There are many reasons why I love the Naramata Bench. It is on this stretch of a road that winds 26 kilometers from Penticton to the village of Naramata, amongst the 40 wineries that reside here - we find Moraine Winery. At only 10 minutes from Penticton, Moraine finds itself in the heart of it all. Here you will find - good wine, a gorgeous lake view and fabulous sunsets.

​​Meet Dwight Sick, winemaker at Moraine Winery. He’s busy selecting tanks and barrels and blending wine for perfection. Dwight is not a newbie to the valley, or to winemaking. In fact after 15 vintages, this veteran winemaker still considers himself a “student”. Recognizing that all wines begin in the vineyard, Dwight believes Moraine has a unique micro climate affect by the lakes influence and this along with the regime of sustainable practices in their elevated vineyard sites will result in award winning, age-worthy wines.

Wine Recommendations for “Rising Stars of Southern France”

​Where are we?
The Pays d'Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon region) is located in the south of France delineated to the west by the border of Spain and to the east Montpellier. It contributes approximately 25% of the total wine production in France. It has long been considered the bulk wine capital of France, sometimes called a “wine lake”. Land is considerably less expensive here and terroir supports a wide variety of grapes. Increasing new wine makers are finding their way to this region and building brands. This historic and ancient are with its a hilly and rocky land that is oriented towards the Mediterranean sea. Diversity is the key of this region. The south west is influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean with strong winds providing both positive and negative benefits. Blowing winds are helpful in reducing humidity and therefore the risk of disease and pests. Not only is this a beautiful area of France that has perhaps been overlooked, it also is the “rising star” of red wine.

Why am I always out of white wine?
​
​It’s one of the great mysteries in my house. While all seasons - spring, summer, fall and winter - have a place for white wine, whites in my home are lacking. If however, you look in my cellar, you will find excellent bottles of Chardonnay and Riesling, both age worthy and fantastic food wines. You could conclude then that despite my complaining, and the winter freeze, I do have white wines at home and that sipping these chilled styles with elegant flavours and textures is part of my holiday delight. You would be correct!

"Amen Brother – It’s Burgundy” is a title for our Burgundy session that pays tribute to one of the most famous wine regions in the world and its history of influence of the Roman Catholic Church - popes and monks alike. It's a story of preferential taxation exemptions, innovative and collective farming practices and the accumulation of land over time which lead to the establishment of some of the most famous vineyards in the world. These vineyards were tended by Cistercian monks and convent sisters alike. While Napolean put an end to this, the fact remains that religion had an everlasting impact on development of the wine industry in France and arguably around the world.

Bubbles, bubbles - I love bubbles. Why? Because ​bubbles can be served on their own or with food. In fact, bubbles go with everything. My favourite champagne pairings are: hot buttered truffle salt popcorn; Miss Vicky’s Sea Salt kettle chips; Pringles Plain; Juke fried chicken; Rodney’s oysters on the half shell, Provence seared scallops, Café  St. Thomas lobster benny – and so much more!

It’s Beaujolais Nouveau celebration this Thursday! Yes, it’s the third Thursday in November! Under French law, the first wine is released on this date after a successful harvest.

Let’s join France and wine lovers everywhere this Thursday November 19, and raise a glass after opening a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau. Here in Vancouver that may mean - get out your umbrellas, masks and join the celebration outside as they do in France, at the beach. Fireworks? Maybe not, but if we drink until dawn you will know why!