Tasting Room Radio - September 26, 2012

In-your-face reaction to David Suzuki’s slam of the boutique wineries of the Okanagan on last week’s show.
Rob Feenie talks about his fourth book, Casual Classics.
Then the first organized BC wine tour by Oregon’s leading wineries.

THE SHOW

OK, first things first (even bigger than our lead story).
We can’t fit Bubbles into today’s show. I had promised Mike Smith, “Bubbles” from the Trailer Park Boys but because of the Suzuki kafuffle Mike got bumped to next week. Sorry Bubbles fans.
 
Now to David Suzuki.


Last week David wailed on the boutique wineries of the Okanagan.
"I hate these boutique vineyards.   These are not  REAL winemakers, they’re just rich people who want to have a little hobby." And that was just for openers. My phone started to ring and my twitter account went sideways.
Joining us right off the top are...
John Clerides of Marquis Wine Cellars. He was so “moved” when  he heard about it in Santa Barbara that he  jumped at the chance.
Same with Bill Eggert of Fairview Cellars – a boutique winery. Bill slaps Dr Suzuki upside the head.
The last voice belongs to John Skinner , the hard working owner of Painted Rock, south of Penticton.

There are a number of topics covered - lack of water, ego driven wineries, the shrinking fruit crop of the Valley and the loss of the lifestyle David and family had become accustomed to.

I just try to stand back and let them have at it.
It certainly won’t be the end of the subject.
That’s one thing David does as well as anyone.
He inserts himself into a situation and when he’s done, leaves the discussions raging.
We start the segment with an edited version of  David’s original statement.


Rob Feenie is the food concept architect for Cactus Club restaurants. He’s also the Executive Chef and was declared the BC Gold Medal Plates winner in 2009 and 2011.
Canada's first Iron Chef America Champion. Rob Feenie has been crafting simple yet special recipes throughout his celebrated career. Now, the longtime leader in the casual fine dining movement reveals his favourite recipes for the best meals in life: everyday cooking with family and friends.


Feenie first wowed diners with his innovative tasting menus at the inventive Lumiere restaurant in Vancouver. Today, he creates delicious family-style recipes for Cactus Club restaurants.

Rob Feenie's Casual Classics brings together the best of these innovative and approachable meals. From such fundamental recipes as roasted tomato sauce and juicy poached chicken to globally inspired dishes like barbecued duck spring rolls, quinoa jambalaya and braised osso buco, these are real-life recipes - modern classics that are adaptable to budgets, dietary restrictions and busy schedules. Every recipe has been tested in Feenie's home kitchen in meals with friends and family, and approved by his own three kids, ages 3, 6 and 7.

And he’s not going to be slowing down anytime soon. Besides the new Coal Harbour location coming in December,  Cactus Club has just announced they’ll be opening their first store in Toronto in 2013.


Then we round the corner and hook up with 4 leaders of the Oregon wine industry:


Adam Campbell is the owner/winemaker at Elk Cove. He is a second generation Oregon winemaker and joined forces with his parents at Elk Cove in 1995.

Alex Sokol Blosser is co-President of Sokol Blosser and a second generation winegrower. He is the son of Sokol Blosser’s founders, Susan Sokol Blosser and Bill Blosser. You can read more about him here.

Cole Danehower is Editor-in-Chief of Northwest Palate.

DeweyWeddington

Dewey Weddington is Director of Marketing and Education, Oregon Wine Board

It’s the first time an organized Oregon tour has come through Western Canada. Surprising, since we are their best foreign customer. I think we all know about Oregon Pinot Noir but each of the guests above talk about other aspects of Oregon wines. 75 wines from 24 producers. They all showed up to pour for Vancouver wine fans. AND the wine welcome mat is open down South. Its not that far away..and the wines are sooooo  good.

Consider this segment a crash course on Oregon and its wineries. We can all learn together. Enjoy.


STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Banfi
Chappell Hill
Benjamin Bridge
Antonia Mantonakis Brock University
Hawksworth Launches a house wine with Orofino
Joy of Feeding
Hayley Hamilton – Dallas Sommelier
East meets West Quang Dang vs Jeremy Charles
Salt Spring Island revisited
Actor Mike Smith leaves Bubbles behind
Steamworks sends out the beer love
The 9th annual Naramata Tailgate Party
Summerland pours the juice
Putting on The Ritz in San Francisco
Summerhill debuts Ariel..14 year old bubble
Joe Avati – The Italian Galleon
The Lenarduzzis
A Spirits Special
Stags Hollow
Gray Monk 30-40-50
Woodward Canyon
Ruba Nadda – Film Director
Jay Jones – Mixology
Foxtrox and Blue Water Cafe