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Meet Raj Thandi With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese

It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #withTownHall

This does not mean they work as part of our team, or are our client (although they could be). We just interact with so many amazing people that we want to expand networks and introduce them to you, and you to them.

This week we introduce you to Raj Thandi - can you please say hello?

Raj Thandi

Raj is the girl behind the blog Pink Chai Living.

She is also a writer, crafter, amateur chef, fashion lover, and entrepreneurial mama.
Pink Chai Living is a place she shares her experiments, adventures, and musings on living life with an Indian touch.

She is also the founder of Pink Chai Media, a social media marketing firm she runs with her husband.

Can you please say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

Meet Jeannette Montgomery With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #withTownHall

This week we introduce you to Jeannette Montgomery - can you please say hello?

Jeannette Montgomery

Jeannette writes ad copy, editorial, and freelances for a number of publications. On Twitter she is @okanaganwriting

She is the Okanagan correspondent for EAT Magazine, works with Culinaire Magazine as Okanagan contributor, and Yukon North of Ordinary for their special South Okanagan Extraordinary issues and to write for the Air North in-flight magazine.

As a freelance writer she writes copy: websites, wine labels, newsletters, ad copy, etc.

Can you please say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

Meet the People #withTownHall Behind The Bottles at the 2014 Colour BC VQA Fall Release Trade Tasting Event in Vancouver

The end of summer in British Columbia marks a time to celebrate the beautiful colours and flavours of our local fall grape harvest. On September 17, the British Columbia Wine Institute is hosting its annual Colour BC VQA Fall Release Tasting Event to bring together 90 passionate BC wineries and local trade in exploring the bountiful wine growing regions of BC, while tasting the bursting flavours of BC VQA’s fresh new releases. Talented winemakers and winery team members will be onsite to unlock your palates with a cornucopia of flavours that will lead us into the Fall. There’s really no better way to celebrate the season than with like-minded wine enthusiasts who share the same passion, industry, goals and stories.

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Whether you are a winemaker, sales specialist, winery owner, media, or wine buyer, this is a must-attend trade only event that provides an easy, one-stop opportunity to connect with prospective suppliers, industry partners, and media on the latest trends, insights, products, and winemaking techniques.

But with more than 350 BC VQA wines on showcase, how can you make the best out of a mere four-hour tasting event? Read on for some tips from our team...

Do your homework.

 This means…

o   Find out which wineries will be at the event

o   Research the wineries

o   Make a list of the people, wineries, and products you want to see

o   Jot down questions you have for the principals

o   Allocate total time you want to spend at the event and at each individual booth

o   Bring your business cards, a fresh palate and open-mind to share your passion with like-minded wine enthusiasts

To start, we have highlighted a few winery clients in the room with unique stories and flavours that you will not want to miss.

 

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna, BC

 “A gathering of farmers, winemakers, artists, environmentalists, visionaries, and wine enthusiasts who think outside of the bottle to create organic wines with a story.”

 

Ezra Cipes

  • Experience the debut tasting of 2013 Summerhill Vineyard Riesling
  • Understand the benefits of biodynamic farming in creating a diversified and healthy ecosystem that promotes healthy crops and balanced wines
  • Become enchanted with the history of Summerhill, including their leading sparking wine program and learn the story behind the magic of the pyramid

Founded with the 1991 vintage, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, in the Okanagan Valley, BC, is Canada's largest certified organic winery, BC's first Demeter certified biodynamic vineyard, and Canada's foremost producer of sparkling wine.

Winemaker Eric von Krosigk oversees the portfolio of BC VQA wines that have earned the winery the title of 'Canadian Wine Producer of the Year' from the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, England. The winery, owned by the Cipes family, is also home to the Sunset Organic Bistro, a two-hundred seat restaurant with a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake, serving food grown and raised by local organic producers, including Summerhill's own on-site permaculture-style vegetable garden.

More background reading on Summerhill Pyramid Winery's organic and biodynamic farming practices can be found here.

For more information, visit www.summerhill.bc.ca Like Summerhill on Facebook or follow the winery on Twitter @summerhillwine.

Who to meet:

Ezra Cipes is proud to carry on the family legacy at Summerhill Pyramid Winery as CEO. Like his father Stephen, Ezra has a multitude of passions and talents. At Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Ezra Cipes is responsible for day-to-day operations, marketing, and leadership. He is a talented musician, and has completed courses in vineyard management and in permaculture design.

What you will taste:

  • 2008 Cipes Blanc de Noirs $34.90 - A magical transformation to sparkling white wine from black grapes
  • 2013 Summerhill Vineyard Riesling $29.90 - Made with 100% estate-grown biodynamic fruit. Fermented with wild yeasts from the vineyard.
  • 2013 Alive Organic White $19.95 – Supremely versatile, every day white wine.
  • 2011 Alive Organic Red $24.95 – Bold, deep and smooth.

Okanagan Crush Pad, Summerland BC

“Home of Canada’s first purpose-built custom crush facility with signature wines fermented and aged in concrete wine tanks.”

Rebeka Eriksson, Alison Scholefield and Amy Hollenbach from Okanagan Crush Pad

  • Enjoy the sparkles and bubbles of The Bub while meeting the Bub herself, Alison Scholefield
  • Taste Haywire’s signature Rosé – Summerland in a glass
  • Learn about Canada’s first custom-crush facility and concrete wine tanks

Haywire is an old Canadian term that refers to wire once used for baling hay, which tended to tangle in a chaotic way. It is also an apt description of winery owner Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie's transition from the city to owning a vineyard and winery. The learning curve was steep, but as the first wines hit the market (in 2010) it became apparent that the journey was the reward. Since planting the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard, Christine and Steve have gone on to open Canada’s first purpose-built custom crush facility (Okanagan Crush Pad Winery in 2011) and have now begun planting the first 20 acres of vines at their 312-acre Garnet Valley Ranch. Haywire is committed to crafting wines that tell the story of the new Okanagan.

For more information see www.haywirewinery.com and like Haywire on Facebook or follow on twitter @haywirewine

Who to meet:

Alison Scholefield is arguably the youngest winery principal you will find in the room and she has been in the wine industry since birth. Now as the winery ambassador and sales team liaison for Haywire and Okanagan Crush Pad, it’s her job to communicate with customers, the public and wine club members. You can ask her about where to find the wines, and anything that’s happening at the winery. Also find out why Haywire’s sparkling wine ‘The Bub’ was named after her.

Rebeka Eriksson and Amy Hollenbach are Haywire’s friendly, skillful and customer-oriented sales agents. From the wine cellar to the retail floor stock, these two have everything you need to know about customer needs. Whether it’s product knowledge, wine pairings, customer service, promotional tactics, or purchasing opportunities, Amy always has new and innovative insights for you to take home.

What you will taste:

  • 2013 Haywire White Label Pinot Gris $19.90 – Bursting with citrus notes, intriguing sweet and savoury herbs.
  • 2012 Haywire White Label Pinot Noir $22.90 – Gently aged in old French oak barrels. Loaded with bright cherry aromas and flavours.
  • 2012 Haywire Pinot Noir Rosé   $19.90 – One taste and you’ll vote it ‘Best BC Rosé of the Year’.
  • 2012 Haywire ‘The Bub’ Sparkling Wine $24.90 - Filled with love and sparkles. A lively expression of Okanagan freshness and a tribute to the lovely Alison.

 

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery, West Kelowna, BC

“Our roots run deep. We have been here since the beginning of the Okanagan wine industry and are proud to own and manage some of the oldest vineyards in the valley.”

 

Jim Faulkner, winemaker for Mt. Boucherie, seen here #withTownHall

  • Taste award-winning VQA wines while celebrating the bounty of family-grown vineyards
  • Meet witty and talented winemaker, Jim Faulkner to learn the inspiration behind every wine bottle
  • Gain insight into viticulture techniques and tips on maintaining a historic family-owned vineyard

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery's award-winning wines reflect the bounty of the Gidda family's 100 percent estate-grown grapes, family-owned and operated since 1968. Mt. Boucherie has evolved from a masterful grape grower into one of British Columbia's premier wineries, which opened its doors in 2001. Mt. Boucherie's goal is to produce the finest white, red and dessert wines for every palate. Led by winemaker Jim Faulkner and his team, the winery produces a diverse and delicious range of reds, whites and Icewines. Incredibly food friendly, the variety of Mt. Boucherie wines available ensures there's a bottle to match any palate, plate and mood.

Their history and passion for wine is yours to enjoy. Your way.

For more information on Mt. Boucherie, please visit mtboucheriewinery.com, and Like Mt. Boucherie on Facebook or follow Mt Boucherie on Twitter.

Who to meet:

Jim Faulkner has lent his passion and exquisite palate to the cellar at Mt. Boucherie since 2009. As a wine enthusiast, Jim studied business at Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic in addition to the winery assistant program at Okanagan University College. With decades of experience in winemaking and an eye for the unique terroir on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan Valley, Jim has created many award-winning wines for Mt. Boucherie, many of which he credits to be from the high quality of vineyards, welcoming environment, and supportive team efforts.

Don Pfeffer is Mt. Boucherie’s well-versed and personable sales agent that always puts the need of the client first. With extensive experience in the winery industry, Don never fails to pair you with the glass of wine that will take your taste buds and dining experience to a new level.

What you will taste: 

  • 2012 Pinot Noir $21.00 – Lighter red. Slightly smoky with aromas of raspberry jam, vanilla bean, and candied apple.
  • 2010 Family Reserve Syrah $25.00 – Well balanced. Aromas and flavours of black pepper, dark berries, and liquorice highlights.
  • 2013 Pinot Gris $16.00 – Fruit forward with aromas of fresh pears, apple and melon. Citrus and honey on the palate.
  • 2013 Ehrenfelser $17.00 – Refreshing white with tropical notes of mandarins. Bright acidity on the finish.

 

SpierHead Winery, Kelowna, BC

Big things come in small packages - this is what SpierHead is about. All of our wines are hand-harvested by a small, dedicated team to deliver rich, yet elegant flavours and aromas to your tasting experience.”

SpierHead's Marina and Bil Knutson

  • Discover why SpierHead has been gaining so many accolades of late – from BC and across the country.
  • Experience their pride and joy – Pinot Noir sourced from their estate vineyards in South East Kelowna.
  • See if you can spot winery owners Bill and Marina Knutson around the room – they’ll be happy to share details on their wine club and how to be part of very special winery-only events.

SpierHead Winery is named for its stunning location along Spiers Road on the benchlands in South East Kelowna. Part of the East Kelowna Wine Trail, SpierHead has been turning heads since opening in 2010, and was named “Best New Winery” at the 2012 BC Wine Awards. The winery’s focus is on wine produced from a combination of sustainably farmed, estate-grown grapes, and premium fruit sourced from vineyards in the Okanagan.

For more information visit www.spierhearwinery.com, Like SpierHead Winery on Facebook and follow Spierhead on Twitter.

Who to meet:

Lisa Hill is SpierHead’s account lead from Christopher Stewart Wines & Spirits. Knowledgeable and attentive, Lisa brings with her an extensive portfolio in the winery industry. Whether you are a retailer, winemaker, or wine sommelier, Lisa loves to share her tasting experience with you. Chances are, you will walk away with insight on a new wine and trend you’ve never tasted.

Winery owners Bill and Marina Knutson In addition to dealing with SpierHead affairs in Vancouver, Bill and his wife Marina spend 50 - 75 days per year in Kelowna, where Bill finds that there is never any shortage of tasks to be done in the winery and vineyard.

What you will taste:

  • 2012 Pinot Noir (White Label) $22.00 - All but sold-out, the well-received 2012 will give you a lead-in to the much-anticipated next vintage.
  • 2013 Chardonnay $23.00 - Full cluster pressing and low temperature fermentation. Hints of apricot and cool climate orchard fruits.
  • 2012 Riesling $22.00 – Clean, crisp fruit and terroir-driven flavours. Refreshingly honest approach.
  • 2013 Pinot Gris $20.00 – Rich, well balanced. Plenty of freshness to match its tropical flavours.

 

*All wines listed in this post can be ordered online through Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Haywire, Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery and SpierHead Winery.

And… if you are NOT attending this tasting, but want to meet or know more about any of these clients, then contact us info at townhallbrands dot com.

 

Meet Beverly Akhurst With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #withTownHall

This week we introduce you to Bev Akhurst - can you please say hello?

Bev

Beverly Akhurst is a yoga instructor at Eastside Fitness on Fraser St. in Vancouver.

Though teacher is the title, she feels guide is a more appropriate term as her belief is that the teacher is there to guide each student to the places and experiences that speak most, to the individual journey, allowing the students to connect to their own internal teacher so that their practice more personally fulfills their needs.

Whether your desire is to follow a physical, mental or spiritual practice Beverly welcomes you to each class as the unique individual you are. Certified as a Hatha and Yin instructor she welcomes young and old, new and experienced to explore body and soul. She believes you should give yourself the gift of being there for yourself so that you can be there for others in your life.

Can you please say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

Meet Chris Mathieson With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #withTownHall

This week we introduce you to Chris Mathieson - can you please say hello?

Chris Mathieson

 

Chris is the operator and manager of the Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos BC. Many people also know him online as @cogno Learn more about that here.

What you need to know is that you can also visit Chris and the Grist Mill at the upcoming Heritage Fall Fair.

Here's more, from their site: Are you proficient at preserves, brilliant at baking, daft at crafts, well-versed at veggies or adept at flower arrangement? If so, we might have a great opportunity for you to show off your skills. We're excited to announce that on Sunday, September 21 the Grist Mill and Gardens at Keremeos will be hosting our first-ever HERITAGE FALL FAIR!

There will be almost 70 exhibit categories to see or compete in as well as heritage games of skill, concessions, entertainment and even a petting zoo on site for the day, courtesy of Andy's Animal Acres from Naramata. The whole site will be filled with family-oriented activity for the day.

And if you can't make it to see Chris that day - visit on another; and also, can you please say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

Town Hall takes the #ALSIceBucketChallenge

We were nominated by Robert Stelmachuk and his team at Cibo Trattoria to take the #alsicebucketchallenge and we accepted! Here we have our Town Hall team: Sujinder Juneja, Amy Chen, Leeann Froese, Laurisha Bardall and Andrew von Rosen and we are at Scotiabank Field.

We have made a $100 donation on behalf of our team, and we pass the ALS Ice Bucket challenge along to Darnelle Moore at Eastside Fitness, Eric von Krosigk of Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Megan Moyle of Constellation Brands.

 

 

 

ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) is a progressive neuromuscular disease in which nerve cells die and leave voluntary muscles paralyzed. Kind of like how it feels to be doused in ice water? Every day two or three Canadians die of the disease.

Why is it called Lou Gehrig's Disease?

Lou Gehrig was an American baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. He set several major league records during his career, including the most career grand slams (23) (until this record was broken in 2013) Gehrig's streak ended in 1939 after he was stricken with ALS, a disorder now commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease in North America, which forced him to retire at age 36 and claimed his life two years later.

Thank you to Rob Fai for editing this video for us and to our own Felicia Fraser for filming us.

Freshly iced Sujinder, Amy, Leeann, Laurisha and Andrew

Please share this, and remember to make a donation. Learn more here on the ALS Canada site.

#gogetit #wettshirt #donate #alsicebucketchallenge #stopALS

Meet Irene Lau and Eliana Bray With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #withTownHall

This week we are introducing you to two lovely ladies. Will you please say hi to Irene Lau and Eliana Bray?

irene and Eliana

 

These two ladies both work in the wine industry and have for some time. What you may not know is that Irene is a huge lover of birds and nature. Eliana is known as as a ninja for her varied skills, and among other things, loves Wonder Woman.

They are great people so we want you to meet them too.

Can you please say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

Meet Judy Poole of Poole and Associates With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #withTownHall

This week please say hi to Judy Poole of Poole and Associates Wealth Management of Raymond James.

Judy Poole #withTownHall

Judy is based in beautiful Penticton, BC, where she is a wealth manager and financial planner with a difference: you see, Judy specializes in helping women in life transitions, including inheritance, divorce, helping aging parents, or if widowed.

Judy's approach is calming, taking money stress away when a transition occurs. Judy will coach you through the transition, first by listening, analyzing, understanding, and then by helping you plan, setting you up for success.

As a woman in business who understands life transitions herself, we want more people to know Judy. Can you please say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

Meet Shawn Soole of Little Jumbo With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to one of the fabulous personalities in the world #withTownHall

This week we introduce you to Shawn Soole, owner of Little Jumbo in Victoria, BC.

Shawn Soole

Little Jumbo is celebrating its one year anniversary this month, so we thought this is a perfect time to ask you to say hello and congratulate Shawn for his successful first year of restaurant ownership.

Shawn boasts more than a decade of experience working in the hospitality industry; he was voted one of Australia’s best bartenders and was included in the “International Bartender of the Year: Top 10” in 2012. After helping establish Clive's Classic Lounge as Victoria's cocktail central, Shawn went out on his own and opened Little Jumbo in 2013.

If you live in or visit Victoria, check out Little Jumbo. You can also read Shawn's co-authored book, Cocktail Culture, for some great cocktail recipes and insight on Victoria's cocktail scene.

Please help us congratulate Shawn by saying hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Meet Lionel Trudel With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to one of the fabulous personalities in the world #withTownHall

This week we introduce you to Lionel Trudel of Trudel Photo.

Lionel Trudel

 

Lionel is a big city photographer who escaped the big city.

He now lives on an acreage in the rural Southern Okanagan with his family and he can be found shooting all things advertising for clients everywhere.

Check out Trudel Photo, and  please help us say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebookor Twitter.

Meet Kayla Bordignon of Uncork BC With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It's Saturday - that means it's time to introduce you to one of the fabulous personalities in the world #withTownHall

This week we introduce you to Kayla Bordignon, founder and editor of Uncork BC

Please meet Kayla Bordignon #withTownHall

Kayla first fell in love with BC wine after a tour of Oliver’s wineries in 2008.

She has grown to love tasting and touring at BC wineries, and has been to more than 80 already. She’s very passionate about BC wine and shares some of her experiences with you on her site.

Check out Uncork BC, and  please help us say hello with a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Find the 30 Best Patios in Metro Vancouver

by Leeann Froese It's no secret that our team can get to hanging around with travel and adventure blogger Marc Smith #withTownHall. Recently, we helped Marc research a few locations for his latest blog series: #30BestPatios.

Sujinder, Leeann, Laurisha & Andrew flank Marc for a group patio hug

With the terrific summer weather we have been having in Metro Vancouver, reviews of patios are very helpful, and the nice thing about this blog series is that not everything is in downtown Vancouver, providing options for those of us who live and work in other neighbourhoods.

We were so inspired by Marc Smith’s #30dayadventures #30bestpatios series that we decided to create a map. We've compiled all the patios he has reviewed and indicated what area they are in, so that you could know where to go for the rest of the summer, and many summers to follow.

Check it...

30 Best Patios

Oh and we are even so kind as to give you a downloadable PDF version.

Who's on the list? We've gathered all 30 of Marc's posts. Click the links below to see what Marc experienced at each patio and why it made his list.

1. Adesso Bistro, West End

2. Bambudda, Gastown

3.  Black & Blue, Downtown

4.  Bridges, Granville Island

5.  Cactus Club, English Bay

6.  Chill Winston, Gastown

7.  Dockside Restaurant, Granville Island

8.  Joe Fortes, Downtown

9.  The Keg, Yaletown

10. Lift Bar and Grill, Coal Harbour

11. Local, Kitsilano

12. Mill Bistro, Coal Harbour

13. Reflections at Hotel Georgia, Downtown

14. Romers Bugers, South Vancouver

15. Tap & Barrel, False Creek

16. The Wine Bar, Yaletown

17. University Golf Club, UBC

18. Vancouver Art Gallery Café, Downtown

19. Beach House, West Vancouver

20. Beatniks, Fort Langley

21. Blue Canoe, Richmond

22. Flying Beaver, Richmond

23. Harold’s Bistro, Richmond

24. Hart House, Burnaby

25. Little District. North Vancouver

26. Longtail Kitchen, New Westminster

27. Pier 7, North Vancouver

28. Riverway Clubhouse, Burnaby

29. Steamship Grill, Victoria

30. Wild Rice, New Westminster

See www.30dayadventures.ca to learn about more of Marc's adventures

Now get out there and enjoy!

 

Fight Global Warming (or just have fun) on World Jump Day

  by Leeann Froese

FaceBookCover-JumpDay

 

Directly quoted from Days of the Year where we seek inspiration for much of our fun, comes today's #SundayFunday idea to celebrate: World Jump Day.

"Sunday July 20 is World Jump Day

Many ideas are floated to help combat global warming, and World Jump Day is one of them. The aim of the day is to shift the orbit of Earth, to extend daylight hours and to create a more standardized climate throughout the world.

The concept was promoted by German artist, Torsten Lauschmann, and the first World Jump Day was slotted for July 20, 2006. He claimed that 600 million people in the Western Hemisphere were going to jump at the same time. This proposal was actually a satirical art installation, but it reminded people about the effects of global warming.

Earth weighs 100 trillion trillion pounds, and the average weight of a human is 137 pounds, which multiplied by 600 million equals 8,220 million pounds. Working out the pound-force of that figure involves a complicated formula, but rest assured that 600 million people jumping simultaneously (if anyone could organize the event) would make no difference to Earth’s orbit.

But, hey, it’s fun. Jump!"

 

 

 

 

Meet Sujinder Juneja With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese If you have been following what we do, you know that every Saturday we like to feature a personality #withTown Hall.

This week, as we round the corner to our 2nd year of business, we decided it's time to take #withTownHall here to the source.

This week #withTownHall we are celebrating our own. Our Sujinder Juneja is not only our communication director, he is a true lover of wine.

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We could go on, but the case in point that we want to highlight is that he just passed his French Wine Scholar exam

The French Wine Scholar Program covers French wine law, grape varieties, viticulture, winemaking and all of the French wine regions. Developed and administrated by the French Wine Society with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program  is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists.

Way to go Sujinder - #gogetit!

 

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We will be asking Sujinder not only to share his good story ideas, but also for his French wine recommendations to be sure!

Everyone - please help us congratulate Sujinder with a comment below - or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.

 

A Taste of British Columbia #withTownHall

by Leeann Froese Added: thank you to the handful of bloggers who joined us to taste the wines below in a room hosted by Soléna Estate - we know how rare a chance it is for you to taste BC wines and we appreciate them allowing us to tag along! A special shout out to the inimitable April Yap-Hennig of Sacred Drop who coordinated all!

If you enjoyed, please spread the word!

Thanks to all of you amazing enthusiastic folks who joined us! Here's a few of your we managed to rope into a pic.

Winery: Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery

Social: Twitter / Facebook @mtboucheriewine Located: West Kelowna The Wine: Mt Boucherie Family Reserve Gamay Noir 2012 Price: CDN$15.50 | Alcohol: 13.9% What you might taste: Structured on the palate with elements of red currant, black raspberries, a hint of ground black pepper and savoury, underpinned with higher acidity and soft tannins.

One of the beautiful family-owned Mt Boucherie Vineyards, located in the Okanagan Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to know facts: this winery just quietly goes about its business making incredible wines which reflect the owners’ soft personality. All of their wines are 100% family owned and grown and they hold the province’s largest acreage of family-owned vineyards – more than 300 acres. They sell their grapes to many others in BC since the 1970s, and keep a small and interesting assortment for themselves and their wine program. Mtboucheriewinery.com

 

Winery: Okanagan Crush Pad, home of Haywire Social: Twitter / Facebook @haywirewine | @okcrushpad | Instagram @okcrushpad Located: Summerland The Wine: Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris 2012 Price: CDN$23 | Alcohol: 13% What you might taste: The wine has a crisp acidity, juicy apricot flavours and a chalky, limestone taste along with a flinty finish which is the hallmark of clone 52. It is all bundled up with a silver label to denote that it is one of the vineyard-designated wines they are most proud of this season.

OCP original concrete fermenters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to know facts: Okanagan Crush Pad, home of Haywire, is the first in Canada to extensively use concrete tanks, and wines that are fermented and aged in concrete carry the Raised in Concrete™ designation. See what differences you think the use of concrete makes? The Summerland winery is located on the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard site overlooking Lake Okanagan. In addition to their own flagship wines, Haywire and Bartier Scholefield, Okanagan Crush Pad makes custom-crush wines for people who are seeking to start their own winery. okanagancrushpad.com

 

Winery: SpierHead Winery Social: Twitter @spierheadwinery | Facebook spierhead | Instagram Spierheadwinery Located: Kelowna The Wine: SpierHead Pinot Noir 2012 Price: CDN$22.00 | Alcohol: 12.4% What you might taste: medium-bodied wine consistent with its cool climate origins. Light tannins and lots of fresh red berry.

SpierHead Winery's Gentleman Farmer Vineyard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to know facts: This tiny relative newcomer of a winery flies under the radar for many, but keeps capturing accolades and awards in every competition entered. The 2010 vintage of this same wine captured an award for the best Pinot Noir in Canada – when the vines were even younger! spierheadwinery.com

 

Winery: Serendipity Winery Social: Twitter @winespiration | Facebook serendipitywineryBC Located: Naramata The Wine: Serendipity Viognier 2012 Price: CDN$19.90 | Alcohol: 12% What you might taste: Traditional Viognier notes of orange blossom and tangerine greet your nose. Sur lie contact brings out a medium-bodied wine and contributes to notes of toasted coconut. This wine has a hint of blood orange and apricot.

Serendipity Winery's Naramata Vineyard, with Okanagan Lake in the background Credit-Johann Wessels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to know facts: Serendipity Winery is located in the rolling hills of the picturesque Naramata Bench. Owned by mother-daughter duo, Judy Kingston and Katie O’Kell, a visit to Serendipity is welcomed with a warm smile and a delicious glass of wine. In both 2013 and 2014 Serendipity was the only BC winery invited to showcase wine at the Calgary Stampede, and the winery was named BC Winery of the Year at a New York competition. SerendipityWinery.com

 

Winery: TIME Estate Winery Social: Twitter / Facebook @timewinery Located: Oliver The Wine: TIME Meritage 2011 (Red) Price: CDN$29.99 | Alcohol: 14.1% What you might taste: Classic aromas envelop the glass with red berries, black cherries and peppery nuances. Fragrant characters of rose petal and sage mingle with the darker fruit elements. This wine is rich and structured, with excellent depth and silky, well-integrated tannins.

The Wine: TIME Meritage 2013 (White) Price: CDN$25.00 Alcohol: 13.6% What you might taste: Classic aromas circle in the glass: honeydew melon, pear and a hint of tangerine. Taste graceful hints of apricot and mango, swirled with ripe gooseberry. This wine is mellowed by barrel aging, resulting in a sturdy vibrant finish with delicate traces of oak.

Harry McWatters of TIME Estate Winery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to know facts: TIME Estate Winery co-owner Harry McWatters is a Canadian wine industry pioneer, and a maverick, who performed many ‘firsts” and set the stage for many to follow. TIME is the latest venture for McWatters, who started this project after “retiring” in 2008 when he sold his previously-owned wineries to Constellation. TIME Estate Winery is located in the midst of the two-decade old Sundial Vineyard on the acclaimed Black Sage Bench in the hot, dry desert climate of the South Okanagan. timewinery.com

 

The Wines of British Columbia are as diverse as the places they are grown and the people who make them. We hope you enjoy this snapshot.

 

 

 

Going Haywire Organically

Okanagan Crush Pad sign

By Leeann Froese

I recently made a vineyard visit to one of our clients, Okanagan Crush Pad, in Summerland British Columbia, and share some of the updates.

For full disclosure: this is a special place to me personally, in that I have been a part of this company’s team since the vineyard was planted, and I even have a row named after me: Row 38! (If you visit – take a #selfie with ‘my’ row and send it to me!)

The vineyard, called Switchback Vineyard, provides Pinot Gris grapes for Haywire wines. In 2007 winery owners Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie planted the 10 acre vineyard to one clone, all Pinot Gris, with the idea that they were going to value add to their land and sell all of their grapes to one buyer. They were not planning to be winery owners or get into the business of making wine.

Leeann #selfie at Row 38

What actually happened over the next few years is that they did create their own wine: Haywire. First, virtually, then eventually under their own brick-and-mortar winery Okanagan Crush Pad, which has been constructed adjacent to the Switchback Vineyard.

In the time since becoming grape growers the couple has learned a lot more about how they want to farm their property, and now Switchback Vineyard is on its way to becoming certified organic; yet it did not always start out that way. Under consulting Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini’s guidance, the winery team changed the way they farm and stepped up its game to make better wine. After conventionally farming the vineyard for its first few years, the team switched to organic growing practices, and applied for certification in spring of 2014.

They’ve said goodbye to herbicides. Instead, they’re controlling weeds with tilling, beneficial cover crops and the addition of baby doll sheep to graze in between rows. Also, they have stopped mowing the grass between rows. While this makes the vineyards look “weedy”, it lets ground cover grow and it reduces vigour on the vines.

Chickens in a dust bath

Ducks & chickens have been added, and they live in the “Okanagan Chicken Pad”, which has got to be the nicest chicken coop one has ever seen. Made by winery owner Steve Lornie, the chicken, sheep and ducks happily coexist in a beautiful wooden coop that has incorporated repurposed wine barrels.

 

 

 

 

peek a boo sheep

These critters are charming, but they have jobs. Chickens provide beautiful and delicious eggs, provide manure to fertilize and they eat insects.  The ducks do the same. Baby doll sheep graze ground cover and also provide manure - all animals contributing to a whole farm approach.

The winery is also practicing integrated pest management, inviting beneficial insects to take up residence so they can eat any insects that eat grapevines. Recently a swarm of bees was discovered on one of the grapevines, so they were harnessed and put into a hive. Now the vineyard has built-in pollination (and perhaps honey one day soon?) and in addition to the bees, ‘insect hotels’ have been erected: a few cute small ones, and one large one, created as a DIY project involving children.

Indian Runner Ducks

The overarching idea is to have minimal intervention between the growing and winemaking, to keep things as natural as possible to make the wines without any chemical intervention. This practice requires a lot of attention and despite all the focus, the vineyard rows look rather wild and unkempt. It's interesting and cute to see the animals running around between the vines, but these animals, insects as well as the many birds in the area all show that there's a very alive ecosystem in play and that the grapes are being tended for lovingly.

 

It has been a three-year process to get to the point of being able to seek certification, but the result is amazing wine that is gentler on their land.

 

 

 

Baby Pinot Gris grapes at Switchback Vineyard in Summerland, BC

 

I raise a glass to that.

 

Fishing For BC Spot Prawns with Organic Ocean

  By Leeann Froese

Sometimes in my work I get to do some pretty cool things.

Spot Prawn #selfie

I feel truly lucky that I get to go to lots of different wine tastings, meet some very interesting personalities, eat some incredible food, and get exposed to a lot of things that some other people might not unless they were in our industry. I would say that my experience last week would be no exception, when I got to go on a ride along on a spot prawn fishing boat.

We do media relations for the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia, and as a result of this, for the past month we have been working very closely with spot prawn fisherman (the Spot Prawn Festival is a Chefs' Table Society initiative).

Michelle da Silva, a staff reporter for the Georgia Strait, was writing a story about Spot Prawns because she felt that her readers would like to know a little bit more about these little delicacies, how they are harvested and where they come from. So I, and Amber Sessions from Tourism Vancouver, joined in for a ride along.

Frank, Peter and Steve

What a great learning opportunity it was to see the fisherman at work. We were on the Organic Ocean, which is run by Steve Johanson and Frank Keitsch (and co-owned by Dane Chauvel, who was not with us).

Peter Chauvel, Dane's son, was with them. Peter is a university student who has been on fishing trips since he was a toddler. Today, Peter spends his summers working on the boats in between his semesters at university.

The location of the traps is a well-kept secret, in order to keep things commercially sensitive.

 

 

 

A picture-perfect day to fish the West Coast of BC

What I can share is that they have different fishing grounds up and down the west coast, and we were lucky enough to see them pull out a few strings of traps and then reset them.

I was mentally prepared to be put to work, but in the end, I just got to watch and enjoy what had to be one of the most beautiful mornings on the water all season.

The three fishermen have a very well orchestrated system. One person uses a winch and hoists in the traps, the second person empties them on a custom-built table, and passes the net to the third person, who resets the bait and gets the traps ready to drop back into the water, once all the catch has been brought up.

On person brings up the traps while the second empties

Traps with Spot Prawns and other by-catch are emptied onto a custom-built table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was interesting to learn is that before any of the spot prawns are caught, a section of the boat hull is filled with very cold ocean water which is then further cooled on board. This on-board tank utilizes a computerized chilling system to circulate sea water drawn from the ocean floor. When the spot prawns are caught they are put into this icy cold water to stay alive up until the time that they are sold at False Creek Fisherman's Wharf or transported to restaurants. It does not get any fresher than this.

I did not for one minute think that Spot Prawn fishing would fall into the category of an easy job, but I think you, dear readers will appreciate these delicious little critters that much more after hearing how hard the fishermen work to get them to you.

The work was physically demanding, as the traps after coming up on a hoist are heavy: filled with catch, and wet. Also this is a wet job – waterproof wear is required as there is a lot of water splashing off the line and traps, and there is plenty of fast, physical action as the nets get emptied.

Spot Prawns and by-catch are sorted

By-catch is thrown back inot the ocean - but not until after we get a look

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As each trap is emptied a very low tech tool is employed – a plastic dust pan. This flat scoop is perfect for picking up the spot prawns after they are dumped out of the traps, but first the prawns must be sorted.

Michelle is given her first taste of a freshly-caught, raw Spot Prawn

Amber is "the crab whisperer" calmly throwing back the by-catch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this time the unwelcome are also removed. In the traps sometimes there are other sea creatures, noted as by-catch, which can include other shrimp, crabs, jellyfish and other miscellany of fish of varying sizes. I got to check out and then throw back a Squat Lobster - which I had never heard of or seen before!

Leeann and squat lobster

I was hoping for an octopus but none were accidentally caught that day. All by-catch is thrown back into the ocean so they can live another day. And the spot prawns have to be the right size. Any that are too small or if there are any with eggs, they are thrown back as well "for next year's catch".

 

 

 

 

 

A real treat: from the first trap emptied, Steve gave us each a spot prawn "breakfast" he says. I had never eaten a raw spot prawn before, and Michelle was a little unnerved as hers was "still twitching". Nevertheless, we peeled and ate these fresh-from the sea prawns. They were somewhat sweet with nice firm flesh and absolutely delicious.

A Spot Prawn!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the nets were hoisted by Frank and emptied by Steve, Pete would take the nets make sure that no jellyfish or anything else is stuck inside and then he re-sets the bait, which is a special smelly fishy mixture. Then the nets are stacked up and prepared to be dropped back into the water for the next day's catch.

Pete is re-filling the bait and getting the traps ready to re-set

The traps being dropped back onto the water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The spot prawn season lasts six to eight weeks, and every day it is this same set of physically demanding tasks, seven days a week, rain or shine.

Baskets are filled with live prawns to go into the ice bath and off to market

Want to see Michelle’s story of our experience?

About Spot Prawns

Wild BC spot prawns are a delicacy known around the world for their sweet, delicate flavour and firm texture. They are most recognizable for their reddish brown colour, which turns bright pink when cooked, defining white spots on their tail and white horizontal bars on the carapace.

BC spot prawns are the largest of the seven commercial species of shrimp found on the west coast of Canada. They vary greatly in size, with some larger females exceeding 23 cm in total length. Prawns are hermaphrodites: for the first two years of their lives they are males, and then they change to females. Typically, spot prawns live a total of four years. In BC, approximately 2,450 metric tonnes are harvested annually, with about 65% of the harvest coming from the waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

BC spot prawns are available live during the harvest season, which usually starts in May and lasts anywhere from six to eight weeks. Prawn fishermen spread baited traps along the rocky ocean floor at depths ranging from 40 to 100 metres. This method has minimal impact on ocean habitat and very low levels of by-catch of other species.

BC spot prawns are very popular in Japan and the rest of Asia, with over 90% of BC’s commercial catch consumed there. Most of the prawns are frozen at sea by fishermen, and then packed and exported across the Pacific. The remaining few, however, like what was harvest by Organic Ocean on our ride along, are available to be enjoyed fresh in local BC restaurants and kitchens during the fishing season!

Spot prawn stocks are carefully and sustainably managed to ensure that they remain available to enjoy for many years to come, including:

  • Limiting the number of vessels that can commercially harvest spot prawns
  • Limiting the number of traps that can be used
  • Returning females with eggs live to the ocean
  • Monitoring the spot prawn population and closing the fishery when prawn stocks approach a pre-determined level

Learn more about the Spot Prawn Festival and link to more information on Spot Prawns here.

BC Wineries to Watch For at the Vancouver Bloom Trade Only Tasting

Trade: celebrate the arrival of fresh, local, home grown ingredients and gentle weather, with the annual Wines of British Columbia Spring Release Tasting.With more than 80 BC wineries showcasing more than 300 premium BC VQA wines, the event is sure to provide a wonderful overview of BC VQA wines!

We encourage trade and media who are attending to stop by the tables of our clients, and we have provided you with a bit of intel about each.

Journalists: we can help you with any interview requests for the visiting winery principals.

Mount Boucherie's beautiful South Okanagan Vineyards

Winery: Mt Boucherie Family Estate Winery Located: Kelowna Who you will meet: Winemaker, Jim Faulkner and representatives Don Pfeffer and Mario Rodi What you will taste: 2013 Pinot Gris 2012 Family Reserve Chardonnay 2012 Family Reserve Gamay Noir 2009 Summit Reserve Syrah Need to know facts: this winery just quietly goes about its business making incredible wines which reflect their soft personality. All of their wines are 100% family owned and grown. Mt. Boucherie holds the province's largest acreage of family-owned vineyards - more than 300 acres. They sell their grapes to many others in BC since the 1970s, and keep a small and interesting assortment for themselves and their wine program.

The Patio at Okanagan Crush Pad

Winery: Okanagan Crush Pad Located: Summerland Who you will meet: Alison Scholefield and Rebeka Eriksson What you will taste: 2012 Haywire Syrah 2011 Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2012 Haywire The Bub Sparkling Wine 2012 Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris Need to know facts: Okanagan Crush Pad is the first in Canada to extensively use concrete tanks, and wines that are fermented and aged in concrete carry the Raised in Concrete™ designation. See what differences you think the use of concrete makes. The Haywire sparkling wine, the Bub, is named after Alison Scholefield, who will be at the table.

SpierHead Winery's Gentleman Farmer Vineyard

Winery: SpierHead Winery Located: Kelowna Who you will meet: Owners, Bill and Marina Knutson What you will taste: 2013 Rosé 2013 Pinot Gris 2012 Chardonnay 2011 Persuit Need to know facts: This tiny relative newcomer of a winery flies under the radar for many, but keeps capturing accolades and awards in every competition enetered. For example, the Rosé, which the owners will pour at the table, was just granted 90 points from DJ Kearney in Wine Align.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery's tasting room, overlooking Okanagan Lake

Winery: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Located: Kelowna Who you will meet: CEO, Ezra Cipes and Winemaker, Eric VonKrosigk What you will taste: 2013 Organic Riesling 2013 Ehrenfelser 2011 Organic Pinot Noir Need to know fact: The Cipes Brut just captured the Best Sparkling Wine in Canada at the All Canadian Wine Championships. The winery recently released its first lower sulphite wines, on account of the use of a nitrogen generator in the cellar. Ask Eric and Ezra about it.

 

And... if you are NOT attending Bloom, but want to meet or know more about any of these clients, then contact us info at townhallbrands dot com.

 

Naramata's Serendipity Winery Travels to Vancouver to be at 30 Simultaneous Dinner Parties

Town Hall client press release Serendipity Supports 2nd annual #dinnerpartyYVR

Suggested Tweet:

Naramata's Serendipity @winespiration is @SocialBites #dinnerpartyYVR wine partner again http://bit.ly/MTeMFQ #bcwine

The News:

Katie O'Kell and Judy Kingston of Serendipity Winery flank #DinnerPartyYVR mastermind Annika Reinhardt

Serendipity Winery of Naramata BC will take its place on the tables of food and wine lovers for the second year - for a good cause.

On Saturday April 5, #dinnerpartyYVR, the mastermind of Annika Reinhardt of Social Bites and presented by Cressey, will connect Vancouverites at dinner parties prepared by hobby chefs on their in homes simultaneously across the city, all to benefit local charities. The winery's popular wines, including their award-winning Devil's Advocate red blend, will be featured at every table.

After the meal has completed, diners, hobby chefs and the charities involved gather for an after party. 100% of the diner's $40 donation is gifted back to represented charities. In 2013 more than 200 people participated, collectively raising more than $4500 for 24 charities.

Devil's Advocate red blend and other Serendipity wines will be on the tables at every #dinnerpartyYVR dinner"We are so happy to support local charities, and especially via this event that puts our wine with incredible food cooked by talented hobby chefs," says Katie O'Kell, second-in-command of the small winery. "I look forward to travelling from Naramata to take part, and meeting everyone."

After dinner, all diners will leave the homes and convene for a special Cressey After Party. Serendipity wines will be also available at a cash bar at the after party.

Click here to see the various locations and buy tickets, which are moving fast!

Sign up for a meal by Wednesday, March 19 for a chance to be invited to the Cressey Dinner Party with CTV's MasterChef Canada Top 12 Finalist Josh Gale on the event night.

Find out all of the details on the Dinner Party YVR website: www.dinnerpartyyvr.com.

 

Serendipity Winery LogoAbout Serendipity Winery:

Nestled among the rolling hills of the picturesque Naramata Beach, a visit to Serendipity is all about discovery, surprise and warmth. Judy Kingston or Katie O'Kell welcome every visitor with a smile and a glass, always pleased to share their passion and education with their guests. For a modest $3, visitors get a full flight of tastings. In the time since releasing their first wine, the winery continues to delight, surprise, and capture accolades. Visit to taste and learn why in 2013 Serendipity was the only BC winery invited to showcase wine at the Calgary Stampede (and is returning in 2014), and why the winery was named BC Winery of the Year at a New York competition.

Learn more at www.serendipitywinery.com and follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on Serendipity Winery contact Sujinder Juneja 604-367-6745 or sujinder (at) townhallbrands (dot) com

Meet Haywire Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Winery at the 2014 Vancouver International Wine Festival

By Leeann Froese Oh it's on!

 

Haywire and Summerhill will showcase their wines

Vancouver International Wine Festival runs from February 24 to March 2, 2014. Our Town Hall team is attending various events throughout the festival, and we have two winery clients that are exhibiting: Haywire, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Both will have amazing VQA wines and bubbles you HAVE to try!

Now we will share the details on what you can expect from each of our BC winery clients during the festival, and we have some handy image downloads at the end.

Haywire Winery, Summerland BC

Of special note:

• Haywire will be making its inaugural appearance at this festival

• Meet the Bub herself, Alison Scholefield, who is likely the youngest winery principal in the room (25)

• Haywire is co-owned by Christine Coletta, who is an iconic Canadian wine marketer

The Vancouver Sun has a table and they will also be featuring Haywire at their table

Okanagan Crush Pad, home of Haywire and Switchback Vineyard

Wines you will find at the Haywire table:

• Haywire Rosé 2011 - $20 New release! #365 days of rosé indeed

• Haywire Switchback Vineyard Pinot Gris 2012 - $23 Taste the difference of a wine that has been Raised in Concretetm

• Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2011 - $35 Critically-acclaimed, concrete-aged Pinot

• Link to Global Focus: the Bub 2012 - $25 taste why everyone loves this crisp sparkler

Who you might meet:

Alison Scholefield is arguably the youngest winery principal you will find in the room and she has been in the wine industry since birth. Now as the winery ambassador and sales team liaison for Haywire, it's her job to communicate with customers, the public and wine club members. You can ask her about where to find the wines, and anything that's happening at the winery. Also find out why she has Haywire’s Sparkling wine the Bub named after her.

Julian Scholefield is the operations manager at the winery, and also president of the Summerland area Bottleneck Drive winery association. Julian oversees the coordination in the cellar of Haywire, Bartier Scholefield, client Bartier Brothers as well as several other client wines, including bottling, deliveries, on-site activities, as well as liaising with the vineyard teams, including the team that is planting the new Garnet Valley Vineyard.

Matt Dumayne is the winemaker for Haywire. Originally from New Zealand, and with 25 vintages under his belt crafting award-winning wine in Central Otago, California, Australia, and Oregon, Matt brings unparalleled insight and passion to the winemaking program. You can speak to Matt about the ways that he is approaching the Haywire portfolio, as well as some of the special projects he's working on which *sneak peek* include an orange wine…

Bonus events where you will taste Haywire wines:

BC PAIRED: INDULGE YOUR SENSES - Gamay Noir 2012, Gewürztraminer 2012

25 UNDER $25 - The Bub Traditional Method Sparkling Wine 2012

About Haywire

Haywire is an old Canadian term that refers to wire once used for baling hay, which tended to tangle in a chaotic way. It is also an apt description of Christine and Steve’s transition from the city to owning a vineyard and winery. The learning curve was steep, but as the first wines hit the market (in 2010) it became apparent that the journey was the reward. Since planting the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard, Christine and Steve have gone on to open Canada’s first purpose-built custom crush facility (Okanagan Crush Pad Winery in 2011) and are now getting ready to plant the first 20 acres of vines at their 312-acre Garnet Valley Ranch. Haywire is committed to crafting wines that tell the story of the New Okanagan.

For more information see www.haywirewinery.com – like Haywire on Facebook or follow on twitter @haywirewine

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna BC

Of special note:

Stephen Cipes is a pioneer of the BC wine industry and the grandfather of BC’s organic wine movement, and you can meet him

Summerhill Cipes Ariel• You are lucky, lucky, lucky that Summerhill is pouring Cipes Ariel at this festival. In late 2012 Summerhill Pyramid Winery held a tasting at Hawksworth where in this fascinating tasting event, celebrated sommelier instructor, wine judge and journalist DJ Kearney guided guests through the taste experience of the lovely Cipes Ariel, side by side with France’s iconic Champagne, Krug Grande Cuvee. The wines were accompanied by a unique tasting menu that celebrated British Columbia ingredients as inspired by the tradition of French degustation, prepared by Chef David Hawksworth and his talented team.

The idea to pour the Ariel beside Krug was sparked by a wine shop host and tour guide from Epernay, (who has worked at both Moët and Krug), who suggested the wine reminded him of the Krug style. Winery CEO Ezra Cipes was inspired to conduct his own research. The media in attendance thought putting the Ariel beside the richness, layered complexity and elegance of the Krug was very brave, and while this was never intended to be a competition, the idea was to illustrate how this special sparkling wine can stand alongside the world’s best. And it did. And it does.

 

• Bonus: taste the Cipes Rose and Cipes Ariel over at the special Vancouver Sun table as well

• Bonus 2: the BC Wine Institute will be pouring Cipes Brut at their table

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Kevin Trowbridge photo

Wines you will find at the Summerhill table – All link to the Global Focus of bubbly wines!

• Cipes Brut - $26.95 The winery’s flagship bubble, which has won gold medals internationally every year since its release in 1991

• Cipes Rosé - $26.95 Gold Medal, Top 10 Sparkling Wines of competition - 2013 Effervescents du Monde

• Cipes Blanc de Noirs 2008 (pre release) Sneak peek! Say no more...

• Cipes Ariel 1998 - $85 Gold Medal - 2012 World Wine Awards, Chicago, Illinois; 92 points - Anthony Gismondi; 90 Points: Beverage Testing Institute

Who you might meet:

Founder Stephen Cipes moved to Kelowna in 1987 after a successful real estate career in New York. Ready for a career move to get in touch with the earth, Stephen was horrified when he saw the pesticides sprayed on his new vineyard and immediately transitioned to organic growing. With his jovial, convivial personality, Stephen Cipes is the spiritual guide and visionary behind Summerhill Pyramid Winery. He has so much to share.

Ezra Cipes is proud to carry on the family legacy at Summerhill Pyramid Winery as CEO. Like his father Stephen, Ezra has a multitude of passions and talents. At Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Ezra Cipes is responsible for day to day operations, marketing, and leadership. He is a talented musician, and has completed courses in vineyard management and in permaculture design.

Eric von Krosigk is winemaker and viticulturist at Summerhill, and as the winery’s first winemaker, has been associated with Summerhill since its inception. Leading the winery’s organic growers, von Krosigk works with some of the Okanagan’s best grapes to produce world-class wines. Despite the fact he wins numerous awards each year, Eric remains one of the most approachable and humble BC vintners. Also notable is that Eric is president of the Okanagan Wine Festival board.

Bonus events where you will taste Summerhill wines:

BC PAIRED: INDULGE YOUR SENSES - 2011 Baco Noir, 2010 Cabernets

ALL ABOUT BUBBLY! - Cipes Brut

About Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, located in the Lakeshore district in Kelowna, BC, is Canada’s largest biodynamic and organic winery, producing more organic wine than the rest of the Canadian wine industry combined. In addition, Summerhill is Canada’s most visited winery and foremost producer of sparkling wine. Winemaker Eric von Krosigk oversees the portfolio of BC VQA wines that earned the winery the Canadian Wine “Producer of the Year” trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, England in December 2009 as well as a trophy for “Best International Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine” from this same competition in 2010. The winery, owned by the Cipes family, is also home to Summerhill’s organic Sunset Bistro, serving food grown and raised by local organic producers, including an onsite permaculture-style vegetable garden. The mission of the entire Summerhill team is to produce exceptionally good tasting wines organically, support local organic food growers in the bistro, and provide unforgettable experiences for all its guests.

For more information, visit www.summerhill.bc.ca find Summerhill on Facebook or follow the winery on Twitter @summerhillwine.

Enjoy and use these downloads:

Need an image you don't see here, or more info? Contact our media team leeann@townhallbrands.com or sujinder@townhallbrands.com

Haywire Rosé 2011

Haywire Switchback Vineyard Pinot Gris 2012

Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2011

Haywire The Bub 2012

Haywire Gamay Noir 2012

Haywire Gewürztraminer 2012

Photo of Okanagan Crush Pad - home of Haywire, credit Lionel Trudel

Do you like the group photo of bottle above? Download a copy.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Brut

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Rosé

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Ariel 1998

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2011 Baco Noir

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2010 Cabernets

Photo of Summerhill Pyramid Winery, credit Kevin Trowbridge