On the road and visiting three of the best wineries in the Okanagan Valley. Meyer Family Vineyards, Osoyoos LaRose and Bill Eggert’s Fairview Cellars.

The Wine Diva talks about their wines and gives us her take on Vancouver during the Olympics and finally one of only three Master Sommeliers in Canada, James Cluer checks in.

THE SHOW

Its always been my wish to get in the car and drive down Highway 97 in the Okanagan, visiting favourite winemakers and labels along the way. And of course, take you along with me.

We start with Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls. Owner Jak Meyer and Winemaker Chris Carson walk us through their outstanding Micro Cuvee Chardonnay, their Tribute Chard (this year dedicated to Steve Yzerman).

We also give you the goods on their about-to-be-released McLean Creek and Central Okanagan Pinot Noirs.

Winemaker Chris spent 8 years making wine in New Zealand and the great Chardonnay region of Montrachet. These wines are going to be snapped up..we give you all the information necessary to get to the front of the line. This is a two part chatfest!! www.MFVwines.com

Jumping into the car, we head south but only as far as Oliver..because just south of town lives The Legend..Winemaker, Grower, Educator and Troublemaker Bill Eggert.

He’s not really a trouble maker but he does speak his mind and he has lots of opinions. Bill will admit he’s a grower first and foremost but there’s no slack in his winemaking.

He’s also been a teacher in the local college and those growers he taught have gone on to become growers and winemakers all over BC.
But he does have his secrets and one them is making killer wines and blends. The names say it all: The Bear…Madcap Red…Two Hoots…His Cab and Cab blends are keepers for cellars…His Cab Franc is prime stuff…See if his Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon isn’t the juice of tall tales.

We find Bill playing his old piano in the small log cabin he calls his tasting Room. All the rest of this two parter is pure fun!
www.fairviewcellars.ca

HOUR TWO

Pascal Madevon is a true Winemaker. He was working in Bordeaux several years ago, making great wines when he was approached by two giants of the winemaking World, Vincor and Groupe Taillan from France.

Their plan was to have him make great wines in BC’s Okanagan Valley. After he looked it up on a map and then checked out the Terrior..he went to his wife and said “shall we go?”

Yes was the answer and we are all better for her decision. Two fine wines come from his small part of the Jackson-Triggs complex in the South Okanagan. Oyosoos LaRose – Le Grand Vin and Pétales d’Osoyoos.

Here’s a two part interview with one of the best in the business..Pascal Madevon.

Daenna Van Mulligen is The Wine Diva.

This week she gives us a report on how Vancouver is coping with the Olympic Games..plus she reflects on the three wineries we visit this week.. It’s a short report because she had events to attend and parties to crash. www.winediva.ca

And finally..

There are only three Master of Wines in Canada, James Cluer is one of them. He teaches, consults and moves through the World of Wine with class and distinction. He consulted on the first wines for the Meyer Family..

We cover a lot of ground here..there not much he doesn’t know about. “welcome James”. www.finevintageltd.com

Enjoy TDM