This week, we speak with Ross Derrick, owner of Derrick's Steakhouse that has taken over the old Raudz location in downtown Kelowna, and the reviews, including his wine list, are favourable. Taylor Whelan Senior Winemaker Mission Hill Family Estate joins us on the 23rd release of Oculus, one of Canada’s iconic red wine labels. Lee Man, Chair of Jud…

This week, Canadian Michelle Bouffard, Sommelier, Author and Founder of Tasting Climate Change, joins us to discuss the challenges ahead for all of us in the wine community as we deal with climate change. Alessia Travaglini, 5th Generation Family Member and Export Manager joins us to discuss Gattinara wines, her winery’s highly distinctive square b…

This week, Mark Davidson, Head of Education, Americas, for Wines of Australia, gives us a bird's-eye view of everything exciting happening in the world of Australian wine. Ermes Scardova, Export Manager, Medici Ermete, takes us inside Lambrusco's fascinating world from the famous Emilia-Romagna region. We also catch up with Robert Stelmachuk, Wine …

This week, we speak with Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, as tickets for the 2025 Festival go on sale November 13. The theme region is the West Coast U.S., with 50 wineries from California, Oregon, and Washington State in attendance. Justin Seidenfeld, Sr. Vice President of Winemaking & Winegrowing, …

This week, we invited Dr. Laura Catena, Managing Director, Bodega Catena Zapata Argentina, to discuss the hot topic of wine and health, with some thoughts on navigating to the truth and the science behind all the studies discussed by advocates for and against alcohol. Then we head to California to catch up with Shawn Brynildson, Winemaker Black Sta…

This week, we will travel to the Penedès region just north of Barcelona, Spain, to chat with Miguel Torres, a 5th-generation family member, winemaker, and general manager at Familia Torres. We discussed his iconic Spanish label Sangre de Toro, or “Blood of the Bull,” red wine among many subjects. Sebastien Labbe, Winemaker Vinã Santa Rita Chile, jo…

This week, we explore the world of wine, beginning with a master class on Champagne with Alice Paillard, CEO and Proprietor at Champagne Bruno-Paillard. Martin Kaiser, Deputy Director of Viticulture/Enology, Dona Paula (Mendoza, Argentina) talks about growing grapes at high altitudes and the rise of Argentine wine among global retailers. Then it’s …

This week, it’s our Thanksgiving in Italy special featuring Sandro Bottega, Owner and Managing Director of Bottega Winery, Veneto, Italy. We had a wide-ranging chat about Prosecco and his role in propelling the sparkling wine onto the modern sparkling wine stage. Marco Martini, Director/General Manager, MGM Mondo del Vino, joins us with stories and…

This week, we head to Oliver, B.C., and the Black Sage Bench to speak with Severine Pinte, Winemaker & Viticulturist, Managing Partner for Le Vieux Pin and LaStella wineries. We discuss new projects, new plantings, and a few red wine picks for the fall. Moving south to Osoyoos, we catch up with Mike Dowell, Co-Owner and Winemaker of Liber Estates, …

This week, we speak with winemaker Stacy Hornemann, who has newly arrived from Sonoma, California, to take the reins at Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Hornemann discusses her first impressions of the Cowichan Valley and her excitement for its future; Export Manager Rodrigo Lencastre tells the story behind Ramos Pintos, established in 1880 in the Douro …

This week, Laurent Miquel, Owner, CEO & 8th Generation Winemaker of Laurent Miquel, call us from Languedoc, France, where he is creating, as he puts it, "Old World wines for the New World." Alessia Travaglini, 5th Generation Family Member and Export Manager for Travaglini join us from the Commune of Gattinara in Piedmont, Italy, home to distinctive…

This week, we begin with a visit to the Loire Valley, speaking with Château de Sancerre's Export Manager Isabelle Moreau; Carmen D'Onofrio, Owner of Stile Brands Wine Distributor in Vancouver visits us in-studio to talk about Piedmont and in a second segment, about wine consumption among Gen Z and Millennials; Jayton Paul, Wine Director for Publish…

This week: 100 years ago the founders of Black Stallion Estate Winery, located on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, began their winemaking journey - winemaker Shawn Brynildson shares the story and the wines; Will Hardman's family began farming on the Naramata Bench a century ago, adding vines to their land in the 90s; in our next Valley First Spo…

This week we are taking tour around the world via red wine; we reach Sebastián Labbé, winemaker for Vinã Santa Rita in Chile to talk about Cabernet Sauvignon, elevation and their WiSe project; speaking of Chile, we revisit our talk about Carménère and more earlier this year with one of its trailblazers, Aurelio Montes Sr; Dan Wildermuth, VP Global …

It's truly a legendary week beginning with visionary viticulturist and winemaker Martin Kaiser for Doña Paula in Argentina; the latest Valley First Wealth Management Spotlight shines on Tyler Rennie, a fourth generation dairy farmer for his family's Legendairy Farms, now in Armstrong, and celebrating a remarkable 100 years; Dr. Laura Catena, wears …

This week it's part two of our Grape Escape at Three Sisters Winery on the Naramata Bench. Paige Schulz from Visit Penticton lists activities to enhance your exploration of the Bench and lists upcoming events in the region you'll want to book for now; Pénélope Roche, Co-Owner & Winemaker for Roche Wines, at the southern end of the Bench, talks sust…

This week marks the return of the Valley First Wealth Management Winemaker Profile Series, starting with Nadine Kinvig the winemaker for Terravista Vineyards on the Naramata Bench, though we hear about a new project with grapes grown in Okanagan Falls; we release an interview with Ross Wise MW, GM & Director of Winemaking at Black Hills Estate Wine…

This week we begin the show with Michael Bartier, Co-Owner and Winemaker for Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery, telling the story behind Piquette, made from the second pressing of grapes; Anthony reports on the Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos and the Similkameen vineyards he saw firsthand on a recent trip; we release our interview with Federica Bof…

We're broadcasting from Three Sisters Winery on the Naramata Bench this week, lead by Visit Penticton's Paige Schulz, who gives us the details on big events coming in August through the fall; Rebecca and Matthew Mikulic Co-Owners of Three Sisters Winery highlight their hospitality and their proximity to Penticton; John Kaputsky, GM for Hwy 97 Brewi…

This week, Anthony has a conversation with Mike Dowell, Co-owner and winemaker for Liber Estates; from our Vancouver International Wine Festival series of interviews, we visit with one of our favourite duos David Scholefield, Wine Consultant and DJ Kearney, Wine Educator; also recorded at VIWF earlier this year, Michael Bartier, Co-Owner and Winema…

This week we enjoy a masterclass in biodynamic winegrowing from Alsace winemaker and international consultant, Olivier Humbrecht MW who joined us in-studio earlier this summer; We get the highlights from the 2024 National Wine Awards Canada, first from Co-Head Judge David Lawrason, who also comments on wine awards in general; then wine judge Geoffr…

This week, we return to Okanagan Falls at Noble Ridge Estate Winery, to talk with Paige Schulz from Visit Penticton about the outstanding craft beverage scene in the region featuring some of the people in the industry including Rob Hammersley, the Owner/Winemaker for Black Market Wine Co. in Kalenden; Wilbert Borren, the Co-Owner/Winemaker of Four …

We're in the Fraser Valley this week at Township 7 Vineyards and Winery. Cody Karman, Township Langley's Tasting Room Manager, fills us in on their hospitality program and some of the fun events they'll be hosting this summer; Mary McDermott, Township's winemaker features their stellar sparkling wines and their wines produced in a unique vineyard i…

This week's show from Summerland's Bottleneck Drive is supported by Buy BC’s partnership program. We're speaking with wine, cider, spirits and beer makers, organized by their location in Summerland, whether its on the Bottle Neck Drive's convenient North, East or West routes. Through it all you'll hear about upcoming events and a passport contest, …

This week, we're broadcasting from just north of the town of Oliver at District Wine Village, which appears to be flourishing since opening during the pandemic. Matt Kenyon, the developer behind the village, and Mike Daley, its Director of Operations, join us with updates, including a new store and their summer concert schedule; then we speak with …

We're in the Okanagan Falls this week, enjoying the view of McIntyre Bluff from Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery. Visit Penticton's Paige Schulz kicks off the show listing some of the great events taking place in the region this season; Benoit Gauthier, Director of Viticulture & Winemaking for Noble Ridge shares a Blanc de Blanc that Anthony calls ele…

This week we're broadcasting from Painted Rock Estate Winery on the Skaha Bench. Listen for simple and honest updates on that bench and the Naramata Bench from our seasoned winegrower guests, and, most importantly, their solutions on how to move forward. We begin with John Skinner, co-owner of Painted Rock, who brings a 2017 Chardonnay and a 2011 I…

This week we are broadcasting from under the beautiful Pro Terra et Natura sculpture at Phantom Creek Estates, speaking with General Manager and Winemaker Mark Beringer; in a special appearance, consulting winemaker Olivier Humbrecht talks with Anthony about organic and biodynamic growing, his winemaking techniques and which grapes he and Mark Beri…

We're broadcasting from the shores of Osoyoos Lake again this week, at the Watermark Beach Hotel; General Manager David McBean shoots the breeze with Anthony on their patio and sets the scene for what guests can expect this summer; Levi Gogolinkski the Director of Marketing for Montelvino, highlights the unique attributes of their Uppercase Winery …

We're on location at the Watermark Beach Resort in sunny Osoyoos this week, so get ready for friendly banter from their lakeside patio. David McBean, GM for the Watermark updates us on the resort and their fine dining restaurant, 15 Park Bistro, as they get ready for the high season; Mark Hopley, winemaker for Hester Creek Estate Winery reveals a n…

This week, if you are interested in starting a cellar or scaling up, Warren Porter, President of Irongate Auctions, which began as a wine storage company, has some great advice, wherever you're starting from; Chef Steve Rutherford and Mitchell Kerr, the Director of Restaurant & Bars for the Westin Bayshore Vancouver, list the upcoming events and of…

Ermes Scardova, Export Manager and Renaissance Man for Medici Ermete talks about the remarkable Emilia-Romagna region and the popularity of Lambrusco; Dan Carkner, Executive Chef for The Modest Butcher Kitchen + Market joins Anthony to talk about BC turkey; Eduardo Montresor, Family Member, Montresor Winery and a great storyteller, doesn't shy away…

As British Columbian weather can't decide if it's still winter, spring or this month, our show this week is decidedly sunny as we release some of the interviews recorded during the Vancouver International Wine Festival including Thomas Cuni for Italy's highly regarded Damilano and Tua Rita wineries; Robert Stelmachuk, Wine Director for Mott 32 Vanc…

We are on the road again this week, this time broadcasting from the Oak Bay Beach Hotel on Vancouver Island, and overlooking the Salish Sea. Learn more about the historic property, its fine dining and comfort food offerings, the stunning setting that can be enjoyed around the property including from its mineral pools on the ocean, plus we hear abou…

If you're looking to plan a wine and food trip to the Cowichan Valley this year, be sure to catch this show. We're broadcasting on location at Enrico Winery gathering the latest on tasting experiences, music events, festivals and the latest wine releases, and more as the wineries move from winter hours to full bore starting in May. Our guests inclu…

Happy Easter Everyone! We've got a great show to listen to whether you're preparing Easter meals or driving to your long weekend destinations. We begin with Mark Beringer, GM & Director of Winemaking for Phantom Creek Estates on the Black Sage Bench, just south of Oliver; Mirco Biliorsi, the Export Director for Altesino has lots to say about the Mo…

This week we feature Sandro Bottega, co-owner of Bottega in the Prosecco region of Italy, is the embodiment of "La Dolce Vita"; Mason Spink, winemaker for Dirty Laundry Vineyards in Summerland, updates us on their vineyards, upcoming events and two new releases; Jak Meyer, Owner of Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls, has a different story tha…

Week three of our interviews recorded on the BC Food & Wine Stage at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, begins with Vito Parente for Tenuta Arceno located in Tuscany; we jump back to British Columbia to speak with Richard Kanazawa, the winemaker for Bench 1775, perched above Okanagan lake just north of Penticton; then we catch up with Grant…

Hear the energy from the floor of the International Tasting Room at the 2024 Vancouver International Wine Festival where 149 wineries from 12 countries were pouring their wines. In week two of shows, we're British Columbia-themed starting with Vigneron Richard Da Silva to talk about Da Silva Vineyards located above the central Okanagan town of Pent…

We're at the 45th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival, working the International Tasting Room with 149 wineries from around the globe. We have a stellar lineup of the best and the brightest in the wine world, joining us on the BC Food & Wine Radio Network stage throughout all six Trade and Consumer tasting sessions. Our first of three full…

This week we're joined by Corrie Krehbiel the new Chief Winemaker for Frind Estate Winery in West Kelowna. She shares her first impressions and how excited she is to explore the vineyards located at the extreme ends of the Okanagan Valley and in between; Ann Sperling, a celebrated winemaker, originally working in British Columbia and now based in O…

This week, Lee F. Man, "voracious eater", food writer and restaurant judge returns to the show to comment on talented new chefs who are bringing their training in fine French restaurants to Vancouver's Chinese cuisines; Warren Porter, President of Irongate Auctions explains how they have made liquidating cellars, often needed after an unexpected li…

We're feeling festive in our first February show with the Vancouver International Wine Festival arriving in a few weeks; Executive Director Harry Hertscheg and Anthony discuss tips on tasting like a pro and ticket availability; Gismondi on Wine taster and writer HJ Cha shares her favourite memories of Lunar New Year from a Korean perspective, listi…

This week, our theme is “Global View of Gastronomy”. We begin with Aurelio Montes Sr, Partner of Montes Wines in Chile.; then we head to Sonoma California where Dan Wildermuth, VP of Global Marketing for Rodney Strong shares his insights into visiting the popular wine region; then back in British Columbia, we speak with Graham Nordin, GM of Iconic …

Forget Dry January, go big with your wine and your plans for 2024 this month, gaining inspiration from this week’s show theme “Big Reds for a Big New Year”. We begin with Marco Antonio, 4th Generation Owner of De Martino in Chile; Ross Wise MW and Director of Winemaking BC, Peller Estates and Black Hills Estate Winery on the Black Sage Bench; Evan …

We’re on the beach (we hope some of you are too) this week, so we’ve “upcycled” several of our favourite interviews that fit the theme of “Organics, Biodynamic and Carbon Neutral Winegrowing”. Featuring: Dan Wright, Winemaker for Unsworth Vineyards in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island; Severin Pinte, Winemaker, Viticulturist & Managing Partne…

We’re off catching some sun this week, but we’ve assembled a few of our favourite interviews from 2023 for you to enjoy. This week’s theme is in honour of Italy, the Theme Region at this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival coming at the end of February. Featured are Francesco Ricasoli, Owner of Ricasoli in the Chianti Classico wine region;…

Happy New Year! The theme for this week’s show is “British Columbia Wineries to Look out for in 2024” and includes Shane Munn, Winemaker for Martin’s Lane Winery on the South Kelowna Slopes; Leandro Nosal, Winemaker for Tinhorn Creek Vineyards on the Golden Mile Bench near Oliver, Pascal Madevon and Bree Toor, Winemakers for French Door Estate Wine…

This week, we suggest you sit back with a glass of a glass of your favourite wine for a “Master Show of Master Classes” led by a few of the many inspirational wine people we’ve spoken to this year including Grant Stanley, GM/Winemaker for Spearhead Winery on the East Kelowna Slopes; Laurent Drouhin, Export Manager, US & Canada, Maison Drouhin, in B…

Merry Christmas British Columbia! We’re excited to share our “Home for the Holidays” show featuring personal stories of wine experts from here and around the globe beginning with Christine Coletta, Co-Owner of Haywire Winery & Garnet Valley Ranch in Summerland whose family was very efficient when it came to Christmas; next is Phil McGahan,CEO/Chief…