Wine Trails Sept Oct issue 2014 by BC Food & Wine Trails Magazine

WIN E R IES

W IN E

E V E N T S

R E STAUR AN T S

R E C IPE S

Food &

WT w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a

British Columbia

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Wine Festival EVENTS Where to EAT, DRINK & PLAY Okanagan FARM REPORT Fall RELEASES Delicious LOCAL RECIPES

Picker’s Hut Cider at The View Winery

Bee Joyful at Meadow Vista Honey Wines

Krause Berry Farms Berries, Wine & so much more

Join US For YOUR

Unforgettable Tour Experience!

We provide all-inclusive services - pick up/drop-off from most locations, all tasting fees; and a full lunch is included with our full day tours. • Half Day Naramata - $55 + GST • Full Day Naramata/Summerland or OK Falls - $90 + GST • Full Day Southern Tour (Similkameen Valley/Golden Mile) - $125 + GST • Full Day Kelowna or West Kelowna - $125 + GST Call to inquire about arranging custom tours.

Book Online Today! www.TopCatTours.com

Call: 1.250.493.7385

Page 2 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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TOP CAT TAKES YOU THERE – THE FINEST OKANAGAN WINE TOURS AND MORE

“O

n our tours, we meet incredibly interesting people from all walks of life,” says David Brooks, who’s been a tour guide and driver with Top Cat Tours in Penticton for over seven years. ”They come from the Lower Mainland and Alberta, but also from the US— especially Napa— and the UK, Holland, Australia and South Africa.” All-inclusive wine tours are Top Cat’s specialty, although they also provide charter and shuttle services for a number of events, including weddings, golf tournaments, and corporate functions. The company has been hosting visitors on wine tours longer than any other company in the South Okanagan. Established in 2001, Top Cat started with a single 15-passenger bus. Top Cat tours are so popular, the company now has seven buses in constant use during the wine touring season. “Nobody takes a wine tour in a bad mood,” says David. Top Cat conducts tours to favourite South Okanagan wine regions such as the Naramata Bench, Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive, Okanagan Falls, the Golden Mile between Oliver and Osoyoos, and the Similkameen. “All the regions offer unique experiences,” says David. “The Naramata Bench is the most popular tour destination, with 35 wineries within 10 kilometres. Bottleneck Drive offers some of my favourite wines and experiences in the whole Okanagan. Okanagan Falls is a unique area because of the grapes they grow and exclusive wines. And of course, many of the wineries are located in the Golden Mile, Oliver, where most of the best reds grow. As for the Similkameen, it’s an up-and-coming wine region, full of delights.” David is very knowledgeable about the Okanagan... and wines. He has his level 2 certificate from the UK-based Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is studying for his www.winetrails.ca

level 3. “I really love wines and talking about them when I give a tour,” he says. Top Cat wine tours are far more than just visiting a winery for a tour and taste. They pride themselves on all-inclusive half-day and all-day wine tours that often include stops at smaller boutique wineries. “The people behind the counters are very passionate about what they’re serving,” says David.

David Brooks, the ultimate tour guide

Half-day tours to Naramata or Summerland do not include lunch. Starting at 1 pm, you spend the afternoon tasting at some favourite wineries. The full-day tours include a delicious full-menu lunch at an interesting restaurant, with an entree and choice of beverages including coffee and tea. ”Now that we have an amazing wine industry in the Valley, many restaurants are appearing, focusing on farm-to-table, locally grown food,” says David. “Some restaurants are winery bistros, featuring their own wines. Others boast a selection of local wines, beers and distilled products. We work in partnership with restaurants and wineries to provide an exceptional value visit for our clients. The experience is everything.”

Top Cat has partnered with several hotels for special packages that include accommodation, half or full-day wine tours with hotel pick up and delivery, as well such options as meals, all for a special price. Check topcattours.com for details. “People say our tours are interesting, knowledgeable and intimate,” says David. On a typical full-day tour, you’ll be picked up at your lodging by Top Cat Tours. You’ll learn about the Okanagan wine industry and the tour schedule for the day. When you visit your first winery, you’ll start tasting their wines. If you haven’t done a tasting before, you’ll be led through it...it’s fun! You may choose to purchase wine, join a wine club, and may have a chance to look around the grounds or production facilities. Visits to a couple of other wineries will follow as time permits, complete with tastings, of course, opportunities to buy wines and lots of information and stories. After a leisurely lunch at a top-notch restaurant, you’ll get back on the bus to visit one more winery. Like all the others, it’ll be a special experience and you’ll discover your favourite wines. After purchasing, it’s time for the scenic trip back to your accommodations. Your wine is unloaded from the bus and you’ll get a chance to exchange information with newfound friends. All of Top Cat’s tours are all-inclusive, meaning there’s no need to fret about pick up or drop off, tasting fees, or any meals served. “Nobody feels sorry for me and my job,” says David. “Every day I work is like a fantasy. The people, stories and experience have become a part of my life. I grew up in the Valley, but I see it from visitors’ points of view. I can’t take the Okanagan for granted anymore.” Top Cat will continue its wine tours until the end of Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, which ends October 13. Visit topcattours.com or call 250.493.7385 for more information. ~ Dona Sturmanis

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 3

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KRAUSE BERRY FARMS & ESTATE WINERY – A DELICIOUS DESTINATION FOR FOOD & WINE LOVERS

(L-R) Sandra Lee Harcourt (winemaker), Ted Bowman (winery manager) with owners Sandee & Alf Krause.

rause Berry family farm which began in 1974 as a single acre strawberry patch, has blossomed into a 200-acre destination farm & winery under the ownership of Alf and Sandee Krause. Visitors to the farm can pick their own berries along with enjoying the on-site restaurant, winery and marketplace. The Krause Berry Farm is a “fun working farm” where everyone can enjoy a taste of the country. Famous for their pies and handmade ice-cream, locals know to call ahead to reserve the “famous pie” made with custard and farm berries which sell out daily due to demand. Enjoy the nostalgia of the old-fashioned marketplace which sells farm-made bread, heavenly fudge and kettle corn, all made in the Krause Berry Farm bakery & fudgery. It’s worth the wait at the lined-up waffle bar for handmade waffles piled high with farm berries and whipped cream. The fall harvest brings the simple pleasure of eating freshly roasted corn on the cob, cooked outside on the farm’s corn roaster. The newest addition to the Krause Berry Farm, the Estate winery which opened in 2013 has already seen their fruit wines, under winemaker Sandra Lee Harcourt, receive critical acclaim. In 2014, Krause Berry Estate Winery’s

Blackberry Portoe and Sparkling Strawberry both received medals from the prestigious WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, which recognizes the best in Canadian wine. While Sandee and Alf Krause are serious about making exceptional Canadian fruit wines, the winery is a fun destination. The Western-themed wine tasting room has a tin roof, horse saddles at the tasting bar and watering troughs serve as chandeliers. Saddle up to the bar and enjoy a guided wine tasting, served in their signature boot wine glasses. After wine tasting, take a seat in the KB Corral or licensed flower garden and enjoy a fruit and local cheese platter with a pitcher of sangria. The winery’s sparkling fruit wines are an excellent pairing for the must try roasted corn pizzas served daily from Cookie’s Kitchen, the onsite winery restaurant. The popular cooking and wine classes hosted by Master Chef Wolfgang Schmelcher return to Krause Berry Farms this fall. Enjoy classes such as All About Salmon, Quintessence of Italian Cooking or Tapas, Paella and Sangria. Classes starting from $108.00+. See website for details. Krause Berry Farm and Estate Winery is the perfect escape to country. krauseberryfarms.com. ~ Claire Sear

Page 4 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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◆ Features/Events

◆ Editor’s

Alberta Beverage Awards.......................................................................38 Eat Drink Tweet. .......................................................................................6 Farm Report ...........................................................................................53 Festival of the Grape ..............................................................................15 Garagiste - The Small Guys Wine Festival .............................................21 Garlic Festival .........................................................................................14 Heart and Stroke Foundation Kelowna Red Dress Event ............................... 22 Lt. Governor’s Awards ............................................................................52 USA Today’s Top Wine Regions .............................................................53

◆ Wine,

Beer & Spirits

Adega On 45th ...............................15 Black Hills ........................................12 Burrowing Owl ..................................8 Cannery Brewing.............................24 Cedar Creek ....................................43 Clos Du Soleil..................................16 Desert Hills ......................................11 Dirty Laundry...................................36 Eau Vivre .........................................18 Fairview Cellars ...............................11 Forbidden Fruit .............................18 Gehringer Brothers .........................10 Gray Monk ......................................49 Hester Creek .....................................7 Hillside Winery & Bistro ..................35 Howling Bluff...................................34 Kalala ...............................................40 Kraze Legz .......................................24 Krause Berry Farm & Winery ............4 Larch Hills ........................................51 Legend Distilling .............................29 Little Straw ......................................39 Liquidity...........................................22 Meadow Vista Honey Wines ..........50 Meyer Family Vineyards..................20 Moraine ...........................................33 Mt.Boucherie...................................41

Naramata Bench Winery Assc. .......29 OK Falls Winery Association...........19 Okanagan Spirits.............................45 Oliver Twist......................................13 Perseus .......................................... 26 Poplar Grove ................................. 30 Quails’ Gate ....................................41 Quinta Ferreira ................................13 Recline Ridge ..................................51 Red Rooster ....................................31 River Stone ......................................10 Sandhill ............................................48 Serendipity ......................................34 Seven Stones ..................................16 Sonoran ..........................................37 Spierhead ........................................46 Stag’s Hollow...................................21 Summerhill ......................................44 Therapy ...........................................32 The View .........................................45 Tinhorn Creek ...................................9 Upper Bench Winery & Creamery ..27 Vine Glass........................................17 Volcanic Hills ...................................40 Westside Wine Trail ........................39 Wild Goose .....................................23

◆ Recipes Bresaola, Covert Farms - Chef Derek Uhlemann .................................................54 Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Zucchini Loaf - Debbie Donahue ............................54

◆ Restaurants/Catering Bonfire Grill at The Cove ......................................................................................37 La Bussola .............................................................................................................50 Naramata Heritage Inn .........................................................................................35 Poppadoms ...........................................................................................................47 RauDZ Regional Table/micro bar.bites .................................................................46 Smack Dab at Manteo Resort ............................................................................ 47 Terrafina at Hester Creek.................................................................................... 14 The Bench Market............................................................................................... 28

◆ Wine

Country Services

Allison Markin - All She Wrote.........55 Penticton BC VQA Wine Shop ............ 27 City Palate ........................................38 Constellation Laboratories.................8 Cormier’s Studio...............................28 DeLong Studios ...............................36 Discover Wines ................................49 Grape Escapes Wine Tours..............33 Lone Willow Wine Jelly ...................55 www.winetrails.ca

Manuella Farnsworth .......................28 Okanagan College ...........................25 PostNet ............................................55 Sandman Hotel ................................42 Steve Jones - Musician ....................55 Strictly Cellars...................................55 Tasteful Excursions .............................6 Top Cat Tours .....................................2

Note

fter an extraordinary, old-fashioned HOT Okanagan summer, wine country is gliding into fall with beautiful crops on the farms and gorgeous bundles of grapes on the vines. Life is delicious. The autumn brings the most exciting time in our various B.C. wine regions - time to harvest, crush and bottle. Do you sometimes feel like a braggadocio when describing our glorious Okanagan? Fret no more- we have proof! Check out Scott Trudeau’s article on page 53 and read all about the Okanagan being voted 2nd Best Wine Region in The World to visit. Our community of food, wine and farm people should all be congratulated for their immense contributions to our province’s food and wine supply and applauded

for their dedication to excellence and for conserving our agricultural land. Thank you all. There are festivals, events and dinners galore this fall, so don’t put away your party hat and tasting glass just yet! Oliver is again hosting a Garlic Festival and their annual Fest of Grape, the NEW Garagiste North Wine Festival celebrating the ‘small guy’ winemakers is coming up as well as a mouth-watering dinner at Hillside Winery & Bistro. Remember, we at Food & Wine Trails Magazine are shifting into winery mode this winter and will be back out next March with tons of exciting news and spring wine releases to announce. Happy fall, happy winter – and remember to eat and drink local and support your farmers!!

Jennifer Schell ◆ Contributing

Writers/Photographers

Writers: Cassandra Anderton, Roslyne Buchanan, Kim Cameron, Tracy Clark, Lorne Eckersley, Allison Fader, Courtney Fossett, Sue Harper, Laura Lushington, Allison Markin, Deanna Merrick, Kathy Michaels, Wade Paterson, Chef Giulio Piccioli, Claire Sear, Terry Meyer-Stone, Jennifer Smith, Dona Sturmanis, Erin Trainer, Scott Trudeau, Chef Derek Uhlemann, Luke Whittall, Sarah Willard. View bios of our wonderful team at www.winetrails.ca

◆ On

The Cover

Cover artwork by artist Kena Cumming Cormier. See story on page 55

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B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 5

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WHAT TO DO WHEN THE MEDIA COMES CALLING

By Allison Markin

ver the spring and summer I have been on both sides of media tours to wineries in a couple of different countries, having both been a guest, and hosting several media folks out and about to experience our region. There are few things I’ve noticed, no matter where I’ve been traveling, that certainly can help a winery make a good impression when media, no matter if they are traditional or digital (the “bloggerati” as I now call prominent travel, food, and wine bloggers), come to visit. First, have a winery principal present. The owner or manager, anyone who knows the history of the winery and can tell a good story about it. It’s quite likely that media visiting you will have learned a lot about the winemaking process already...what they want to hear is why you got into the business,

KAMLOOPS – GATEWAY TO WINE COUNTRY WITH TASTEFULL EXCURSIONS B

ased in Kamloops, Ta s t e F u l l Excursions offers exceptional tours on “the wine trails less travelled.” Wine enthusiasts now have the opportunity to visit wineries in Kamloops, along the Gold Rush Trail (Lillooet, Cache Creek, Merritt), in the Shuswap, plus the North and Central Okanagan. Wine Trail Seasons Passes will be available in September of this year. At an annual cost of $199, this is a very cost-effective way for pass holders to participate in multiple wine tours throughout the year. “Kamloops is exciting because we have an emerging wine industry here with Privato and Harper’s Trail gaining respect and accolades for their wines,” says TasteFull Excursions proprietor Maatje Stamp-Vincent. “By next year there are slated to be two more wineries open for business. Inquiries and bookings are coming in from Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and the Lower Mainland from people

who are really interested in a different wine tour experience.” Group bookings are also available for birthday celebrations, stagettes, and corporate events and are eligible for group discounts. Fall is an excellent time to book an excursion with TasteFull for harvest time in the vineyard. “And with 2014 predicted to be a record year for the Adams River salmon spawning run in the Shuswap area, I am getting calls from across Canada from people who wish to come for this major tourist attraction and do a winery tour as well.” TasteFull Excursions’ brand new custom state-of-the-art 2014 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, which can carry up to 11 passengers, offers big view windows, air conditioning, and secure cooler storage for picnics and guest wine purchases. Email info@tastefullexcursions.ca or call 1.844.314.4555.

Page 6 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

~Dona Sturmanis

what makes your winery unique, or how you came up with the name. Second, have information readily available. A media kit is of course an excellent tool either on paper, your website, or even on a memory stick that can be handed out. You don’t need reams of paper to do this properly, but include your tasting notes and sell sheets, a brief history of the winery, perhaps a few downloadable images, and of course contact information. Don’t forget to point out your social media feeds. Third, make an attempt to make your writer feel a bit special. Not all writers need to feel like they are getting an exclusive experience, but make it easy for media to taste your wines and ask questions. Set aside a specific area of your tasting bar and have one staff person focused on them. Better yet, open up a room, or set a table outside to do tastings away from

distraction. Bonus: other visitors will appreciate not being crowded by bloggers and writers asking questions. Speaking of which, don’t be surprised by media hopping around your property, moving bottles into better light, or asking you to smile politely for photos. This is part of their job, and they want to make you look good by taking good photos. And photos are critical content to be shared across social media. Finally, have your business cards ready and ask for cards from your visiting media. Be sure to take a moment a few days after the visit to send a thank you and see if there are any more questions. Above all, make it easy for writers, reporters, bloggers, photographers to do their jobs and create the best content they can about your winery.

~ THOMPSON SHUSWAP ~ Experience the Wine Trail Less Travelled

Kamloops ~ Gateway to Wine Country Wine Tasting Tours for All Occasions

Individual & Group Rates

Fall Feature ~ Wine Trail Season Pass Unlimited Tours for One Low Annual Price Great Christmas or birthday present for the wine lover on your list!

844-314-4555 tastefullexcursions.ca

Gold Country ~ Kamloops ~ Shuswap ~ Okanagan www.winetrails.ca

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FOOD, WINE & MUSIC

– THE HESTER CREEK WINERY CULTURE Guest Celebrity Chef Vikram Vij to host a dinner at Hester Creek Nov. 18.

ester Creek Estate Winery is sitting on some of the most beautiful property in the Okanagan. Wide vineyards are hugged by rolling hillsides. The summer sun blazes above, creating a stilling effect on intertwined grape vines tidily arranged in rows below. It’s that perfect picture you want to run right into. And you’re invited to do just that. Getting visitors to enjoy “all the things that are good about life” is what Hester Creek is all about, said Director of Hospitality Roger Gillespie. “Wine, food and music is kind of our culture. So we hold events that help with continued education and our culture of food and wine.” Openness toward unorthodox events are further elevating Hester Creek’s community profile. This fall, for example, they’ll hold the third annual Garlic Festival. It’s a fundraiser for Oliver Elementary School’s farm-to-table lunch program and bursting with flavour. “It’s a celebration of the stinky bulb and its many uses,” said Gillespie. Live music, local artisans and family friendly events will take place Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following month, the winery is offering an event for those who have exotic tastes. Chef Vikram Vij from Vancouver runs an Indian restaurant that The New York Times once called “easily one

TRUE WINE E X P E R I E N C E HESTERCREEK.COM www.winetrails.ca

of the finest Indian restaurants in the world.” “He’s coming to cook and host a dinner Nov. 18, and we’re very excited,” said Gillespie. Vij will cook a multi-course meal that will be paired with Hester Creek wines. Tickets for that event are on sale now. Daily, on the half hour, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the winery’s on site kitchen is open to guests who want to sample three wines that are paired with canapés. “The intention is to discuss the interaction of the wine with food,” he said. Those events are $10 per person for a 30-minute experience. The Judge $45.00 This big, ripe wine offers smoky aromas of fig, plum and leather followed by generous flavours of coffee, chocolate and blackberry in the mid-palate, all finishing with long, silky tannins. Pour it alongside a plate of medium to strong cheeses, or pair it with a well-marbled rib eye or duck confit. Chardonnay $24.95

The wine showcases aromas of honey, citrus, smoke and butterscotch and follows with a plate of caramel, fresh lemon and a long round finish. This extremely food driven wine has a diverse cross section of opportunities for pairing. ~ Kathy Michaels

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 7

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BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY CELEBRATES FALL

Sonoran Room Excutive Chef Brock Bowes

urrowing Owl Estate Winery has a history of hiring exceptional people, so the appointment of Sophie Laurent as Brand Ambassador seems like a natural progression for the popular and very knowledgeable wine shop hostess. “Sophie will be representing Burrowing Owl at events and will be conducting public tours on weekends through October, giving visitors a real behind the scenes look at our operations,” says Kerri WyseMcNolty, whose parents, Jim and Midge, founded the iconic Black Sage Bench winery in 1998. In the popular Sonora Room Restaurant, Executive Chef Brock Bowes is gearing up for the annual Proprietor’s Dinner on October 9th, a highlight of the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. The evening starts at 6:30 with a wine reception in the cave cellar with Jim and Midge. Guests then move up to the Sonora Room for a five-course menu featuring unique local ingredients, each paired with rare Burrowing Owl

library wines. Tickets are $145 (plus tax & gratuity) and can be purchased by calling Sonora Room manager Lynn Coulthard at 1-877-498-0620. New in one of the province’s most beautiful wine shops this fall are the 2011 vintages of Athene (a 60-40% blend of rich, soft Syrah and well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking nicely now but consider putting down a bottle or 12 to see how it develops over the next decade!) and the fabulous 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (crisp and dry with flavours of citrus, gooseberry and minerals. Beautiful balance makes it a winner paired with salads and seafood.) In the Guest House, staff are gearing up to offer Harvest Getaway Packages after Thanksgiving that includes a night’s accommodation, 3-course dinner and breakfast. Reserve on line at www.bovwine.ca/guest_ house. ~ Lorne Eckersley

Page 8 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Constellation Laboratories We provide solutions!

Constellation Laboratories is one of Canada’s

leading independent testing laboratories, providing wine technology solutions to a diverse client base ranging from small wineries to large scale wine production plants. We offer a wide range of Quality Control services to cover the full range of winery activities: • Preharvest maturity • Fermentation Drop Off Locations: • Ongoing storage Cronie Winery Supplies • Prebottling analysis 200 Ellis St., Penticton • Component packaging testing, Constellation Labs 7857 Tuc-El-Nuit Dr., • Export analysis certificates Oliver • Production Quality Monitoring

7857 Tuc-El-Nuit Dr. , Oliver, BC VOH 1T2 www.cbrands.com

250.498.4981

www.constellationlaboratories.com www.winetrails.ca

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Perfectly placed to make fine wine and good friends.

A LOT TO CELEBRATE AT TINHORN CREEK n a year day, the Crush Club packed is very likely Canwith 20th ada’s biggest, and A n n i v e rmembers agree it is sary celealso one of the very brations it seems reabest, wine clubs. sonable to step back “We provide more and ask just what it is than just shipments that makes Tinhorn of wine,” says Crush Creek Vineyards one Club co-ordinator Club co-ordinator of the best known Crush Terry Meyer-Stone. Terry Meyer-Stone and best loved win“Crush Club is very eries in the country. Great wine? people friendly, providing added Well, that’s a given, isn’t it? With value to members.” Added value Sandra Oldfield at the helm we like VIP treatment at events in have long since taken quality for Vancouver, Calgary and Edmongranted. Great people? You bet. ton, benefits at Miradoro RestauTalk to folks throughout the win- rant and other businesses in the ery and you will hear, time and area or invitations to member-onagain, that Tinhorn Creek is a fam- ly events like the annual Pick-Up ily of people with genuine respect Party, which attracts about 500 and affection for one another. people. Great customer service? You bet. “Sandra is really invested in the From the tasting room to Mira- Club, and she is supportive and doro Restaurant to the incred- very involved,” Terry says. ibly popular Crush Club, custom- A new innovation that isn’t reers are treated like an extension stricted to members is webinars, of the aforementioned family. It broadcast on the Internet on the started out simply enough, with second Tuesday of each month. the 1998 vintage, as the Merlot Produced right in Sandra OldFutures Club, an opportunity to field’s kitchen! Check the website pre-purchase Sandra’s consistent- for complete details. ly outstanding Merlot wines. To~ Lorne Eckersley

Upcoming Events Sept 9 - Kitchen Chat (online webinar) Oct 2 - Hops, Grapes, & Grub Dinner Oct 5 - Crush Club Pick-Up Party Oct 6, 7, 8 - Grazing the Vineyard Oct10 - Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Angus An of Maenam Oct 14 - Kitchen Chat (online webinar) Oct 21 - Communal Table Dinner

tinhorn.com R E S TAU R A N T

www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 9

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MORE AWARDS FOR GEHRINGER BROTHERS WINERY

ehringer Brothers Winery on the Golden Mile in Oliver continues to uphold their pedigree of award-winning winery with recent awards from the Indy International Wine Competition. Many medals were won at this competition, but most notably, the Ehrenfelser brought home a Double Gold Medal for the historic BC winery. This wine is pleasantly bright gold in the glass with a nose full of lemon zest, fresh limes and honey. The palate is crisp and firm with notes of Meyer lemon and pink grapefruit. The finish is long and expresses honey and ripe melon notes. The Ehrenfelser is a varietal that only a handful of wineries in the province work with, and it is unique in that it is one of the few whites that display a tannin structure. This allows the wine to achieve a fuller mouthfeel, especially on the finish. The Desert Sun White Blend also brought home a Silver Medal from the Indy

International. It is interesting to note that this extremely reasonably priced white blend is so well regarded. At $13.99 per bottle, it presents a wonderful bargain. In the glass it displays a pale gold colour with a nose full of pear, honeydew melon and floral notes. The palate is crisp and firm with elements of pear, white grapefruit and jasmine. The finish is pretty and bright with more jasmine, honey and lemon notes. Gehringer Brothers has long been known for their aromatic whites, but this year it is interesting to note that their 2013 Private Reserve Pinot Noir and their 2013 Dry Rock Cabernet Merlot won Silver Medals. Their solid record of awards and accolades, along with their long history in the British Columbia wine industry and their extraordinarily reasonable pricing makes them a cornerstone winery on the Okanagan wine scene. ~ Courtney Fossett

HAPPY CRUSH AT RIVER STONE WINERY

he grapes will soon be ripening and after a busy summer in the wine shop, Ted Kane is excited that he will soon be doing what he loves most about his business – making wine. Just in time too, because several vintages have now sold out and others are becoming short in supply. Asked which wines draw the most comments at the River Stone Estate Winery shop, Ted said, “People really, really enjoy the (now sold out) Malbec Rosé, but we get nearly as many raves from our Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (sold out) and Stones Throw. All our wines have their fans.” Before Ted gets down to business with the 2014 crush, though, a number of events are planned for the winery that he owns with his wife. Lorraine, a family physician, has chosen the Desert Valley Hospice Society as beneficiary for a special October 11th dinner and wine pairing in the family’s home above the wine shop. In the belief that “Life is too short to drink bad wine”, the fundraiser is by donation, but Lorraine humbly suggests a contribution equal to or greater than your hoped for life expectancy! “Be optimistic,” she

Hand crafted single vineyard wines. Come Savour the Journey. says. “It’s for a good cause!” Other events this fall include winemaker’s dinners, one with Bogner’s Chef Darin Paterson and another to be announced. Watch the website for information as details are finalized, or let Ted and Lorraine look after your calendar by signing up on the email list. Another exciting development is being able to participate in farmers’ markets in the area, Ted says. “It’s been great to get out and meet people who don’t necessarily visit wineries!” ~ Lorne Eckersley

Page 10 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

www.riverstonesstatewinery.ca e/mail: riverstone@eastlink.ca 143 Buchanan Drive., Oliver, BC Ph: 250 498-7798 www.winetrails.ca

WIN

ERY

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FAIRVIEW CELLARS From the Heart For the Heart

Open Open. 1pm-5pm Tuesday to Saturday. By appointment only between Nov. 15th. and April 1st.

www.FairviewCellars.com Just off Old Golf Course Rd. 989 Cellar Rd., Oliver, BC

(250) 498-2211

FAIRVIEW CELLARS AND THE SCREWCAP CONUNDRUM

t sounds like the title of a teenage mystery novel but Bill Eggert at Fairview Cellars is wondering about what I think of the two wines that he’s placed in front of me. Unknown to me at the time was that both glasses contained exactly the same wine from two different bottles sealed with two different closures. Two cases of the 2012 Two Hoots were bottled with a special new screw cap closure and this was the first side-by-side comparison between the new and standard screw caps that will take place every six months for the next six years. Traditional corks allow oxygen into the bottle (technically called “oxygen ingress”) extremely slowly over time.

~ Luke Whittall

GOING BIG AT DESERT HILLS

ig awards, big wines, big tasting room...even a big dog. Desert Hills Estate Winery (DH) does everything on the grand scale. It’s creating a splash with the wine savvy crowd... big time! Riding their ongoing waves of success, proprietors Randy, Jesse and Dave Toor have grown their boutique

CHECK OUT OUR NEW RELEASES AND EXPERIENCE OUR NEW WINE SHOP!

2 TIME RECIPIENT OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WINEMAKING, WINNER OF CANADA’S BEST RED & 2 TIME WINNER OVERALL BEST WINE! Wine Shop Open April – Oct., 10am – 5:30 pm, 7 days/wk Desert Hills Estate Winery | 4078 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC | Phone: 250-498-6664 | www.deserthills.ca www.winetrails.ca

Bill Eggert’s brother Chuck is a friendly face you might see behind the tasting bar!

Because corks are natural, the rate of oxygen flow can be inconsistent. The screw caps being tested will allow oxygen into the bottle extremely slowly just like a natural cork which should allow the wine to age more naturally and consistently. Visitors to Fairview Cellars will know how important it is for Bill to know how his wines age. Getting to try library wines is usually a part of the visitors’ experience and Bill is quite rightly proud of how his wines age. Recent winemaker’s dinners have featured wines that were a full decade old and showing beautifully. Visitors are also regularly treated to older vintages at the tasting bar. This fall’s library vintage is slated to be the 2006 Mad Cap.

family winery from the root stock up. The twotime recipients of the Lieutenant Governor General Award graced their medal shelf with another trophy this spring at the All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) for Best White Wine (Gewürztraminer 2013). “When you know what you’re doing, you can always make a great wine,” says winemaker George Phiniotis. He’s excited about their most recent win: Best of Class, Double-Gold Medal and 94-points at the L.A. International Wine Competition (Syrah 2009). DH is well known for their highly aromatic whites, huge-n-smooth reds, and a high-end Port-style blend, The Ambassador. George says, “we’ve had doctors Randy (L) & Raj with their trophy for White Wine and lawyers compare it of The Year at the All Canadian Wine Awards. to expensive European Ports. We’re at a pretty high level for new releases, free shipping (on the winemaking here.” full-case shipments) and exclusive Loyal fans are thrilled with their newly members-only events. expanded and elegantly designed tasting room. “Wow!” and “It looks Syrah 2009 $34.90 amazing!” are commonly uttered Consistently a favourite, this vintage exclamations. Randy says, “We don’t was their big winner in L.A. Enjoy have to turn anyone away anymore. its huge, sultry mouthfeel featuring We’ve got room to welcome all our lots of jammy notes followed by a guests!” lingering vanilla-mocha-spice finish. Customers new and old are signing up Perfect with prime rib, beef tenderloin for DH’s wine club, taking advantage and braised lamb. of immediate savings, first crack at ~ Sarah Willard B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 11

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A CHANCE TO TASTE 15 YEARS OF NOTA BENE AT BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY he wine tasting at Black Hills Estate Winery’s Wine Experience Centre is more personalized than you would expect. Instead of a crowded tasting bar, all of the tastings here take place in a relaxed table setting with spectacular vineyard and mountain views. A trained sommelier will attend to your table to talk about each wine and answer any of your questions. It’s an extremely tailor-made experience that visitors can appreciate entirely at their own pace regardless of your experience level with wine. In fact, many people who are new to wine find it a fun and easy way to learn the basics of wine tasting! There are currently three different tasting options available from which you can choose. The “Introductory Tastings” involves three wines - the Alibi (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon), the Chardonnay, and the Syrah. The “Portfolio Tasting” includes all six wines produced by Black Hills and includes the extremely rare single variety Carmenere along with the perennial star of the show, the flagship red Nota Bene. If one vintage of the Nota Bene isn’t enough, the “Vertical Flight” tasting includes four of the most recent

A group of ladies enjoying the Black Hills Wine Experience Centre.

vintages of this stunning Bordeaux-style wine that remains a cult favourite in BC even after 14 vintages. September 1st is the official release date for the new 2012 Syrah. An aromatic and complex wine, this vintage of Syrah has all the flavours and elegant textures of a superbly crafted quality red. As the harvest commences this year, visitors to the Wine Experience Centre will have a front row seat for the action as the 2014 vintage of Syrah grapes are picked from the vineyard within sight of their tables.

On October 4th, a special vertical tasting of 15 years of Nota Bene will take place at the winery. 14 vintages in bottles dating back to 1999 are part of the tasting along with a preview tasting of a barrel sample of the 2013, which is due for release in the spring of 2015. Along with the wine experiences, visitors can also experience the culinary delights of Joy Road Catering’s Kitchen in the Vineyard. Featuring a full menu from 11:30 to 4:30 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, guests are able to dine steps away from the vines. ~ Luke Whittall

Presenting the

Wine Experience Center at Black Hills Estate Winery

Join us for an exceptional tasting experience in our new vineyard lounge. Immerse yourself in our terroir while tasting a full flight of our hand-crafted wines. Tastings are available by Appointment or by drop-in from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Full details on our website.

For details and reservations, please contact (250) 498-0666 or visit

www.blackhillswinery.com Page 12 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

www.winetrails.ca

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OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINERY - DENICE HAGERMAN RETURNS TO THE CELLAR!

W 2010 Syrah Luscious flavours of black cherries, lush ripe berries, spicy cinnamon, vanilla and pepper. Awards: Best Red Wine Overall – 2012 Intervin International Wine Awards,

Gold Medals – 2012 Intervin International Wine Awards

& Gold Medal – Wine Access’ 2012 Canadian Wine Awards

Twist Club

Join our and have our award-winning wines delivered right to your door twice a year! Register online or visit our wine shop today.

Open Daily 10 am to 5:30 pm 398 Lupine Lane (Just off Road 9), Oliver, B.C.

250.485.0227

www.olivertwistwinery.com

ith wines flying off the shelf and into the arms of eager customers, it’s a wonder that Gina and Trevor Mitchell are able to keep up with their many duties at Oliver Twist Estate Winery. “I have exciting news, though,” Gina said during a short break in July. “Denice Hagerman has come back to play. She says retirement was too boring!” Hagerman was the original winemaker at Oliver Twist, and served as a mentor to Gina. New releases this fall will include 2013 Merlot/Cabernet Franc. “It takes two,” says Gina. “You know the ones. The dynamic duo that’s always finishing each other’s sentences? Here they are in wine form. Seductive and perfumed with notes of violets, summer berries and toasty vanilla, Merlot brings richness and body to Cabernet Franc’s sturdy core. Ripe fruit flavours and a floral bouquet make this ruby hued

blend a match made in heaven for tender lamb, juicy prime rib, rich pasta, or wild venison.” Soon to come is 2013 Viognier, a Silver Medal winner at the National Wine Awards of Canada 2014, about which Gina says, “Everyone needs a holiday. And Oliver Twist’s Viognier makes the perfect tour guide. An exotic excursion for your palate, this dry white brings a tropical splash of papaya, honeydew and mandarin, mouthwatering white peach and mango, and a lingering white flower finish.” Always enthusiastic, Gina still manages to kick her eagerness up a notch when she talks about the September 13th Lobster on the Beach fundraising event on Osoyoos’s Gyro Beach. “It’s a blast! Fresh lobster from PEI, music and great people, all to raise funds for Rotary Club projects. Don’t miss it!” ~ Lorne Eckersley

HUNGRY FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL HARVEST DINNER AT QUINTA FERREIRA

utumn along Black Sage Road in Oliver brings a medley of warm and golden tones that give way to deeper orange, crimson and maroon. While the crowds have diminished in the “Wine Capital of Canada,” you’ll still find the Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery team eager to greet you in the wine shop at the 20-acre site, which is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. In that crisp air you work up an appetite for more intense flavours and what better way to address the craving than to attend the 6th Annual Quinta Ferreira Harvest Dinner. There’s little wonder why it sells out quickly each year as you picture great food paired with awardwinning wines by Winemaker Michael Ferreira. Chef Neil Schroeter, owner of Kelowna’s highly lauded Okanagan Street Food, prepares an exquisite four-course wine-paired dinner with luscious lamb as the pièce de résistance. What would a fine repast like this be without cheese? Once again the Dairy Farmers of Canada will join Chef Schroeter to present a course featuring a fine selection of Canadian cheeses. Tickets are $135 all

www.winetrails.ca

Proprietor John Ferreira toasting the evening. Photo: Carmen Tomé

inclusive for this autumn classic that is held during the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival on October 4, 6:30 to 10 pm. To avoid disappointment, you’ll want to confirm quickly at 250-498-4756 or winery@quintaferreira.com If you can’t get to the Harvest Dinner, there’s still time to enjoy the everchanging wine country vistas from the quaint Mediterranean-style patio. Pack your picnic lunch on a warm autumn afternoon and enjoy it along with sumptuous wines that you can buy by the glass. You’ll find excellent viewing inside the wine shop, too, as you check out the fine art images of resident artist Carmen Tomé. Be sure to stock up on the full range of wines including red, white and rosé. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 13

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EMBRACE AUTUMN AT TERRAFINA

From the earth Comfortable Old World charm with a New World approach A taste of Tuscany in your own backyard Les Dames Summerdine event was spectacular amongst the vines at Terrafina.

t’s as if the god of wine Bacchus was present to tempt you with his treasures as you walk by the vineyards to enter the Tuscan ambiance of the restaurant. Burnt-orange hues of Autumn sunlight cast radiance and shadows on plump grape clusters of purple, red, gold and green, awakening your appetite. As you peruse Terrafina’s seasonal menu featuring the freshest of farm-to-table ingredients you’ll be confident that your hunger will be superbly sated. Celebrate a special occasion or cap off a country drive with an Italianinspired Sunday brunch, starting October 19 until January 1. With the fall wine festival, comes the third annual Garlic Festival hosted by Terrafina and Hester Creek Estate Winery, October 4, 11 am to 4 pm. Last year, more than 1,600 people strolled the grounds and tasting rooms of Hester Creek to sample all things wine and garlic related. This family-friendly event that showcases food vendors, growers, producers and the abundance of the Valley raises money for the Oliver Elementary School’s lunch program. For

information on it and festival events such as the Winemaker’s Dinner and Tuscan Dinner see www.terrafinarestaurant.com Terrafina owner April Goldade reflects on the bustling summer, “We are blessed with so many talented women in this Valley’s hospitality industry and having Chef Jenna Pillon at the forefront of our successful season, we felt privileged to be part of Summerdine. In support of Les Dames d ‘Escoffier – BC Chapter, we joined 40 restaurants, vineyards and cooking schools from all around BC to donate a ‘table’ in the private vineyard for a concurrent food-and-winepaired dinner party. Jenna was a Les Dame Scholarship recipient in 2010 for her Culinary program studies.” Now, as the pace slows for another season, it’s a perfect time to enjoy Terrafina’s Old World charm and experience the fall menu. Winter hours starting November 2 are 11:30 am to 9 pm, Wednesday through Saturday; 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday brunch; and closed Monday and Tuesday. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Page 14 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Open for lunch & dinner | 11.30a - 9p | Reservations recommended | +250.498.2229 887 Road 8, Oliver, British Columbia

www.terrafinarestaurant.com

Saturday, October 4th, 2014. 11am-4pm at Hester Creek Estate Winery.

www.winetrails.ca

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EXCITING NEW FALL RELEASES AT ADEGA ON 45TH

(L-R) Fred, Pamala, Alex & Maria.

Family and Tradition ... Timeless. Open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Highway 3 (Osoyoos) turn on 45th St., East Osoyoos, BC

250 495 6243 www.adegaon45.com PRESENTS PRESENTS

Featuring The

Paper Boys

Sunday October 5, 2014

Sunday October 5, 2014 • Art Show • Grape Stomp • Chateau de Kids 12:00pm– 5:00pm 12:00pm– 5:00pm Oliver Community Centre • Food Vendors • Trade Show • Over 50 Wineries Oliver Community Centre • Art Show PRESENTS • Grape Stomp • Chateau de Kid’s Featuring: • Food Vendors • Trade Show • Over 50 Wineries

Featuring:

dega on 45th owners Alex and Maria Nunes and Fred and Pamala Farinha are all a bit giddy when talking about two special new wines scheduled to be released in October. They were all a little secretive about the exact details but I did manage to get some information about these two very special wines. One will be made of Merlot and the other of Syrah although the exact names of each wine will be kept a secret until they are released in October. Both new reserve wines were from the 2012 vintage and were produced in extremely small lots of approximately 100 cases each. They were made from “special select grapes” that came from unique areas of their two vineyards. The Merlot comes from a special part of the vineyard where the winery is located on the eastern side of the valley. The soil in this vineyard has sand, clay, and a significant lay-

er of volcanic ash in the area of the vineyard where these special grapes were grown. By contrast, the Syrah is grown in their other vineyard located on the western side of the valley closer to the border. The soil there is predominantly sand and is perfectly suited for growing Syrah. In fact, the previous vintage of Syrah recently received a Bronze Medal from the National Wine Awards of Canada along with the 2012 Malbec and 2013 Pinot Gris. The new deli fridge has been popular this year, stocked with special winepaired cheeses, Brie, and goat cheeses, prosciutto, and other high quality products that are perfect for picnics on the patio. Adega’s Customer Appreciation Day, held every Father’s Day in June, is always something to enjoy and the gang hopes to see you there next year. ~ Luke Whittall

Tickets online at: www.sochamber.ca 250.498.6321 ext. 1

Sunday October 5, 2014 12:00pm– 5:00pm Oliver Community Centre

Featuring: or: Discover Wines (Kelowna), Penticton Wine Info Centre, Shoppers Drug Mart (Oliver), Imperial Ofﬁce Pro. (Osoyoos) Featuring

The Paperboys The Paperboys Folk, Celtic & Bluegrass Fusion Folk, Celtic & Bluegrass Fusion

EVENT BY:

The Paperboys Folk, Celtic & Bluegrass Fusion EVENT BY:

www.winetrails.ca

Tickets: www.sochamber.ca or at: Discover Wines, Kelowna Penticton Wine Info Centre Shoppers Drug Mart, Oliver Imperial Office Pr, Osoyoos

www. garag isteno rth.co m B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 15

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ANNUAL WINEMAKER’S DINNER IN THE WINE CAVES COMING UP!

ust visiting Seven Stones winery in Cawston is an event unto itself. This past summer, the wine caves became an attraction in their own right by adding another way to experience the quality and attention to detail at Seven Stones. This fall the wine caves will host two very special events as owner George Hanson

local chef paired with Seven Stones’ wines in their natural habitat of the wine caves. There is a new event planned this year that will also take place in the caves - George will be hosting a vertical tasting of his Pinot Noir. On October 12th, guests will be able to taste 7 vintages of Pinot Noir from 2005 through 2011. It will be an afternoon event from 2 4pm and costs $50 per person. Contact George at sevenstones@ nethop.net or phone the winery at 250-499-2144 for tickets and information to attend either of these special events. Winner at this year’s Similkameen BBQ King Competition New releases this Chef Lee Humphries (r) with Chef Damien Mischkinis (l) fall will focus on from LOCAL Lounge & Grill in Summerland – wine pairing the big reds. The with George Hanson (centre). Photo: ET2 Media. 2012 Cabernet heads towards harvesting his 10th Sauvignon will be released in vintage. September. Even regular visitors The annual Wine Maker’s Dinner will to Seven Stones’ wine shop rarely be held on September 13th and will see this wine on the shelves since it feature the culinary creations of a typically sells out all of its 230 cases

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR AT CLOS DU SOLEIL

he barn that has functioned as their winery and wine shop at Clos du Soleil will be torn down to make way for a new facility. “We’ll miss the old barn, but our new tasting room is going to be designed to give a nod to our French connections, as well as containing some reminders of this beloved old barn so that we’ll never forget it,” says winemaker and managing director Michael Clark. The new facility will showcase their approach to winemaking from crush through to barrel aging and, just like the current wine shop, continue to offer exclusive products. The wine club “Soleil 160” has also been streamlined to make it easier for guests to enjoy the benefits. It’s the only way to guarantee access to their most limited-release wines and members can also adopt a row of vines in the vineyard as their very own! Club manager Jesce Walker will be available to provide personalized service to club members during their visits, or anytime over the phone. Check out www.closdusoleil.ca or email Jesce at wine@closdusoleil.ca. New releases due out soon include Clos du Soleil’s flagship Bordeaux-

very quickly. Alongside the Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 “The Legend” is also due for release in September. One of the very rare Bordeaux-style blends from BC that are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage’s “The Legend” is made up of 50%

Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. Only 100 cases of this top-tier wine were made for this vintage and represent the pinnacle of quality for Seven Stones’ portfolio. ~ Luke Whittall

ES at N STONES SEVEWINERY AV the C

A truly unique, wine experience. Discover the secrets of the caves in making our award-winning wine.

Tours | Tastings | Special Events | Weddings Winemaker Dinners | Corporate Retreats Open daily from 10:30-5:30 1143 Hwy. 3, Cawston • 250.499.2144

SevenStones.ca

(L-R) Jodi Morris, Michael Clark, Charlie Baessler, Jesce Walker

style red and white wines - the 2012 Signature and the 2013 Capella. 2012 was a great year and Signature is showing beautifully. “Rich, complex and elegant,” says Clark, “framed with fine tannins, and a structure that will allow this wine to age for many years.” The white Capella has developed a following over the last few years. “2013 Capella is one of our most exciting yet,” says Clark. Both wines are the focus of their “3rd Annual Vertical Wine Tasting Event” on October 5th. Hosted by Rhys Pender, MW, attendees will enjoy a vertical tasting of both Signature and Capella going back to the very first vintage in 2006. ~ Luke Whittall

Page 16 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Limited Past Vintages Available

OLD WORLD ELEGANCE...NEW WORLD EDGE!

Tasting Room Hours: Open Everyday except Tues., 10am-5pm, May 1 to Oct. 31

2568 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC 1-250-499-2831 Buy Directly From Our Online Store! www.closdusoleil.ca @Closdusoleil www.winetrails.ca

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JOIN VINE GLASS RENEWAL RESORT FOR THE QUEST FOR A CURE EVENT

he Vine Glass Renewal Resort will be hosting a special event on their property in the south Similkameen Valley. The fourth annual “Quest for a Cure” will be happening on September 13th as a fundraiser for cancer awareness and prevention through the Canadian Cancer Society and Prevent Cancer Now. Previous events have raised over $20,000 and owner Roger Hol hopes to continue raising money for this cause. If there was ever a location in BC that was built with a party like this in mind, this place is truly it. As well as guest suites, other amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen with stone oven, massive patio, fireplace, and all on a spectacular riverfront property with

beautiful vineyards. This location makes full use of the elements to truly celebrate the natural wonder of the outdoors. Live music will be provided by Brickhouse, Lydia Hol, and more surprise performers. There will be a live auction featuring family trips for four to Disney World among other items as well as a silent auction. And of course there will be much food and wine available for sale. Shuttle services will be available from the Coast Hotel in Osoyoos. For the truly stellar experience, tent and RV camping on the premises is also available for a small fee. It promises to be an amazing party and a very special Similkameen experience. The party goes from 4pm until late. Tickets are $80 and

Roger & Jyl on their beautiful vineyard at Vineglass.

available direct from the Vine Glass at 1-888-694-6996. If you can’t make it to this event, the Resort will be open through the rest of the year until the end of

December. For more information or to book your stay at this very special resort facility, visit www. vineglass.ca. ~Luke Whittall

and Mearle (Diamond) Chegwin, mixed farmers in the Big Woody district. She did her schooling in the valley, was active in 4H, curling, gymnastics, and the Swan Valley School Band. Jyl considered The VineGlass Renewal Resort one of her greatest professional and personal achievements. She and Roger have dreamed, planned, and built a resort area, vineyard and winery with much persistence and hard work. They have been joined in this effort by amazing friends who consider it a pleasure to come and do a hard days work followed by great wine and pizza. Sons, Clayton and Kai were uppermost in Jyl’s thoughts. She planned her life around their activities, sports, and celebrated their every achievement. She threw the best birthday parties for them with food, fun and an unlimited amount of guests. Roger brought his family into Jyl’s circle with parents Gerry and Lynda, brothers Bert, David, Norman, sisters Joanne and Karen as well as their spouses and many children. But for Jyl, his children Dionne and Gerry

were most important and she welcomed them into her life with open arms. A year and a half ago, Dionne and Darren made Roger and Jyl grandparents, a role she was more than happy to fulfill. Gerry has been a wonderful extra son doting on Jyl’s every wish. Jyl’s love for her boys was without limit or reservation. A year and a half ago, Dionne and Darren made Roger and Jyl grandparents, a role she was more than happy to fulfill. Gerry has been a wonderful extra son doting on Jyl’s every wish. Her gifts of friendship, love and generosity meant no one was turned away from Jyl’s table. Her pies are legendary in this part of BC! Good food, fun and crokinole have again made Jyl’s circle of friends grow. Jyl could walk into a crowd of people knowing no one and leave as a friend to all. Jyl gave of herself freely to everyone and accomplished so much after her diagnosis. Jyl struggled with brain cancer and her determined vision was to find a cure. We invite you to make a donation to “Quest for the Cure” through CIBC or Janice at the VineGlass 778-809-6717.

REMEMBERING JYL CHEGWIN

t is with deep sorrow we announce the death of Jyl Leslie Chegwin on June 15, 2014 at her residence

Renewal Resort

at Cawston, B.C. Jyl was born on September 14, 1962 in Swan River, MB to loving parents Jim

Relax & Explore The Similkameen At VineGlass Renewal Resort, Winery & Event Centre

306 Sumac Rd., Cawston, BC www.VineGlass.ca 888-694-6696 www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 17

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JOIN THE CLUB & CELEBRATE LIFE AT EAU VIVRE WINERY

au Vivre winery invites you to celebrate life with their new wine club, the “Celebrate Life Wine Club” members will receive shipments twice yearly of either 6 or 12 bottles. Need more wine? Eau Vivre will give you 10% off additional purchases when you add them to the regular shipments. It’s a great way to build life into your cellar and ensure that you will be able to get some of the Similkameen Valley’s most soughtafter wines. Other great benefits for club members will be announced in future club newsletters. The current releases from Eau Vivre are sure to please all palates for

celebrating life. The single-variety wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer offer a full range of profiles from crisp and dry to smooth and off-dry. The beautiful summertime blend “Cinq Blanc” takes freshness to a new level and will remind you of summertime all year long. The structure and balance of the reds in the portfolio are entirely befitting a winery that has won the Similkameen Valley’s only Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Wine in BC - twice. Pinot Noir is light, fruity, and elegantly balanced while the Cabernet Franc speaks louder

with darker and more aggressive fruit flavours. Aged in a unique combination of 80% French, 10% American, and 10% Hungarian oak barrels, the Cabernet Franc also offers a degree of complexity while retaining a softer edge than most

other versions of this variety. The next vintage of the red blend “Buddhafull” is set for release only when it is deemed to be ready. Look for Eau Vivre in VQA stores and online at eauvivrewinery.ca. ~ Luke Whittall

Winemaker Anthony Buchanan in the cellar.

Wine shop open daily 10:30 am - 5:00 pm until October 15th or after by appointment.

FORBIDDEN FRUIT WOWING TASTE BUDS AT LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS

orbidden Fruit is thrilled about participating at both the Osoyoos and Downtown Penticton Farmers Markets every Saturday since the licencing changes came into effect this summer. Their delectable organic orchard fruit and grape wines are now available for tasting and purchase. “It’s a blast,” exudes proprietor, orchardist and winemaker Steve Venables. “It brings things to a whole new excitement level. Most people go to the market thinking about food, so people really relate to what we’re doing. It’s a great opportunity for the wineries – for the fruit wines especially.” Along with their delectable awardwinning organic wines (most recently, a Gold at Wine Align National Awards for their apricot-based dessert wine, Caught, they bring fresh picked fruit from their Ven ‘Amour Organic Farms. With over 60 varieties of certified organic tree fruit (including gems like Asian Pear), there’s always something new to taste and purchase. It’s rare for a winery to be requested every week, especially at the popular Penticton market. Most wineries

have to be content with a rotating presence. Venables attributes their lucky break to the fact that they have incredible fruits as well as wines. This year, Venables says his trees are literally “dripping with fruit. Then dripping into the bottles!” During the Fall Wine Festival, uncork a new world at BC’s Garden of Eden. October 3 through 5, Forbidden Fruit is hosting their annual fall open house at their Similkameen Valley location. This complimentary event features cheese and wine pairings, chocolate, special releases and more. ~ Sarah Willlard

Page 18 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Our wines are available at BC VQA and other fine liquor stores and restaurants.

250.499.2655

716 Lowe Drive, Cawston www.EauVivreWinery.ca

Danny & Emile at the Penticton Farmer’s Market.

www.winetrails.ca

Share your Okanagan Falls wine country experience with us for your chance to WIN a case of Okanagan Falls finest wines and a two night stay at the Holiday Beach Resort! To enter, just snap a photo of your Okanagan Falls wine country moment and share it online using the hashtag #SipOKFalls.

The Heart of Wine Country wraps around the Okanagan Falls area stretching from Skaha Lake to Vaseux Lake.The area is famed for some of Canada’s top wine production with the highest quality wines in the valley. What has largely been kept a secret only sought out by those wine lovers in the know, these hidden gems of small wineries offer a taste of some of the finest wines, wonderful people and the heart of the Okanagan wine experience. Call each winery for wineshop hours.

www.ofwa.ca

Blasted Church Vineyards 378 Parsons Rd., OK Falls 250.497.1125 www.blastedchurch.com Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellar 2385 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8244 www.bluemountainwinery.com

Yorkton Ave

OKANAGAN FALLS

East Side Rd

SKAHA LAKE

HWY Lak

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Topshelf 11 Winery 3 Krāzē Legz

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East Side Rd

Kenyon Park

Christie Memorial Park

Synchromesh Wines 10

Holiday Beach Resort Motel

Maple

Okanagan Falls Provincial Park

McLean Creek Rd

5 Meyer Family Vineyards

Keogan Park

Liquidity 2

Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars

6 Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery

nch

Ra Rd

ke Rd

Green La

OLIVER

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See Ya Later Ranch 8

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Wild Goose Vineyards Stag’s Hollow

2014 EVENTS

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PENTICTON

OKANAGAN FALLS

SKAHA LAKE

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Topshelf Winery 236 Linden Ave., Kaleden 778.515.0099 www.topshelfwine.ca

Blasted Church

ehil

Kaleden

Synchromesh Wines 4220 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.535.1558 www.synchromeshwines.ca

Painted Rock Estate Winery

Stag’s Hollow Winery 2237 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.6162 www.stagshollowwinery.com

Painted Rock Estate Winery 400 Smythe Dr., Penticton 250.493.6809 www.paintedrock.ca See Ya Later Ranch 2575 Green Lake Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8267 www.sylranch.com

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2320 Oliver Ranch Rd. ,OK Falls Junction 250.497.7945 www.nobleridge.com 3A

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

Okanagan Hwy

Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8553 www.MFVwines.com

PENTICTON

Lakeside Rd

Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery 141 Fir Ave., Kaleden 250.497.6957 www.krazelegz.com Liquidity Vineyards 4720 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 778.515.5550 www.liquiditywines.com

Conditions apply please visit our website for details.

e Rd Skaha Lak

VASEUX LAKE

Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2145 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.8919 www.wildgoosewinery.com

For the latest information on all happenings in the heart of wine country, contact us www.ofwa.ca info@ofwa.ca www.winetrails.ca

October 3-13, 2014 Join Us For Fall Wine Festival Events & Tour The Okanagan Falls Wine Route www.thewinefestivals.com _______________

Sat., Nov. 29 & Sun., Nov. 30 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Holiday Cheer Open House Wineries of the Okanagan Falls Winery Association B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 19

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IT PAYS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS WINE CLUB nly club members are privy to a tasting of the winery’s inaugural Riesling, a single-vineyard release sourced from a Naramata Bench vineyard. Riesling is a step outside the box for MFV. After just eight years in operation, owners JAK Meyer and his wife, Janice Stevens-Meyer, are building a strong reputation for working with the chief varietals of Burgundy—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. “What we really focus on trying to showcase is the difference in terroir,” said Monica Horning, wine club and event coordinator. The philosophy is paying dividends. The 2011 McLean Creek Chardonnay won a Platinum Medal at the 2013 National Wine Awards and was named best Chardonnay in Canada. The 2012 McLean Creek Chardonnay is consistently scoring well with wine critics like The Globe and Mail’s Beppi Crosariol, who awarded it a 92-point score and offered a luscious description of a wine “soft and seductive, with come-hither tropical fruit followed by buttered popcorn and toasty, doughy bread.” Praise like this draws wine club members nationwide, so some releases will be members only as the small lot focus limits stock. There are only 144 cases of the Riesling and 113 of the Steven’s Block Chardonnay.

“The Steven’s Block Chardonnay is very special to JAK and Janice as it’s the first vintage from this Naramata block,” said Horning. In 2006, the couple purchased three acres of Chardonnay at Old Main Road Vineyard on the Naramata Bench and planted one more acre calling it “Stevens Block” after Janice’s family name. Based on a picturesque vineyard in the hills of Okanagan Falls on McLean Creek Road, MFV names its wines by location to accentuate the focus on terroir. Winemaker Chris Carson, who trained in New Zealand and follows the traditional process of Burgundy vintners, builds each varietal with precision so the soils, microclimates and topography of the blocks shine through. Thus, the Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir, sourced from East Kelowna, displays a deep purple hue with sharp notes MFV’s tasting room hostesses, Monica Horning (L) on a full bouquet of fruit whereas and Jeanna Campbell. the McLean Creek Pinot Noir is a complex wine with an earthy minerality, though The Rosé is 85% Merlot, 15% Gewürztraminer, and only on the skins for four days for a soft coral the winemaking process is the same. Altogether, MFV racks four Pinot Noirs and glow. Stop in for a taste or join the wine club at five Chardonnays, a newly released Rosé, mfvwines.com. Gewürztraminer and Riesling. ~ Jennifer Smith

Become part of the family when you join our Wine Club� #1 Chardonnay in Canada & 2 top four Pinot Noirs in Canada 2 years in a row� Based on the results at the 2013 National Wine Awards

Join now � Meyer Family Vineyards �cra�ing single vineyard wines of excellence� 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls Tasting Room Hours: 10AM to 5PM daily Apr to Oct | By Appointment Nov to Mar T: 250.497.8553 | wineclub@MFVwines.com |www.MFVwines.com Page 20 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Member Beneﬁts - 3 shipments per year, 4 bottle per shipment - 10% oﬀ wine purchased online or in our tasting room - Priority access to limited availability wines & library wines - Complimentary tastings for you and up to 3 guests & more� www.winetrails.ca

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AWARDS GALORE FOR STAG’S HOLLOW WINERY

Winner of 10 Medals at the

2014 NATIONAL WINE AWARDS OF CANADA

One of the Top 10 Wineries In Canada! Drop by and taste many of these award-winning wines throughout the Fall.

Open 11am - 5pm daily 2237 Sunvalley Way, Okanagan Falls 250-497-6162

tag’s Hollow Winery in Okanagan Falls has been hard at work crafting single-vineyard wines alongside intricately crafted and unique blends for almost 20 years. They are now starting to get national recognition for their wines with the latest results of the 2014 Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada. They were awarded 10 medals - two Gold, six Silver, and two Bronze - at the recent competition and with that many medals, they have placed 8th overall in Canada. Winemaker Dwight Sick, who has been at Stag’s Hollow since 2008, is quick to deflect any credit for this strong national showing away from his own skills in the cellar. “Winemaking is much easier with good fruit,” says Dwight. “What happens out there in the vineyard is 90% of the game.” He credits the relationship with growers, some of whom Stag’s Hollow has been working with for many years. Close relationships with the growers means that they can learn the intricacies of

each vineyard. “We can get the best out of each year,” explains Dwight. As proof of this consistency across styles and vintages, their 10 awards are spread out evenly over the past three vintages encompassing both single-variety wines and blends, and a near even split between reds and whites. The two top Gold Medals were awards to whites - the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Balwant Vineyard and the 2013 Viognier Hearle Vineyard. The special wine club-only wine “Hawk’s Hollow”, a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, won Silver. Of course, you’ll have to join their wine club to enjoy one of only 110 cases that were produced of this wine. ~ Luke Whittall

Sponsored by BC Food & Wine Trails Magazine

www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 21

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FOOD WINE ART – ENCHANTMENT AT LIQUIDITY

In the hea country, Liqu vistas of Sk

Liquidity Bistro Chef Rob Walker on the patio with a killer view of OK Falls in the background.

At the Bis our wines w that sh

Explore ou gallery of ﬁ the m

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47 ( t a ke O l i ve r R O

www

In the heart of Okanagan Falls wine country, Liquidity is situated between

he moment you sweep through the gates at Liquidity Wines, you will be captivated. The various expressions of art woven through the garden, a pink lily pad dotted pond and ahead, the clean lines of the modern looking winery building surrounded by nature will inspire. Inside, the art walk continues through to the tasting room and on to the Bistro where the wall of windows offers a jawdropping view of Okanagan Falls. On through to the wine tasting bar to sample the five wines remaining from the portfolio of eight after record sellouts. Each offer an elegant expression the local terroir all created by celebrated winemaker Matt Holmes. A crisp Pinot Gris, a French-style Chardonnay, a voluptuous Viognier, an exotic White Blend and a smooth and feminine Pinot Noir create a full tour of what their vineyards are creating. The Riesling and Rosé as well as the bubbly were sold out. We did have a chance to sample the gorgeous Sparkling Chardonnay later in the Bistro. The vision for both the food and wine experience at Liquidity was to build a “cornerstone for Okanagan Falls – a place that really represents the terroir of the area through both the food and the wine,” says President Ian McDonald. Wine country restaurant veteran Dave Keeler of Vintage Hospitality operates the Bistro and shares that vision. Keeler says Chef Rob Walker has manifested a beautiful

menu around that theme, building relationships with local farmers and artisans, growing his own kitchen garden on site with the help of Oliver grower Carolyn Tipler at Le Petit Clos. Dave started working with Rob a few years ago when he was opening The Bonfire Restaurant at The Cove in West Kelowna. He recalls, “From day one at Bonfire, I saw that Rob was something special. I knew that he had to be in a restaurant like this one.” Creative and passionate about the local terroir, Chef Walker has built a lunch and evening menu featuring the best of BC’s bounty. Choices for starters include house made local charcuterie with BC artisan cheeses or a colourful Forno Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad. As an entrée at dinner how does the West Coast Halibut with Estate Basil Verde, Charred Tomato Puttanesca Relish and Lemon Whipped Potato sound? For Afters (creatively named instead of desserts) the Vanilla Scented Madeleine Cake with Fresh Local In Season Fruit, Garden Mint Semifreddo and Cherry Berry Syrup calls my name. The wine list includes Okanagan Falls bottles exclusivelylove that. The Bistro is open daily through the season up to Thanksgiving after which they are open ThursdaySunday. What a place to book a Christmas party! Chef Walker has some innovative dinner fall party ideas too – stay tuned for updates on their website. ~ Jennifer Schell

Page 22 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

the vistas of Skaha Lake and Vaseaux Lake. At the Bistro, our mission is to pair our wines with fresh, local ingredients that share the same terroir. Explore our wines, our bistro and our gallery of fine art all set against one of the most stunning views in the Okanagan Valley. 4720 Allendale Rd. (take Oliver Ranch Road off of Hwy. 97) Okanagan Falls, BC (778) 515-5500 winetrails-HTK/2014:HTK-2014 14-08-12 3:12 PM Page 1 www.liquiditywines.com

www.winetrails.ca

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BUSINESS IS BOOMING AT WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS ild Goose Vineyard’s (WGV) GM Roland Kruger has been busy all year. From hiring Chef Sarren Wolfe to run their on-site Smoke and Oak Bistro, to launching their first-ever wine club, there hasn’t been a dull moment for the family owned and operated Okanagan Falls winery. “The Smoke and Oak Bistro has been hopping all season. People have really enjoyed the concept, and we’re getting positive feedback. It’s becoming so busy, that reservations are encouraged in order to guarantee a seat.” The menu’s built around WGV’s wines, featuring mouthwatering Southernstyle BBQ items coupled with traditional German recipes at a reasonable price. Open daily 11-4. After more than 20 years in business, WGV launched their first wine club this summer. The ‘Vintner’s Club’ offers exciting incentives, such as first dibs on new releases and in-store specials. With wine clubs trending throughout the valley, WGV researched their customer’s needs before establishing their own. Ongoing credit card charges seemed to be the main concern, and Kruger assures that their club is “very straightforward with no long-term commitments. We want to keep ‘em happy – that’s what it’s all about.” With great incentives like members-only events, special wines, and exclusives, WGV fans should check it out. Ask any of their wonderful wine shop staff about the ‘Vintner’s Club’ and let the savings and VIP-treatment begin!

2013 Gewürztraminer $19.00 Kruger describes this wine as “one of the most amazing in Alsatian style. Lots of floral/rose attributes and richness with a great mouthfeel.” Gold Medal winner at Wine Align National Wine Awards. 2013 Pinot Gris $18.00 “It’s a perfect example of a Pacific Northwest style,” says Kruger. “An amazing fruit-forward wine with crisp acid - it’s a super palate cleanser. Ours has lots of Okanagan Valley orchard fruit notes like peach and apricot.” ~ Sarah Willard

Tasting room ladies (L-R) Louise, Yvonne and Erica holding bottles of their favorite wines.

Vi Lim nta it ge ed r W ele ine as sN ea ow nd 2 Av 013 ail ab le.

During the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, WGV has some fantastic events. On Saturday October 4 from 12-3, WGV hosts their homage to the iconic Memphis ‘Beale Street Festival.’ Celebrate the rhythms of rock roots ‘n blues music paired with Tennessee-style BBQ comfort food and delectable wines. Put on your blue suede shoes for a rockin’ Elvis tribute artist playing their 4-course Winemaker’s Dinner Thursday, October 9, featuring a fabulous wine-paired menu from Chef Sarren. Tickets $79, limited seating. Visit www.wildgoosewinery.com for all the details. Better yet, visit their wine shop where you’ll find all the goods, plus great in shop specials, end-ofvintage wines, library releases, and more!

Wine Club Members receive free shipping on your first case and 10% off online and in-store purchases.

Bistro Reservations Call: 250.497.8919

2009 Pacific NW Winery of the Year - 2013 Intervin Winery of the Year Finalist ~ 8 Lieutenant Governor Awards

Beale St. Festival

A tribute to Southern food & music Oct. 4, 12-3pm. $45 pp

Shake, Rattle & Roll!

4 Course Dinner with Elvis Tribute Artist, Oct. 9, 5-9pm. $79 pp

Complimentary Tastings Seven Days A Week 10-5 facebook.com/wildgoosevineyards www.winetrails.ca

Smoke & Oak Bistro Open 11-4

2145 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.8919 info@wildgoosewinery.com

www.wildgoosewinery.com

@wildgoosewines

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 23

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KRAZE LEGZ WINS LT. GOVERNOR AWARD

n one corner of the winery three women don feather boas and vintage hats, handing a camera to Sue Thygesen as they attempt to hold a can-can step in mid-air while stifling their laughter. Nearer to the entrance, Sue’s husband Gerry has two couples engaged in his stories of the Roaring Twenties names for their Kraze Legz wines. Somehow, he manages to blend in the story about why many of the wines now bear the SKAHA Vineyards label. The magic that obviously takes place in the vineyard – the couple hasn’t made a wine yet that didn’t earn an award – extends into the wine shop. Where else can you find a collection of wine glasses holding samples of spices and herbs to help refresh your palate memory? Where else can you find red, white and dessert wines, all made with consummate care and expertise from grapes grown right on the property? Clearly, Kaleden is an under-appreciated treasure on the province’s vineyard map! The SKAHA Vineyard 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay is a crisp, bursting-with-

Rosé, lemon lime bursts for the 2013 Pinot Blanc, a sip of 2013 Icewine tastes like a teaspoon of your mom’s strawberry freezer jam and the 2012 Rogue, a Port-style wine that developed in a barrel

stored outdoors, is selling so fast it may be gone before the cork sealer labels arrive. Simply put, Kraze Legz Vineyard Winery oozes with character and quality. End of story. ~ Lorne Eckersley

(L-R) Lt. Governor Judith Guichon with Gerry and Sue Thygeson and their recently won Lt. Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wines.

flavour wine, a celebration of what this great grape can offer. It was a hit with wine judges too, who named it one of only 12 winners of a 2014 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. Additionally under the new SKAHA Vineyard label, cotton candy flavours emerge from a luscious 2013 Merlot

CANNERY BREWING – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AND PHILANTHROPY

he limited release Wildfire IPA is back this September. This dark IPA is a tribute to the firefighters and emergency service workers who bravely fight wildfires throughout our great nation. To further acknowledge the work of these brave men and women, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer goes to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Cannery Brewing’s owner Patt Dyck describes the Wildfire IPA as having fierce hops, but a gentle bite. “It is intensely dark, but with malts that are subtle and smooth. Like raging forest fires, this dark IPA has complex hops that rage through to the finish.” Also returning by popular demand is a new batch of Knucklehead Pumpkin Ale. “We’re so happy to partner again with Medley Organics at Covert Farms Family Estate,” says Dyck. “They work hard to grow 350 pounds of beautiful, gnarly knucklehead pumpkins exclusively for us.” These pumpkins are picked in August, prepared and roasted before fall spices are added and the flavourful batch of the ale

is made. Available late September, Knucklehead Pumpkin Ale is unique in the use of actual roasted pumpkins rather than the concentrate used in many other beers, coffees and treats. In addition to settling into the new larger tasting room and retail store, Cannery Brewing reports that its license has been expanded to a tap room. Soon, Cannery Brewing fans can grab a seat, hang out and enjoy a bite to eat with a pint or flight of beer. Watch for special in-brewery tasting events. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Page 24 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

112-1475 Fairview Rd., Penticton 250.493.2723 www.CanneryBrewing.com

WE SUPPORT OUR FIREFIGHTERS

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer will go to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

www.cfff.ca

www.winetrails.ca

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FOOD WINE & FARM STUDIES – OKANAGAN COLLEGE STYLE! enelope Roche is a fifth generation viticulturist and wine maker out of Bordeaux, France. Viticulture is in her blood. It’s also made its mark on her hands, which aren’t impractically manicured like those who merely sip on the fruits of her labours. As she moved through rows of grape vines at La Frenz winery on the Naramata Bench Friday, those hands showed a wealth of understanding and strength, continually snapping off errant shoots from vines or digging into the soil as a means to intuit the health of the entire vineyard. “See, this clay, this is good,” she said, unclamping her hand to reveal a chunk of earth with her finger impressions intact to a group of aspiring oenophiles. They’d gathered for day one of an Okanagan College, three-part intensive course aimed at teaching more about B.C.’s wine industry and it was Roche’s job to teach them how it worked, from the ground up. Roche, who’s been a consultant in the valley for two years, is one of the local industry experts who have signed on to teach for the Food, Wine and Tour-

ism programs at the college, which is growing into its new digs, the state of the art B.C. Wine Information Society – Sensory Centre. She brings to the table a family history in wine deeper than the entirety of B.C.’s industry. But it’s clear when she interacts with the peers who have assembled to teach the program, Roche is as eager as them to ride the wave of innovation born from the wilds of the Okanagan Valley. “It’s very exciting,” she said, of what’s being done in the industry. It’s a major departure from what she knew in Bordeaux, but change is good. And Roche said that there are a number of ways in which she’s been impressed. For example, some B.C. vines can grow without being grafted to a root system, a quirk of grape farming born from the era of colonization that’s pretty much the standard worldwide. She said she also likes the way a number of winery owners are farming their land and experimenting with practices that have never been touched by European winemaking forefathers. Jeff Martin, the Aussie behind the award winning La Frenz winery has 40 years of trial and error under his

V i t Ic u lt u r e a n d w i n e s t u di e s

Okanagan

va l l e y

FOOD AND WINE STUDIES

B.C. Wine Information Society – Sensory Centre Okanagan College - Penticton

Check out the free online BC Wine Server course www.okanagan.bc.ca/wineserver

www.winetrails.ca

LN2159

Food, Wine and Farm Workshops This harvest series features local chefs, farmers and winemakers, cooking demonstrations and wine and food pairings. Facilitated by Jennifer Schell, author of the award-winning The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine & Cheese Maker - An Okanagan Cookbook. Sundays, 1 - 3 p.m. Oct. 19 Forage the Okanagan Oct. 26 Cheese Making – back by popular demand Nov. 2 Preserving the Season Nov. 16 Sausage & Sauerkraut Dec. 7 Christmas Baking For more information, pricing and to register visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/fwt or call 1-866-510-8899

Jeff Martin of La Frenz Winery shares his vast knowledge on both viticulture and winemaking.

belt, and he is one of those who have bottled what Roche values. Call it biodynamic or organic—which he doesn’t, officially— he says he’s about “working with Mother Nature, not against her.” Weeds grow more freely than the vines above them, and to Martin that’s a sign of good health in the earth below. Apparently, he can even smell it. After a thorough reckoning of the vineyard, Roche and Martin led students from the field to a table where they dined on simple charcuterie paired with any number of vintages from that winery and a couple from other locations. Martin answered questions from students about the winemaking process, but the real value of the lunch was listening to the two experts chat freely and excitedly about everything from farming, to wines they like and awards won. And listening to those discussions with a new artillery of vocabulary was an immense benefit. The program blends classroom lessons of terminology, history and tasting technique with whirlwind tours through wineries, vineyards, bottling rooms and even foodie hotspots. Erin Korpisto leads the classroom part of the program, and shares inside knowledge of the industry gleaned from a combination of marketing and winemaking experience. In addition to Roche, chef and winemaker Jay Drysdale took participants to various stops in the valley that highlighted the array of practices in local vineyards and wine shops. Drysdale also knows food, and

whipped up meals that paired perfectly with wines, taught some cheese making and talked about what he’s most passionate about —Okanagan food and wine. All over these hills, small restaurants that specialize in locally grown ingredients have blossomed, he explained. Alongside a first-rate selection of wines at restaurants and shops, many from small vignerons, demonstrate a clear understanding that wine is just one more ingredient on the table, subject to the same standards of production and purity as food. His dream, however, is to see the industry mature and grow. And, the expanding slate of courses at the college is a big piece of that dream. “That’s why I did this,” he told the class. It’s time, he believes, to create a B.C. identity on a world stage. Certainly, he said, the region’s profile has risen, but when it comes to creating an identity that’s a ways in the future. That identity may be born out of slimming down of wines offered in the valley, or the creation of more distinct wine regions. Regardless, his big goal is to have someone to taste a local wine and say, “that’s so B.C.” For more information on the programming for food and wine tourism at Okanagan College, go to http:// www.okanagan.bc.ca/fwt Everything from cheese making to beer tasting is offered these days, as well as a free online B.C. Wine Server B.C. course that highlights the history of the region. ~ Kathy Michaels

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 25

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NEW CONCEPTS & LABELS BEING HATCHED AT TERRABELLA esse Harnden walks into the Perseus Winery tasting room on a hot July day. It seems like everyone else in the province is talking about forest fires, evidenced by the smoky haze that permeates the air. Jesse, though, can hardly wait to talk about the vineyards to the south that he and winemaker Jason Parkes have just visited. Well-managed and committed to quality, the owners have responded positively to generous, lengthy contract agreements with Terrabella. Leasing vineyards in a variety of prime locations is part of the plan to make small lot wines from high quality grapes. Many will be available in an under-construction, innovative “enoteca” in Kelowna called The Hatch. Rather than try and produce a variety of wines from a single estate, the Terrabella concept is more that of a négociant - sourcing fruit from a diverse array of locations and working closely with the growers who farm them. With the Perseus label now solidly established—and with many awards to confirm CEO Rob Ingram’s vision—new labels are now in the works. Black Swift, the most premium part of the Terrabella portfolio, will first be made for sale through The Hatch while a larger winery is conceived. There are

Page 26 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

already single vineyard wines ready to bottle from the 2012 and 2013 vintages. One is a Pinot Noir made from grapes grown in East Kelowna and the other a Chardonnay from Summerland fruit. Look forward to Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux blends in the future. “It all begins in earnest with this fall’s harvest,” Jesse says of plans to introduce new labels and concepts. “The Hatch will be a place to be creative with wines, packaging, marketing, and hospitality. Some brands will be our own, and others partnerships with some of our long standing relationships in various parts of the industry.” As an example of premium small lot wines, Jesse pours a sample of Bird’s Eye View, a silky 2012 Pinot Noir produced for sale in The Hatch. Only 100 cases were made from a small vineyard in Naramata. Meanwhile, 2012 Screaming Frenzy (the second wine label for Black Swift) Meritage blends Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from the South Okanagan and Similkameen areas. Expect to learn a lot about growers as the wines are marketed. “We want to celebrate the growers,” he says. “To pay them top dollar for their best fruit, and talk about who they are and why their land is special.” ~ Lorne Eckersley

www.winetrails.ca

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PENTICTON BC VQA WINE SHOP: FRIENDLY, FUN STAFF WELCOME YOU THIS FALL

all is a great time to visit the Okanagan and the BC VQA Information Centre and Wine Shop, on the corner of Highway 97 and Eckhardt Avenue in Penticton. Plan to visit the BC VQA Wine Shop during Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, October 3-13. This is the season red wines are released; stop by any day of the week to sample one of the new releases. Complimentary tastings are available daily - watch for special guest wineries often pouring their wines in store. With over 700 VQA wines, all at winery price, the selection at the BC VQA Wine Shop is second to none. Many are also chilled! Complement your wines with local artisan cheeses or gourmet treats. Peruse the giftware and unique items perfect for gift giving for any occasion. Custom gift baskets

are available for any budget and a wonderful way to say Thank You or Congratulations! or to celebrate any special holiday or event. Traveling with your wines? Pick up a specially designed shipping box; the staff can pack your wines so they are ready to check on your next flight. Don’t miss the opportunity to take great BC wines with you when you travel. At the BC VQA Information and Wine Shop, friendly, fun and knowledgeable staff is always readily available to assist you with pairings for your next dinner, or an informal barbecue. Visit them today! Plan to attend the annual Open House on November 15th. Watch for details on Facebook or the website www.pentictonwineinfo. com. ~ Dona Sturmanis

PURE & HONEST WINEMAKING AT UPPER BENCH WINERY

ruth in labeling may be topical in the food industry, but vintners shy away from spelling out specifics on the bottle. So, when Upper Bench Winery and Creamery owner and winemaker Gavin Miller spotted a label delineating a wine’s oak regime in Baja, Mexico, he could taste opportunity. His new information label was born. “It’s geeky stuff, but we make wine for geeky people, and I think we should be accountable,” he said. Those who pick up the new releases—a purely estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, a Zweigelt and a rather nice Pinot Noir—will know exactly what is in the bottle. “We’ve even put the sugar content on because I’m actually quite disappointed in this trend of adding sugar to red wine so people think it’s smooth,” added Miller, a purist. He grows grapes organically, as he doesn’t believe in pesticides and chemical fungicides and says his philosophy is minimalist winemaking with a passion for flavour, meaning he believes good wines are grown, not made. He and his wife Shana, an extraordinary cheese maker, walk to the beat of their own drum and they’ve created a wine and cheese club unique for the region. He

Shana & Gavin demonstrate the detailed new labels at Upper Bench – in their wine there is truth!

selects three wines per shipment and Shana handcrafts a cheese for each selection. July’s Chardonnay inspired a cumin washed rind and they’re including their flagship Cab and King Cole for December. Open year-round, Upper Bench Winery and Creamery is a staple South Okanagan stop. Learn more about the wine or join the wine and cheese club, at upperbench. ca. ~ Jennifer Smith

OUR FLAGSHIP WINES . . . SHIPPED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR. “The wine is a tour de force of aroma and flavour...” 92 points - John Schreiner Silver - 2014 NWAC

170 UPPER BENCH ROAD SOUTH, PENTICTON T. 250 770 1733 WWW.UPPERBENCH.CA www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 27

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FOOD ORIGINS IMPORTANT AT THE BENCH MARKET

ust ask where the food in the Bench Artisan Food Market’s kitchen comes from and owners Stewart and Heather Glynes will be happy to tell you. In fact, Stewart – also the Bench’s

Owner/Chef Stewart Glynes

executive chef – probably knows the farmer on a first name basis. “It’s nice when a customer comes up and asks us where we get our eggs from and I can name off two or three farms,” says Stewart. “It gives them confidence, too.” Some of the delicious cheeses found in the Bench’s breakfasts and lunches come from Jerseyland Organics, a dairy farm in Grand Forks. The artisan farm’s products are made from 100% certified organic jersey milk and its owners believe in the humane treatment of its animals. Another local BC supplier, Two Rivers Specialty Meats, provides the Bench

with proteins that are free of antibiotics, hormones and chemical feed additives. For example, beef comes from a Cache Creek farm where cows have a vast acreage to roam, and free-run poultry is from the Fraser Valley. The products are used in everything from sandwiches to take-home shepherd’s pie and lasagna. Stewart says, “We set ourselves apart by working directly with farmers and local suppliers, and planning our seasonal

menus around their offerings.” “It all comes down to using local, ethical, sustainable ingredients in the kitchen – both for our customers and as a part of the wider food community.” And if you want Two Rivers meats for your own cooking at home too, choose from a selection of their retail products, now available at the Bench. ~ Wade Paterson

KENA AND LAWRENCE’S MUST-HAVE ART: IN GALLERY AND GARDEN AT CORMIER’S B&B

ormier’s in Penticton is a popular Bed & Breakfast, but it also the working studio and gallery of artists and resident owner innkeepers Kena and Lawrence Cormier. “When we built in 2009, it was purposefully to include an art gallery, working art studio, B&B & home,” says Kena. The fall is an excellent season to visit Cormier’s Gallery, which is open to the public most days 12-5 pm. “Unfortunately, life sometimes gets in the way, so to ensure we are here, please phone 250-493-3273,” says Kena. “We offer a huge selection of wall art which includes mixed media, mosaic, rod art, metal wall reliefs and functional fun,” she says. “Both the garden and indoor gallery house

many of Lawrence’s metal sculptures in varying prices and sizes from a ten-inch tall crow to a life-sized guy named Harold, riding a bike. The garden is also full of recycled glass sculptures that will provide you with beautiful colour to get you through the dreary winter months.” If you have something in mind you would like for your home, business or gallery, bring your ideas and talk to Kena and Lawrence about a commission. Special occasion gift certificates are also available. If you really want to pamper yourself this autumn, check out the availability of Cormier’s B&B and take advantage of their three-night special “Ahh...the Colours of Fall!” In fact, any time you want to get away from it all, Cormier’s

local fresh flavours Open 7am-5pm Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat, Sun & Holidays www. thebenchmarket.com 368 Vancouver Ave., Penticton

250-492-2222 FOR SALE

~ Dona Sturmanis

4255 Partridge Road, Naramata, BC - $1,249,000 GORGEOUS LAKE VIEW VINEYARD ESTATE... in the making. 200° views, flat, fenced, irrigated and gated 8 acre view property with approx. 6 acres of award-wining quality grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir planted in 2008. 1+ acre site cleared, with long private driveway entry waiting for your signature build. Or imagine the most amazing B&B with an unforgettable culinary experience? This is your clean canvas waiting for a Monet! Private, quiet location with sensational Naramata lake views and vistas, nestled amongst orchards and vineyards on a bench, 1.5KM to Village and Beach, 20 minutes to Penticton Regional Airport. A rare find! MLS®141882

A cultural tourism feast! Indulge yourself in our luxurious B&Bluxurious and enjoyB&B A cultural tourism feast! Indulge yourself in our enjoy a yummy in theoverlooking art gallery Okanagan overlooking Okanagan Lake. aand yummy breakfast inbreakfast the art gallery Lake. Lawrence andcreates Kena creates Open most days 11-5. Lawrence sculptssculpts and Kena mixed mixed media media wallart!wallart! Open most days 12-5.

Okanagan Vineyard Specialist

Lawrence & Kena Cormier 495 Vancouver Ave.,Penticton BC V2A 1A4

A cultural tourism feast! Indulge yourself in our B&B Lawrence & luxurious Kena Cormier 250-493-3273 and enjoy a yummy breakfast in the art gallerywww.cormierstudio.com overlooking Okanagan Lake. lkcormier@shaw.ca 495 Vancouver Ave., Lawrence sculpts and Kena creates mixed media wallart! Open most days 11-5.

Penticton, BC V2A 1A4

Lawrence & Kena Cormier 495 Vancouver 250-493-3273 Ave.,Penticton BC V2A 1A4 250-493-3273 www.cormierstudio.com lkcormier@shaw.ca www.cormierstudio.com

yourself in our luxurious B&B gallery overlooking Okanagan Lake. media wallart! Open most days 11-5.

lkcormier@shaw.ca

Page 28 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

ouver Ave.,Penticton BC V2A 1A4 dio.com lkcormier@shaw.ca

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RED LEAVES, RED RELEASES - NARAMATA BENCH WINERIES IN AUTUMN

all is a beautiful time of year to visit the Naramata Bench wineries—tasting rooms are open and welcome visitors for relaxed wine tasting experiences. And as the reds are released, you will be the first to taste some of the new vintages.

There are fun winery events happening through to the end of October. In addition to the very popular Annual Tailgate Party on September 13, there are events taking place at individual wineries. For example, visitors can enjoy live music, “An Afternoon So-

NARAMATA BENCH WINERIES ASSOCIATION

A Story in Every Bottle

JOIN OUR WINE CLUB AND ENJOY NARAMATA WINES YEAR ROUND.

NaramataBench.com naramatawines @naramatawines

www.winetrails.ca

cial” at Terravista Winery, or “Graze Among The Grapes” at Hillside Winery & Bistro. There are opportunities to participate in wine tasting, food pairing and winemaking history workshops at Red Rooster Winery. Check naramatabench.com often for event updates. And if you can’t make it to visit Naramata wineries, join its Best of the Bench Wine Club and enjoy Naramata wines for your year-round drinking pleasure. The club takes it name from the ever-popular Naramata wine collections that wine lovers have snapped up over the years. Twice a

year, receive at your door a hand-selected mixed case of Naramata wines. Many are limited production vintages that are not widely available, as well as trusted favourites and delightful new discoveries. Provided at winery prices, the cases are assembled in Naramata and delivered from the Naramata General Store. This is a great way to explore the Naramata Bench, try new wines from a trusted source, and receive a supply of quality wines throughout the year.

~ Dona Sturmanis

LEGEND DISTILLING SMALLTOWN SPIRITS: JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

urchasing and renovating a property in Naramata that used to be a doctor’s office for the new Legend Distilling Smalltown Spirits was fitting for owners Dawn and Doug Lennie. Local lore has it that during prohibition Naramata doctors and dentists regularly prescribed alcohol for folks feeling under the weather. Accordingly, Legend’s gin is affectionately dubbed “Doctor’s Orders”. With a similar nod to another Okanagan legend, the Lennies named the premium vodka “Shadow in the Lake” playfully referring to Ogopogo – Canada’s best-known lake monster. In the tasting room, which opened in July, you’ll find colourful references to these stories on the bottles and in signs that decorate the attractive building overlooking orchards, vineyards, Okanagan Lake and Giant’s Head Mountain beyond. Deeply rooted in the community, the couple decided it was time to design a business together. Previously, Doug ran a successful construction company while

Dawn had a popular artisan market and eatery. Now they’ve combined their skills in a funky new craft distillery which will use BC-produced grains and blending items such as juniper berries, cherries and other produce sometimes sourced on site. Initially, vodka and gin is offered and ultimately, whiskey after it is barrel-aged for three years or more. Their timing is perfect given recent changes in liquor laws: Craft distilleries that use 100% BC raw ingredients can now sell from the distillery directly to consumers and through private liquor stores and restaurants. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Legend’s Shadow on the Lake Vodka & NEW Doctor’s Orders Gin with owners Doug and Dawn Lennie in the background.

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 29

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LIVING LARGE AT POPLAR GROVE t Poplar Grove Winery, the emphasis has increased on bottling many of the awardwinning wines in larger formats – bigger is officially better! In the past, the approach to large format bottles meant having 5-litre commemorative showpiece bottles for exceptional vintages such as Poplar Grove’s Syrah 2007 and Cabernet Franc 2009 both recipients of the Lieutenant Governor‘s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. Given the popularity of the Poplar Grove big bottles, now magnums and double magnums of the Cabernet Franc, Merlot and The Legacy are available for each vintage so that wine collectors can count on something special for their cellar each year. There’s little question that more is better when you’re talking great wines, and General Manager Jacquie Carlson explains there are a number of reasons why the winery has moved in this direction. “First of all, wine is for sharing and the larger bottle is prestigious and looks beautiful on the table – at home or in a restaurant,” says Jacquie.

“Some of our valued customers that offer gourmet dining such as Langara Fishing Lodge regularly requested them.” Serious collectors love them because they age better given there is less room for oxygen relative to the volume so the wine ages more slowly than in the traditional 750-ml bottles. This offers greater stability and allows the characteristic aromas and flavours to develop fully. While we’re talking about the big life at Poplar Grove, why not hold an extraordinary event at Poplar Grove? The winery can accommodate from 10 to 150 guests for anything from a small business meetings to an elegant wedding. Poplar Grove’s Barrel Hall is a popular place to host intimate dinner celebrations, you can plan your food and wine-paired dinner with the acclaimed Vanilla Pod Restaurant conveniently located on site. What better place to showcase and enjoy the new larger format bottles from the Poplar Grove Cellar? Call 250-4939463 for bookings.

Page 30 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

~ Roslyne Buchanan

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DID SOMEONE SAY CHOCOLATE? DISCOVER WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING AT RED ROOSTER here’s always something to crow about at Red Rooster Winery. Whether it’s award-winning wine, food pairing, art gazing, a seminar, or dining in the Pecking Room there’s always something happening at this beautiful Naramata winery. Looking for delicious local foods and a special place to dine? Drop into the Pecking Room Patio and Grill for outstanding local offerings created by Chef Darin Paterson of Bogners in Penticton. Open daily from 12-5 through to October 12th, you’ll find the best of farm to table cuisine. And speaking of food and Chef Darin – absolutely do not miss the Wine & Chocolate pairing in the Coop. Only $5 to tour three beautiful wines paired with to-die-for chocolate made by Chef Darin himself. The first pairing is the citrus infused white chocolate with the Reserve Gewürztraminer, $21.99. On it’s own this lovely wine is off dry, with citrus and pink grapefruit notes – paired, it becomes ambrosia as it picks up the citrus notes in the white chocolate. Next up is the dried cherry dark chocolate. Can this get any better? Oh yes, pair it with the

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newly released 2012 Reserve Malbec, $26.99, grown entirely on the Red Rooster property. Just out for fall, this deep brambleberry, ripe wine with spice, coffee and cocoa is perfection paired with the bitter notes of the dark chocolate to smooth out the tannins. It simply begs for more. Last little bit of perfection – pair dark chocolate truffle with the Reserve Riesling Icewine $69.90. Oh my! This is the first Icewine produced at Red Rooster in 10 years, harvested on New Year’s Eve. Although an 8 or 9 on the sweetness scale, the acidity of the Riesling balances the sweetness nicely. Add the smooth decadence of the truffle and it all just melts in your mouth. Sip, taste, melt, repeat. Information about the Wine & Chocolate tastings and other events are posted on the website at www.redroosterwinery.com or get social and get in touch on Twitter or Facebook! You can join their email list to get up to date information on all the fun ways you can interact with Red Rooster. The new fall releases are out and not to be missed on your next visit to this lovely winery. ~ Terry Meyer-Stone

Wine & Chocolate Pairing with Caitlin Riedl.

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 31

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FLYING IN FOR A TASTE OF THERAPY

ars, trucks, buses, limousines and bicycles have gotten guests to Therapy Vineyards and Guesthouse in Naramata for years. Now helicopters can be added to that list. Therapy was recently added to Valhalla Helicopters’ list of helitour participating wineries. “We’re pretty excited about the fact helicopters can land here now,” says Judi Skinner, Therapy’s new general manager. Skinner adds designer and reality TV star Jillian Harris recently visited Therapy with some of her friends via a Valhalla tour. Regardless of how guests choose to arrive, Therapy’s award-winning wines await them. The Fizzio Therapy Blanc 2012 earned Bronze in the 2013 Wine Align’s National Wine Awards of Canada. It’s described as having hints of tangerine, peach and apple that match with the wine’s light zingy acid. The refreshing taste is the perfect way to enjoy a summer day. Therapy’s Sauvignon Blanc 2012 was awarded Silver from the 2013 Wine Align’s National Wine Awards of Canada and Bronze in the 2013 All Canadian Wine Championships. It has unique aromas reminiscent of passion fruit, citrus and herbs. With time, it develops mint-like aromatics that balance nicely with the lean and grassy profile of the palette. And once visitors have gotten a taste of Therapy, there’s plenty of incentive to stay. The winery’s Guesthouse features eight rooms that can be rented individually, as a main floor or as a whole house: Ideal for families or corporate retreats. Each room has a separate entry, semi-private patio, full en suite bathroom, high-speed Internet, a wine fridge and many other features. The Guesthouse’s hot tub may be the most comfortable vantage point in the region, overlooking the vineyard and Okanagan Lake. Therapy is also committed to helping out the community. Once again the winery sponsored Challenge Penticton in August by providing 25 cases of wine for the triathlon. The donated Freudian Sip, Freud’s Ego and Pink

Page 32 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Freud wines featured three custom labels, including Freud on a bike, swimming with water wings and running. For more information on Therapy’s wine, events and Guesthouse booking information, visit therapyvineyards.com. ~ Wade Paterson

Team Therapy

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MORAINE WINERY – A WINE EXPERIENCE

“W Award Winning

South Okanagan

WINE TOURS

Recognized 3 years in a row for Business Excellence in: • Hospitality & Tourism, Service Excellence and Community Support • 2014 TripAdvisor Certiﬁcate of Excellence Award • 5 Star Rating 3 Years In A Row

Thank you for making us the TOP CHOICE in 2014! We LEAD, others follow: • ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING • LUNCH & DINNER OPTIONS • WINE-CERTIFIED GUIDES • CUSTOMIZED WINE EXPERIENCES • WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCES

and secondary e don’t fermentation just sell during its 3 w i n e , months in French we sell an oak barrels. Or experience,” says the 2013 Twin Oleg Aristarkhov, Peaks Icewine - a who with his wife delicious blend of Svetlana owns Cabernet Franc Moraine Winery. Wine shop hostess Lori Newstead. and Merlot. Try it “And people say it’s so much fun when they visit with Lori with chocolate cake and ice cream! Among trees and well away from the and our staff in the tasting room!” Lori Newstead has been working at traffic of Upper Bench Road, Moraine Moraine since Oleg and Svetlana Winery offers a relaxed atmosphere opened for business 3 years ago. for guests who want to savour the “People return year after year—I views of vineyards and Okanagan remember them and they are Lake. There is a kids’ play area, shocked,” she smiles. “That’s our picnic area and bocce court. Guests thing here, that people say they feel are welcome to pack a picnic or buy like they are coming into our house!” snacks on site, and relax with a glass Of course it helps that they are or bottle of wine from the shop. coming into a house that offers great “Our customers love that we are small wine values. They have a chance and family oriented,” Lori smiles. to buy newly released 2012 Red “They love it here! People become Mountain, a Malbec-Cabernet Franc wine club members because they blend, after the 2011 vintage sold have had a good time here and want when out by December last year. Or to remember the experienceAdvertorial sample the small release of 2012 they open up a bottle at home.” ~ Lorne Eckersley Chardonnay that underwent primary

Naramata • Okanagan Falls • Summerland • Similkameen • Oliver/Osoyoos

ESTATE WINERY

Cliffhanger

www.GrapeEscapes.ca

Open daily 10am - 6pm May through October www.morainewinery.com

1.877.362.3382

T: 250 460 1836

Driving you to drink... legally... and loving it! www.winetrails.ca

1865 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC, Canada V2A8T9 B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 33

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WINEMAKER BRAD COOPER JOINS SERENDIPITY TEAM

Judy Kingston welcomes Winemaker Brad Cooper to the team.

nce upon a time there was a very successful lawyer with a high-powered Toronto law firm. She was also an accomplished cook who trained as a chef in France. Then, one day, a car steam-rolled through a red light and changed her life forever. And, she says today, for the better. In was on a trip to BC while she was recuperating from her injuries that she happened upon a For Sale sign on a Naramata orchard. By the time she boarded the plane home to Toronto later that day, Judy Kingston was the proud, and a

little bewildered, owner of what was to become Serendipity Winery. It is a story she tells often, but it bears repeating because Judy’s story is one of hope, emphasizing the need in all of us to be open to change. “Serendipity” is how she describes her come-bychance entry into the wine business and the theme has served her well in the decade since she planted her first vines. Now, with five vintages behind her, and daughter Katie O’Kell having joined her team, Judy says she couldn’t be happier with the way her life has

unfolded. And it got even better in July when highlyregarded winemaker Brad Cooper agreed to move over to Serendipity, where he will continue to keep alive Judy’s commitment to making the best possible wine from the best possible grapes. New releases become available when they are ready to drink, so there is always a surprise or two to be found at Serendipity. Another awaits, but not for another year. Katie’s pet project, a sparkling Blanc de Blanc, is aging happily in the bottle. ~ Lorne Eckersley

HOWLING BLUFF ESTATE WINERY - LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AWARD WINNER!

uke Smith was all smiles in July after learning that Howling Bluff Estate Winery had won a Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. Howling Bluff becomes 1 of only 3 wineries to win 3 or more of the coveted awards. “It’s a tough award to win,” he says. “More than 400 entries, no entry fee, no grape categories.” He points to where the 2014 award will be placed on the wine shop wall and says the whole family in what he laughingly describes as a “nepotistic meritocracy—it’s mostly family who work here, but they have to earn it!” The 2014 LG Award is for the 2013 Summa Quies Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and the first two LG Awards were for Pinot Noirs, proving that Luke and his son Daniel are accomplished winemakers

working with great estate-grown fruit. In the wine shop, Luke is a breath of fresh air. No telling visitors what

they are about to experience. “Wine is subjective – we don’t tell people what they will like.” Instead, they get a bit of an education and

a lot of laughs from a wine guy who knows his strengths. “I’m going to stick with what we do. It’s working!” ~ Lorne Eckersley

B.C. Winery of the Year - 2013 New York International Wine Competition

Our Vines, Our Wines On the Naramata Bench

Dedicated to producing small lots of fine wines.

Order Online at: www.serendipitywinery.com

1086 Three Mile Road, Penticton 250-490-3640 www.howlingbluff.ca

Winemakers (father & son) Luke & Daniel Smith with their Lt. Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wines.

Howling Bluff Estate Winery @howlingbluff

Page 34 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Open for the season May 1, 2014. Open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week. Before May 1, please call for an appointment: 250-486-5290 990 Debeck Rd., Naramata, BC

serendipitywinery.com Serendipity Winery

info@serendipitywinery.com @Winespiration

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HILLSIDE WINERY & BISTRO - LOOKING FORWARD TO FALL

illside Winery & Bistro is home to one of our valley’s most talented chefs. Chef Rob Cordonier creates a seasonally orchestrated, locally sourced menu featuring his innovative flavour combinations and dishes that perfectly

reflect wine country lifestyle. Winemaker Kathy Malone’s award-winning style of winemaking provides inspiration for Cordonier’s cuisine, and pairings are the perfect match. There is no slowing down for the activities calendar at Hillside Win-

Located on the beautiful Naramata Bench, experience exceptional and unique wines, creative, locally-inspired cuisine and striking views.

• The Bistro is open for lunch & dinner seven days a week - check out our menu online! • Wine shop hours 10am-6pm.

Chef Rob Cordonier

– THE PERFECT GETAWAY THIS FALL & WINTER

Reserve Your Seat For Our Fall Wine Festival Winemaker’s Dinner

Okanagan Wine Country Elegance Of The Village.

250.496.6808

www.winetrails.ca

Also this fall, pop over to Hillside Winery & Bistro any Monday for the month of September to enjoy some wonderful local artist’s music free of charge! From 6 – 8 pm enjoy a range of music ranging from jazz musicians to folk and rock. For all of the events scheduled this fall, check their website www.hillsidewinery.ca ~ Jennifer Schell

NARAMATA HERITAGE INN

Phone: 250 493 6274 Bistro Phone: 250 487 1350 Toll Free: 1 888 923 9463 www.hillsidewinery.ca info@hillsidewinery.ca

In The

ery through October/November. Check out their highly anticipated ‘Graze Among The Grapes’ Winemaker’s Dinner on October 11th. The evening begins with a courtyard reception with incredible nibbles like Crispy Fried Pork Hock & Foie with strawberries and balsamic and Yukon Gold Potato Blini with Trout Cavier, dill, sour cream & candied zest – OY! After savouring a few bites and a glass of wine, guests will be lead through the vineyard with Winemaker Kathy Malone for some vine chat. Dinner follows with a mouth-watering line up of wine-paired dishes created by Chef Cordonier: • Pan–seared Jumbo Scallop - 2013 Gewürztraminer • Pipe Tobacco Smoked Chicken Ballontine – Gamay Noir 2011 • Roast Venison Loin – 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon • Chanterelle Mushroom & Beef Shin Pot Pie – Mosaic 2009 Dessert will be paired with the launch of their new Gamay Icewine 2013! Sunday October 12th and Monday October 13th are turkey days at the Bistro. Celebrate Thanksgiving without the work. Instead, bring the family for a fabulous 3-course set menu for only $39.99. Remember to reserve early.

Your Hosts Toni & Julius Bloomfield

or many, autumn is the best time of year to travel. The kids are back to school (fingers crossed!), traffic is lighter and, in wine country, the harvest and crush provides plenty of excitement. From its position on Okanagan Lake in the Naramata townsite, the Naramata Heritage Inn is a perfect refuge for people who just want to slow down for a few days. The End of the Road Bistro and Cobblestone Wine Bar offer great dining options, with Chef AK Campbell weaving his magic spell in the kitchen. This fall, the Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa will be celebrating the arrival of WestJet by offering getaway packages to neighbors in Calgary. A special Escape Package will include shuttle to and from the airport, accommodation in the Heritage Inn, a $75 in-house restaurant credit and a $75 credit to relax in the award winning Aveda Spa. On departure, guests will receive a 3-hour wine tour of bench wineries before being transported back to the airport for the journey home. It’s a steal of a deal, starting at $228

3625 1st St., Naramata, BC www.naramatainn.com Ph. 250.496.6808

3625 1st Street, Naramata, BC In the ♥ of the village

www.naramatainn.com • innkeeper@naramatainn.com

Toni & Julius were the gracious hosts at this year’s WOW (Women On Wine & food!) event.

plus tax, not including airfare, for a Queen Heritage Room. Westjet Encore will be offering flights starting at $79 plus taxes starting on October 26th. The Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa will also be offering a number of promotions through the fall and winter, so be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page, website or call for current special promotions. Make your reservations soon, and then enjoy the anticipation of an idyllic getaway to Naramata! ~ Lorne Eckersley

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 35

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DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD’S GEWÜRZTRAMINER SISTERS

by the friendly staff nvied and at their shop or applauded wine function yet, for their savvy you’re missing out marketing, Dirty on the fun! Laundry Vineyard DLV’s handsome, is busting out talented and (sorry colourful new ladies!) newly packaging that wedded head parallels their winemaker Mason vibrant winemaking Winemaker Mason Spink with Lauren Selfridge Spink is thrilled style and fun wine shop experience. In a sea of white with the new look. labels, DLV’s re-branded wines are “The new packaging really stands out. People often remember the eye-catching showstoppers. California-based designer Bill label colour of a favourite wine, Kole previously designed the sexy rather than a varietal name. Our wine silkscreened look for their fruit- shop customers are loving the new driven white blend ‘Secret Affair’ branding.” and it’s red-blend counterpart, “We’ve eclipsed 20,000 cases now, ‘Dangerous Liaison.’ The pivotal this next vintage is expected to success of these wines prompted surpass 25,000 cases.” DLV to task Kole with re-branding So what’s the secret to their success? many other wines, debuting with Mason believes it begins with their their 2013 Gewürztraminer “sisters” destination wine shop. of Threadbare Vines, Woo Woo, and “We’re not on highway 97. People Madame’s Vines (sweetness codes choose to come to Summerland for our of 0, 1 and 2, respectively). Each great wines and unique experience. bares a different colour of matching We have a great pull through our screw cap and vivid silkscreened packaging, but it’s the wine that makes label, making for easy distinction on them return. We don’t just deliver, but the shelf. These wines feature DLV’s over deliver on product. Combine all highly recognizable ‘clothes-peg’ that, and it’s pretty easy.” ~ Sarah Willard motif... if you haven’t been pegged

DELONG STUDIO - SUMMERLAND’S GEM

ivened by the sounds of friendly banter from the working space in the back, there’s ample evidence that DeLong Studio is a place where things are made and not just sold. It’s a sort-of-secret neighbourhood spot where people walk in and gladly give up all the time needed to appreciate the stories behind the hand crafted jewelry and various artisan goods on display. “People are always surprised by our location when they first come in, but we’ve been open for 24 years,” said proprietor John DeLong, from behind a glass case of polished silver under the lights. “Our clients also come here for the setting. About 80 % of them return and then they bring their friends.” The cottage in a cozy Summerland neighbourhood where the Delongs, John and Anita, have chosen to work has obvious appeal, but their loyal clientele is clearly taken by the

quality of work they both make and showcase. “We do one-of-a-kind pieces. We cut our own stones and custom set them to our own designs,” he said. John, a lapidarist, is in charge of cutting and polishing rare stones and gems, while Anita handcrafts the silver. Working together they blend natural beauty with artistic flare to great success. Their own pieces are a natural fit with the other work they’ve curated from across the globe. Tapping into a small cadre of silversmiths and artisans, the DeLongs have built a collection that has something unique for everyone at all times of the year. For more information go to www. delongstudio.com or get the full experience at the shop, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week. ~ Kathy Michaels

Page 36 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Fine Silver Jewellery U ni q u e H a n d cra f t ed D es ig n s • Op e n D a ily 1 0 -5

250.494.5155

Visit DeLong Studio: Turn off Hwy 97 at Travel Land, onto Wharf St., right on Nixon and right on Williams. 4420 Williams Ave., Summerland (in Trout Creek).

w w w. d el o n g s t u dio . c o m www.winetrails.ca

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K

FABULOUS FALL AT THE BONFIRE RESTAURANT - FRESH FOOD & FINE WINE

he Bonfire Restaurant and Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna warmly invite you to celebrate the 2014 Okanagan Fall Wine Festival this October. The Perfect Palate takes place at the Resort October 5, 2:30-6 pm. Local food, wine, music and a spectacular art show and sale will take place on the waterfront. Stroll through the gardens, view incredible art, meet some of the Okanagan’s most celebrated artists, and

indulge in tastings of Chef Grant de Montreuil’s celebrated local cuisine. While being entertained by the Blue Moon Jazz Duo, sip local wines from award-winning wineries, and taste nuts freshly harvested from the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park. Tickets are $45, allinclusive. Who’s Your Farmer? happens daily at the renowned Bonfire Restaurant 11:00 am to close, October 3-12. Featured will be Chef de

e g l u Ind

Y OUR P ALATE.

Montreuil’s Okanagan-inspired Wine Festival tasting menus, highlighting the best of BC’s sustainable produce, meat, seafood and dairy farmers. The delectable dishes are paired with some of the best Okanagan wines by the Bonfire’s sommelier. Reservations are recommended. “Our 1300 tomato plants will be pushing fruit well into October along with heirloom squashes, greens, corn, and assorted root vegetables,” says Chef de Montreuil. The Bonfire’s five-course paired tasting menus will continue through the fall, changing weekly as different products become available. “We’re also reintroducing our great Room and Food packages that were so successful last year,” says Chef. As you stroll the Gellatly lakeside walking path this autumn, make sure to also enjoy the Bonfire’s Coffee Lounge for “grab and go” pastries, specialty coffees and smoothies. ~ Dona Sturmanis

Chef Grant de Montreuil

SONORAN ESTATE WINERY CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

urchasing and renovating a elebrating their 10-year anniversary, Sonoran Estate Winery has been treating guests to non-stop fun all summer. Fans have been snapping XCEPTIONAL ATERFRONT INING up great in-store specials, savouring IN EST ELOWNA the new Full Moon Bistro lunch menu, and kicking back for entertaining kara4205 GELLATLY ROAD, WEST KELOWNA • 250.707.1810 oke weekend afternoons. In honour of the big ‘One-Oh’, Sonoran is releasing their first ever PortWWW.BONFIREGRILLATTHECOVE.COM style wine and two traditionally made sparklings (white and rosé), rounding out their diverse portfolio of delicious Full Moon Bistro Open Everyday Untitled-7 1 13-02-12 4:07 PM white, red and dessert wines. From 11:00am to 4:00pm This will be the last season for SoLarge groups of 6 and more please reserve ahead. noran’s Gartrell Road location. OctoReserve your tickets Winery Bistro B&B ber 31, the winery is returning to their now for our October 8th original wine shop at 21606 Bridgeman Road, north of Summerland. Winemaker's Dinner They’ll be open every Saturday 12-4 until the tasting room gets back into full swing next spring. “It’s been busy moving locations. We’re glad to be back at the spot of our original vineyards,” says proprietor Ada Smits. “It has gorgeous lake views, beautiful decks, and our onsite Windmill B&B. Over the years, we 5716 Gartrell Rd., Summerland 250-494-9323 SonoranWinery.com have done well. Our customers love

our product. We thank them for their loyalty in helping us grow our business.” Tickets for Sonoran’s Annual Winemaker’s Dinner held October 8th at the Gartrell Road winery location are still available, but register soon to avoid disappointment. ~ Sarah Willard

Sonoran

www.winetrails.ca

Proprietors Ada & Arjan Smits

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 37

Congratulations to the winning BC wineries at the 2014 Alberta Beverage Awards

Hester Creek • Hillside Winery • Jackson-Triggs Okanagan • Maverick Estate • Mission Hill Moon Curser Vineyards • Poplar Grove • Road 13 Vineyards • Serendipity

Summerhill Pyramid • Tantalus • Serendipity • Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

To find out more, please visit culinairemagazine.ca

Naramata Bench. Photo credit: Tina Baird

city palate T H E

F L AV O U R

O F

C A L G A R Y ’ S

F O O D

S C E N E

the harvest issue CITYPALATE.CA

Nothing enhances the cover of city palate better than a few good wine stains.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2014

The flavour of Calgary’s food scene is bursting on newstands and online at citypalate.ca Page 38 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

www.winetrails.ca

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VISIT THE WESTSIDE WINE TRAIL FOR A FESTIVE FALL AND WINTER

he Okanagan Wine Festival, October 3-13, is the perfect time to visit the eight distinctive wineries of the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna. The hills are colourful with turning leaves, the skies and lake are blue, and the air

W E S T

K E L O W N A

is electric with activity. The vineyards are busy with the harvest and tasting rooms are full of people. During the Fall Wine Festival, visitors can expect to enjoy special winemaker dinners and fall open houses. In autumn, like year round, the Westside Wine Trail

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W E S T B A N K

Rolling hills of vineyards, picturesque lake views and world-class winemakers and chefs

is a destination for wine touring, tasting, dining and enjoying art and live music. Other special events are also taking place on the Westside Wine Trail this season. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery celebrates its 25th anniversary this fall while the annual Sip into the Season event takes place the first weekend of December; each winery has crafter displays. Visitors travel from winery to winery and enjoy seasonal sips, tasty snacks and appreciate the crafts, available for Christmas purchase.

The eight wineries of the Westside Wine Trail, open year round, are very close to each other....in fact you can walk between several of them. All in a beautiful location, each with a lake view, these wineries are easy to find and are close to the town of West Kelowna. Yet, in mere minutes, you feel like you are in a very rural and relaxed setting. For more winery information, events and hours, visit www.thewestsidewinetrail.com. ~ Dona Sturmanis

DINING AT LITTLE STRAW VINEYARD

Creating the relaittle Straw’s tionship between Barrel Top diners and the Grill offers an men and women opportunity to abbehind the scenes sorb all that’s best is exactly why the about the valley. restaurant has Chef Trevor Maystayed intimate in hew’s passion for size. smoking the best More tables could flavours from lodefinitely be cally produced squeezed onto fare and pairing the outdoor dinit with the wining space, but that ery’s well renown vintages offers a Tapestry with a view. would take away from the experitaste experience ence Mayhew wants to impart. that is deliciously Okanagan. “Right now all of our entrees are The winery, after all, is a Slamka paired with seasonal vegetables,” family enterprise and that’s a consaid Mayhew. “Our veg are com- cept visitors can feel no matter ing right out of our own garden where they are on the property. Currently dinner service is held on and they’re amazing.” But what’s born from local geog- Thursday, Friday and Saturday and raphy blending with personality, a reservation is a must. Come fall, sets the experience apart from the there will be some new experiences for visitors to explore. Mayhew rest. “The intimacy at Little Straw is a will be pairing vintage wines from big plus,” Mayhew said, noting Little Straw’s personal library with that visitors are seated with a stun- new and exciting seasonal fare. Tickets for that event are available ning view of lake. “Then I come out and personally now, and are going fast. ~ Kathy Michaels greet each person.” www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 39

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EXPERIENCE WINEMAKING SEASON AT VOLCANIC HILLS side, I can customize a tour for them,” said proprietor Bobby Gidda. Walks in his vineyard where three grape varieties tangle long before they’re crushed into prizewinning wines and a stop in the barrel room are just a couple ways Gidda is able to connect with the wine loving community. And, as conversations bloom, the experience gains Bobby Gidda (L) with Winemaker Daniel Bontorin. value. “It’s really enjoyable s the hot days of summer fade for me, too,“ Gidda said. into memory and the flow of tourist traffic ebbs, the staff at “Some of these groups have great Volcanic Hills get a chance to shift questions, and it makes the tours really interesting. I forget how much gears and really sink in to the work knowledge I actually have.” they love. An extension of that conversation That, in part, means offering further is sparked in the fall, when Volcanic opportunities for winery guests to get Hills takes part in the wine festival a taste of what happens behind the and holds an open house. From scenes at the popular destination. noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5th they will “If they are interested in viticulture, have free tastings and two scheduled winemaking or even the business tours.

Some tasty treats from Blu Saffron will also tempt visitors to linger a bit longer at the West Kelowna winery. As part of the Westside Wine Trails network, Volcanic Hills has an event in early December, called Sip Into

the Season. Visitors will be asked to linger and enjoy some artisan goods, food and, of course, the signature tastes of Volcanic Hills. ~ Kathy Michaels

DISCOVER A MIRACLE PLACE: KALALA

(L-R) Tibby, Julie & Ben enjoying the wine life on the vineyards at Kalala.

alala Organic Estate Winery’s central Westside Trail location makes visiting easy, but wine lovers worth their salt would go to great lengths for their amazing wines, spectacular people and impeccable farming ethics. Kalala’s indispensable Jill-of-all-trades hostess Julie Crawford gives a shout out to Chef Jason Leizart, owneroperator of Kelowna’s newest dining hot-spot, the Salted Brick. Try Kalala Pinot Noir and Dostana Chardonnay with a slice of Leizart’s cheese-ncharcuterie. Proprietor Karnail Singh Sidhu is an organic farm ‘guru,’ requested at notable organic farm conventions

throughout North America. In Sidhu’s native India, ‘Kalala’ means ‘miracle place.’ The winery lives up to that name. The wine shop (open 10-6 daily) has a rich selection of white, red, and dessert wines at very reasonable prices, with additional in-store specials. Awards from worldclass international competitions impart Kalala with enviable prestige. Yet there’s nary a shred of holier-thanthou attitude: each and every visitor is welcomed with genuine warmth spiced with a most refreshing candor. Winemaker Tibor ‘Tibby’ Erdelyi and new ‘vineyard correspondent’ Ben Berkman are committed to discovering improved methods in the winery and vineyard, experimenting with various controlled wild yeast programs, pruning projects and nutritional uptake – all within the organic viticulture framework. Discover what happening chefs, adventurous travelers, organic hipsters and seasoned wine connoisseurs know: Kalala is a miracle place to savour and enjoy.

Page 40 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

~ Sarah Willard www.winetrails.ca

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MT. BOUCHERIE ESTATE WINERY

- FAMILY TRADITION IN EVERY BOTTLE

Visit the Mt. Boucherie tasting room today, where our welcoming staff offer daily wine tastings. Stock up on delicious VQA wine that’s perfect for holiday gifting, entertaining, or for any mood or occasion. Join the Mt. Boucherie Wine Club. Receive our newsletter, notification of new releases, VIP invites and much more. WINE SHOP OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

May 1 – October 30, 10am - 6pm November 1 – April 30, 11am - 5pm

@mtboucheriewine

MT. BOUCHERIE FAMILY ESTATE WINERY 829 DOUGLAS ROAD, WEST KELOWNA BC V1Z 1N9 250-769-8803 • TOLL FREE 1-877-684-2748

/mtboucheriewine

t. Boucherie Family Estate Winery has been producing its own wines since 2001, but not everyone knows that its history in the Okanagan stretches back even further. Since 1968, the Gidda family has been farming the land and growing grapes across their 300-acre vineyard holdings in Cawston, Oliver, Okanagan Falls and West Kelowna, where the winery is located. The Mt. Boucherie family loves nothing better than welcoming people to the winery for a taste and tour. As part of the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival, the winery will be holding its Open House October 4 from 12-4 pm. This free event welcomes guests to relax under the red sails picnic area and view grape crushing and pressing (depending on weather and ripeness) while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine samplings and mingling with celebrated winemaker Jim Faulkner. “The Mt. Boucherie Presents” Dinner Series, which started in July, will take place through October. Each monthly dinner features a different world cuisine served as a long table family-

style meal with Mt. Boucherie’s awardwinning wines under their brand new tent area. Mt. Boucherie celebrates diversity within its line-up of wines that includes 21 reds, whites and Icewines. The Gidda family has now realized its dream of using 100% estate-grown grapes from their own vineyard holdings to make their celebrated wines. In 2013, Mt. Boucherie won Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals at the British Columbia Wine Awards, and a Gold and Bronze at the All Canadian Wine Championships in Ontario. ~ Dona Sturmanis

CELEBRATE QUAILS’ GATE’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A VISIT TO THE WINERY

3303 Boucherie Rd. West Kelowna 1-800-420-9463 | quailsgate.com www.winetrails.ca

uails’ Gate at $15.99 per bottle, is Winery which one of the best valued opened in wines in the Okanagan 1989 is one of Canaand locals know to buy it da’s oldest and most by the case before it sells loved wineries. A famout. Other highlights inily affair, Quails’ Gate clude Olds Vine Foch, is owned and operone of the Okanagan’s ated by the Stewart first cult wines and Chenfamily. Their flagship in Blanc, which Quails’ wines, Pinot Noir and Gate is one of only a few Chardonnay have Okanagan producers. set the bar for CanaFor wine aficionados, the dian wine excellence. Stewart Family Reserve From humble beginwines are a must. nings, Quails’ Gate Chef Roger Sleiman in his Avoid disappointment has become one of restaurant garden. and make a reservation the most visited winfor lunch or dinner at the eries in Canada for both their wines winery’s Old Vines restaurant, which and winery dining at the beautiful Old showcases the best of local cuisine Vines restaurant. along with breath-taking views of the This fall, Quails’ Gate will be releas- vines and Okanagan Lake. ing limited special editions only at On Sat. Sept. 13th, in celebration of the winery to celebrate their 25th An- their 25th Anniversary, Quails’ Gate niversary. In addition to guided wine presents Royal Wood and the Okanatastings, visitors can book the scenic gan Symphony Orchestra for a very sensory tasting where flights of wines special evening of live music in the are expertly paired with small bites. vines. Tickets from $60.00. For more Wine is available for purchase at the information: quailsgate.com on-site wine shop. Quails’ Gate Rosé ~Claire Sear B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 41

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BIG NEWS AT CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY ince the recent purchase of the iconic CedarCreek Winery in Kelowna by Anthony Von Mandl, the wine world has been abuzz with questions. What would happen to the CedarCreek label? Would there be a merger between Von Mandl’s Mission Hill Winery brand and CedarCreek? I recently sat down with CedarCreek’s marketing manager Anahita Pouget (over a most delicious lunch at the Vineyard Terrace Restaurant) to get the whole story. The great news for CedarCreek fans is that the brand, along with the wine and essentially the entire team of CedarCreek employees, will remain completely intact. Von Mandl was adamant in expressing his desire to maintain the strong brand of CedarCreek that was built by Senator Ross Fitzpatrick and his son Gordon. The plan was to simply enhance the winery through some tangible upgrades to the winery as well as offer the perks that come through a corporate partnership i.e. access to all of the corporate technology, team of consultants etc. The only huge addition to the hillside vista of CedarCreek will be the new Martin’s Lane Winery that is being constructed on the estate. Von Mandl is creating the winery for his prized Pinot Noir (won Best Pinot Noir International Trophy, Decanter Magazine) and named after his father Dr. Martin Von Mandl. This boutique winery will not

www.winetrails.ca

be open to the public and will focus on creating top tier Pinot Noir and Riesling. Celebrated winemaker Darryl Brooker, remains at the helm of CedarCreek wines and is focused on the growth of his Platinum Series single vineyard block program that he spearheaded creating wines from one small block at a time. In an effort to hone the various expressions of terroir in their vineyards, Brooker’s wish to prove the noticeable character differences in a single varietal vines growing maybe only a 100 metres apart, has been realized. To further demonstrate the range of soil conditions in a single vineyard, Brooker has also made 12-foot Chef Jeremy Tucker deep trenches along side these natural soil changes to show the evidence of the different layers of earth that effect the characteristics of the grapes. Check out their monthly video blog on www.cedarcreek.bc.ca to watch Brooker demonstrate this program.

The theme of “honest elegance” will continue throughout the winery and onto The Vineyard Terrace Restaurant with Executive Chef Jeremy Tucker at the helm. A future kitchen expansion and changes to provide an indoor dining experience allowing them to remain open through cooler weather are in the plans. Tucker’s knowledge and use of local producers is impressive and his menu reflects his philosophy of farm to table, seasonal creations with perfect wine pairings. The Terrace is open for lunch daily from 11-4. If a sit down lunch does not fit your schedule, guests can now linger in the beautiful wine garden below in the pavilion and order wine by the glass and lovely cheese and charcuterie plates. The surrounding vineyard and stunning Okanagan lake views, comfy couches and warm summer air will offer a perfect respite on your wine tour. ~ Jennifer Schell

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 43

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SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY RELEASES GRASSLAND SERIES he release of three “serious red wines” by Summerhill Pyramid Winery in the summer has a special significance. Art on the labels was created specially by internationally renowned wildlife painter Robert Bateman. “Our wines are the only commercial products Mr. Bateman has ever allowed his art work to be associated with,” CEO Ezra Cipes says. Part of the proceeds from each sale go to the Robert Bateman Foundation for its work with elementary school programs. Each image features an endangered animal living in the grasslands ecosystem where the Okanagan’s vineyards are planted. “Robert Bateman is a great activist of our time, and is using his art to give the world his deep personal love of nature,” he says. Bateman has a long connection with Summerhill Pyramid Winery. With their commitment to organic farming and production, and permaculture and biodynamic practices, the Cipes family has found a natural ally. “Three very substantial collectible wines for cellaring,” have been made to create the Grasslands series of organic wines. They are drinkable now, Ezra says, but with decanting and lengthy exposure to air, like a young Grand Cru Bordeaux. “But they deserve to be cellared.” The 2010 Merlot was made from grapes harvested from organic vineyards in Kaleden and Okanagan Falls and the 2010 Cabernet Franc grapes were exclusively from Okanagan Falls. “2010 was a cool year in the Okanagan Valley. However I believe if we let these wines develop for a long period it will be seen as a vintage year in the Okanagan. They have the structure to develop into complex, beautiful wines. “ The third wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah grown in Osoyoos and Oliver, respectively. “This is a warmer vintage, more approachable at a younger age, but one that still deserves to be cellared.” “Choosing to purchase wine or

Above: The three new red wines at Summerhill sporting beautiful Robert Bateman labels RIght: Don’t miss Summerhill’s new cocktail menu conceived by Gerry Jobe using ingredients foraged from the organic estate. Here he is creating the Santa Fortuna cocktail.

food produced organically is a real statement,” Ezra says. “It is fundamentally different minded when you consume and produce in collaboration with nature instead of attempting to dominate it. It means your goals are to build diversity to ensure ultimately that nature sustains us.” In the Sunset Organic Bistro, which broke new ground earlier this year by getting a license to sell beverages other than Summerhill wines, a new bar program created by cocktail consultant Gerry Jobe

Page 44 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

is making news. Jobe has created a series of cocktails especially for Summerhill, using some distinctly and occasionally eyebrow-raising ingredients. Smoke from a summer solstice fire was used to flavour

a chokecherry blossom infused simple syrup. Some ingredients were aged in the pyramid and a Tibetan singing bowl is used in the making of some of the drinks. Jobe has created five new specialty drinks and several updated versions of classic cocktails. Some include both Summerhill wines and quality spirits. “Gerry is amazing,” Ezra says. “He really takes the art of bartending to a new level. This is definitely an exciting addition to our Bistro.” ~ Lorne Eckersley www.winetrails.ca

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OKANAGAN SPIRITS TO RELEASE SECOND BARREL OF ‘LAIRD OF FINTRY’ SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Awarded · World Class Distillery Classification · Distillery of Year · Spirit of the Year: Blackcurrant Liqueur (97.7points) · Double Gold Medal: Blackcurrant Liqueur · Gold Medal Winners: Cherry Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur, Taboo Absinthe & Aquavit - 2013 World Spirits Competition,

ith locations in both Vernon and Kelowna, Okanagan Spirits is the perfect place to spice up your taste buds. Made from B.C. fruit, the craft distillery’s 25 spirits are produced right before your eyes in 250 litre copper pot stills from Germany. A tasting at Okanagan Spirits is more than just sampling the delicious fruit brandies and liqueurs, as it includes an education on distilling such as how to drink and store spirits. Most recently, Okanagan Spirit’s ‘Laird of Fintry’ Single Malt Whisky has become a hot item in the Okanagan’s food and beverage scene. The journey towards this whisky has truly been a labour of love for Okanagan Spirits that started seven years ago when they sourced their first batch of whisky wort and began the process to create this small-batch spirit.

Tony Dyck, Owner of Okanagan Spirits with Mike Berry, President of the Friends of Fintry

Fermented and double distilled in the copper pot still, this whisky is barrel-aged for six years. It pays homage to Captain James Cameron Dun-Waters who first settled in the

HANDCRAFTED CIDER AT THE VIEW WINERY

omplementing The View Winery’s line-up of crisp, fruity wines made from its aromatic

grape varietals, is handcrafted apple cider. Wards Picker’s Hut Premium Cider is made in honour of the fam-

from our farm

to your table...

Klagenfurt, Austria

2920 - 28th Ave, Vernon 250 549 3120 267 Bernard Ave, Kelowna 778 484 5174

Canada’s Only ‘World Class Distillery’ www.okanaganspirits.com Shop Online In The Okanagan We Make More Than Just Wine • Fruit Liqueurs • Eau de Vie • Absinthe • Gin • Vodka • Whisky www.winetrails.ca

Okanagan in 1908 and who brought many a bottle of Scotch over to Canada under his own label. Last year, the first barrel of this whisky made from 100% B.C. malted barley sold out immediately. “Over that time we had been talking about our whisky and people love whisky, people are authorities on whisky,” says Rodney Goodchild, marketing and operations manager at Okanagan Spirits. “We knew that the demand for the bottles would outstrip what we had.” With only about 300 bottles available, this whisky is in high demand. Starting in September, Okanagan Spirits will be accepting entries for the lottery release of the second barrel of this whisky. Stay tuned to Okanagan Spirits’ social media channels and website for details. ~ Laura Lushington

“Handcrafted With Premium Apples” “Robust & Full Of Character”

Visit us at our historic apple packing house! Open Year Round For Wine and Cider Tasting

wardshardcider.com 1-2287 Ward Rd., Kelowna, BC (at The View Winery) (p) 250 860.0742 or (c) 250 215.1331

ily’s apple-growing history and the hard-working men and women that hand pick the fruit each year. Apples have been grown on the property since 1918 and The View’s building is the original Wards Packing House built in the 1920s to service local growers. Though the fruit used for Picker’s Hut are specific European cider apple varieties now grown on the family estate. In the early days traditional apple varieties such as Spartan, Macintosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith were grown for the fresh fruit market. However, the Turton/Ward family recognized a need to diversify in the 1980s and started planting European cider apple varieties such as Belle de Boskoop, Jersey Chisel, Bulmers Norman and Cox’ Pippin Orange. These apples are typically high in acid and tannin and are horrible to eat but make delicious, flavourful, crisp and aromatic cider. You can visit The View’s wine Shop and Tasting Room which is located just minutes from downtown and open daily from 11:30 am to 7 pm. In addition to delicious bubbly, white, red and rosé wines and spritzers, you’ll find Wards Picker’s Hut Premium Cider. Wards is also available in select liquor stores and restaurants. If you can resist drinking it all, try it in your barbecued ribs recipe and enhance a food pairing that’s perfect for cooler autumn evenings. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 45

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PINOT NOIR FOCUS AT SPIERHEAD WINERY

pierHead Winery continues to strengthen its Pinot Noir program, having planted 7000 new vines of this medal winner. They will market two tiers of Pinot Noir: a single-vineyard under a Reserve label and their Okanagan blend. Only about 900 cases will be produced – so get yours early! Access to limited availability wines is a good reason to join SpierHead’s expanding wine club – and this year members will help create their own “Wine Club Blend”. They can experiment with various Burgundy clones and provide input to winemaker Bill Pierson, who will blend the wine based on consensus results. Proprietor Marina Knutson is enthusiastic about their 2013 Chardonnay. It contains about 33% Musquet clone and was barrel fermented, giving it a lovely creaminess. Papaya and peach on the nose are followed by full-bodied soft fruit with a beautiful touch

of acidity. Delicious…. not your typical austere Chardonnay! Also great drinking is the 2012 Vanguard – predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added to the blend, providing notes of dark cherry and plum within a solid structure; it’ll be even better with some time in the cellar. The winery’s tally of awards continues to grow with the 2012 Gentleman Farmer Vineyard Pinot Noir taking Gold at the Global Pinot Noir Masters 2014 (London, England). It also medalled at the 2014 All Canadian Wine Championships, as did their Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Be sure to try SpierHead’s wonderful wines at the WestJet Wine Tasting – or better yet, visit the winery – possibly for their last Foodie Friday on October 3. Don’t forget to explore the educational Demonstration Vineyard and to get your Fab Five passport stamped! ~ Allison Fader

Linger over a glass of one of our award winning wines and enjoy the view from our picnic area. Open daily from 11:00am to 5:30pm until October 31st. Open by appointment only from November 1 to March 31. Member of the Kelowna Fab Five Wine Trail.

3950 Spiers Rd., Kelowna 250.763.7777 info@spierheadwinery.com spierheadwinery.com

COCKTAILS ANYONE? AT MICRO BAR & BITES

s the scent of the world. hot Ponderosa Feeling peckish? The pines and tapas menu changes drama of summer monthly and a few softens, we’re raring surprises often find for a safe haven and their way on to the return to simple roster based on what’s grace. Are you ready been freshly delivered for cocktails at micro. to the kitchen. Don’t bar.bites? It doesn’t worry though. You can have to be “five always count on some o’clock somewhere” of Monika’s Artisan because the doors Loaf from Okanagan open at three. Grocery served with Here the hashtag some delicious spread has always been and Vantera Olive #creativelysimple and Oil. There’s always a whether we are talking mix of warm olives, a about the tapas or selection of cheeses, the cocktail menu the a charcuterie board, result is big on flavour. micro’s tantalizing Caesar cocktail. the big hit Popcorn Take the Vodka Pink with warm duck – ‘a micro original’ featuring freshly fat and Maldon sea salt, and those pressed grapefruit that’ll slake any addictive Pommes Frites (Bet you can’t thirst. That’s just one of the tantalizing eat just one!). Taming those hunger thirst quenchers making sure that fruit pangs is even more affordable from 3 press always gets a work out. If you’re to 5 pm, daily, when micro offers five a “See one, gotta have one” kind of menu items for $5 each plus $2 off person, try micro’s Caesar with Chalula pints of beer. It’s easy to relax at micro Hot Sauce and pickled pepper to taste with its warm rustic tones. You’ll find why it’s all the rage. In addition to the no fancy stemware as the European fabulous cocktail list, there’s still eight flavour extends to the simple tumblers beers on tap, and an eclectic selection in which your drinks are served. of wines and bottled beer from around ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Page 46 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

To p s h e l f s p i r i t s , w i n e s f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d craft beers on tap, innovative tapas 5 menu items for only $5 each, $2 off pints daily from 3 - 5

mic ro bar bi tes • &

Creatively Simple 1500 Water Street, Kelowna www.microkelowna.com Connect with us on facebook, twitter and instagram @microkelowna

LET THINGS TASTE THE WAY THEY ARE. - alice waters

Our philosophy at RauDZ has always been to support local, buy local, eat and drink local. This philosophy is naturally the focus in our kitchen where our cooking is based on the finest, and freshest seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally. When you have the ripest tomatoes, freshly harvested greens and farmers market produce filling the kitchen, keeping it simple is a winning recipe. - Chef Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao

RauDZ

Open 7 days a week from 5 p.m.

1560 Water Street, Kelowna

250•868•8805

www.raudz.com

Proud members of RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd.

www.winetrails.ca

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KELOWNA’S MOST FABULOUS PATIO REMAINS OPEN THIS FALL AT SMACK DAB

he largest outdoor patio in Kelowna belongs to Smack DAB, the lively kitchen and bar located in the heart of Manteo Resort. With 150-seat capacity and overlooking Okanagan Lake, it was tremendously popular during the summer

with its amazing weather. “There was lots of action on the lake for everyone to enjoy,” says Heather Schroeter, General Manager of Manteo Resort. “Boats, kite flyers, paddle boarders, kayaks....” Through the autumn, weather de-

SAY HELLO TO YOUR TASTE BUDS. ONE AT A TIME.

pending, the patio stays open until the end of the Fall Wine Festival, which is Thanksgiving. “We have lots of big heaters on the patio as well as our glass wall that cuts down any wind in the cooler season,” says Heather. Smack DAB’s private View Room, which hosts 21 guests, is a huge success for everything from corporate meetings and dinners to wedding rehearsal dinners, family reunions and locals simply getting together for dinner. A series of Beer Masters dinners in the View Room will be starting up in October. The premium casual dining menu, with everything from breakfast to dinner to late night snacks, includes favourites such as prawn tacos, crispy chicken sandwiches, forno oven pizzas and much more. The new style classics with big bold flavours, prepared by Executive Chef Brad Horen and his team, are perfectly accompanied by not just wine, but great cock-

tails and craft beer...what Smack DAB is famous for. There are 12 taps for craft beer, two of which are ‘guest taps’, allowing single or small run feature kegs of hard-toget beers to be poured when they are available. Guests can also order a flight of craft beers, choosing five from the list of twelve and getting four ounces of each to decide a favourite. There are now 30 more parking spots at Smack DAB—great news for fall guests! ~ Dona Sturmanis

POPPADOMS – FROM NEW TO NATIONAL

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Suite 730 - 1201 W Pender Street • Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 2V2 • Tel: 604.639.2266 • Fax: 604.639.2447

www.winetrails.ca

hile you wouldn’t know it by the hours the Dosanj family devote to perfecting the popular Poppadoms, it seems like only yesterday that they were new to the restaurant industry. Fast forward a few years and Poppadoms is on the culinary radar nationally. This summer, highly regarded Canadian food activist and expert Anita Stewart invited Poppadoms to be part of Food Day Canada, held on August 2. Aman Dosanj said, “We were the only Indian restaurant, so we’re really proud to be part of this celebration in praise of Canadian cuisine and those who make it possible.” Poppadoms also participated in Summerdine, August 6, a fundraising initiative of the BC Chapter of Les Dames d‘Escoffier, joining over 40 restaurants across BC to host a table in its own setting for the garden-themed culinary event. Additionally, Poppadoms paired with Okanagan Spirits for the Okanagan Feast of Fields, which raises money for Farm Folk City Folk. Aman celebrates nearly a year of being full-time in the kitchen. She will feature a special menu in September

The Poppadoms ladies (L-R) Aman, mum Jas and Jasmin.

on Grandparent’s Day honouring her Grandma and lovingly adds, “It’ll be her dishes through my eyes.” It’s an exciting time at Poppadoms with three strong women heading up the business. Jasmin has stepped into the Bar Manager role keen to preserve a local focus on Indian-inspired cocktails and continues to develop the wine list and pairings to complement Indian food exquisitely. In the fall, the menu will switch to capitalize on winter vegetables and slow braised meats. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 47

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ELEGANT EVENTS AT SANDHILL WINES

The stunning new interior of Sandhill Wines.

Page 48 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

f you’re searching for a unique space to host your next event, look no further than Sandhill Wines’ Tasting Centre. This new full-service venue in downtown Kelowna’s industrial district is the perfect place to host Christmas, corporate and family parties, with every detail taken of. The gorgeous 8,000 sq. ft. retail space, tasting room and small lot barrel room are available for events ranging from 20 to 200 people. For informal or cocktail events, set up tasting stations of local fare throughout the main space and allow guests to mingle while sipping on Sandhill’s premium single-vineyard wines. Guests will love to lounge on the space’s eye-catching and opulent orange couches and chairs while admiring portraits of Sandhill’s vineyards around the room’s main hub. After hours, treat guests to a private tasting at one of the centre’s state of the art virtual tasting stations where they will learn about each

of Sandhill’s six BC vineyards and get to sample flights of wines from each region. Small blind tastings can also be arranged to pit guests’ taste buds and wine knowledge against each other for a fun teambuilding experience. Or, if your event calls for a more intimate setting, utilize the elegant long table in the stunning small lot barrel room for a multi-course sit down dinner with wine pairings for up to 50 people. To alleviate any stress once the space is booked, Sandhill Wines can take care of the rest. From booking the caterer (there is a full kitchen on site) and selecting wine pairings to arranging additional seating, event-planning services are available as well. No matter the occasion, Sandhill Wines’ Tasting Centre has an option to accommodate your needs. To book your event, contact Annika Cashmore at 250-979-4225. ~ Laura Lushington

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GRAY MONK WINERY GARNERS TOP WINE INDUSTRY AWARD

ray Monk Winery is delighted that the Canadian Vintners Association has honoured owners and industry pioneers George and Trudy Heiss with the prestigious Canadian Vintners

Award of Distinction. Tony Stewart, Chair of the Canadian Vintners Association, announced the award’s recipients at the sold out awards dinner in July. The award is the preeminent award for the Ca-

nadian wine industry and the highest form of peer recognition and appreciation, given to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the wine industry. “Your personal contribution, steadfast leadership and ground–breaking innovation has undisputedly helped put British Columbia and the Okanagan Valley on the global stage for excellence in winemaking,” noted Dan George & Trudy Heiss Paszkowski, President and CEO of the Canadian Vintners As- ley’s only original winery that is still operated by its founders. It is a sociation. Among the many achievements re- true family business: George and cited was the important planting of Trudy Heiss, along with their three Pinot Gris in 1976. The vines were sons, Robert (operations manager), imported by George and Trudy George Jr. (winemaker) and Stefrom Alsace and are noted as the phen (marketing manager) manage first plantings of this varietal in Can- 75 acres of vines and produce an extensive portfolio of red, white, ada. “We are extremely honored that sparkling and dessert wines. the wine community respects our With a bustling wine boutique, a past contributions and recognizes full service banquet facility and a that our family continues to play a world-class restaurant, the winery is role in this vibrant industry,” said equipped to host guests for all occasions. George upon receiving the award. ~ Dona Sturmanis Gray Monk is the Okanagan Val-

DISCOVER WINES-GET READY FOR FALL AND JOIN THE CLUB

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“R

osé definitely seems to be the hit of the season,” says Tracy Gray, owner of Discover Wines in Kelowna and Kamloops. “Every Friday and Saturday are ‘Rosé Days’ where we add a rosé to our tasting counter in addition to our regular selection.” The two Discover Wines stores thrived during the summer in Kelowna and Kamloops, and look forward to the fall. Since the Kelowna store opened in 2003, it’s been the number one store for VQA sales in British Columbia. The Kamloops location has been very successful since it opened in April of last year as well. Discover Wines has also launched a Super Premium Wine Club to its other popular Wine Club selections. “This one is three bottles of premium, very limited release reds twice a year.

Wineries and Club members are very happy with this new Club selection. Space is very limited.” The other three Wine Clubs people can join are: All White, All Red and Half White-Half Red. Discover Wines clients really appreciate getting a mixed case of different wines from different BC wineries every two months. Members also get a full written description of the wines, information about the wineries, awards won by each wine and food pairing and cellaring suggestions. Christmas will be here before we know it and Discover Wines offers unique corporate gifts including ribbons with logos, autographed books and Gold Medal wine sets. “Be sure to start thinking about us early for Christmas gift needs.” ~ Dona Sturmanis

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 49

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MEADOW VISTA HONEY WINE – BACK IN THE BUZZ BIZ!

East Kelowna fter a neighbourhood of heartbreaking Kelowna, the Queen 2013, Meadow Bee is thriving. In Vista Honey Wine’s addition to creating Queen Bee Judie her award-winning Barta was ready to honey wines, (recently give up her dream. at the World Wine Searching for Championships she investors was leading won 91 points-Gold her nowhere and for their honey wine until one cold rainy Ostara and 90 pointsday introduced her Gold for Cloud Horse, to her new partner their traditional style which quickly led to the reopening of her Judie Barta, the Queen Bee. honey wine, Bliss honey winery and new artisan farm their sparkling cherry honey wine won Sliver-89 points and “Best concept!! Now with five beautiful acres Buy, Mabon won Silver with 89 and a tasting room/winery in points) Barta is growing beautiful the agricultural rich South- berries. Her farm includes organic

blackberries, strawberries, as well as a spring crop of much-needed local organic asparagus. Of course, they also make honey! Judie’s dream to combine wellness with food and wine is finally becoming a reality. A trained massage therapist and wellness expert, Judie still maintains a small clientele on the new farm as well as adding yoga classes. The culinary aspect of the farm is also evolving and is now catering events on the property. From an educational aspect, the farm represents a learning centre for promoting the survival of the honeybee and sharing the many wonderful healing properties of honey. Judie explains with a huge

smile, “the farm has so much to offer.” Welcome back Queen Bee.

LA BUSSOLA’S LUIGI COCCARO: BORN TO BE A RESTAURATEUR

ou can’t celebrate La Bussola’s 40th Anniversary without noting Luigi Coccaro’s significant role in its evolution. After his birth in Kelowna, his parents – La Bussola co-owners Francesco (Franco) and Chef Lauretta Coccaro – stopped into their fine Italian restaurant even before taking him home. Along with his sister Ersilia he learned about cooking in the restaurant and on annual family pilgrimages to Valle dell’Angelo, Salerno, Italy, where his parents were born. Luigi left the Okanagan for awhile and graduated from University of Alberta with an Arts degree, majoring in Romance Languages. In 2006, Kelowna’s call was irresistible and he started working his way up within the familyrun restaurant. La Bussola is noted for its amazing wine list started by Franco and Luigi passionately maintains that distinction. In 2010, he completed the Diploma in Wine and Spirits (WSET) and concurrently his Certified Sommelier (Sommelier Guild of America). In 2012, he completed a business degree at UBC Okanagan Campus. With his brother-in-law Dr. Costas Schulze, Luigi attends New York City wine events annually. His drive to enhance the business resulted in innovations such as the wine list on a computer tablet. The

~ Jennifer Schell

We welcome you to join us at our new location in SE Kelowna to taste our portfolio of award winning honey wines and shop for bee inspired culinary & wellness products. bee joyful…

beers, it’ll offer breakfast, Thursday to Sunday. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

3975 June Springs Rd Kelowna, BC www.meadowvista.ca 250-862-2337

Luigi Coccaro doing what he loves best – studying wine.

touch-screen allows customers to navigate the award-winning wine cellar menu of some 950 wines, set aside favourites and check out the sommelier’s selections. Dedicated to La Bussola’s range of customers, Luigi still provides a traditional hard copy list. He introduced social media into the restaurant repertoire to share news of special tastings and events. Active in the community and as a Downtown Kelowna Association director, he’s keen to boost the core’s vibrancy. Watch for a second Coccaro eatery equipped with a Forno oven from Naples. A casual gastropub serving comfort food and featuring craft and unique

Page 50 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Enjoy a sensory experience where each course is savoured, every aroma enjoyed and taste treasured. Open for dinner.

1451 Ellis Street, downtown Kelowna. Reservations: 250-763-3110

labussolarestaurant.com

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RECLINE RIDGE: WARM RECEPTION AND COOL CLIMATE WINES

he wine awards just keep coming for Recline Ridge Winery in the Shuswap—21 so far in 2014, including 2 most recently from the AllCanadian Wine Awards. No wonder it was a very busy July and August with visitors at the winery. Guests from all over the world visited Recline Ridge, sampling the awardwinning wines at the unique tasting bar, and enjoying the view from the scenic patio, overlooking the vineyard. “We spend some great times with our guests in our very peaceful setting,” says Graydon Ratzlaff, who owns Recline Ridge with his wife Maureen. “It’s a very positive experience.” In addition to awaiting more guests in the fall, Graydon says the grape harvest will be starting in mid-September on the earliest varietals, and continuing

until close to the end of October for completion. A fall harvest event is being planned at Recline Ridge and will be announced on the website. Past 2014 events included a 2013 Bacchus release party in April and a Summer Celebration in July. Recline Ridge will be featuring 11 wines—5 off-dry aromatic whites, including 2013 Bacchus, an off-dry rosé and 3 cool-climate reds. There are also 2 exquisite dessert wines. A new red will also be released this fall, details to come. Fall is the perfect time to come out and enjoy Recline Ridge’s spectacular setting, warm hospitality and award-winning cool-climate wines noted for their clean, sound structure, intense flavours and perfect balance. ~ Dona Sturmanis

Owner Graydon Ratzlaff with daughter Marlana.

avour the flavours of our unique, award-winning vintages, and experience the harmony of our wines and this peaceful setting in the beautiful Shuswap.

LARCH HILLS WINERY: EXCEEDING HIGH EXPECTATIONS

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san Smith invite you to visit 10-5 July - September and enjoy the award winning 12-5 May, June & October es of the Shuswap!

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visit to the Shuswap’s Larch Madeleine Sylvaner and red Agria Hills Winery is a memorable are grown in their vineyards. experience that will keep Since opening in 1997, Larch Hills you coming back for more, like has been very successful and contheir award-winning wines. This sistent with product, sales and is a truly unique winery in many winning competitions. To top it off, their wines ways. It starts with a scenic journey up to what is the highest elevation winery in North America. The European-style tasting room and vineyards are surrounded by fabulous views of Salmon Arm, Deep Creek Valley, and Enderby. You’ll be greeted by Hazel or Jack Manser, owners of Larch Hills. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you visit to sample and buy their wines, because Hazel Hazel Manser and Jack are very friendly with the are sold for excellent value—most under $20 a bottle. You can find public and enjoy visiting. Larch Hills wines—whites, rosés, them not only at the winery, but reds and dessert—are crushed, at most liquor stores and many processed and crafted right on restaurants. Visit larchhillswinery. the premises by Jack. European com. varietals white Ortega, Sieg~ Dona Sturmanis errebe, Madeleine Angevine and

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Jack & Hazel Manser 110 Timms Road, Salmon Arm, BC 250-832-0155

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B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 51

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THE LT. GOVERNOR’S OKANAGAN AWARDS TOUR ast week the Okanagan had the pleasure of welcoming back Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon on her annual visit to wine country to present the coveted Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. Arriving on Thursday July 24th, Her Honour arrived via bus along with her entourage of guests including members of the Government House Foundation as well as an impressive array of Members of the Consular Corps ranging from Russia to Ecuador. To be eligible for the competition, wines must be made from 100% grapes and grown and processed within British Columbia. 12 wines were chosen by a panel of 7 distinguished judges (that included Sid Cross, Tim Pawsey, John Schreiner and Treve

land has been well cared for and stewarded by the vineyard owners.“ We must remember that our wineries are in fact grape farmers that happily make up a great many acres of British Columbia farmland. New to the Okanagan this year was the chance to host Laughing Stock Vineyards Cynthia & David Enns with the Lt. Governor the Government House Judith Guichon (centre). Foundation Gala Ball. The Gala was held at the Laurel Packinghouse in for the Lieutenant Governor’s programs and Kelowna and was western-themed this year, awards”. Significant programs and projects are complete with elegant cowboy dress code and funded by the Government House Foundation a country band, designed to honour Lieutenant including the wonderful Write To Read Project Governor Guichon’s ranching background. that is working to increase the level of literacy The Gala has been hosted in Victoria in the past among aboriginal people in British Columbia but the Foundation through book donations and the creation of expressed the desire libraries to place within the communities. To to reach out to other read more about the Foundation’s work go to: communities this http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/ year to help spread the word about the commendable work that the Foundation is doing. Government House Foundation was initially created “to foster the preservation of Government House and its grounds; to enhance its decor, character, Wine Gretzky Estates Winemaker Stephanie Leinemann poses with her family and the Lt. Governor. maintenance, Black Press Chairman & historical and Founder David Black, attired in cultural values; and Congratulations to the Wine Award the tour’s themed “Western” to provide funding recipients this year! wear, enjoyed the tour.

Ring) from an astounding 436 wine submissions from 119 British Columbia wineries – quite a coup for the winners! I happily travelled along with the merry crew over the three days, winding their way through our bucolic wine trails beginning in Oliver and then continuing through Okanagan Falls, Naramata, Penticton, Summerland and onto Kelowna. The bus did not stop here though – their last destination was in Lillooet to present the final wine award to Fort Berens Winery. It was so heart warming to observe the pride and obvious thrill for the winners to accept the award from Her Honour personally. Lieutenant Governor Guichon, a rancher from the nearby Nicola Valley, was very earnest in expressing her admiration for the winners. A self-confessed novice in the wine world, she is a passionate advocate for the preservation of agricultural land and noted that “the grapes have kept us in agriculture” and that “the

Ruby Blues Winery owner Prudence Mahrer is estatic to accept her award with her team behind.

Page 52 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

WINNERS: 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling 2012 Bonamici Cellars Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012 Fort Berens Estate Winery Riesling 2012 Hester Creek Estate Winery Block 2 Reserve Merlot 2011 Howling Bluff Estate Winery Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2013 Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery Skaha Vineyard Unoaked Chardonnay 2013 Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2011 Okanagan Crush Pad Winery Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2011 Pentâge Winery Syrah Reserve 2010 Quails’ Gate Winery Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2012 Ruby Blues Winery Viognier 2013 Wayne Gretzky Okanagan The Great Red 2011 ~ Jennifer Schell www.winetrails.ca

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FA L L 2 0 1 4 he colours of fall represent that special time at Covert Farms when all of our fields are in full production. With all the abundance of vegetables available, the fall is time for us to preserve the bounty of the fields. In our preservation kitchen we have started crocks of chilies and pickling cucumbers beginning the slow process of natural lactic fermentation. By using a non-ferrous ceramic crock we encourage the fermentation process, which is entirely dependent on the naturally occurring Lactobacillus bacteria that normally cover the skin of a growing cucumber. Since these are routinely removed during

By Farm Chef Derek Uhlemann

commercial harvesting/packing processes, traditionally prepared pickles can only be made from freshly harvested cucumbers. Preferably Covert Farms cucumbers! Once we sterilize our crocks we add the freshly harvested cucumbers, garlic, dill, and grape leaves. Grapes leaves increase tannins and allow the pickling cucumbers to remain crisp and crunchy after they finish fermentation. When all the ingredients are in place we cover the pickling cukes with salt brine and submerge them by placing a sterilized plate on top of the cukes. This creates an anaerobic environment that allows the souring to take place while the bacteria on the skins of the cucumbers produce lactic acid.

This lactic acid is what creates that amazing sour taste that we love so much. We monitor it daily and skim any fuzzy mold on top until we have reached the perfect souring balance, at which time we refrigerate the now pickles to enjoy all winter. The key is tasting often and watching for the colour change as the cucumbers go from bright green to the duller green that signals a good pickle. With pickles on the go along with chilies and sauerkraut bubbling away, we turn our eyes to livestock. With temperatures falling and winemaking starting to come under control we take advantage of colder temperatures and fat animals to plan our livestock harvest. Our Berkshire pigs will be broken down into breakfast sausage, chorizo sausage, paté, air dried hams, and standard cuts. Our lambs will turn into merguez sausage, chipolata sausage, and everything from legs, to chops. Our Highland cattle will be spared again this year, as our herd isn’t mature enough.

However, two large bulls will be making a short visit from Enderby before being dispatched for our freezers. I’m looking forward to trying some liverwurst this year with both deer and beef liver and making a larger batch of Bresaola. Bresaola was a success from last year’s harvest having taken the “eye of round” from Taco Bill and Black Cherry, our two bulls, and soaking them in Covert Farms Family Estate’s Amicitia Red 2010 before rubbing them in spices and air drying them for three months. This was an experiment worth repeating. Good luck for all your own preserving needs this fall and think of Covert Farms when you sterilize those jars! Join Chef Derek at the Okanagan College this fall at his workshop on ”Sausage & Sauerkraut” through the Food Wine Farm Workshop Series. Date is Sunday November 16 from 1-3 $49 plus materials/tax. Go to: www. okanagan.bc.ca to read about all of the workshops offered and to register or call 250-492-4305.

OKANAGAN WINS 2ND BEST WINE REGION IN THE WORLD TO VISIT! second-place finish by the Okanagan Valley among the world’s top wine areas is cause for discussion and celebration among many in the local industry. The Okanagan Valley was one of the top-10 choices of a USA Today Readers’ Choice for Best Wine Region. “It’s really exciting,” said Roland Kruger, president of the Okanagan Falls Winery Association and general manager of Wild Goose Vineyards. “Second is absolutely amazing, especially when you look at the regions we were competing against.” Finishing in first place was Alentejo, Portugal, while rounding out slots three through 10 were Maipo, Chile; Marlborough, New Zealand; Croatia; Napa Valley, Calif; Tuscany, Italy; Oregon; Hunter Valley, Australia and Virginia. “I think every winery was well-versed in what was happening,” said Kruger, who thought initially that it was just nice being recognized. “Things have started to pick up a bit and there’s a lot of talk about it amongst the wineries and the people that have supported B.C. wines.” Kruger’s father purchased the property 30 years ago and the family’s winery is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year. “It really shows the traction that our industry has gained over the years in developing the

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President Kathy Malone (left) and vice president Jacquie Carlson of the Naramata Bench Winery Association toast the second-place finish by the Okanagan Valley wine areas in the USA Today Reader’s Choice for Best Wine Region. The winning area was Alentejo, Portugal.

industry and tourism in this area,” he said. “It is phenomenal for us to sit back and see what’s happening in this valley and our industry throughout British Columbia. Five or 10 years ago, we never ever would’ve thought that we’d be where we are at today.” President of the Naramata Bench Winery Association (NBWA), Kathy Malone, winemaker at Hillside Estate Winery, said the calibre of wine

regions on the list is amazing. “For the rest of the world to give us that thumbs-up is huge,” said Malone, who noted one of the reasons for positive results could be related to having a strong social media presence as voting was conducted online. “That could be part of it but it was pretty exciting to see, especially because it really was a wine tourism survey,” she said. “It’s the whole experience, the welcoming nature of the local industry.” She believes this type of news will also translate into more support of the wine and tourism industry from those living in the area. “A lot of other places are fabulous and have been well-known and very well-promoted for many decades so for us to have come this far in a short period of our industry is pretty thrilling,” said Malone. In a news release, Ellen Walker-Matthews, marketing chair for the Okanagan Wine Festivals, said to not only have the Okanagan Valley recognized among the finest wine regions globally but to finish in second spot by readers of a major international newspaper is a tremendous honour. “This will continue to build the incredible momentum we have seen in our wine region over the past several years.” ~ Scott Trudeau

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 53

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GRANDMA’S CHOCOLATE CHIP ZUCCHINI LOAF Debbie Donahue, Tasty Treasures

The perfect way to use up your bumper crop of zucchini this fall, this loaf is rich and delicious. If you don’t have time to bake now, peel, grate, squeeze and freeze your zucchini to have on hand when the baking mood hits you. Living in the Okanagan is all about learning to both cook with the season and learn how to preserve it for colder days. Ingredients: 1/4 cup Butter 1 3/4 cup Sugar 1/2 cup Oil 2 Eggs 1 tsp Vanilla 1/2 cup Buttermilk 2 1/2 cup Flour 1/4 cup Cocoa 1/2 tsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves 2 cup Zucchini, grated 2/3 cup Chocolate Chips

Method Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Slowly pour in oil and mix until combined. Add vanilla and buttermilk and mix until combined. Sift all dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture and blend until the flour is well incorporated. Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips. Pour into two 5x9 lightly greased loaf pans or one lightly greased bundt pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 55-60 minutes.

BRESAOLA COVERT FARMS STYLE Chef Derek Uhlemann, Covert Farms Bresaola is air-dried, salted beef that has been aged two or three months until it becomes hard and turns a dark red, almost purple colour. It is made from top round, and is lean and tender, with a sweet, musty smell. Ingredients 1 large Organic Beef “eye of round” 2 cups 2010 Covert Farms Family Estate Amicitia Red 2 tsp Ground Chili Powder 4 clove crushed Covert Garlic 6 leaves Bay Shredded 1 lb Kosher Salt 1 tbsp Course Black Pepper 10 sprigs fresh Rosemary, rough chopped 10 sprigs fresh Thyme, rough chopped 3 tbsp Honey or Sugar Cheesecloth - enough to wrap the beef and red wine vinegar for washing the beef.

Page 54 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Method 1. Place the beef in a non-reactive container and cover with all the ingredients except the cheesecloth and vinegar. Massage the ingredients well into the beef and refrigerate for 1-2 weeks. 2. Brush off the marinade and wrap up with a cheesecloth. Hang it in a dry cool place for one month. It will initially drip so put a pan underneath it to avoid a mess. 3.Once the Bresaola is firm to the touch it is mature. Wash it down with red wine vinegar and then dry it with a cloth. Store it in your fridge for a month or more. 4.Slice thinly and enjoy with Parmesan and capers like you would prosciutto. 5. Enjoy!

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ABOUT THE COVER ARTIST: KENA CUMMING CORMIER

ears ago I decided I would never paint. My thought process was that there were soooo many painters in the world, I didn’t want to be categorized as such & confined to that “box”. I thrived on creating with unusual mediums. So late one night, when my husband Lawrence was away and I was on my own with a bottle of wine, I hatched the idea of extending my paintings beyond the confines of the box. I knew I could still do some “light” work in the metal shop. So cutting metal rods and plasma cutting sheet metal into shapes, welding them together, adding a patina & attaching them to my canvases, I began my inspirational foray into the world of painting & my mixed media “wallart”. I am back in the same neighbourhood I grew up in as a kid in Penticton, the little ponds we caught turtles, snakes & tadpoles in, built rafts & pretended to be Tom Sawyer & skated on in the winter are gone, as is the “jungle”, but the memories are not. Campbell Mountain, the KVR trail, the tunnels, the waterfall & our beautiful lakes, no one could ever take away. Growing up in a turquoise bedroom all my life I swore I would never incorporate that colour into my artwork, well.........how can you not when you live in this valley surrounded by beautiful blue lakes, blue mountains & blue skies. Almost everyone of my paintings has lots of turquoise in it, the underpainting on my canvases is a dark blue. Blue, blue, blue in all its various shades, there is no getting away from it!

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My artwork can be found in collections throughout Canada, USA, Australia, Mexico, The Netherlands & Switzerland. ~ Kena

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winetrails@blackpress.ca to book your space in our next Marketplace Directory.

Artisan Wine Jelly

Artisan Beer and Wine Jellies -custom made for your special event or wine shop. Call proprietors Ric and Shelagh Stacey 1.866.946.1803 or visit winejelly.ca @RicTheJellyMan

Wine Storage

Musician

Strictly Cellars & Accessories Wine Care Specialists •Wine Cellars from 50 to 500 bottles • Wine Racking & Cooling Systems • Wine Accessories & Glassware

250-448-7225 or 1-866-396-7225

www.strictlycellars.com B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • Page 55