In the Photo: the Naramata Bench Wineries Association is known for the wonderful art it commissions for the posters announcing the annual Spring Release tasting, but this charming little scene by 3-D illustrator Matt Roussell depicting characters at a poster art show may be the best yet. Check out the bust with the wine bottles coming out of its head.
NEWS FROM THE OKANAGAN
Vincor is the latest winery to hire an in-house chef. We hear that Roger Planinden, the executive chef of the Fairmont Hotel at the Vancouver International Airport and its restaurant (YVR), has been hired away to the Okanagan to oversee all activity of a culinary nature at the company's wineries at Sumac Ridge, See Ya Later Ranch and Nk'Mip .
Up till now, Sumac Ridge had been leasing out its on-location restaurant, Cellar Door Bistro, but this will now be run under the corporate umbrella. Apparently however, we will still be able to see former Cellar Bistro chef Neil Schroeter as he makes appearances at Farmers' Markets around the Valley this summer, selling his line of fresh pastas, stocks, and other food items.
Still, with Sumac Ridge, Roger Gillespie, who formerly ran the wine shops at both SR and See Ya Later Ranch is reported to be opening a new takeout and deli in Summerland.
Also a bright light in the local catering scene, Joy Road Catering has been so successful with their Sunday dinner series on God's Mountain, they have added a new project to their line up. Come this summer they will be conducting weekly winemakers dinners featuring a different winery each week. The dinners will take place every Thursday night. We recommend that you keep an eye on these and reserve early. As with the Sunday night dinners, they are expected to book out well in advance.
Lots of activity too in the Naramata region.
The Naramata Bench Wineries Organization is again preparing to present their popular Spring Release event. (See poster above). This year, the show will take place on April 14, 2008, and 22 wineries will be featured. The chosen venue will again be the Roundhouse in Yaletown. The trade tasting is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. and a later event in co-operation with several Vancouver restaurants will take place starting at 6 p.m. for the public.
Fans of the Naramata boutique wineries may also want to note the 'Naramata Unfiltered Wine Education Retreat'. This is the consumer version of a program initiated for sommeliers in 2007 and should be similar in format except that it will not include the final "Olympics competition". Not that a little three-legged, wine barrel racing wouldn't be good exercise for most anyone. More info at http://www.naramatabench.com/events.asp.
