Tasting Room Radio Terry David Mulligan

It’s a Spring Thing – Okanagan Spring Fest & Enrico Cowichan Spring Wines

 

THE SHOW

 

Kimberly Hundertmark  –  GM  Okanagan Wine Festivals

FINALLY.  The days are noticeably longer and warmer.

Spring is right around the corner.

For farmers and wineries, it’s the time for serious soil and vine preparation.

Unfortunately this year, Okanagan wineries are dealing with deep freeze damage throughout the valley. Some estimates at 97% crop loss.



Whole regions may have to be replanted.

Everyone is awaiting bud break, when the land tells them what the future looks like.

In the very middle of all this is Kimberly Hundertmark, the GM of the Okanagan Wine Festivals.

Kimberly and her team have been organizing the 2024 Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. It’s jammed with events, celebrations at a full speed ahead pace.

 

Wine fans will have an amazing choice of events to consider. The celebration comes from the realization that these small farms and winemakers got knocked down but they just picked themselves up and started again. They’re used to nature messing with their plans.

Kimberly takes us through a state of the valley update and then runs down some of the highlights of this years Festival.

www.thewinefestivals.com

Loren Inglis  – GM Enrico Winery

If you choose to drive up or down Vancouver Island you have a choice.

The four lane freeway that gets you places , sometimes as fast as 110 km an hour.  However, for many of us, the  original coast highway is still found on any map and is sooo much nicer to drive and see and find the wonderful surprises along the way.

Farm gate stalls featuring home baking, spectacular eggs,  fresh vegetables and fruit. Hand made crafts . Fanny Bay Oysters, craft beers, distilleries.

Then around a corner you see a gorgeous vineyard South of Duncan. Between Cobble Hill and Mill Bay.

The home of Enrico Winery. One of a dozen Cowichan  Valley Wineries.

 

The first Vancouver Island winery to win a Platinum Award at the annual Lt. Governors Wine Awards.

The charming General Manager is Lorin Inglis. He’s also the President of the Cowichan Wineries Society, who organize the annual Cowichan Wine Festival.

Lorin and I will talk about Enrico Spring Releases and the plan for this years Cowichan Wine Festival – the whole month of August.

A new Rose – made from Cabernet Libre!  A first.

A standby from years past  – Cabernet Foch is back. When it’s grown right, harvested at its prime and cellared creatively Foch can shine.

Also another standby,  the award winning – Tempest Ortega will be available soon.

It’s a Spring Thing – Okanagan Spring Fest & Enrico Cowichan Spring Wines

It’s a Spring Thing – Okanagan Spring Fest & Enrico Cowichan Spring Wines

And two sparkling wines in cans. Both of which will be a sold out hit!



Revelation  Pinot Noir  Charme de L’ile 2022 Sparkling Rose (250 ml can) Simply wonderful.

 

Celebration Pinot Gris   Charme De L’ile 2022 Sparkling Wine (250 ml can)

 

www.enricowinery.com

 

www.cowichanwineries.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

 Spring Releases….

Painted Rock

Clos du Soleil

Orofino

Anthony Buchannan

French Door

Naramata Bench Vancouver Pour

 

It’s the 7th Annual April is BC Wine Month

Seven Wine Stars on  why it’s time to Buy BC Wine. We can ALL help!

 

 

 

THE SHOW

 

Christine Coletta – Co-founder  Haywire Wines (Summerland)

Grant Stanley –Winemaker/GM of Spearhead  – (East Kelowna) 2022 Best Small Winery in Canada.

Rhys Pender – Master of Wine and co-founder Little Farm Wines (Similkameen)

Kimberly Hundertmark – Executive Director Okanagan Wine Festivals

Sandra Oldfield – Partner Elysian Projects and Organizer of  Fortify Conference in Penticton

Tim Pawsey – Writer and Wine Judge (Hired Belly)

Leslie D’Andrea – Co-founder and CEO Noble Ridge Winery (OK Falls)

 

The BC Wine industry could use your support. This month would be good!



Farming and making wine is a long hard road during the growing season. However,  the past farming year was hit with wildfires, smoke, a December freeze that killed many vines and the MacDougall Creek Fire, one of the largest and most vicious fires overlooking West Kelowna.

Then, at the height of the fires,  the BC government shut down the highways into the Okanagan.  Wine fans and tourists were asked to either go home or stay home.

They did stay home and when the roads opened again they either stayed home or went elsewhere.

The wineries, restaurants and accommodation businesses in the Okanagan lost weeks of prime-time sales.

The lost revenue and the reduced fruit crop has put a hurt on many small wineries. Some will be lost. Many are “holding on” hoping for a better year ahead.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

 Have a listen to these BC Wine leaders.  Lots of suggestions and much wise advice.

From buying BC wines for the near future and ordering a BC wine when dining.

Join a wine club. Shop online. Gift your friends. 

Also, the Spring Wine Festival is on in the Okanagan.  Now’s the perfect time to visit.  Kimberly Hundertmark Executive Director gives us a primer on the events.



* Spearheadwinery.com

* Haywirewinery.com

* LittleFarmWinery.ca

* thewinefestivals.com

* elysianprojects.com

* Nobleridge.com

* TimothyPawsey

* WineBC.com

* Totabc.org



 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Spring Wine Releases

Hillside

Bartier brothers

Anthony Buchannan

Painted Rock

Orofino

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Releases – Tightrope (Naramata) and Bonterra Organic  (Mendocino)

 

THE SHOW

 

Lyndsay O’Rourke – Winemaker at Tightrope Winery (Naramata Bench)



(Lyndsay and Graeme O’Rourke)

 

Tightrope Winery is a small, family-run, sustainable winery on the Naramata Bench.

A true Labour of love for owners Graham (viticulturist) and Lyndsay O’Rourke (winemaker). Their vineyards on the Naramata Bench are farmed sustainably to make hand-crafted wines with artistry and passion. Tightrope wines capture the soul of Naramata – the personality, character, culture and fruit of “the Bench.”



(tightrope winery)

Tightrope  is yet another story of a couple who discovered they both had a passion for wine and when given the self inspired opportunity  to become farmers and winemakers, they changed careers and homes to follow their dreams.

To those who seek such things, it should come as no surprise that their wines are completely  passionate and speak to your senses.

 

Top 10 small wineries in Canada – 2019.

Our interview with co-owner and winemaker Lyndsay O’Rourke will cover Tightrope Spring Releases..

2023 – Pinot Gris – 4 different vineyards. Notes of pear and grapefruit. Beautifully clean and dry. ( Lyndsay has prices in interview)

2023 – Rose . What a nice surprise to find 96% Pinot Noir and 4% Barbera which adds spice notes in the tasting experience.

 

2022 – Semillon. Single vineyard Gem.  100% Sem. Lemon zest. Grapefruit and minerality. Clean and crisp.

2023 – Viognier.  Two vineyards involved.  Ripe citrus notes, ginger. Dry and bright. Aged on lees for 3 months. French and Acacia Barrels. Worth it!!

2022 – Pinot Noir Rubis.  Destemmed not crushed. 3 weeks on skins. Then  French Oak – 30% new for 10 months. Cranberry. Strawberry. Spice. (Cellar for 2-10)

2022 – Pinot Noir Fleet Road. Complex vineyard management pays off. Ripe black fruit, plum. Leather. Some Oak. Impressive. (cellar 2-10 years)

www.tightropewinery.ca

 

Bonterra Organic Estates – Joseph Brinkley Director of Regenerative Farming/Benjamin Mitarakis Dir. of Trade Development (Mendocino)



This taste and talk took place at Tap and Barrell Bridges on Granville island . The afternoon was part Spring release tasting and very much a talk about organic farming at Bonterra Organic Estates. America’s #1 Organic Winery.

The winery and vineyards over the years has been known as Fetzer Vineyards and had winemakers such as Paul Dolan and Bob Blue.

Vina Concha y Toro took control of Fetzer in 2011 and when they launched Bonterra they were well ahead of anyone else in Organic farming and wines.

Its taken years of education to raise the profile of organic wines. With the consumer and surprisingly with wine sales staff. Not just in Vancouver but everywhere.

Benjamin and Joseph spent several hours walking us through the farming process, the certification of the vineyards and their commitment to The Earth.



(Joseph Brinkley – TDM – Benjamin Mitarakis)

Our  energized  conversation covered most of the questions asked in the room but then we talked about “the wines”.

All the while we tasted the following Bonterra  Spring Releases..

2022 – Bonterra Organic Estates Chardonnay. 2 vineyards. One sandstone and the other volcanic rock. On Lees 6 months American Oak – third new. $24

Delightful Mendocino Chard. Light oak notes – nice finish and the price is right.

2021 – Bonterra Organic Estates Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice touch of Petit Syrah adds fine aromas. 40% new French oak. Raised toast levels lifts everything.

$25.  Dark ripe berries, lasting finish. Again, the price is right.



 

Not yet available but hopefully coming our way,

THE SHOW

 

Our last segments of  2024 VanWineFest with DJ Kearney  and  a reconnect with Sandra Oldfield



The Vancouver International Wine Festival (#45) has come and gone but the interviews live on….for at least this week.

I’m joined by my third & final co-host, the one and only DJ Kearney.  Educator, mentor, leader, wine judge, black belt, speaker and wine director at Terminal City Club.



Deej is also the best friend a person could ever have. We all feel lucky to know her.

As I did with Kelcie Jones  and Michaela Morris,  I asked DJ to choose who she’d like to interview and spotlight.

 

Immediately she belted out….. “Justin Hall  – first Indigenous winemaker in the World”.

So  winemaker Justin Hall joins us from Nk’ Mip in Osoyoos.

And Stavros Kriaris Global Ambassador of Alpha Estate in Greece.

“I’ve been there and loved the winery and wines”

Then I had the gall to ask “who do we close with Deej?”

DJ liberally yelled “Lets invite next years  feature theme region California“

Bonterra Organic  Mendocino    (Gabriela Marble  Export manager)

Robert Mondavi   Napa    (Kurtis Ogasawara, Director of Winemaking)



Signorello Estate   Napa Valley Golden Mile (Ray Signorello – Owner. North Shore guy)

www.signorelloestate.com

www.robertmondaviwinery.com

www.bonterra.com



www.alpha-estate.com

www.nkmipcellars.com

www.tcclub.com

@djkearney

 

 

Sandra Oldfield –  Elysian Projects / Tourism Leader

Many of you know Sandra from her over 20 years at Tinhorn Creek. Winemaker, co-owner, helped to establish BC’s first sub-appellation – The Golden Mile Bench.  In 2017 Sandra and husband Kenn started Elysian Projects, a beverage/tourism consulting company. Sandra named one of Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women of 2016.  She co-founded the Fortify Conference and  is in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Sandra embeds herself into the dialogue of today’s BC Wine Industry , she’s natural leader.

We met in Victoria, just before a 3 day tourism conference kicked off. There was much to talk about at the conference.  In addition,  there were a number of issues Sandra and I had to talk about for the podcast. The on going BC/Alberta wine clash. What can tourism do to help the wine industry through this very tough year?  The loss of considerable vineyards to cold snaps and who speaks for the small farmer?

Sandra finished the interview with a story about several boxes that arrived at her house. Sent from Alberta to BC.

The question is/was “what’s in the boxes and why should we care?”

We welcome back Sandra Oldfield.

 

www.elysianprojects.com

www.fortifyconference.ca

www.winebc.com

www.hellobc.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

New Spring Release Feature Wines

Tightrope – Naramata

Hillside Winery – Naramata

Winemakers Cut (South Okanagan)

Orofino – Similkameen

Bartier Brothers

Painted Rock

 



 

Featuring guest hosts and wine specialists  Kelcie Jones and Michaela Morris.

The feature region of the 2024 Vancouver International Wine Festival was Italy.

There were  71 wineries representing 13 different Italian regions, from Sicily in the far south to Trentino-Alto Adige in the north.

There were hundreds of autochthonous grape varieties and each region has its own mix of varieties, wine styles, and food and wine culture!

So much history and passion wrapped up in Italian wines. Italian winemakers and owners know that Canada has its own history of embracing the wines of Italy.

No matter what the region.

When I asked Kelcie Jones and Michaela Morris to consider co-hosting with me, I also asked who would they like to invite for the interviews.

Kelcie is the co-founder of This is Wine School and the Sommelier of the Year 2023.

Kelcie looked forward to talking with

Beatrice Schiavio –  Marchesi di Barolo. The first Barolo was created in their cellars.

Thomas Jefferson was an early fan. The King of Wines. The Wine of Kings.

 

Ermes Scarova.  Medici Ermete.   Growing vineyards and creating wines since 1890. Not just any wine but a sensational  CRU of Lambrusco: Concerto

 Next comes the charming Daniel Grace – the American owner of Il Molino di Grace

In the very heart of the Chianti region. Producing world-class wines for 350 years.

Urs Vetter – from Vietti.   Formed 150 years ago in the very heart of the Langhe at the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto. It’s still there today.

What followed were beautiful Arneis, Moscato, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and many  Barolo.

Unsworth Vineyards – Cowichan Valley Vancouver Island.  Chris Turyk.. marketing and family member.  If you listen to Tasting Room radio you know Chris Turyk.

Every region needs a spokesperson. Chris is the leading voice of the Cowichan Valley Wineries.

Unsworth leads by example.

 

Michaela Morris becomes the co-host in the second half of this Tasting Room Radio.

 

Michaela is a fully acknowledged leader in Canada’s wine world.

She’s an educator, mentor, sought-after wine judge and gifted writer. (Decanter)

Michaela had just returned from Tuscany.



Michaela invited

Katia Nussbaum Owner of San Polino.  Vineyards were created early in the  10th century. As of 1581 it was owned by the Montalcino Hospital, Santa Maria della Croce. The olive trees planted in 1581 are still standing.

Then Sebastiano De Ferrari. The owner of Boscarelli sits in.

Michaela and I then welcome

Barbara De Rahm from Marziano Abbona and

Stefano Inama – Inama Wines  Owner and family member – perhaps the finest producer of Soave!!

Stefano brings his son along for the chat.

 

Thank you, Kelcie and Michaela!!  Thank you, Meredith and Harry!!



* www.marchesibarolo.com

* www.inamawine/en/

* www.medici.it/en

* www.ilmolinodigrace.it

* www.vietti.com

* www.unsworthvineyards.com

* www.sanpolino.it

* www.poderiboscarelli.com

* www.abbona.com



 michaelamorris.ca

           @kelciejones

            thisiswineschool.com

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Van Wine Fest Part Three



* with DJ Kearney

* Tightrope Winery  New Releases.

* BC/Alberta  Wine Wars



 

The 45th VanWineFest Part One





 

THE SHOW

The press release says: It’s the largest combined consumer and trade wine show in North America. And one of the biggest and oldest in the World.  From Feb 24 to March 3. Eight days, 42 events, 12 countries,  149 participating wineries, 71 from feature region Italy, 1, 150 wines, 800 in the tasting room and over 18,000  wine fans expected to attend all events.

So…..how does one guy with one microphone cover something like that?  You don’t!!

Can’t be done without a huge team but if you plan carefully and do your homework, surround yourself with wine friends who bring their own beliefs on wine and winemakers, then you might get something captured.



I’m so pleased to announce that with the help and smarts of the following friends & experts we managed to do 22 interviews with winemakers and principals from Italy, Greece, Washington, California, Spain, France and BC.

Thank you to Meredith Elliott – Communications and Marketing manager.  Grace under pressure.

Harry Hertscheg – Solid Support.

Our co-hosts are:

Daenna Van Mulligen – The Wine Diva. Writer, speaker, judge and popular reviewer.

Michaela Morris –  educator, judge, speaker and wine writer (Decanter)

Kelcie Jones – Best Sommelier 2023, educator, consultant and founder of This is Wine School

DJ Kearney – Director of Wine at  Terminal City Club, wine educator at large. Legend.

This first Tasting Room Radio will feature opinions and comments from

Daenna Van Mulligen – www.winediva.ca Has travelled the wine world. Knows many winemakers in the room.

Hosted a sold-out feature seminar on Gerard Bertrand Winery.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery – Michael Abbott – New GM (Cowichan Valley)

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery – Stephen Neumann – Brand Ambassador (Oliver)

Le Vins Bonhomme –  Nathalie Bonhomme. (founder/winemaker) Originally from Montreal. Now making wines for her label –  in Spain and France.

House of Smith – Donal Black VP – Int. Sales. A new gathering of Charles Smith Wines. K Vintners, Substance, Sixto, Golden West etc. (Washington)

Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director VIWF.  The man who dreams the dream and leads the team.

Bench 1775 – Richard Kanazawa (Winemaker)  Naramata Bench. Fabulous winemaker

Osoyoos LaRose – Michael Kullmann   CEO/Winemaker (Osoyoos) Great discussion between these two. Consistently fine wines.

www.winediva.ca

www.Bench1775.com

www.bluegrouse.ca

www.burrowingowlwine.ca

www.Lesvinsbonhomme.com

www.houseofsmith.com

@HHonWine

www.vanwinefest.ca

www.osoyooslarose.com

#vanwinefest

#VIWF

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

NEXT WEEK – All Italian wineries (except for Unsworth.)

Co-Host Kelcie Jones  

Marchesi di Barolo

Medici Ermete

Il Molino di Grace

Vietti

Unsworth

 

Co-host Michaela Morris

San Polino

Boscarelli

Maziano Abbona

Inama