BC Food and Wine Radio

This week, we are pleased to broadcast from Poplar Grove Winery on Penticton's Naramata bench. We are joined by Tony Holler, Co-Owner of Poplar Grove Winery, and Chris Holler, General Manager, who will provide an update on the favourable conditions of the vineyards and extend a warm invitation to visit their deck for wine tastings and dining at the Poplar Grove restaurant. Richard Da Silva, Vigneron & Proprietor of Da Silva Vineyards, will discuss the exciting development of a vineyard terrace area for visitor relaxation and small bites and update us on the winery's Winemaker's Suite accommodation. Ian Scromeda, General Manager of Peak Cellars, extends an invitation to visit their winery and restaurant in Kelowna's scenic Lake Country, and we talk about their wines and touch on new developments at the flagship O'Rourke Family Estate Winery just up the road at Carr's Landing. Additionally, John Skinner, Proprietor of Painted Rock Estate Winery, will update their vineyards' positive state and introduce their new release of the 2022 Red Icon.

This week's show features the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa, a family-friendly accommodation in the South Okanagan. Lisa Jaager, General Manager, joined us in inviting everyone to visit the resort and explaining why they see so many return visits yearly. We discuss wine with Christine Coletta, Co-Owner, Haywire Winery and Garnet Valley Ranch, about the positive atmosphere this year in the Okanagan, and she introduces some wines for us to taste, including the Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris 2021 and two stunning 2022 wines from Garnet Valley Ranch. We reconnect with Mason Spink, Winemaker at Dirty Laundry, to talk about his 2024 Riesling made with fruit from Yakima Valley in Washington State. Additionally, Sally Pierce, Executive Director of Destination Summerland, provides numerous reasons to spend more than a day exploring the greater Summerland area.

This week on the show, we delve into the South Okanagan with a visit to District Wine Village in Oliver. Matt Kenyon, the founder, and Mike Daley, the Director of Operations, extend an invitation to experience their collection of wineries, a restaurant, and artisan shops, all conveniently located at the northern tip of Oliver. Josie Tyabji, proprietor of Gneiss Wines, welcomes guests to sample their offerings and announces the release of their first estate vineyard, Tempranillo. Michal Mosny, owner of Winemaker's Cut, provides tastings of elegantly crafted sparkling BC wines and introduces The Opera Room, which features non-alcoholic and low alcohol beverages. Ian Stilborn, the chef at Ward's Wine Country Kitchen, discusses his new seasonal menu and explains how guests can enjoy his culinary creations from any patio within the village while savouring wine. Finally, Tina Dolphin, Winery Manager at One Faith Vineyards, showcases several rich Bordeaux-style red wines to illustrate the aging potential of BC wines.

This week's show is on location at Phantom Creek Estates on the Black Sage Bench. Join us as we broadcast from their state-of-the-art winery, featuring the team responsible for the vines and wines. Our guests included Mark Beringer, General Manager, Jean-Marc Enixon, Director of Winemaking, and Mike Anderson, Director of Farming, updated us on the bounce back of the vines at Phantom Creek and led us through several wines from their extensive reserves in the cellar. Plus, we were delighted to reconnect with Alsace legend, MW, Phantom Creek Consulting Winemaker, responsible for the white wines, Olivier Humbrecht, who speaks to his passion project of small lot white wines from the Similkameen Valley, including walking us through the Small Lot 2022 Riesling and 2022 Pinot Gris.

On the show this week, we feature wines of the windy and stony soils of the Similkameen Valley. Charlie Baessler, managing partner of Corcelettes Estate Winery joins us to share their excitement about the current state of the vines and offers a taste of their flagship 2021 Talus. Brad Makepeace, Winemaker, Hugging Tree Winery, provides an update on their family-owned and operated business, and we share a lively 2021 Blanc de Blancs. Daniel Bontorin, Winemaker at Seven Directions, has a true passion for pink wines, and we sample his 2024 Rosé Cuvée, along with a K-Vintners 2022 Cabernet Franc. We reconnect with John Weber, Winemaker Co-Owner, Orofino Vineyards and enjoy his optimism for the season ahead as we taste his new 2024 Chenin Blanc from his Washington State Series: Few and Far Between.

On the show this week, David McBean, General Manager of the Watermark Beach Resort, welcomes us back to the Waterfront Beach Resort in Osoyoos for week two of our South Okanagan Grape Escape. First-time guest Dave Marchand, Winemaker, Lastella Winery, joins us to discuss the stellar 2022 red vintages and the plight of Sangiovese at LaStella. Leandro Nosal, Winemaker, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, stops by to chat about their 2024 Washington State Pinot Gris and the return of their concert series, while Justin Hall, Estate Winemaker, Nk'Mip Cellars in Osoyoos, provides us with an update on dining at Sweetgrass @ Nk'Mip Cellars. Plus, Christa-Lee McWatters, Vice President, Adega on 45th Estate Winery, joins us to discuss her latest adventure with an invitation to visit the winery and experience their picnics on the patio overlooking Osoyoos Lake.

On the show this week, we kick off our tour of the South Okanagan at the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos. We are joined by General Manager David McBean, who welcomes everyone to visit this popular south Okanagan oasis. Mark Hopley, Winemaker, and Mark Sheriden, General Manager of Hester Creek Estate Winery, talk to us about their new Columbia Valley Collection. Mike Dowell Farmer - Vintner - Owner of Liber Estates updates on his wines and welcomes all to their winery on Hwy 97. Michael Clark, Managing Director and Winemaker at Clos du Soleil, joins us from the Similkameen Valley for an update on their new Washington Series and Winemaker Severine Pinte from Le Vieux Pin talks about their wines and the optimistic signs that an exciting season is ahead.

On the show this week, we are on location at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery in Langley, celebrating the winery's 25th Anniversary. Our guests include Township 7 General Manager Mike Raffan and Brian Ensor, GM of Chaberton Estate Winery. Mary McDermott, Winemaker, Township 7, talks about several wines from the 7-Stars lineup and the new replacement wines series: Interlude. We also tasted Dry Bacchus with winemaker Gary Zhygailo, which is made from 40-year-old vines growing at the Chaberton Estate Winery. Plus, we'll take some time to speak to Cody Karman, the Township 7 Tasting Room Manager, about serving potato chips and sushi. Finally, we introduce the Fraser Valley Wine Passport program with AJ Cheema, Owner of Otter Trail Winery in Langley, and Jacob Medeiros, Winemaker for Cannon Estate Winery in Mount Lehman, Abbotsford.

On the show this week, Teresita Ovalle, Senior Head Winemaker, Floresta and Upper Premium Lines, Viña Santa Rita, who, among many interesting initiatives, talks about their Cabernet Sauvignon block planted on the stony slopes of a vineyard in Alto Jahuel, located in the heart of Alto Maipo, Chile. Jeff Guignard, CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia, joins us to speak about his new role of leadership and the opportunities he sees coming to vineyards and growers across the Province. Nicole Eastman and Paul Hague of Hague Eastman and Associates join us to discuss real estate opportunities in British Columbia Wine Country. Jeffery Young, Executive Chef at 15 Park Bistro at the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, talks about their new menus, patio season, live music, and incorporating locally sourced ingredients.

On the show this week, Ana Maria Cumsille, Chief Winemaker at Viña Carmen, visits us to talk about a stunning Sémillon that has positioned the winery as one of the most innovative in Chile. Similarly, George Samios of Penali Cellar Doors in the Greater Melbourne Area talks about an age-old concept, the Cellar Door, and how it's the only way to go in Australia. Andrea Fabiano, Export Director, Feudi di San Gregorio (Campania, Italy) joins us to talk about the oenological renaissance of Southern Italy, promoting a wine culture for the rediscovery of Mediterranean flavours. Finally, George Perperidis, Head Chef of the Hooded Merganser Penticton Lakeside Resort, reports on the refresh of the Merganser and how he is leaning into his Greek roots and Mediterranean lifestyle with a new menu.

On the show this week, Michel Couttolenc, Fine Wines Director for Viñedo Chadwick and Seña, talks about two legendary Chilean labels and what makes them unique. Michael Dowell, Farmer-Vintner-Owner of Liber Estates, updates us on the many reasons to stop into their winery whenever you travel Highway 97 between Osoyoos and Oliver. Joining us from the famed Spanish Penedes region, just 45 minutes outside of Barcelona, is Joan Cusiné, a third-generation family member who farms biodynamically using modern winemaking techniques while respecting the work of the ancient Roman ways that still dot the landscape. Finally, we catch up with Chris Hoffmeister, CEO of Select Wines to talk about the current state of affairs in the wine industry and the notes of optimism coming out of many wine regions.

We are back on location at the Vancouver Convention Centre, broadcasting from the floor of the 46th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival. We'll be speaking with numerous local and international wine personalities all week. Today's lineup includes Mark Beringer, General Manager and Director of Winemaking Phantom Creek Estates; Matt Steel Senior Winemaker Talbott Vineyards in San Luis Obispo. Justin Seidenfeld, Senior VP of Winemaking and Winegrowing Rodney Strong Vineyards, drops by to discuss Sonoma County wines. Then, it's east over the Mayacamas Range to Napa Valley, where we catch up with Ludovic Dervin, General Manager and winemaker at the legendary Stags' Leap Winery. The wines we spoke to on the show this week from Phantom Creek Estates are available at the winery as well as BC Liquor stores and other select retailers across BC. The wines of Rodney Strong Vineyards, Talbott Vineyards, and Stags' Leap Winery are available at select Private Liquor stores across the Province including Everything Wine, Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver and Vessel Liquor in Victoria.

This week, we're on location at the 46th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival at the Vancouver Convention Centre. We'll talk with many international wine personalities, including John Kane, Head of Winemaking at the hyper organic Bonterra Organic Estates. Then we head to the Naramata Bench to chat with winemaker Ross Baker for an update on the La Frenz Winery wines. Some 40 minutes north by car we stop in West Kelowna, to speak with Kailee Frasch, winemaker at Quails' Gate Winery and discuss her new lineup of Field and Flight wines bottled to fill the gap caused by recent shortages in the vineyard. Then it's off to California for a visit with Shaune Zeleny, VP, International Sales, J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery, and a Paso Robles wine country discussion. The wines we spoke to on the show this week from Bonterra Organic Estates and J. Lohr Vineyards are available at select Private Liquor stores across the Province including Everything Wine, Marquis Wine Cellars and Vessel Liquor in Victoria. The wines of Quails' Gate Winery are available at BC Liquor stores and other select retailers across BC. La Frenz wines are available at the winery and select wine stores across the Province, including Everything Wine and Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver.

This week, we bring you more from the 46th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival as we work our way around the International Tasting Room. We'll talk with several visiting wine personalities, including Kurtis Ogasawara, Director of Winemaking at the famed Robert Mondavi Winery. Drew Schneider, the Brand Ambassador of The Prisoner Winery Company, speaks with us about the fantastic success of that Napa Valley brand. At the same time, Josh Wyludka, Brand Director of Lingua Franca, takes us inside one of the most successful new wineries to join the Willamette Valley gang in Oregon. Finally, we catch up and head to Oliver in the South Okanagan to visit with Jason James, Winemaker of Black Sage Vineyard, to explore the warmest vineyard in British Columbia. The wines we spoke to this week, from Robert Mondavi Winery, The Prisoner Winery, and Lingua Franca, are available at select Private Liquor stores across the Province including, Everything Wine, Marquis Wine Cellars and Vessel Liquor in Victoria. The wines of Black Sage Vineyard are available at BC Liquor and other select retailers across BC.

This week, we continue with more conversations from the international and local wine scene at the 46th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival. Joining us is Dan Walsh, Regional Wine Educator for Jackson Family Wines out of Sonoma County, California; Rod Hallam, Export Manager Canada, for Villa Maria Wines, New Zealand, joins us to talk about Taylor's Pass, a unique single vineyard within their lineup. Richard Da Silva, Co-Proprietor, Winemaker Da Silva Vineyards, Penticton, B.C., will speak about how he is handling the shortage of grapes at Da Silva. Michael Kullman, Winemaker and CEO of Osoyoos Larose, Osoyoos, British Columbia, will lay out their plans for the next five to ten years of work ahead of them in the vineyards of Osoyoos Larose. As always, we will taste wines with everyone you can find in your market.

This week, we're on location at the Vancouver Convention Centre, broadcasting from the floor of the 46th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival. We'll be speaking with numerous local and international wine personalities all week. Today, our guests include Stacy Hornemann Winemaker at Blue Grouse Estate Winery in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. We'll speak Sake with Mark Zheng Garratt, Sales Manager for Gekkeikan Sake. It's off to the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley to taste with Shawn Brynildson, Winemaker of Black Stallion Estate Winery. Then we speak with Tony Holler, Co-Owner of Poplar Grove Winery on the Naramata bench in the Central Okanagan Valley.

This week, we're on location at the Vancouver Convention Centre, broadcasting from the floor of the 46th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival. We'll be speaking with numerous local and international wine personalities. Today, our guests include: Wayne Donaldson, a winemaker at Josh Cellars in Calistoga, California. Chris Benziger, VP/Brand Ambassador Benziger Family Winery, in Sonoma County; Olivia Wright, an up and coming winemaker working at Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma County; and Todd Graff, GM & Winemaker of Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley.

This week, we have one of the show's long-time friends, Photographer George Rose, from Santa Barbara, California. George talks to us about the many reasons for visiting the Santa Ynez Valley and the Greater Santa Barbara area. Nick Bevan, President at Jackson Wine Estates International, talks about their significant investments at Unsworth Vineyards in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Tim Pawsey, Food and Wine Writer, aka Hired Belly, joins us with his insider's guide to restaurants and bars you can visit between sessions at the upcoming Vancouver International Wine Festival. Plus, David McBean, GM at Watermark Beach Resort, our home away from home in the South Okanagan, updates us on the resort's plans for the 2025 season and the reasons to book now.

B.C. Food And Wine Radio: Feb 12, 2025 by BC Food and Wine Radio

This week, it's a world of wines as we take you to Napa Valley California, the Okanagan Valley, BC, Coonawarra, South Australia and Montreal. With the Vancouver International Wine Festival coming up in just over two weeks and featuring wines of California and the western USA, we're joined by Ray Signorello, Proprietor of Signorello Estate in Napa Valley, California, and chair of the Gala Auction. Ray speaks to the rebirth of his winery after the 2017 Atlas wildfire and his latest Napa releases. Taylor Whelan, Senior Winemaker, Mission Hill Family Estate, updates us on the 23rd release of the Iconic red wine Oculus from the 2020 vintage. Mark Davidson, Head of Education, Americas, Wines of Australia, is here for a master class on all things related to Australian Wines, and Canadian Michelle Bouffard, Sommelier, Author and Founder of Tasting Climate Change, joins the conversation with Anthony about the shift underway and the leadership initiatives being adopted to ensure a healthier wine community worldwide.

BC Food and Wine goes Down Under this week with the help of two celebrated Australian Women who have been global ambassadors for Australian Wine and powerful role models for women working in wine for decades. Sue Hodder, Wynns Coonawarra Winemaker, was awarded the Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year award in 2010, and she also took home the 2017 Australian Women in Wine Awards Woman of Inspiration. Hodder was also recently inducted into the prestigious James Halliday Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a wine industry icon and a true legend of Coonawarra wine. Jane Ferrari was named the South Australia Legend of the Vine recognizing her outstanding contribution to the industry. Her career spans many years and is punctuated by her great ability and passion for communicating and storytelling about wine. Ferrari is a past WCA Wine Communicator of the Year (2012) winner and was inducted as a Baron of the Barossa in 2013, with a career in winemaking and communication, including 25 years at Yalumba Wines, as well as time spent at Wolf Blass Wines and Rockford Wines.

This week, we catch up with Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein for a mini Master Class on California Cabernet Sauvignon. Justin Seidenfeld, Winemaker, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Sonoma County, California, discusses the fall harvest and their top-tier Alexander Valley Reds. Shawn Brynildson, Winemaker at Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley, talks to us about the storied Silverado Trail and the top wines coming out of this region. Plus Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of Vancouver International Wine Festival, joins us to talk about special event tickets on sale and a general invitation to experience the 46th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival Feb. 24-March 2, 2025.

This week we speak with Severine Pinte, Winemaker, Viticulturist, and Managing Partner for Le Vieux Pin and LaStella wineries on the state of the vines in the South Okanagan and her special partnership undertaken in Washington State. Grant Stanley, winemaker at Spearhead Winery joins us to talk about the impressive Pinot Noir coming out of the east Kelowna winery, which was a big winner at this year's National Wine Awards of Canada. Also, Stacy Hornemann, Winemaker, Blue Grouse Estate, newly arrived from Sonoma, California, takes over the reins at Blue Grouse Estate Winery and discusses her first impressions of the Cowichan Valley. Plus, we chat with Michael Bartier, Bartier Bros., and Eric Monnin, Chief Winemaker, Boutinot, two uniquely talented winemakers, discuss the twist of fate that brought the two together to create a standout BC wine known simply as Project B

This week, we speak with Federica Boffa, Owner of Pio Cesare. Federica talks with us about building two new facilities within the historic centre of Alba. Robin Shay, representing Poggio al Tesoro, located on the west coast of Tuscany in the beautiful coastal wine region of Bolgheri, joins us to talk savoury sangiovese. We're pleased to speak with Dominga Cotarella, CEO of Famiglia Cotarella, Italy, about a school Dominga co-founded, dedicated to fine hospitality with a keen focus on wine. Then we connect with Alessia Travaglini, Family Member(5th generation), Export Manager Travaglini wines, joining us from the Commune of Gattinara in Piedmont, Italy, home to distinctive square bottles, proving that not all Nebbiolo is Barolo.

This week, we speak with Christine Coletta & Ellen Walker-Mathews, Board Members of BC VQA Wine Info Centre in Penticton, which represents 150 wineries, lists 900 wines and many wine-related gifts. Ian Stilborn, Executive Chef Ward's Wine Country Kitchen at the District Wine Village, Oliver, BC, explains how they work with the wineries and are a full-service restaurant on-site. Angela Lyons, VP of Sales & Marketing, Bacas Family Wines, which includes Quails' Gate Estate Winery, joins us in-studio to debut two new sparkling wines and a range of Cascadia import labels destined to fill the gap left after the extensive vine damage suffered over the last two winters. Finally, JP Potters, Western Canada Director of Client Care, Irongate Auctions, talks about the new world of online wine auctions in Canada and how easy the process is to manage.

This week, we focus on a "World of Sparkling wines” for the Holidays, and to begin, we speak with Arianna Carafoli, International Export Director for Bottega, a world leader in prosecco wines. Penticton-based Geoffrey Moss, Master of Wine and Judge at the National Wine Awards of Canada and Anthony recall some of the top medal winners in the Sparkling Wine Category at the 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada. Mary McDermott, Winemaker Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, discusses her sparkling wine program and vineyards in the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan. We are also joined by Benoît Gauthier, Chief Operating Officer & Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, to hear about the terroir and sparkling wines of Okanagan Falls.

This week from Florence, Italy, we speak with Filippo Bartolotta, an Italian Wine Journalist and educator, who joins us in conversation about the rise of Italian white wines. Lisa Anselmi, 3rd Generation Family Member, Anselmi Wines, Veneto, Italy, talks about the burgeoning Soave region, the Garganega grape and her family's bold move to work outside the rules of the Soave DOC. Thomas Bachelder, Co-Owner/Winemaker of Bachelder Wines, Niagara Peninsula, discusses his lifelong love for chardonnay and pinot noir and his efforts to continue to push the Wines of Canada onto the world map. Finally, Mele Sosa, Brand Ambassador of Bodega Garzón, Uruguay, shows us how Garzón is making history, introducing Uruguayan wines to the international wine community.

This week, we speak with DJ Kearney, Global Wine Expert and the Director of Wines at Terminal City Club, our trusted expert for finding top-value wine buys. Export Manager Rodrigo Lencastre shared the history of Ramos Pintos, established in 1880 in the Douro Valley, Portugal, and discussed its impressive variety of port wine styles. Sue Hodder, Senior Winemaker at Wynns Coonawarra in South Australia, joined us to discuss the famous Wynns wines. Additionally, Chris Hoffmeister, CEO of Select Wines Canada, provided a broad perspective on the global wine scene and offered some fun, value-priced suggestions for the holiday season.

This week we speak with Patrick Gaylor, Executive Chef Mission Hill Family Estate on all the fun holiday atmosphere to experience in West Kelowna. Ingrid Jarrett President & CEO BC Hotel Association updates on what's happening this holiday season with hotels across the Province. Caren McSherry Owner Gourmet Warehouse, joins us with idea after idea for your holiday shopping. And Chris Robinson Director of Food and Beverage Fairmont Hotel Vancouver + guest TBC talk about all the fun to explore in downtown Vancouver.

This week, we speak with Ross Derrick, owner of Derrick's Steakhouse that has taken over the old Raudz location in downtown Kelowna, and the reviews, including his wine list, are favourable. Taylor Whelan Senior Winemaker Mission Hill Family Estate joins us on the 23rd release of Oculus, one of Canada's iconic red wine labels. Lee Man, Chair of Judging, 15th Annual Chinese Wine Awards, joins us to discuss the trends and the winners. At the same time, Eduardo Montresor, a family member of Montresor Winery in the Veneto, tells us about the special harvest techniques used in the making of Amarone.

This week, Canadian Michelle Bouffard, Sommelier, Author and Founder of Tasting Climate Change, joins us to discuss the challenges ahead for all of us in the wine community as we deal with climate change. Alessia Travaglini, 5th Generation Family Member and Export Manager joins us to discuss Gattinara wines, her winery's highly distinctive square bottles, and how not all Nebbiolo from Piedmont is Barolo. Jane Ferrari, famed storyteller, takes us inside the legendary Australian wines of Jim Barry. From Down Under, we go to the top of Italy to speak with Thomas Cuni about Damilano and Tua Rita, two revered wineries in Piedmont and Tuscany.

This week, Mark Davidson, Head of Education, Americas, for Wines of Australia, gives us a bird's-eye view of everything exciting happening in the world of Australian wine. Ermes Scardova, Export Manager, Medici Ermete, takes us inside Lambrusco's fascinating world from the famous Emilia-Romagna region. We also catch up with Robert Stelmachuk, Wine Director Mott 32 in Vancouver, who shares some of his favourite holiday wines. Then we check in with Stacy Hornemann, winemaker at Blue Grouse Estate Winery in the Cowichan Valley, who has moved north from the Jackson Family wine team in Sonoma County to explore and expand the pinot noir and chardonnay footprint on Vancouver Island.

This week, we speak with Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, as tickets for the 2025 Festival go on sale November 13. The theme region is the West Coast U.S., with 50 wineries from California, Oregon, and Washington State in attendance. Justin Seidenfeld, Sr. Vice President of Winemaking & Winegrowing, Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma County, California, joins us to discuss some of his top-tier reds and the differences between Sonoma and Napa Valley cabernet. From California, we head to the Loire Valley in France to talk with Isabelle Moreau, the Export Manager at Château de Sancerre. We discuss her iconic Sauvignon Blanc and the growing interest in Pinot Noir from Sancerre. And speaking of Sauvignon Blanc, then it's off to New Zealand with Villa Maria's Rod Hallam to talk about the reign of Sauvignon Blanc and the rise of Kiwi wines in the international wine world.

This week, we invited Dr. Laura Catena, Managing Director, Bodega Catena Zapata Argentina, to discuss the hot topic of wine and health, with some thoughts on navigating to the truth and the science behind all the studies discussed by advocates for and against alcohol. Then we head to California to catch up with Shawn Brynildson, Winemaker Black Stallion Estate Winery. Inside the original horse riding area along the Silverado Trail in California's Napa Valley, Black Stallion once housed prize horses; today, it is home to prize-winning vines. Joining us in our Vancouver studio is the legendary Master of Wine and winemaker Olivier Humbrecht of Domaine Zind Humbrecht in Alsace. Olivier talks bio-dynamics and viticulture, and his only outside consulting gig in the world at Phantom Creek Estates. Finally, we head to the north tip of the Village of Naramata to chat with Elizabeth Markulin, Sommelier at Eliza Wine Bar, at the 112-year-old heritage Naramata Inn.

This week, we will travel to the Penedès region just north of Barcelona, Spain, to chat with Miguel Torres, a 5th-generation family member, winemaker, and general manager at Familia Torres. We discussed his iconic Spanish label Sangre de Toro, or “Blood of the Bull,” red wine among many subjects. Sebastien Labbe, Winemaker Vinã Santa Rita Chile, joins us to talk about one of Chile's oldest and most iconic wineries from the heart of the Maipo Valley. Closer to home, we speak with Chef Alessa Valdez and the Director of Winemaker, Mark Beringer, from the new must-stop in the South Okanagan: Phantom Creek Estates winery. From Oliver to the Naramata Bench, a 40-minute drive north, we meet up with co-owner Rebecca and winemaker Matthew Mikulic of Three Sisters Winery on the Naramata Bench to get the story behind the Sister Series wines.

This week, we explore the world of wine, beginning with a master class on Champagne with Alice Paillard, CEO and Proprietor at Champagne Bruno-Paillard. Martin Kaiser, Deputy Director of Viticulture/Enology, Dona Paula (Mendoza, Argentina) talks about growing grapes at high altitudes and the rise of Argentine wine among global retailers. Then it's off to Spain to speak with winegrowing luminary Telmo Rodríguez, charting Rioja's future by looking at its past. Finally, we head closer to home to Kaledon, B.C., and the vineyards above Skaha Lake for a chat with winemaker Rob Hammersley at Black Market Wine Co.

This week, it's our Thanksgiving in Italy special featuring Sandro Bottega, Owner and Managing Director of Bottega Winery, Veneto, Italy. We had a wide-ranging chat about Prosecco and his role in propelling the sparkling wine onto the modern sparkling wine stage. Marco Martini, Director/General Manager, MGM Mondo del Vino, joins us with stories and wines from Sicily to Emilia Romagna. Then we're off to Tuscany and Brunello di Montalcino with winemaker Arber Shabani of Ridolfi in Montalcino. We complete our special Thanksgiving in Italy show in the Lugana region on Lake Garda with Christian Ridolfi, winemaker for Veneto legend Bolla Wines and Santi.

This week, we head to Oliver, B.C., and the Black Sage Bench to speak with Severine Pinte, Winemaker & Viticulturist, Managing Partner for Le Vieux Pin and LaStella wineries. We discuss new projects, new plantings, and a few red wine picks for the fall. Moving south to Osoyoos, we catch up with Mike Dowell, Co-Owner and Winemaker of Liber Estates, a small family-run winery specializing in Pinot noir and Chardonnay. From there, we talk Turkey and Thanksgiving with Westin Bayshore Vancouver Executive Chef Steve Rutherford. We wrap up the show in Okanagan Falls with Benoît Gauthier, Director of Vineyard and winemaking at Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, to talk terroir and sparkling wines suitable for your Thanksgiving celebrations.

This week, we speak with winemaker Stacy Hornemann, who has newly arrived from Sonoma, California, to take the reins at Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Hornemann discusses her first impressions of the Cowichan Valley and her excitement for its future; Export Manager Rodrigo Lencastre tells the story behind Ramos Pintos, established in 1880 in the Douro Valley, Portugal, and its many impressive port wine styles; General Manager David McBean invites us to his Watermark Beach Resort and 15 Park Bistro in Osoyoos, offering a new seasonal menu, exceptional wine and beer making dinners and more; Angela Lyons, VP of Sales & Marketing for Bacas Family Wines, which includes Quails' Gate Estate Winery, joins us in-studio to debut two new sparkling wines and a range of Cascadia import labels destined to fill the gap left after the extensive vine damage suffered over the last two winters.

This week, Laurent Miquel, Owner, CEO & 8th Generation Winemaker of Laurent Miquel, call us from Languedoc, France, where he is creating, as he puts it, "Old World wines for the New World." Alessia Travaglini, 5th Generation Family Member and Export Manager for Travaglini join us from the Commune of Gattinara in Piedmont, Italy, home to distinctive square bottles, proving that not all Nebbiolo is Barolo. Having recently changed careers from General Manager and Sommelier for Boulevard in Vancouver to Client Care for Iron Gate Fine Wine Auctions, JP Potters shares his perspective of the auction house and lists some unique finds available at the latest fall auction. Still managing the effects of the deep freeze suffered by most of the wine industry this year, Richard Da Silva sustained another blow when a sinkhole forced him to close his business during the peak tourist season for two weeks this summer. The Co-Owner and Winemaker for Da Silva Vineyards in Penticton talks about how valuable community support has been, overcoming adversity and what can help the small business move forward.

This week, we begin with a visit to the Loire Valley, speaking with Château de Sancerre's Export Manager Isabelle Moreau; Carmen D'Onofrio, Owner of Stile Brands Wine Distributor in Vancouver visits us in-studio to talk about Piedmont and in a second segment, about wine consumption among Gen Z and Millennials; Jayton Paul, Wine Director for Published on Main talks about a special event featuring Krug Champagne at the restaurant and several years in, what it takes to be a Michelin-starred restaurant.

This week: 100 years ago the founders of Black Stallion Estate Winery, located on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, began their winemaking journey - winemaker Shawn Brynildson shares the story and the wines; Will Hardman's family began farming on the Naramata Bench a century ago, adding vines to their land in the 90s; in our next Valley First Credit Union Spotlight, Will talks about winemaking for his family's Deep Roots Winery, his connection with the Naramata community and the rising popularity of Gamay; Mirco Billorsi, the Export Director for Montalcino's Altesino, speaks of the historic brand, known for making the first single vineyard Brunello; Jamie Moore, Assistant General Manager at Penticton Lakeside Resort lists the many reasons to book your trip to Penticton this fall, which includes the chance of spotting Canucks on the street and celebrating beer all around town. Join us to hear more.

This week we are taking tour around the world via red wine; we reach Sebastián Labbé, winemaker for Vinã Santa Rita in Chile to talk about Cabernet Sauvignon, elevation and their WiSe project; speaking of Chile, we revisit our talk about Carménère and more earlier this year with one of its trailblazers, Aurelio Montes Sr; Dan Wildermuth, VP Global Marketing Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma talks Cabernet Sauvignon and also offers his tips to listeners planning a visit to the region; from this year's Van Wine Fest; Fabio Bosio, Export Manager Canada for Fontanafredda, shares his enthusiasm for Barolo and Piedmont.

It's truly a legendary week beginning with visionary viticulturist and winemaker Martin Kaiser for Doña Paula in Argentina; the latest Valley First Wealth Management Spotlight shines on Tyler Rennie, a fourth generation dairy farmer for his family's Legendairy Farms, now in Armstrong, and celebrating a remarkable 100 years; Dr. Laura Catena, wears two of her hats, one as an Emergency Physician and the other as a fourth generation vintner of the renowned Bodega Catena Zapata, tackles the hot topic of wine and health; and Jeffery Young, a Chef of the Year and a multi-gold medal winner in international competitions, brings his talents and wealth of experience to the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos as their new Executive Chef.

This week it's part two of our Grape Escape at Three Sisters Winery on the Naramata Bench. Paige Schulz from Visit Penticton lists activities to enhance your exploration of the Bench and lists upcoming events in the region you'll want to book for now; Pénélope Roche, Co-Owner & Winemaker for Roche Wines, at the southern end of the Bench, talks sustainability and brings her pinot gris and pinot noir for tasting; Joel Chamaschuk, Owner and Chief Storyteller of Chain Reaction Winery talks about their spirit of experimentation and brings a Blanc de Noir; Elizabeth Markulin, Sommelier for Eliza Wine Bar at the Naramata Inn at the north end of the Bench, gives us an idea of why they are a good place to include when touring the Bench; Graham Pierce, Winemaker for Ruby Blues Winery describes the well-known winery's whimsical style and he brings his Peace Love and Bubbles cans for Anthony to sample.

This week marks the return of the Valley First Wealth Management Winemaker Profile Series, starting with Nadine Kinvig the winemaker for Terravista Vineyards on the Naramata Bench, though we hear about a new project with grapes grown in Okanagan Falls; we release an interview with Ross Wise MW, GM & Director of Winemaking at Black Hills Estate Winery recorded earlier this year at the Vancouver International Wine Festival; Allison Spurrell, co-owner of the popular cheese shops, Les Amis du Fromage, offers picnic tips, cheese and tasty bites that Anthony pairs wines to, reminding us that there's nothing better than enjoying good food and wine outdoors; we round out the show with Grant Stanley the winemaker for SpearHead Estate Winery in East Kelowna, who was recently awarded Winery of the Year for Canada; we hear his reaction and learn more about his decorated wines.

This week we begin the show with Michael Bartier, Co-Owner and Winemaker for Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery, telling the story behind Piquette, made from the second pressing of grapes; Anthony reports on the Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos and the Similkameen vineyards he saw firsthand on a recent trip; we release our interview with Federica Boffa, Owner of the renowned Barolo maker Pio Cesare; and Mark Beringer, General Manager and Director of Winemaking for Phantom Creek Estates talks about single vineyards and what to expect when you see this on a wine label.

We're broadcasting from Three Sisters Winery on the Naramata Bench this week, lead by Visit Penticton's Paige Schulz, who gives us the details on big events coming in August through the fall; Rebecca and Matthew Mikulic Co-Owners of Three Sisters Winery highlight their hospitality and their proximity to Penticton; John Kaputsky, GM for Hwy 97 Brewing talks about the envious beer culture in the region; Lyndsay O'Rourke Co-Owner and Winemaker for Tightrope Winery tastes viognier and riesling with Anthony and Gordon Fitzpatrick, Owner of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, chats about their sparkling wine program.

This week, Anthony has a conversation with Mike Dowell, Co-owner and winemaker for Liber Estates; from our Vancouver International Wine Festival series of interviews, we visit with one of our favourite duos David Scholefield, Wine Consultant and DJ Kearney, Wine Educator; also recorded at VIWF earlier this year, Michael Bartier, Co-Owner and Winemaker for Bartier Bros. and Eric Monnin, Chief Winemaker for Boutinot International based in France, talk about working together; and Dan Zepponi, CEO of Cuvaison, gives us its history this Napa Valley winery founded in 1969 and what they offer in the BC market.

This week we enjoy a masterclass in biodynamic winegrowing from Alsace winemaker and international consultant, Olivier Humbrecht MW who joined us in-studio earlier this summer; We get the highlights from the 2024 National Wine Awards Canada, first from Co-Head Judge David Lawrason, who also comments on wine awards in general; then wine judge Geoffrey Moss MW, summarizes the British Columbian entries and on the Sparkling results, the first to be released this Friday; we wrap up with an interview recorded at the Vancouver International Wine Festival earlier this year featuring Nicolas Tapia the Export Manager for Viña Emiliana, one of the top producers of fine wine in Chile, and a leader in biodynamic, organic and sustainable winegrowing.

This week, we return to Okanagan Falls at Noble Ridge Estate Winery, to talk with Paige Schulz from Visit Penticton about the outstanding craft beverage scene in the region featuring some of the people in the industry including Rob Hammersley, the Owner/Winemaker for Black Market Wine Co. in Kalenden; Wilbert Borren, the Co-Owner/Winemaker of Four Shadows Vineyard on the Naramata Bench; Nicole Kelf, the Marketing Manager for Barley Mill Brew Pub in Penticton and Simon Buttet, the Co-Owner / Distiller for Alchemist Distiller in Summerland. Plus, Paige teases some of the big events and concerts happening in and around Penticton this summer.