Wine

Okanagan Road Trip – Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery

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Overlooking the Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna is Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery. Established as a grape growing business in 1968 and founded as a winery in 1999, Mt. Boucherie operated a modest tasting room until 2020, when it opened the 15,000-square-foot facility my husband and I visited last week. The modern but classic tasting room … Read more

Nebbiolo at Franco’s: A Tasting of Italy’s Noble Grape

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Another week, another tasting at Franco’s Liquor Store in Kelowna. This time, the spotlight was on Nebbiolo—one of Italy’s most prestigious (and temperamental) grape varieties. Often called the “king of grapes,” Nebbiolo is primarily grown in the Piedmont region, where its expression shifts dramatically depending on the local terroir. Key areas include Barolo, Barbaresco, Langhe, … Read more

Old Vintages with Winemaker Matt Dumayne

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As I was about to leave the Rosé Rodeo at Haywire’s Garnet Valley Ranch Winery recently, I had the chance to catch up with winemaker Matt Dumayne, who was eager for me to try some odds and sods he found lurking around at the back of the winery. First up was the 2015 XC Method … Read more

Rosé Rodeo with @Sam_TheWineTeacher

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Summertime is Rosé time, but if you’re like me, anytime is Rosé time.  Rosé is one of the most versatile wines out there – bright, juicy, food-friendly and endlessly diverse.  It can be made from nearly any red grape, in styles ranging from crisp and bone-dry to lush and fruit-driven.  Fortunately, most people have finally … Read more

Celebrate California Wine Month this September at Phantom Pour: A Centennial Toast

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Celebrate California Wine Month this September at Phantom Pour: A Centennial Toast September is officially California Wine Month, and wine lovers will have a special reason to raise their glasses at Phantom Pour: A Centennial Toast, a premier wine tasting fundraiser presented by Cathedral High School Alumni, taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at … Read more

Merlot Tasting With Friends

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The world of wine can be overwhelming—and rightly so. There are countless grape varieties to explore: whites like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris (a.k.a. Pinot Grigio), Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier, just to name a few. On the red side, many wine lovers are familiar with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot … Read more