Month: August 2014

Everyone probably knows what is Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay wine if it is mentioned.  But there are many grape varieties that maybe not that well known, outside of the wine geeks like me.  Time for that to change.  Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery, located in West Kelowna, near Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, has been producing wines from well-known as…

Prosecco is one of the sparkling wines coming out of Italy, and probably the most well-known.  There are different levels of quality, with of course different price points.  I have been told that some retail shops and hair salons in Italy that each customer is handed a glass of prosecco to sip while they shop or get quaffed.  Prosecco may…

Haywire wines are made at Okanagan Crush Pad (OCP) in Summerland, BC, and are co-owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie.  I have followed Haywire wines since their inception.  I like them as they try to be as organic and un-interventionist as possible, letting their wines tell their stories.  They make a range of wines; red, white, and bubble for…

Who doesn’t love a garden party?  Being outside in a garden, with wonderful food and drink, and the chance to play games?  VanDusen Botanical Gardens is having a Garden Party on Saturday August 23, and I am running a contest.  Maybe you plus guest can win 2 tickets to the event & High Tea at Noon + 1 bottle of…

Champagne. Cava.  What’s the difference or similarity?  There are both.  As you know, Champagne is sparking wine produced in the Champagne region of France, made in the Champenoise Traditional Method (with the second fermentation in the bottle), and Cava is sparkling wine produced primarily in the Penedes region of Spain, made in the Champenoise Traditional Method as well. The main difference…

I have always had a fondness for South African wines.  They may not come across as fruit forward as other New World wines, but they are also not as austere as some Old World wine.  They sit right in the middle, making them sippable on their own, but I think shine quite brightly when you pair them with food. I…

Serendipity Winery is located along the Naramata Bench just north of Penticton.  It  is owned by Judy Kingston and her daughter Katie O’Kell, and vineyard manager Craig MacKenzie. The winery started in the fall of 2005 when Judy embarked on a wine tour of the Okanagan, which also was meant as a peek into retirement properties as well.  As serendipity…

Upper Bench Winery & Creamery is located just outside of downtown Penticton, leading the way into the Naramata Bench.  The winery is still fairly new, I believe 2012 was their 3rd vintage, their wine maker, Gavin Miller, has been around for several years in the Okanagan making wines for Poplar Grove and Painted Rock, before striking out on his own. …