Harry McWatters, founder of Sumac Ridge Estate, SYL Ranch, Time Estate, Time Winery and Evolve Cellars died in his sleep on July 23rd, 2019. I’m profoundly saddened by his unexpected death as, I know, are the legions of his friends and others who knew him. Not only was Harry a force to be reckoned with, [...]
Howard Soon, in Canadian wine terms, is ‘a living legend.’ Yes, I know. He’ll hate me for saying that. But it’s true. And this week it was confirmed by Howard being recognized with one of the highest awards in the country: the Order of Canada. That had me digging back to 2017, for a story [...]
The All Canadian Wine Championships are the country’s longest running national wine competition, since 1981. Just out are the results for 2019. And, once more, BC has come away with a very strong showing. This year's awards were held adjacent to the historic Waring House and cozy Barley Room Pub, in Prince Edward County [...]
Stag's Hollow News Release (Edited) Okanagan Falls, BC (April 22, 2019): Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard has been purchased by a local, private investor. This person is well vested in the Okanagan and in the BC wine industry. They own vineyards in Summerland, the Similkameen and Bench 1775 Winery on the Naramata Bench. As a [...]
Over decades of following BC wineries, I'm convinced few have been as well planned as Quails' Gate. I've watched the Stewart family's operation blossom from tanks in a garage to a full-service hospitality complex. It's now among the most sophisticated and well-run I've encountered. During a recent visit, I was again struck by the sheer [...]
Buy BC: Eat Drink Local? Sounds like a plan! Although, hard to believe now but there was a time when the last thing anyone wanted was to ‘eat local.’ And don’t even get me started on the wine thing. Or maybe you should. I’m truly pleased to see the return of Buy BC, especially with [...]
VIP Tours: Are they worth it? At the height of summer, wine touring in the Okanagan can get pretty busy. But as the region evolves, so does the range of tasting options. A nominal tasting fee is now the norm—almost always refunded with a purchase. Yet, at a few wineries you can escape the crowds by spending [...]
In honour of Canada's 150th! My good friend Rick Van Sickle (winesinniagara.com) asked me to contribute to his #CanadaWINE150 project. I was happy to oblige ... When I first arrived in Montreal, I was amazed to see how liquor was sold. Going to the SAQ in those days was more like going to an [...]
At Garagiste North: "The Small Guys" Wine Festival, you'll find only wineries making under 2,000 cases a year.
Mirabel makes its mark A few months ago I was sitting in a corner by the cozy fireplace at Vancouver's Bacchus Lounge. I was there to meet Doug and Dawn Reimer. They were in town to preview their (inaugural) Mirabel Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015. In many ways the couple epitomize the new wave of Okanagan [...]
