Tasting Room Radio

We welcome a long time friend – Canadian music legend Randy Bachman (The Guess Who & BTO) Once again, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and got to experience the lift off of the first Canadian artist to hit #1 in the USA. Before they became world famous,... The post EP 390 | Randy Bachman Master Storyteller on The Guess Who & BTO appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Naramata Bench Pours Spring Wines in Vancouver. (Part One)   For almost 20 years the wineries of the Naramata Bench above Penticton have showcased their Spring releases for the food and wine trade and general public in Vancouver. The 2026 gathering was May 7 at the Vancouver Community College near Gastown.   16 Naramata Bench... The post May 16th, 2026- Naramata Bench Pours Spring Wines appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Poplar Grove Discovering  Spring Wines Everywhere.  This Week Polar Grove & Summerland/Pamplemousse.   The SHOW Tony Holler is the co-owner and driving force behind the very successful Poplar Grove Winery on the Naramata Bench. He made his yearly visit to Victoria and Vancouver Island.  Polar Grove has a lot of wine fans and club members... The post May 9th, 2026- Tony Holler & Poplar Grove/Jordan Kubek Bottleneck in Bloom and Pamplemousse appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Chris Wood – The Wood Brothers. New album Puff of Smoke   The complete interview Big fan of Medeski. Martin and Wood. Then followed the Wood  Brothers through 9 albums. The media and music fans painted the brothers as a Jam Band. They are anything but. Jazz and roots/ blues driven with themes and lyrics... The post Ep 389 | Chris Wood – The Wood Brothers. New album Puff of Smoke appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

The New Blue Grouse with Winemaker Stacy Hornemann   Two Words – Blue Grouse Two More – The Cowichan. Last Two – Stacy Hornemann. When the legendary Jackson Family in Santa Rosa, in the heart of Sonoma County, California decided to add two Canadian wineries to their portfolio, they chose two on Vancouver Island. Unsworth... The post May 2nd, 2026- The New Blue Grouse with Winemaker Stacy Hornemann appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

THE SHOW    It’s the annual BC Wine gathering designed to showcase many of the wines from all the regions in BC. Wine Growers of BC named it Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.      60 wineries from across the province were all set up to welcome everyone attending. Winemakers, proprietors and industry leaders. We... The post April 25th, 2026- Swirl Around BC Wine Expo – Part Two appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

It’s been called various names over the years. It’s the annual BC Wine gathering meant to showcase  the wines from all the regions in BC.     Wine Growers of BC named it   –   Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.    The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.   60... The post April 17th, 2026- Wine Growers of BC – Swirl Around BC Wine Expo Part One appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

After a couple of “Challenging Years:”,  the team at Hester Creek Estate Winery announce they’re back in the VQA with a very engaging line up of wines. Perfectly timed for your Spring celebrations and Summer events. Presenting six 2025 wines for your consideration are Mark Hopley, Winemaker and Mark Sheridan President and Viticulturist. The 2025... The post April 11th, 2026- Hester Creek, back to VQA! appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Free Spirit is Victoria’s biggest Non-Alc Wine, Cider, Beer and Cocktail tasting ! It’s curated and organized by noted wine specialist Kurtis Kolt.  Yup, the same guy who is getting ready to open the doors of one of the very best small wine events in Vancouver and Calgary,  Top Drop 2026.  Kurtis explains  that he... The post April 3rd, 2026-Free Spirit ,Victoria’s biggest Non-Alc Wine, Cider, Beer and Cocktail tasting ! appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Free Spirit is Victoria’s biggest Non-Alc Wine, Cider, Beer and Cocktail tasting ! It’s curated and organized by noted wine specialist Kurtis Kolt.  Yup, the same guy who is getting ready to open the doors of one of the very best small wine events in Vancouver and Calgary,  Top Drop 2026.  Kurtis explains  that he... The post April 3rd, 2026-Free Spirit ,Victoria’s biggest Non-Alc Wine, Cider, Beer and Cocktail tasting ! appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

When Noble Ridge COO, chief winemaker and viticulturist Benoit Gauthier visited Tasting Room Radio on February 21st, we agreed that with spring releases around the corner we’d see each other soon enough. This time its seven  new 2025 white wines signaling Spring. And best of all,  Benoit is joined by Assistant Winemaker/vineyard manager Libby Nixon.   Following... The post March 28th, 2026- Noble Ridge 2025 Spring Releases with Benoit Gauthier and Libby Nixon appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

THE SHOW   Luke Whittall, author of 3 popular Sipster books on BC wine and 2 on  Ontario wines,  dropped me an email the other day.   He was watching the new TV series, Age of Attraction, on Netflix. In the middle of a table during a scene, the cast was pouring and sipping Q&A... The post March 21st, 2026- A reconnect interview with Luke Whittall – Author of The Sipster Books appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

THE SHOW   Luke Whittall, author of 3 popular Sipster books on BC wine and 2 on  Ontario wines,  dropped me an email the other day.   He was watching the new TV series, Age of Attraction, on Netflix. In the middle of a table during a scene, the cast was pouring and sipping Q&A... The post March 21st, 2026- A reconnect interview with Luke Whittall – Author of The Sipster Books appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

  Discover The Similkameen Valley with John Weber and Rhys Pender     THE SHOW    Guests:                    Rhys Pender Master of Wine and co-founder of Little Farm Wine and W Set wine educator.  John Weber. Co-founder & Winemaker  of Orofino Winery There are some,  wine fans... The post March 14th, 2026- A Full Similkameen Valley experience with John Weber & Rhys Pender appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

  Discover The Similkameen Valley with John Weber and Rhys Pender     THE SHOW    Guests:                    Rhys Pender Master of Wine and co-founder of Little Farm Wine and W Set wine educator.  John Weber. Co-founder & Winemaker  of Orofino Winery There are some,  wine fans... The post March 14th, 2026- A Full Similkameen Valley experience with John Weber & Rhys Pender appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Jeff Guignard CEO Wine Growers of BC on a wild 2025 and Brad Royale – BC Wines in Alberta. Both cover VanWineFest   THE SHOW      Guests: Jeff Guignard  – CEO Wine Growers of BC Brad Royale – Corporate Sommelier for Concorde Entertainment Group Calgary     Jeff talks provincial trade barriers, wine taxes,... The post March 7th, 2026- Jeff Guignard CEO Wine BC & Brad Royale speaks Albertan. appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Jeff Guignard CEO Wine Growers of BC on a wild 2025 and Brad Royale – BC Wines in Alberta. Both cover VanWineFest   THE SHOW      Guests: Jeff Guignard  – CEO Wine Growers of BC Brad Royale – Corporate Sommelier for Concorde Entertainment Group Calgary     Jeff talks provincial trade barriers, wine taxes,... The post March 7th, 2026- Jeff Guignard CEO Wine BC & Brad Royale speaks Albertan. appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Hillside Estate Winemaker Kathy Malone presents 2025 Un-0aked Whites What a wonderful wine gift Kathy Malone brings.   For those of you looking for less or no oak in your white  wines.   2025 Un-Oaked Pinot Gris  Since it’s introduction in 2008 , the Hillside  unoaked Pinot Gris has been an over-the-top favourite! Joining the series... The post February 28th, 2026 Hillside Estate Winemaker Kathy Malone presents 2025 Un-0aked Whites appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Hillside Estate Winemaker Kathy Malone presents 2025 Un-0aked Whites What a wonderful wine gift Kathy Malone brings.   For those of you looking for less or no oak in your white  wines.   2025 Un-Oaked Pinot Gris  Since it’s introduction in 2008 , the Hillside  unoaked Pinot Gris has been an over-the-top favourite! Joining the series... The post February 28th, 2026 Hillside Estate Winemaker Kathy Malone presents 2025 Un-0aked Whites appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Discovering  Kismet Wines in Oliver  and  2019 The One from Noble Ridge    The SHOW   Our first guest is Manpreet Dhaliwal, the family winemaker for Kismet in Oliver.  The Dhaliwal family, lead by brothers Sukhi and Balwinder,  originally came to the Okanagan from South Asia as farmers, which is exactly what they did when... The post February 21st, 2026- Discovering  Kismet Wines in Oliver  and  2019 “The One” from Noble Ridge  appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Discovering  Kismet Wines in Oliver  and  2019 The One from Noble Ridge    The SHOW   Our first guest is Manpreet Dhaliwal, the family winemaker for Kismet in Oliver.  The Dhaliwal family, lead by brothers Sukhi and Balwinder,  originally came to the Okanagan from South Asia as farmers, which is exactly what they did when... The post February 21st, 2026- Discovering  Kismet Wines in Oliver  and  2019 “The One” from Noble Ridge  appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

A Complete Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and Tantalus Winery. THE SHOW  I had been  counting down the days to the end of 2025 Harvest. It marked the end of the amazing 2025 growing season AND my first chance to interview Tantalus Winery GM and Winemaker David Paterson. First,  to talk about the National... The post February 14th, 2026- Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and award winning Tantalus Winery. appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

A Complete Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and Tantalus Winery. THE SHOW  I had been  counting down the days to the end of 2025 Harvest. It marked the end of the amazing 2025 growing season AND my first chance to interview Tantalus Winery GM and Winemaker David Paterson. First,  to talk about the National... The post February 14th, 2026- Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and award winning Tantalus Winery. appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

        Upcoming Vancouver Wine Fest… Its a blend uniquely Harry… The  47th annual Fesitval.  March 7/14– on opening  the room is filled with  information , numbers and a hint of Nardwuar. The palate is  full. Surprising with stories of Bacchanalia (Mar 7) The Soul of Napa (MAR 9) The mid-palate is totally France! ... The post February 7th, 2026- 47th Vancouver International Wine Festival & Jeff Guignard- President /CEO of Wine Growers of BC. appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

From 6 generations of Sleemans to a jam with The Rhythm and Booze Project   As always, when I get next to a gathering of craft makers, whether they be wine makers, brewers, cider makers, chefs, sparkling wine makers or spirits, I always do way too many interviews. It's like a buffet. Can't help myself.... The post January 31st, 2026- 6 generations of Sleemans, & the 20th Victoria Whisky Festival Part Two appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Its the 20th l Victoria Whisky Fest and the 16th  Canadian Whisky Awards.     Right up front congratulations to JP Wisers’s 24 for winning Canadian Whisky of the Year. Founded in 2010 by whisky writer and historian Davin de Kergommeaux, the Canadian Whisky Awards focuses exclusively on whiskies distilled and matured in Canada and... The post January 24TH, 2026- The 20th annual Victoria Whisky Fest and the 16th  Canadian Whisky Awards appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Alberta Wine Tax Gets gets strong push back from Wine BC,  Alberta restaurants, winery agents, retail and hospitality!   Calgary, Alberta: A coalition of industry associations representing Canadian wineries, restaurants, import agents, and Alberta retail and hospitality businesses are calling on the Government of Alberta to repeal its unfair and damaging ad valorem tax on wine. “Implemented in 2025 without industry consultation, Alberta's wine... The post January 17th, 2026- Alberta Wine Tax gets strong push back from Wine BC Coalition. appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

Vancouver’s Biggest Non-Alc Wine, Beer, Spirit & Cocktail Tasting! Free Spirit Vancouver.   THE SHOW The low and non-alcoholic sector has exploded into a $13-billion-dollar global industry, recording staggering year-over-year growth, with Canadians among its top international consumers.  According to NielsenIQ, the overall market grew by more than 35 per cent in 2023, and 120... The post January 10th, 2026- Vancouver’s Biggest Non-Alc Wine, Beer, Spirit & Cocktail Tasting! appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

2025 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW THE SHOW A full-scale discussion about the 2025 Nationals! The Canadian Wine Awards, featuring one of the best wine minds in this or any country,  Anthony Gismondi. He also happens to be one of the key organizers of these tastings and awards.  For over... The post January 10th, 2026 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

2025 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW THE SHOW A full-scale discussion about the 2025 Nationals! The Canadian Wine Awards, featuring one of the best wine minds in this or any country,  Anthony Gismondi. He also happens to be one of the key organizers of these tastings and awards.  For over... The post January 3rd, 2026- Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

We reconnect with Mark Sheridan President of Hester Creek and their 2022 Judge, 2022 Garland,  2024 The Columbia Valley Meritage and a remarkable new blend  2022 UNDICI, that will be an instant hit. THE SHOW   These are conflicting days at Hester Creek.   At the very same time that they grow, create and release...

THE SHOW Fort Berens in Lillooet, BC we present a conversation with winemaker Alex Nel.    From our friends at Fort Berens in Lillooet, BC we present a conversation with winemaker Alex Nel.  Originally from the wine regions of South Africa, Alex came to BC with his winemaking wife to create a new life in...

THE SHOW    It’s the annual BC Wine gathering designed to showcase many of the wines from all the regions in BC. Wine Growers of BC named it Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.  The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.   60 wineries from across the province were all set...

Vancouver’s Biggest Non-Alc Wine, Beer, Spirit & Cocktail Tasting! Free Spirit Vancouver.   THE SHOW The low and non-alcoholic sector has exploded into a $13-billion-dollar global industry, recording staggering year-over-year growth, with Canadians among its top international consumers.  According to NielsenIQ, the overall market grew by more than 35 per cent in 2023, and 120...

The spectacular, award winning winemaker Mary McDermott and Township 7 & seven stars Fall releases.   THE SHOW   At the 2025 “Nationals”  – (Wine Align National Wine Awards) – Township 7 received the highest number of awards of any sparkling producer in Canada.   Three Gold Medals  Three Silver Medals The 2017 seven stars Sirius alone...

It’s been called various names over the years. It’s the annual BC Wine gathering meant to showcase  the wines from all the regions in BC. Wine Growers of BC named it   –   Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.    The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.   60 wineries from...

Noble Ridge (OK Falls) Guests: Benoit Gauthier director of Winemaking/CEO and Asst Winemaker Libby Nixon After somehow surviving the cold snaps of the several past Winters, Noble Ridge in Okanagan Falls has found itself right side up and raring to go. The guests this week are Benoit Gauthier – Director of Winemaking and CEO Libby Nixon...

A Complete Tasting Room Radio with David Paterson and Tantalus Winery. THE SHOW  I’ve been counting down the days to the end of 2025 Harvest. It marks the end of the 2025 growing season AND my first chance to interview Tantalus Winery GM and Winemaker David Paterson. First,  to talk about the National Wine Awards...

Michal Mosny (Winemakers Cut) & James Lester (Sons of Vancouver)     The SHOW   Michal Mosny – co-founder and winemaker Winemaker’s Cut   Michal and Martina Mosny were making wine in Slovakia years ago. They watched a tv series called Hollywood and Vines. They saw the hosts walking vineyards and talking to the winemakers...

This is such a great story. Three professionals had a wine dream that turned into a plan and now a winery. Steve Beecroft,  was born in a farming family in Trenton, Ont. Had a successful career in banking. The love of his life, Tricia Huebner was a highly respected marketing and communications specialist. Dylan Sheldon grew up...

THE SHOW    It’s the annual BC Wine gathering designed to showcase many of the wines from all the regions in BC. Wine Growers of BC named it Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.  The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.   60 wineries from across the province were all set...

It’s been called various names over the years. It’s the annual BC Wine gathering meant to showcase all the wines from all the regions in BC. Wine Growers of BC named it Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2025.    The daylong celebration took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.   60 wineries from...

Just when BC Wineries needed leadership to heal & deal with provincial barriers, meet Jeff Guignard. (CEO-President of  Wine Growers of BC) Not only is he outspoken and focused,  Jeff also spent 10 years in Ottawa. He knows well which doors to knock on or kick down. Jeff has been traveling to the various wine...

2025 Canadian Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi & Geoffrey Moss MW THE SHOW A full-scale discussion about the 2025 Nationals! The Canadian Wine Awards, featuring one of the best wine minds in this or any country,  Anthony Gismondi. He also happens to be one of the key organizers of these tastings and awards.  For over...

Meyer Family Vinyards / Mayhem Wines. It’s a Family Affair!!     For the past 5-7 years – just around Harvest – I’ve gone seeking Terry Meyer Stone and her brother JAK Meyer. Terry owns Mayhem Wines and JAK owns Meyer Family Vinyards. Both in Okanagan Falls.     JAK, partners and staff are celebrating their fabulous...

      THE SHOW    A lot to talk about with Ron Kubek. Co-Owner of Lightning Rock in Summerland.  Ron is very opinionated. Can’t blame him.   For far too many years, Canadian bureaucrats have stood in the way of wineries and provincial free trade across Canada. Promises broken, forgotten or never kept. Ron...

Winemaker Kathy Malone – Hillside Estate  (Naramata ) and Rhys Pender Master of Wine – Little Farm (Similkameen)  THE SHOW These have been troubling times in Okanagan Winemaking.    Two Winter cold snaps damaged many prized vineyards.  Some of the same vineyards made a slow recovery with an assist from winemakers and vineyard crews. One thing...

THE SHOW   It’s Part Two on the Barnyard Wine Fair.     “Wine unplugged. It's the unfiltered, untamed, unphotoshopped version of what we know wine to be. Hand picked, no additives, little or no sulphites” It flies against the status quo. Challenges what people think is good wine” Madeline Puckette /Wine Folly     Wines...

The 2025 Barnyard Wine Fair   –  Natural. Biodynamic. Organic.   THE SHOW Natural wine has arguably been the major movement of the 21st Century wine world, and for some it has also become a ‘lifestyle choice’, writes Elin McCoy, ahead of the Raw wine fair in London and after visiting the New York version of...

The SHOW Each year, WineAlign presents The National Wine Awards of Canada. 2025 is their 25th anniversary.   I was in the middle of recording my introduction to Moon Curser Winemaker, Christian Scagnetti, when the Wineries of the Year were announced. Mission Hill was named  Winery of the Year and Top BC Winery.   The best Ontario...

MARK HOPLEY (winemaker) – Hester Creek!   New Releases. Columbia Valley Collection & Epic 22   THE SHOW    The Columbia Valley Collection. “This is giving us the best opportunity to craft wines of distinction while ensuring our local BC farmers and their vineyards can recover from the cold weather challenges.”  Mark Hopley Winemaker Hester Creek....