BC Food and Wine Radio

This week's podcast spotlights Peter Gago, Chief Winemaker, Penfolds, who joins us for a Master Class on the Australian Wine Icon, Grange, from its humble beginning in the early 1950s to the world class vintages that continue today. Lee F. Mann, food writer, discusses the upcoming Lunar New Year, "Year of the ‘Fire’ Horse," and various ways to celebrate in Vancouver and across the province. Robert Stelmachuk, wine director at Mott 32 in Vancouver, shares fun ideas for Valentine's wines, including sparkling wine suggestions and some affordable options for white and rosé wines. Additionally, Jeff Hundertmark, winemaker at Mt. Boucherie, talks about the impressive rebound of a generous and high-quality 2025 vintage.

On this week’s podcast, join us as we travel to Verona to speak with Alessandro Pasqua, family member and president of Pasqua, USA, as the family celebrates its 100th year of making wine in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Bernard Retornaz, executive advisor at Louis Latour, expresses his deep appreciation for Burgundy’s winemaking heritage, which continues to shape the success of Louis Latour and build a legacy in the world of fine wine. In July 2025, Bernard retired as president and now acts as an executive advisor to the board and Louis Latour’s brand ambassador. Then, we head to the South Okanagan to reconnect with Michael Kullman, winemaker and general manager of Osoyoos Larose, to discuss the Le Grand Vin 2022 and Petales 2022. We also catch up with Dan Wright, winemaker at Unsworth Vineyards, and Chris Turyk, sales and marketing director at Unsworth Vineyards in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, to talk about their exciting new facility, explore the unique characteristics of the terroir, and learn how Unsworth practices regenerative and sustainable farming in Cowichan.

This week's podcast features insightful contributions from several distinguished professionals in the wine industry. Marie Pinceloup, Export Manager for Alain Brumont, discusses the pioneering achievements of Alain Brumont in positioning Madiran on the world stage and establishing Château Montus as a leading reference for Tannat-based wines. Charlotte Rawa, Senior Brand Ambassador for Penfolds Wines Americas, joins us in the studio to highlight the qualities of Penfolds Bin 169, exemplifying the classic style and regional character that demonstrate Penfolds' enduring commitment to the vineyards of Coonawarra. We also connect with Grant Stanley, Winemaker and General Manager at Spearhead Winery, for an update on the upcoming 2025 Okanagan harvest and developments in East Kelowna, drawing on Grant’s extensive expertise in Pinot Noir. Additionally, Alison Moyes, Winemaker and General Manager of Solvero Wines, provides insights into the 2024 Rosé and the 2022 Pinot Noir from Garnet Valley, Summerland.

This week's podcast features Alessandro Lunardi, Director of North America at Tenuta Luce, discussing the 30th Vintage Celebration and the significance of Luce 2022 as the 30th anniversary of Tenuta Luce’s flagship wine. Sandy Leier, winemaker at Laughing Stock Vineyards, shares insights on their award-winning wines following recognition as Canada's Small Winery of the Year at the Wine Align 2025 Canadian National Wine Awards. Sue Hodder, senior winemaker at Wynns Coonawarra Estate, addresses current challenges posed by climate change. She explains how her team has implemented sustainable viticulture practices, improved soil moisture management, and prioritized vine health. The conversation also explores the renowned Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz, with a specific focus on the 2018 vintage. Additionally, we revisit a discussion with Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery, as he reflects on his award-winning wines and his efforts to eliminate provincial cross-border barriers in the industry.

This week's podcast features Jeff Guignard, CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia. Jeff officially stepped into the role on April 28, 2025. He is committed to member engagement and collaboration, and will lead advocacy efforts on behalf of the BC wine industry, which contributes $3.75 billion to the province's annual economic growth. We caught up in person with Olivier Humbrecht, MW, Consulting Winemaker at Phantom Creek Estates. Olivier is a distinguished figure in the world of wine, notably for his role as the proprietor and winemaker at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. We discussed the white wines he is responsible for at Phantom Creek, which are truly a passion project: white wines from the Similkameen Valley, including Small Lot 2022 Riesling and 2022 Pinot Gris. Staying on the Black Sage Bench, we chat with Kaylee Barss, Winemaker at Red Barn Winery at Jagged Rock, about her passion for reimagining traditional Okanagan varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, while exploring exotic Italian grapes like Nebbiolo and Barbera. Plus, Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, joins us to preview the 2026 Festival in March and the theme region of France.

This week's podcast features some favourite BC Wine discussions from 2025, including Michael Bartier, co-owner, winemaker, and GM of Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery, who talked about the bounce-back happening across the South Okanagan for grapes of all varieties. We enjoyed a poolside chat with Daniel Bibby, co-owner of Nighthawk Vineyards, a boutique family farm gate winery overlooking the scenic Green Lake Valley high above Okanagan Falls. We discussed his Nighthawk wines, their luxury tent accommodations, top-tier restaurant, and the impressive new artistic bottle labels. Keira LeFranc, winemaker and director of operations at Stag's Hollow Winery, hosted us on the deck at Stag's Hollow in Okanagan Falls. We talked about being certified sustainable, along with tasting a couple of 2022 wines, including their 2022 Tempranillo and the 2022 Renaissance Merlot. From Kaleden, B.C., Rob Hammersley, winemaker and viticulturist at Black Market Wine Company, also joined us on location to discuss their well-received new 2024 Collusion Series, including the impressive 2024 Rosé.

This week's podcast features Sara d'Amato, Principal Partner, WineAlign wine consultant, educator, sommelier, and wine critic, who discusses rosé and a few other favourites as we try to warm up in the first week of January 2026. Shane Munn, Winemaker and GM at Martins Lane in Kelowna, gives us a Master Class on Pinot Noir. Shane has an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of the Pinot Noir grape and is always a pleasure to chat with. Taylor Whelan, Senior Winemaker at Mission Hill Family Estate—named the 2025 Wine Align National Wine Awards Winery of the Year—joins us to talk about the many factors involved in achieving the prestigious status of top winery. Plus, Michelle Bouffard, Sommelier, Author, and Founder of Tasting Climate Change, joins the conversation as her big conference, Tasting Climate Change, approaches in Montreal on Jan. 18-20.

This week's podcast features lively discussions with DJ Kearney, a Global Wine Expert and Wine Director at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver, who shares her top recommendations for sparkling wines, including a curated list of the five best BC sparklers to enjoy during the holidays. Raymond Ringeval, Global Commercial Director at Champagne Palmer, joins us to talk about how Palmer & Co distinguishes itself through the grand terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, where all its vineyards are classified as Premier or Grand Cru. Mary McDermott, Winemaker at Township 7 and the force behind the impressive “seven stars” collection of sparkling wines. Finally, we head to one of the newest wineries on the Naramata Bench for a conversation with Lynzee Schatz, Winemaker, and Anahita Pouget, Director of Brand Development & Marketing at Evolve Sparkling House.

On this week's podcast, we catch up with Mark Sheridan, President of Hester Creek Estate Winery in Oliver, to discuss the passing of owner Curt Garland, the strong rebound and resurgence in wine consumption, along with a preview of a new Super Tuscan-style red wine at Hester Creek set to debut in spring. We also speak with Óscar Salas, winemaker at Viña Santa Rita, located in the foothills of Alto Jahuel, just 45 minutes outside Santiago, Chile. Our conversation covers the new "Napa Valley–inspired" Cabernario N°3, a new Cabernet concept produced by Santa Rita. Anthony will share his final-minute "Buy, Wrap, and Give" wine ideas. Plus, Maurizio Maurizi, winemaker at Mezzacorona in Trentino, Italy, discusses what it is like to manage winemaking operations and work with over 400 local grape growers in the Alps to produce affordable, high-quality wine sold around the world.

On this week's podcast, it is our genuine pleasure to welcome one of the brightest stars of the worldwide wine scene, Peter Gago, Chief Winemaker at Penfolds, who joins us to talk about the 75th Grange Anniversary and current releases that would delight any of your family and friends under the tree this year. Caren McSherry, Founder and President of Gourmet Warehouse in Vancouver, stops by with a rapid-fire list of holiday gift ideas. Justin Hall, winemaker at Nk’Mip Cellars, brings two wines to taste from the stellar 2022 vintage. Plus, Anthony offers insights into holiday shopping tips and wine suggestions for every adult on your gift list.

On this week's podcast, we are on location at Mission Hill Family Estate in West Kelowna, just in time for the annual holiday celebrations. Over more than forty years of operation, Mission Hill has continued to evolve by adopting sustainable farming practices, creating exceptional tasting and culinary experiences at the estate, and making a significant contribution to the Okanagan’s reputation on the world stage. We are joined by Chief Winemaker Taylor Whelan, who discusses Holidays on the Hill and the winery’s recent accolade as the 2025 Wine Align National Wine Awards Canadian Winery of the Year. Senior Estate Manager Charlie Drummond will talk about the Boutique at Mission Hill and the Festival of Trees, featuring beautifully decorated trees displayed throughout the winery, where guests can admire the festive designs and vote for their favourite tree through January 4. Chef de Cuisine Heather Brumwell shares insights on culinary classes, holiday dining, and winter at the estate. Additionally, Guest & VIP Experience Manager Bram Bolwijn discusses the winery's Iconic Experiences.

This week's podcast explores the renowned Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy, with a particular focus on the village of San Felice, known for its scenic vineyards. The episode includes insights from Leonardo Bellaccini, Head Winemaker and Technical Director at San Felice Estates, who discusses two notable wines: the San Felice Vermentino IGT Toscana 2024 and Il Grigio da San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2021. We then head to B.C.'s Similkameen Valley, where Corcelettes Estate Winery Managing Partner, Charlie Baesslar, comments on the state of affairs across the valley and updates us on some current releases, how to navigate the upcoming holiday visiting hours, and ordering wine in time for the big day. A bit further east, Matt Kenyon, Founder of District Wine Village in Oliver, offers updates on festive activities at the village, including the chance to ice skate and check out the holiday lights with kids. Finally, Sandy Leier, Winemaker at Laughing Stock Vineyards—the recipient of the 2025 Wine Align National Wine Awards Top Performing Small Winery of the Year award shares some current recommended selections from the Naramata Bench suitable for the holiday table.

This week on the podcast, Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, joins us to share details about the upcoming festivities in March 2026. Tickets for the public tasting events are now available. This year's featured region is France. Jen Oishi, Winemaker at Gray Monk Winery, discusses the Gray Monk 2022 Odyssey Rosé Brut and the German Christmas Market happening at Gray Monk on Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30. We then head to Summerland to catch up with Mason Spink, Winemaker at Dirty Laundry, who offers some holiday wine gifting ideas. Finally, we travel to Sicily to speak with Frank Cornelissen, estate owner, about his winery, the surrounding natural landscape—including olive orchards—and the vineyards in the northern valley of the active volcano Etna, in eastern Sicily.

This week's podcast spotlights Óscar Salas, winemaker at Viña Santa Rita—a winery established in 1880 by Don Domingo Fernández Concha, who introduced top-tier French grape varieties to Maipo Valley's fertile soils. Salas presents a new label featuring the Alto Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon. Joining him is Jean-Marc Enixon, Director of Winemaking at Phantom Creek Estates, who will recommend wines for the holiday season, including the 2022 Small Lot Evernden Riesling and Phantom Creek's 2022 Estate Cabernet Franc. The show also offers plenty of festive ideas for experiencing downtown Vancouver, with insights from Darcy Hagan, Director of Weddings and Luxury Events at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and Nicholas Hall, Food and Beverage Director. Lastly, Erni Loosen, owner of Germany's renowned Dr. Loosen winery in the Moselle Valley, shares his deep knowledge and lifelong passion for Riesling—a tradition the Loosen family has nurtured in the Mosel region for more than 200 years.

On this week's podcast, we catch up with Stacy Hornemann, Winemaker at Blue Grouse Estate, who brings a couple of signature Vancouver Island wines to the show, including the 2024 Ortega, Stacy's take on an Island classic, plus we taste the 2023 Pinot Noir. Then, it's off to the South Okanagan to reconnect with Michael Kullman, Winemaker and General Manager at Osoyoos Larose, to discuss the Le Grand Vin 2022 and the Petales 2022, as well as a general update on the vines. Also in the Osoyoos area, we speak with Cassandra Hood, Owner and Estate Manager of Over the Fence Winery, about their family-run operation and some holiday wine ideas. Finally, we catch up with Julien Revillon, a Beaujolais-born winemaker and owner of Dominique Piron in Morgon, France. The noted Piron family have been winegrowers in the commune of Morgon for 14 generations.

On this week's show, we catch up with Mike Dowell, Vintner/Owner, Liber Estates who joins us with a recovery report on all three of the Liber vineyards in Similkameen, Osoyoos-US Border, and on Highway 97. Then to Verona where we speak with Alessandro Pasqua, Family Member, President, Pasqua, USA, as Pasqua marks its 100th year making wine in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Bernard Retornaz, Executive Advisor, Louis Latour offers deep appreciation for Burgundy’s winemaking heritage as it continues to shape the success of Louis Latour, fostering a legacy in the world of fine wine. In July 2025, Bernard retired as president and now serves as an executive advisor to the board and Louis Latour brand ambassador. Plus we recall a conversation with Teresita Ovalle, Senior Head Winemaker, Viña Santa Rita and their wines planted on the stony slopes of a vineyard in Alto Jahuel, in the heart of Alto Maipo, about 40 minutes south, of Santiago, Chile

This week we travel to southwest France to interview Marie Pinceloup, Export Manager for the renowned Alain Brumont. She discusses Madiran's tradition of excellence and Alain Brumont's enduring legacy as the visionary responsible for elevating Madiran to international prominence, transforming Château Montus into a benchmark for Tannat-based wines. Charlotte Rawa, Senior Brand Ambassador for Penfolds Wines in the Americas, provides an in-depth perspective on the Coonawarra Cabernet revival and highlights how Penfolds Bin 169 exemplifies the elegance and strength of Coonawarra's terra rossa soils. Ana Maria Cumsille, Chief Winemaker at Viña Carmen, presents a distinguished Sémillon that has established the winery among Chile's most innovative producers. Additionally, DJ Kearney, Global Wine Expert, and Wine Director at the Terminal City Club, Vancouver, shares her recommendations for sparkling wines, including a curated list of the top five BC sparklers not to miss during the holiday season.

On this week's show, we are on-location at Unsworth Vineyards in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island. Joining us is Nick Bevan, President of Jackson Wine Estates International. We talk about the new winery & tasting room: how that raises the profile of Cowichan and the belief and investment of a prominent wine family into helping to build a world class wine region. As well we catch up with Dan Wright, Winemaker, Unsworth Vineyards, and Chris Turyk, Sales & Marketing Director to talk about Sparkling wine, along with current releases and a fall release of the 2024 Pinot Blanc. We will also dig deep into the unique characteristics of the terroir, and find out how Unsworth is farming regeneratively and sustainably in the Cowichan Valley.

On this week's show, we catch up with Olivier Humbrecht, Master of Wine, Consulting Winemaker, Phantom Creek Estates, to discuss the white wine program and his views on the Similkameen Valley. Then we speak with Alessandro Lunardi, Director of North America for the famed Montalcino producer Tenuta Luce. Lunardi discusses the Montalcino terroir, as well as Merlot and Sangiovese, and the 30th anniversary of Luce 2022, the winery's flagship wine. Notable wine personality Sue Hodder, Senior Winemaker at Wynns Coonawarra Estate, returns to Vancouver to join us to discuss the seldom-made Michael Shiraz and the latest 2018 iteration in the market, named after the founder, David Wynn's son. Then we cap off the show with a 2025 harvest update from B.C. with wine marketing guru and MW, Geoffrey Moss. Oh, and we also discuss the strike and the devastating effects of the BCGEU shutdown on the hospitality business.

This week, we are on location at the new Evolve Sparkling House on the Naramata Bench in Penticton and are joined by owners Ron and Shelley Mayert. It is a family-owned winery in the heart of British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley at the entrance to Naramata Bench. Specializing in sparkling wines, the winery is focused on traditional method expressions, along with a couple of wines crafted using the Charmat method - each made with care and a commitment to quality. Also joining us are nearby neighbours Tony Holler, Owner, and Chris Holler, General Manager of Poplar Grove Winery, who share an optimistic outlook on the year so far. Then, we travel to the Black Sage Bench with guest Ryan McKibbon, Head Winemaker at Black Hills Estate Winery. Finally, we cross the lake from Evolve Sparkling House to catch up with Summerland's Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery.