Roz's small fry Blog

WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week – Posting 5

Posted on October 3, 2012 by rozsmallfry

October 3, 2012 – Ruby Blues Winery

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity,” is a quote attributed to Joseph Addison, English essayist, poet, playwright and politician.

This quote is the first thing that comes to mind for me when I think of the gorgeous greeting I received the first time I met Prudence Mahrer, who along with her husband Beat, owns Ruby Blues Winery. I was attending the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs: Vine Forum in Penticton, June 2011, where she talked about why after selling one highly successful winery (Red Rooster), she convinced her husband that they should open another.

From 1997 they put heart and soul into Red Rooster Winery, which they sold to Andrew Peller Ltd. in 2005 fully intending to retire beyond tending their vineyards and selling their grapes. Despite enjoying a full slate of recreational pursuits, Pru found herself missing the personal connection of the winery tasting room and people. In a nod to the free-spirited Ruby who pursued her dreams in the Rolling Stones’ song Ruby Tuesday, they opened the second winery and vowed to keep production to small case lots.

When the American-based restaurant chain called Ruby Tuesday formally objected to their name selection rather than entering into a long legal discussion, they simply changed it to Ruby Blues. Fans and followers get the connection and slow learners pick it up quickly when they visit the wine shop. Through the decor and ever present art, the vibe of the sixties is alive and groovy. The flower power Volkswagen van that graces the driveway on Naramata Road as the winery’s sign is evidence enough.

Outside in the spectacular setting, you’ll find bold art, bright colours and unusual functional features such as the benches made from truck tailgates.

Yes, and the philosophy about smiles extends to the wine shop where ‘the cost of a tasting is a smile”. If the wagging tail of the Head of Security dog doesn’t brighten your day immediately, the good-natured teasing of the staff will take care of it. Soon strangers are friends because as another old saying goes, “all people smile in the same language.”

Inside you’ll find funky art, styling stilettos, designer sneakers, cool jewellery and chic t-shirts. More importantly, you’ll find great wines. Just check out the website for all the awards Ruby Blues has earned.

Mother Teresa said, “Joy is prayer – Joy is strength – Joy is love – Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with joy.”

Be sure to visit. Let your soul and palate be at peace with the joy netted.

Located at 917 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC V2A 8V1

Phone: 250-276-5311

Email: rubyblueswinery@shaw.ca

www.facebook.com/rubyblueswinery

Twitter: @RubyBluesWinery

www.rubyblueswinery.com

Posted in Alcohol, BC Wineries, Beverages, Joy, Learning, Lifestyle, Wine | Tagged #wbc13, art, balance, BC wine, dogs, learning, Lifestyle, Naramata Bench Wineries, Okanagan, retirement, shoes, stiletto, wine, wineries | 1 Comment

WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week – Posting 4

Posted on September 26, 2012 by rozsmallfry

September 26, 2012 – Orofino Vineyards

John and Virginia Weber of Orofino Vineyards are some of the warmest, fun-loving people you will ever meet. However, you won’t find this couple lollygagging on the couch because the whole family puts heart and soul into making this winery a huge success.

They joke that while they loved wine before they came to the Similkameen that the closest they ever got to winemaking was in John’s parents’ basement where jugs of chokecherry wine were produced. John was a teacher and Virginia a nurse and had travelled extensively before settling in Saskatchewan. In 2001 they fell in love with the Similkameen Valley and purchased a vineyard and fully embraced the BC wine industry. They also embraced the continuing education and professional development required to succeed within it. You will even find their young sons John and Nate helping out in whatever way they can. On a warm summer day the enterprising lads had a lemonade stand set up just outside the tasting room to appeal to the designated drivers and others.

Committed to a sustainable approach, the Webers built Canada’s first strawbale winery. The attractive buildings have the added bonus of energy-efficiency. In this same spirit, Orofino goes beyond the 100-mile diet annually to offer a 1.6-mile dinner which is truly an ode to their farming and ranching neighbours. Featuring Joy Road Catering, an Okanagan leader in farm-to-fork dedication, the event also raises money for a local charity. I recently wrote a story for Destinations Travel Magazine’s September 2012 edition and you can learn more about Orofino and this specific initiative in my article called “Inside a Truly Locavore Dinner” at http://destinationstravelmagazine.com

While the name Orofino honours one of the mountains above the vineyards, it is Spanish for “fine gold”. It also seems to signify how precious the Webers view the area and their approach to winemaking. The wines have won awards from the first vintage and watch for exciting new eco-friendly initiatives to come.

Orofino is a proud member of the Similkameen Wineries Association.

Located at 2152 Barcelo Road, Cawston, BC V0X 1C0

Phone and Fax: 250-499-0068

Email: orofino@nethop.net

www.facebook.com/orofino.winery

Twitter: @OrofinoWinery

www.orofinovineyards.com

Posted in BC Wineries, Beverages, Family, Food, Learning, Lifestyle, Wine | Tagged #wbc13, BC wine, cook, food, food suppliers, learning, learning lifestyle, Okanagan, Similkameen Wineries Association, travel, wine, wineries | 1 Comment

WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week – Posting 3

Posted on September 19, 2012 by rozsmallfry

September 12, 2012 – Nk’Mip Cellars

Pronounced in-ka-meep, Nk’Mip Cellars is heralded as North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. Its stunning architecture is rivalled only by the natural beauty of where it is located.

An important component of the Osoyoos Indian Band long-term plan, the winery was the second phase of a $25 million Nk’Mip project that includes:

· The Patio at Nk’Mip, a seasonal outdoor restaurant located in the winery. The Patio is open from May through October offering Aboriginal-inspired cuisine

· The Nk’Mip Campground and RV Park, which was the first phase, and is now, an all-season facility

· Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

· Sonora Dunes, an executive nine-hole golf course

· Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, which includes 226 luxurious suites and villas, Solstice Spa, conference facilities, outdoor pool, hot tub & fitness facilities, a gourmet restaurant and The Market

The lakeside property on 1,200 acres of band land is located in Osoyoos, which is a town roughly 60 km ( miles) south of WBC13 site of Penticton. This area of the Okanagan is home to Canada’s only pocket desert resulting in a fine grape-growing region. Nk’Mip is a member of the Oliver/Osoyoos Wine Association.

There’s nothing quite like finishing a round of golf in a spectacular setting then sauntering over for a wine tasting. Winemaker Randy Picton and the cellar team create an amazing of great wines in a regular and reserve tier with an impressive array of local, national and international awards to display. Last time I was there I especially enjoyed the Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine – such a gorgeous blend of honey, apple, citrus and apricot with a clean rather than cloyingly sweet finish.

The tasting room offers an experience much like visiting an art gallery or museum. It offers attractive artwork and gifts in keeping with the native theme and well designed displays speak to the history of the winery, the project and the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Located at 1400 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0

Phone: 250-495-2985

Fax: 250-495-2986

Email: info@nkmipcellars.com

www.facebook.com/NkMipCellarsWinery

Twitter: @nkmipcellars

www.nkmipcellars.com

Posted in BC Wineries, Golf, Lifestyle, Restaurants, Travel, Wine | Tagged #wbc13, BC wine, golf, Nk'Mip Cellars, Okanagan, Osoyoos, Osoyoos Indian Band, restaurants, Spirit Ridge, travel, wine, wineries | 2 Comments

WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week – Posting 2

Posted on September 12, 2012 by rozsmallfry

September 12, 2012 – Naramata Tailgate Party

In the first entry I advised my selections would be quite random. The beauty of having your own blog is you can play it as you wish. So rather than a snapshot of a single winery this week, I’m going to highlight the Naramata Bench Winery Association and more specifically its annual Tailgate Party.

In the true spirit of the namesake tradition, the 21 members of the Naramata Bench Winery Association gathered together and dropped their tailgates to offer an evening of festivities and tantalizing tastes of wine. For the food, a highlight for the 2012 event was A Salmon Showdown in which top chefs of the Okanagan teamed with wineries to compete for the best wine and salmon pairing. It featured salmon by Codfathers, supporting Ocean Wise (a Vancouver Aquarium conservation program).

The Bench Artisan Market rounded out the eating component with additional nibbles such as charcuterie, cheese and crackers. If you were lucky enough to snag the SuperGate tickets and stayed for the after party, you also got to enjoy fresh shucked oysters a la Codfathers and tasty treats from The Bench Artisan Market. A bonus was a selection of fine beers from Cannery Brewing.

Picture yourself (with a designated driver or on the complimentary shuttle from Penticton) winding your way through orchards and vineyards past inviting wineries catching glimpses of the sparkling Okanagan Lake and surrounding mountains and forests. You arrive through a beautiful lakeside village to a beachside park reminiscent of childhood memories – or memories borrowed from nostalgia movies like My American Cousin that you wish you had. Manitou Park is a well maintained park complete with a sandy beach on the lakeside, lawns, a baseball diamond, volleyball court, children’s play area, washrooms, and parking. According to Wikipedia, Manitou refers to spirits and the interconnection and balance of nature and life. A fitting concept to the joy that unfolds in uniting great wineries and eateries and their talented teams with enthusiastic fans on a glorious September evening!

Live music by Vancouver Island’s Shane Philip punctuates the party atmosphere and Master of Ceremonies Terry David Mulligan, host of Tasting Room Radio and author of Mulligan Stew, ensures guests are kept informed of the evening’s highlights. A Canadian actor, radio and television personality of Vancouver, Mulligan once lived in the Naramata/Penticton area and is no stranger to its key attributes.

Food and wine pairings included:

Darin Paterson, P. Inc Patio at Red Rooster Winery and Bogner’s of Penticton – paired with Red Rooster and Moraine

Bruno Terroso, The Vanilla Pod at Poplar Grove Winery – Poplar Grove and Monster

Mark Ashton, The Patio Restaurant at Lake Breeze – Lake Breeze Winery and Upper Bench

Abul Amante, The Kitchen at Misconduct Wine Co. – Misconduct, Therapy, D’Angelo

Rob Cordonier, The Bistro at Hillside Winery – Hillside Winery and Van Westen

Deb Linton (who substituted for Stuart Glynes) – from the Bench Artisan Market – Elephant Island and Kettle Valley

Chris Remington, Penticton Lakeside Resort – Township 7 and Serendipity

Mark Filatow, Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar Kelowna – Nichol and 3 Mile

Derik Bendig, Hotel Eldorado Kelowna – La Frenz and Perseus

Thomas Render from the Naramata Heritage Inn – Laughing Stock and Black Widow

Judges included:

Shelley Boettcher, Calgary Herald Wine Columnist and Wine Access Magazine Editor

Doris Bregolisse, Global Television Okanagan

Robert Clark, C Restaurant Chef from Vancouver

Gloria Macarenko, CBC TV News Anchor

Jamie Maw, Food Writer

Neal McLennan, Western Living Magazine Editor

If I heard right amid all the revelry with the Golden Boot trophy, the showdown winners were:

Gold: Waterfront’s Mark Filatow @WFWines with @Nicholvineyard

Silver: Eldorado’s Derik Bendig @EldoradoKelowna with @PerseusWine

Bronze: Penticton Lakeside’s Chris Remington @The_HOOD with @Township7

People’s Choice: Hillside Bistro’s Rob Cordonier @hillsidewines with @winegrower99 (Van Westen)

As I have said before in such showdowns, the real winners are the folks with tickets who get to enjoy all this great food, wine and beer! The witnesses to this fact are found in a colourful group of friends who call themselves “the pink ladies” and travel each year from Vancouver to take in this fun affair.

All good things must come to an end and the sunset gave way to dark. As if to spark our memory for next year’s Naramata Tailgate, guests were treated to a stunning Naramata Tailgate Party 2012 fire stick dance.

Note: I will be revisiting many of these fine wineries of the Naramata Bench Winery Association in my return to the “pure” Winery Each Week format. I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to spread the word on this super event which supports the “whole family” of Naramata Bench wineries.

Posted in BC Wineries, Beverages, Food, Learning, Lifestyle, Wine | Tagged #wbc13, balance, BC wine, chefs, fire dance, food, Lifestyle, Manitou, music, Naramata Bench Wineries, Naramata Bench Winery Association, Naramata Tailgate Party, Okanagan, park, restaurants, salmon, symbolism, wine, wineries | 1 Comment

WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week

Posted on September 5, 2012 by rozsmallfry

It was my first Wine Bloggers Conference in Portland August 2012 and I loved it!

The only thing that might have improved the experience for me is if I’d known a little more about the featured wineries before I arrived. While there’s nothing wrong with just enjoying the journey and discovering new places and things, a bit of trip planning is not a bad idea.

To that end, I’ve decided to blast out a quick posting each week about a British Columbia (BC) winery until the Wine Bloggers Conference convenes next June in Penticton. I’ll include the website so you can explore each one further if you choose. And if it happens to be a winery I’ve written about in one of my freelance assignments for Savour Magazine, I’ll provide a link wherever possible.

I have a great appreciation for wine and those talented folks who make it and/or own the wineries. I am not a qualified expert – more of a wine groupie and because I am so proud of the evolution of BC’s wine industry, I’d be delighted if you will allow me to introduce a few.

My choice will be quite random and while I hope all the wineries will be engaged with WBC13, I can’t promise that the ones I select will be on the official agenda. No worries though – all the more reason for you to add on extra days while you’re here!

Posting 1: September 5, 2012 – Quail’s Gate Winery

The sign at Quail’s Gate Winery,

I have selected Quail’s Gate as my first BC Winery Each Week posting because as one of Canada’s most respected wineries it is one of those magical places that captures the heart of almost all visitors. Coincidentally, the 2012 Wine Bloggers Conference was in Oregon which is known for many great Pinot Noirs and Quail’s Gate is perhaps best known and largest producer of Pinot Noir in Canada’s Okanagan.

In fact, Chytra and Craig Brown, founders of Savour Gourmet of Niche Media , with whom I have the privilege of freelance writing, are rumoured to have come up with the idea for the magazine while enjoying a meal at the Old Vines Restaurant at Quail’s Gate. The story goes that they were enjoying the amazing wine, food and setting so profoundly they felt inspired to share the passion for the rich culture of wine and food in the Okanagan, in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.

It was last October when I met a former colleague and friend, Wendy Smith, there for lunch and the autumn colours intensified the setting’s natural beauty. I arrived early and played voyeur for a bit during a photo shoot of Tony Stewart and his father Richard. The Stewart family are the proprietors and it was in 1956 when Richard recognized the potential for grape production and purchased the Quail’s Gate Estate. Over the years, additional vineyard properties have been added and the winery has evolved into the award-winning success enjoyed today.

Meeting Wendy Smith at Old Vines Restaurant at Quail’s Gate Winery for lunch.

Tony is the Chief Executive Officer of the Stewart family-owned winery business and together with Ben, Cynthia and Andrea along with their parents maintain the founding family principles and values throughout the winery. Grant Stanley is the winemaker and Roger Sleiman is the Winery Chef at the Old Vines Restaurant.

In addition to the regular menu, there was a Two Course Local Fare Lunch available the day Wendy and I met there. Along with the suggested wine pairings, it made for a memorable selection.

Plan your visit with the assistance of www.quailsgate.com to enhance your experience through the Wine and Gift Shop, Old Vines Restaurant, the historic Allison House or one of the many winery events.

Located at 3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2H3

Phone: 250-769-4451 / Toll-Free: 1-800-420-9463

Fax: 250-769-3451

Email: info@quailsgate.com

www.facebook.com/quailsgate

Twitter: @Quails_Gate

www.quailsgate.com