Nota Bene bash for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundati...

It was party time at Black Hills Estate Winery. On Saturday, June 20, 300 guests celebrated the 15th annual Nota Bene release with fine wine, splendid cuisine created by Joy Road Catering and star-struck entertainment at the South Okanagan’s preeminent wine and celebrity happening. The show included a dazzling fashion show with wine-inspired fashion designs by fashion designer Kerri...

Summerhill toasts 2014 harvest

On October 21, 2014 at Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna, B.C: Toasting the 2014 harvest with newly fermented wine. known in the Rhine and Mosel regions of Germany as “federweisser”, a gathering of folks at Summerhill Pyramid Winery plus guests and media celebrated an inviting Old World tradition in fine style out in the vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake. “Pouring a little back on the vines is a symbolic...

Rover wins first ever Premier`s Wine Award

Let the 34th Annual Fall Okanagan Wine Festival begin! Held last night at the historic Laurel Packinghouse in downtown Kelowna, the British Columbia Wine Awards and Reception marks the launch of the Fall Wine Festival (October 3-13). Of 540 wines tasted by a distinguished panel, 268 were awarded medals – bronze, silver and gold. Winemakers like See Ya Later Ranch  senior winemaker Dave Carson, Stoneboat Vineyards...

Book back on track

For those wondering what happened to the book, I want to assure everyone that it is back in track. After a challenging move in early summer 2013, from West Kelowna to Kelowna, and a few months of cleaning out the cobwebs, I am back on track for a  2014 release. To all my supporters, friends and readers, as well as wineries and other industry colleagues, I apologize for the delay. You are in my mind and heart as I finish...

Gray Monk 304050

On a perfect spring evening in June, Trudy and George Heiss, founders of Gray Monk Estate Winery, celebrated their manifold milestones in style, with family, friends and long time industry colleagues. The stars lined up for a trio of anniversaries – 50 years of marriage; 40 years since they started planting vines in their 20 acre vineyard in Okanagan Centre; and 30 years since Gray Monk opened in 1982. A modest operation in...

“We are in the business of joy”

Open for only two weeks, it was high time to try out one of the Okanagan’s most gorgeously-situated winery restaurants, Vanilla Pod Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery. For the occasion, Poplar Grove’s founder and executive winemaker Ian Sutherland and president and owner Tony Holler joined yours truly in the dining room, where the “transparent” decor minimizes the border between inside and outside. “Nothing gets in...