​Summer is here, and the time is right—right now! With perfect weather in Kelowna, there's something for everyone. Whether you love the lake, the vineyards, hiking, or fine dining, you’ve got options. Here’s a curated list of events, restaurants, wineries, and stories you won’t want to miss if you’re in Kelowna or planning a visit in the next few weeks. Follow the links, book online, and cheers to you and a hot summer in Kelowna! 

Portugal is an historic country on the Atlantic seaboard of the west coast of the Iberian peninsula and it has captured the world's attention. Whether the attraction to Portugal is for its affordability, beauty or history, it seems that Taylor’s Port has also found its moment in the sun. Taylor's is an iconic brand with a storied past, making tawny, ruby, white and vintage port - most especially the sweet, powerful, age-worthy, collectible vintage wines. Tradition aside, Taylor's recently launched Portonic, a port based cocktail in the ready-to-drink category (RTD), available only in recyclable aluminium cans. Will Port be rolling off the tongues of new, young enthusiasts? With sustainable practices on one hand and consumer focus on the other, Taylor’s is looking to the future.

You might say 2022 GSM from Hester Creek Winery is beguiling. It's profile and complexity fans of Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada. The ruby hue is classic, the sensory profile is full of attitude red, black and blue fruits with a floral backdrop and peppery spice and the dry, textured finish. Its a nod to expertise and a great vintage, like the persona of Miranda Priestly. This daring and bold idea from a British Columbia winery, challenging established wines of France, Australia and even Washington State, is audacious. It's a new style for BC and it's cultivated by the changing climate and clever winemakers. ​Here is the story about an exceptional wine experience from Hester Creek Estate Winery and their new and daring release of 2022 GSM - Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. ​

What does it take to transition into the wine business? Meet this charming personality that is the face of Corcelettes Estate Winery in the Similkameen Valley of beautiful British Columbia. Jesce Baessler fell in love 15 years ago and now finds herself deeply involved in the wine industry with husband/partner Charlie.  Originally from the great white north, Jesce thought she was going to be a veterinarian, but those plans were forever altered after spending a summer with her mom in Cawston. Now Jesce spends her time between raising a family and hosting guests at the Winery. If you haven't visited the "organic farming capital" of BC, now is the time.  Thanks for a great chat Jesce. 

Meet Naramata Bench winemaker, Lyndsay O'Rourke and hear about her journey to wine. After a hospitality career in Whistler she headed with her husband Graham to New Zealand to study at Lincoln University where she found her science and agricultural undergrad degree came in very handy. Lyndsay is an award winning winemaker and working with her viticulturist husband, the team at Tightrope is making world class wine. 

Although she refers to herself as a bit of a science geek, Alison Moyes is all charm and grace. She has spent more than a decade in the Okanagan Valley making a name for herself, so much so, that her reputation precedes her. Her 2016 Liquidity Chardonnay won "Chardonnay Du Monde". Originally from Ontario, Alison studied at both Dalhousie and then Brock University where she completed her thesis on the tasting sensitivities between the sexes. Who do you think came out on top? Women of course. 

​Sometimes you just have to stretch yourself. Can I do it? I'm stepping into the world of video (long & short) on YouTube. Inspirational wine people who have gone before me like Gary Vee, Konstantin Baum and Dr Matthew Horkey. They make it look easy. Now, I'm grabbing my confidence, like a saber and looping the cap on creativity off! Good Wine Gal videos and podcast are on YouTube. Cheers to raising the profile of BC's good wine guys and gals. Here is my first interview with Benoit Gauthier, Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at Noble Ridge Winery, Okanagan Falls, BC. He's terrific.

Love doesn't just happen on February 14th. It's everyday in everyway. But if you miss the opportunity to shower your loved one with love, you might end up getting the cold shoulder or worse, ghosted. ​It won't take but a few minutes and a little effort to make your lover feel special and isn't that the key to a happy life? If you are looking for the perfect sip to celebrate your love, check out these beauties. Paired with a few oysters on the half shell and boom - perfection. ​My advice, don't skip over or skimp on Valentine's Day. ​

When was the last time you visited Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park? A road trip in 2023 rekindled my love for this amazing beach destination. If you need a reason to visit, read on. Attending the Tofino Wine & Dine in June and the Tofino Oyster Fest in November were highlights in 2023 for this wine gal. 

Furmint, (pronounced "For-Mint") is a white wine grape variety indigenous to the Tokaj region of Hungary where it is grown predominantly and used in the making of sparking, sweet and dry white wine. February 1st marks #furmintday, the social media online celebration and the first of the World Wine Days in 2024. Join the conversation by grabbing a bottle, inviting a friend and sampling the best that Hungary has to offer. Take a few pictures, and upload to Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #furmintday. Join the conversation and meet other wine lovers as the World Wine Days celebrations kick off 2024. If you haven't downloaded the calendar, click for your copy. 

You don't have to give me a reason to sip my favorite beverage for I'm a passionate wine gal. But I have studied and am fully invested in the wine business. What if you are just beginning to advance your wine life? Could I offer 43 reasons to join me? Check out the 2024 World Wine Days Calendar. It makes learning about wine fun and easy. It's also a free and instantly downloadable file that anyone can use. The only other steps: get a bottle; invite a friend; and post a picture with the appropriate hashtag to meet up where wine lovers will be celebrating on Facebook and Instagram. If at first you don't succeed, there are 42 more reasons to try again. Celebrate and learn about the wine world's favorite varieties with the 2024 World Wine Days Calendar. It's a low cost and easy way to move the needle on your wine education. 

Happy New Year Wine Lover! How was your holiday? I was surrounded by family and friends, playing games, hiking in the woods, sipping good wine and noshing all kinds of deliciousness. I'm optimistic about 2024 as a result. This year I am celebrating my decade in the wine industry. To kick things off, I'm going to share my bold predictions which are: continued growth in sparkling wine; winery efforts to reduce environmental impacts; the continued interest in Italian Wine; rise of non-alcoholic beverages; and wines from lesser known regions. Let me know what you think by leaving your comments below. If you like good wine, good food and good friends, keep in touch and I'll look forward to sharing it all with you in 2024.  

Let's wrap 2023 up in a neat bow and toss into the past. It's time to take stock of all that has transpired. The wine cellar is a bit more depleted, the friends are more scattered around the globe than I would prefer and travel is confounded by wars and tensions. Whatever the case, its time sip something to raise our spirits. Why not bubbles!?! Some might argue I'm addicted to champagne, but I could think of worse things. Truth is, I'm addicted to the occasions that can be celebrated with a white wine glass full of a elixir of dry, racy aromas and flavours supported by tiny, delicate pearls. I like the effervescence that bubbles bring to my palate and mood. Add a few oysters on the half shell and we've got a party. Because I like to share, here is my short list of bargains to help you ring in the New Year.

Is there a definitive meaning to sustainability?
Ray Anderson’s rule "leave the planet better than we found it!"
Read about Cedar Creek Winery and how they are doing just that.​

The unpredictable weather patterns of 2022 didn't bypass Cedar Creek Winery. In fact, -26C for a few December nights caused serious bud damage. This spring, to address bud damage, more canes were laid with more spurs to increase the chances of leaves, flowers and fruit. “It could have been worse had it not been for the influence of the lake," says Graham Nordin, GM of Iconic Wineries of British Columbia. Cedar Creek has been going through a metamorphosis since 2017.  

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, said "change is the only constant in life." How right was he..

​When the sun rises over the eastern mountains of the Okanagan Valley, it showers warmth across the western shore and brings life to West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland and Kaleden. The sounds of bees, birds, babies and tractors signal the return of life and another growing season. The question on everyone's mind is “will there be grapes?’ Here in the heart of wine country the answer is yes. There will be grapes. There are also new wineries to visit and new styles of wine to taste. In Summerland, with it's recently established sub-appellations, the new winery beginnings include the re-visioned Haywire Vineyards and Winery, (previously Okanagan Crush Pad), Garnet Valley Ranch and Solvero Wines. Did you know that Bottleneck Drive touring routes include all of these? The excitement is real and tasting rooms are ready to welcome visitors.