Sam The Wine Teacher 
Granite Falls Regional Park is located just a short distance east of Mission on Ridgeview Rd in Deroche. Just follow Highway 7 and look for the sign, just before the turn at Sylvester Road. The suspension bridge is one of three in the lower mainland along with Capilano and Lynn Valley. The Cascade Falls bridge … Read more
2013 Syrah (Marcus Ansems) Daydreamer Penticton, BC $34.90 Gold Medal Marcus Ansem is Daydreamer’s high-end label. Marcus Ansem, the winemaker, has taken a leap of faith to put his own name on these wines, but to date it has been a prudent move. These are impressive wines. Garnet black in colour with deep intensity. The … Read more
Fall has arrived. With the arrival of the new season, and the leaves turning colour, it’s time for bringing out the sweaters and a time for new dishes in the kitchen. Chef Castro Boateng has presented a mouth-watering recipe for Braised Short Ribs Confit with garlic pommes puree and wild mushroom jus. We tend to … Read more
If you are a fan of BC wines, this wine fest is one of the highlights of the year. If you are a pinot noir freak, then this is THE best wine celebration of the year, hands down. The third annual BC Pinot Noir Celebration was held in August in Kaleden, BC. Kaleden is a small … Read more
2012 St. Nick (Rosé) Hidden Chapel Oliver, BC $19.90 A blend of cabernet sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Riesling. This wine does not resemble a rosé; it looks more like a light red wine. Ruby red in colour with medium intensity. Cranberry and red currant, with a hint of cherry and spice on … Read more
Before the season comes to an end be sure to visit a local farmers market in your area. I’ve always meant to support local farmers’ markets. I understand the benefits of supporting them. It puts money directly into the pockets of the people involved, and you get produce that was likely picked that morning or … Read more
If you are of a certain age, the word Chianti will make you think of the straw-basketed wine fiasco bottles of early college days. Admit it, you stuck a candle in the bottle once it was empty and it became a romantic centerpiece when you decided to impress a date with your culinary skills. … Read more
Provence Restaurants’ chef Alessander Quaglia has submitted a savory summer treat for this weeks Taste of Thursday – Fresh Tomato Tarte. This would make a lovely dinner side dish when sitting on a sunny patio, or as a luncheon served with a fresh salad. The wines that pop immediately into my head tend to … Read more
At the 2015 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, BC wineries took home an impressive amount of hardware. Mission Hill was, once again, recognized as Winery of the Year. It will come as no surprise to fans, that the top ten BC wineries this year, included: Mission Hill, Arrowleaf, Road 13, Church & State, C.C. … Read more
Rob Feenie is one of Vancouver’s iconic chefs and there is no question that he has brought a lot of talent to the Cactus Club team. His Blue Cheese and Apple Coleslaw recipe this week initially presents a few conflicting challenges. Blue cheese immediately makes me think of something sweet, while the apple and salad … Read more