisions that are made by a winemaker, and not by a board of directors or marketing team. We believe in those who take chances. We believe these kinds of wines, honest wines of integrity, need a time and place to have their story told. We also believe craft beer, cider, along with authentic and sustainable produce, dairy, meat and seafood are part of the same conversation, which is why we’re proud to showcase some of our best in those areas.”   The event took place at the Roundhouse in downtown Vancouver. In the limited time and resources we had at hand..I was able to talk to and get stories from the following guests:   Kurtis Kolt – Organizer,  fearless leader and Wine Expert  http://www.kurtiskolt.com/ Kate Durisek – Co-Owner Howling Moon Cider House   Oliver BC www.howlingmoon.ca David Lancelot – Wine Buyer Cask and Barrel  Kelowna BC   www.thecaskandbarrel.ca Shawn Bachynski – Red Truck Beer – Vancouver, B.C.  www.redtruckbeer.com Mark Davidson – Global Education Director  Wine Australia  www.wineaustralia.com Tyler Harlton – Owner/Winemaker TH Wines  – Okanagan Valley, B.C.   www.thwines.com José Lovaglio Balbo    Winemaker   Vaglio Wines – Salta Argentina   http://www.joselovaglio.com/ Anthony Truchard – Truchard Vineyard – Carneros, California  www.truchardvineyards.com Jean Benoit DesLauriers – Wine Maker Benjamin Bridge   Gaspereau Valley Nova Scotia  ...

Talking Oysters, C, Okanagan Food with Chef Roger Planiden And the new kids in the Cowichan Valley Emandare THE SHOW Mike and Robin Nierychlo   (Emandare-Cowichan Valley)   Mike and Robin Nierychlo – Emandare   Mike has always been around the wine business..I first met him when he was doing a wine interview show. Then he and his wife Robin announced that they had purchased a working vineyard in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island   A number of years ago, Mike developed an overwhelming passion for wine. He began to spend every available moment nerding out on all things wine-related! This inevitably led to home wine-making in their garage, and many, many other wine adventures. As Mike explored the vast world of wine, a desire to one day own a winery was born. Although this dream seemed unrealistic, there was always a sense of possibility. On Sept. 28, 2013, in the pouring rain, he and Robin  moved onto their  8.5 acre adventure.    They named it  Emandare after their last names. M & R.  “they’re also pioneers on the all-natural front—no irrigation, no commercial yeasts, organic farming techniques, and the bare minimum of sulfur. So far the results are stunning—the future of Island wine rests here.”  Neal McLennan  Vancouver Magazine We taste and talk the  portfolio of wines of Emandare at Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver. http://www.emandarevineyard.com/ Oysters – Recipes that Bring Home  the Taste of the Sea Cynthia Nims – Author The cover just jumps out to  oyster lovers..but like an oyster itself , it’s the inside that really wins you over. For oyster lovers everywhere, this luscious cookbook features recipes, shucking instructions, and the local farming success story of the many delicious oysters from the Pacific Coast. From Hangtown Hash with Fried Eggs to Half-Shell Oysters with Kimchi-Cucumber Relish, this gorgeous cookbook features 30 recipes, ideas for what to drink with oysters, and tips for buying, storing, and shucking to bring out the “oh!” in oysters. Since oysters are grown and harvested in some of the most beautiful environments on earth, the book is brimming with scenic as well as food photography. The delectable oysters grown along the West Coast—which include Pacific, Kumamoto, Olympia, and Eastern and European Flat species–are the stars of this beautiful cookbook celebrating oysters. FYI – I also ask questions for the borderline Oyster eater and the non-eater!!   Cynthia Nims is a cookbook author and culinary consultant focused on food, beverages, and travel. She studied cuisine in France, is the author of 15 cookbooks, and served on the editorial team for Modernist Cuisine.  She lives in Seattle.. Cynthia Nims (@cynnims) | Twitter. Cynthia Nims Check out her blog www.monappetit.com    

Last comments on the VanWineFest from Master wine expert Tony Aspler, Pascal Madevon at Culmina, Will Flatt pours Cannonball,  Christine Coletta at Okanagan Crush Pad , The Stag’s Hollow story and the guys behind the hugely successful Railtown Café.   THE SHOW   Wine fest Follow Up   After spending two jammed packed hours interviewing winemakers and principals  at the 38th Vancouver International Wine festival I took the opportunity to return the next day with my trusty hand held microphone and sought our people I’d missed.. In a very active and invigorating room I had a chance to slow down and talk to:   My buddy Will Flatt. He’s moved around quite a bit but every time he shows up he’s always pouring the  most interesting wines. He’s currently representing Dream Wines.  The home of Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Peter Michael, Colgin Cellars etc.   Wicked Willie Flatt This time he’s pouring Cannonball and from that label a sensational blended rose called Angels and Cowboys. Sonoma fruit..some Estate growing.         A field blend of Grenache, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo. Alexander Valley/Dry Creek area. WoW. The  Cannonball Chardonnay – 70% Russian River. It’s a 50/50  Stainless Steele and new Oak.  Lovely..delicious wine. Willy takes us through the reds as well.. Great start to the show. www.drinkcannonball.com www.dreamwines.ca     Tony Aspler – Master wine expert   Tony Aspler We finally found Tony Aspler with a spare 5 minutes. He was surrounded by people who wanted his opinion on the 100’s of wines in the room. They had to wait for a second because I only get to see Tony once every TEN YEARS. Tony Aspler has been writing about wine for over 35 years. He was the wine columnist for The Toronto Star for 21 years and has authored 15 books on wine and food, including The Wine Atlas of Canada, Vintage Canada, The Wine Lover’s Companion, The Wine Lover Cooks, Travels With My Corkscrew, and Tony Aspler’s Cellar Book. Tony’s latest book is The Five Minute Wine Book. In December 2007, Tony was awarded the Order of Canada. In 2012 Tony was the first Canadian to be inducted into the New York Media Wine Writers Hall of Fame. In that year Tony was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Wine royalty my friends. http://www.tonyaspler.com/   Christine Coletta – Haywire Christine Colletta I found Christine Coletta from Okanagan Crush pad surrounded by her peers as she was talking to a well-placed politician and there was a serious back and forth going on. So, I started a conversation with Julian Scholefield about the wines he was pouring from Haywire and OCP, then just barged into Christine’s posse and fired off some questions about um- wine! And a pinot planting above the winery that could be a World Class site. We talked wine laws and heading to New York for a “natural” wine symposium.

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!! 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 STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON: