Food & Wine Trails March/April 2022

WINERIES / FOOD & DRINK RECIPES / WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

Food &

WINE TRAILS MARCH|APRIL 2022

INSIDE w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia

H O M E A W AY FROM HOME PA G E 4

PICNIC IN THE OKANAGAN PA G E 6

C R E AT E Y O U R WINE TRAIL PA G E 1 2

Come for the wine, stay for the view.

Located on the Golden Mile Bench, overlooking the sun-drenched valley, Tinhorn Creek offers an unrivaled guest experience.

Join us for a seated wine experience on our covered patio or linger for a while at the award-winning Miradoro restaurant.

250-498-3742

1-888-505-5537 537 Tinhorn Creek Road - Oliver, BC

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

OL IV ER TASTE AWARD-WINNING WINES AT TINHORN CREEK JENNA HICKMAN

It’s no secret that the Okanagan Valley is home to many of Canada’s most internationally celebrated wines, Tinhorn Creek being one of them. Established in 1993, the winery has been making its mark for almost three decades.

Perched on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC, Tinhorn Creek offers panoramic valley views that span all the way to Osoyoos Lake. From inside the tasting room or outside on the patio, visitors can gaze upon the arid desert-like landscape that makes the southern Okanagan region truly unique.

“The Okanagan is fantastic because you have wine professionals from all over the world in one place sharing their knowledge,” says Leandro Nosal, head winemaker at Tinhorn Creek.

The Argentinian born winemaker fell in love with the Okanagan on his first visit and relocated to the valley shortly after.

“It’s an exciting place to be crafting wine because there is so much versatility and room for creativity. Within the Okanagan, I think the Golden Mile Bench has one of the most interesting terroirs, and I strive to showcase that uniqueness in our wines.”

AWARD WINNERS

Tinhorn Creek recently took home numerous accolades that showcase the calibre of their wines. The 2018 Reserve Merlot won a gold medal at the 2021 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada with an impressive 92 points.

The 2020 Gewürztraminer won a National Wine Award of Canada, and the 2020 Pinot Gris won a BC Lieutenant Governor’s Award.

This spring, Tinhorn Creek is releasing a newly imagined Rosé diverging from the traditional Cabernet Franc dominant styles of the past into a new, delicate, and complex blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

The winery will be releasing their Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris later this spring, two grapes that thrive in the relatively cool and rocky soils of the Golden Mile Bench, producing crisp, aromatic wines.

PINOT GRIS IN OAK AND CONCRETE

The Pinot Gris will be further evolved this year by Nosal and his team by using more oak, and a concrete vessel versus the usual stainless-steel vessel, bringing different components to the blend.

“The concrete vessel adds structure to the wine while still respecting the character of the fruit,” says Nosal. “Then, by using a bit of neutral oak, it brings a nice complexity and body to the wine.”

TASTY EXPERIENCES

To try the wines yourself, stop by Tinhorn Creek and choose from their spectacular range of unique wine flights to experience: Enjoy the Seated Tasting Flight where you’ll sip and savour four portfolio wines curated by one of Tinhorn’s experienced wine associates in a relaxed atmosphere.

Learn about the history of Tinhorn Creek and the South Okanagan while exploring the tasting effects of various glass stemware in the private Varietal Stemware Experience. Or challenge your wine knowledge and friends in the blind Black Glass Experience challenge.

Later this spring, Tinhorn Creek will add a new wine experience to their repertoire, with their Library Lounge Experience. Surrounded by wines, guests will be immersed in the history of Tinhorn Creek’s past while

tasting and comparing the different years and growing conditions of various vintages of Tinhorn Creek’s most acclaimed library wines.

WINE CLUB PERKS

If you can’t choose just one wine flight to experience, join Tinhorn Creek’s wine club and receive complimentary standard tastings for yourself and three guests at Tinhorn Creek, as well as Black Hills, Gray Monk, Red Rooster, and Sandhill. You’ll gain exclusive access to new wine releases and the gorgeous guesthouse on the vineyard property.

Wine club members also receive a 15 per cent discount on all wine and merchandise as well as access to exclusive member events and dinners.

The Tinhorn Creek Tasting Room is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. The winery strongly encourages reservations; however, they will do their best to accommodate walk-ins.

For more information about Tinhorn Creek, the wine club, or to book a wine flight experience, please contact 888484-6467 or visit tinhorn.com.

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K E L OWNA KANATA HOTEL: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME DARCY NYBO

The Kanata Hotel is the perfect place to stay when visiting the Okanagan. We spoke to Assistant Manager Hannah Murphy and asked why people should stay at Kanata.

SHOPPING GALORE

“The Kanata is near several malls and with brand name stores you can easily walk to,” Murphy said. “If you’re looking for something a little more unique, it’s 10 minutes to downtown, where you’ll find a wonderful assortment of original boutiques and shops.

You’ll also find award winning wineries, breweries and a distillery.”

INDOOR FUN

Pack swim suits for the entire family as the Kanata has two water slides and a huge pool for the kids and kids at heart.

Indoor golf and an arcade are a few minutes up the highway, and if you like laser tag, you’re in luck. Kanata partners with a local laser tag company and gives their guests a coupon.

OUTDOOR FUN

“We have many golf courses that partner with Kanata,” Murphy said. “You’ll have plenty of different courses to play. We have also partnered with BC Golf Guides and BC Golf Safaris to package golf, accommodation and transportation, so all you have to do is show up.”

There are several lakes in the area for lazing about on the beach and renting watercraft.

“If you like a nice day in nature, we are within walking distance to Mill Creek and Mission Creek parks which are great for local hikes, and they are dog friendly.”

WINE TOURS

“We have a great partnership with Sip Wine Tours where they pick you up, give you 10% off wine tours and drop you off. It’s that easy,” Murphy explained.

INSIDE THE HOTEL

Enjoy breakfast bar at Kanata. “There’s an array of breakfast items,” Murphy explained.

“We have scrambled eggs, muffins, pancakes, sausages, bacon, juices, cereals, and more. For those that want to eat out, there’s a new breakfast place across the street.”

The Kanata is also a pet friendly hotel. “We have one area strictly for guests travelling with pets,” Murphy explained. “Another area is designated as pet free, so people will be comfortable knowing pets have not been in their room.

REWARDS

“We are excited about the changes in the hotel,” Murphy said. “We are finishing up some renovations so there are lots of rooms with new paint, carpet and furniture.”

“Our rewards program is called Guestbook Rewards,” Murphy said. “If you sign up before your arrival, you get 5% cashback on your stay or 15% off another stay in the future. New members can also get 20% off if they book directly with the hotel.

Inside the rooms, guests will find a Telus 55” Optic TV, Keurig coffee maker, and a fridge and a microwave. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi in every room, free parking and electric chargers.

Whether you’re a sports team, a business group, a family or a single traveller, the Kanata Hotel has everything you need to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. More info at kanatainns.com/locations/hotel-in-kelowna-bc/

The Perfect Pairing Stay & save on your next wine tour!

Mention your travelling for a wine tour and save up to 15%!

2429 Highway 97 N, Kelowna, BC, V1X 4J2 1-250-763-0500 | www.kanatainns.com 4

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

CON TEN TS Tinhorn Creek ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Kanata Kelowna Hotel & Confrence Centre........................................................................ 4 Summerhill Estate Winery ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Priest Creek Family Estate �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 From the Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 8 On the Cover ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Recipe: Spicey Mango Mascal Margarita............................................................................ 8 Wine Crossword ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 Red Rooster Winery ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 Create Your Own Wine Tour ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Recipe: Haida Gwaii Halibut and Asparagus............................................................... ....... 13 Salt Spring Island Kitchen ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Black Hills Estate Winery �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16

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WINERIES / DISTILLERIES / RECIPES / WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

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Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of information received and printed in BC Food & Wine Trails, we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions, E&OE.

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K E LOWNA SUMMERHILL GARDEN STARS ON YOUR PLATE ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Saluting the coming of spring and the growing season’s bounty, Summerhill Pyramid Winery reimagines its menu to highlight its organic garden on each plate. The Summerhill Organic Bistro moves to prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner, rotating approximately every four weeks.

Lunch is a set two-course experience while at dinner, three to four courses will be offered. The culinary and gardening teams collaborate closely to design menus to spotlight the season’s best produce with a goal of zero waste of nature’s abundance.

Jeremy Luypen, Director of Culinary and Winery General Manager, noted, “Our goal is to pair Summerhill’s internationally acclaimed organic and biodynamic wines cellared in the pyramid with organic produce grown on site without compromise and without waste. This highly focused menu planning enables Summerhill to buy whole poultry, pigs, and steers to incorporate every single piece of the animal in a meaningful, caring way.”

TOUR THE GARDEN, CELEBRATE IT ON YOUR PLATE Visit the tasting room and tour the gardens before or after your meal. New signage facilitates self-guided tours.

Guests are invited to talk to Summerhill’s gardeners to learn about what’s grown on the property or perhaps pick up a few tips for their home gardens. In addition to informal discussions on what’s alive in the garden, gardeners will periodically give formal talks.

CONTAINER KITCHEN OFFERS PICNIC FARE

Summerhill has new licensed areas with benches or you can spread your own picnic blanket to soak in the scenery, sipping Summerhill wine and food from the container kitchen. Think fun sandwiches and creative salads that

combine tasty elements such as quinoa and farro with fresh produce.

waste initiative, containers are made with plant-based products.

These vibrant selections are perfect to nosh at Summerhill or packaged as a picnic to go. In keeping with the zero-

See summerhill.bc.ca for latest menus, events, and wine releases.

Local. Organic.

Comfortable.

Visit our website for local’s specials and reservations:

www.summerhill.bc.ca 6

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

KEL OWN A

KELOWNA’S PRIEST CREEK FAMILY ESTATE WINERY IS A BOUTIQUE GEM WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED BLAKE ALLEN

There’s no need to venture too far when looking for one of those iconic boutique wineries the Okanagan is well known for. After a long day of soaking up the sun on the city’s white-sand beaches or discovering new treasures in its downtown shops, it’s a tenminute drive to Priest Creek.

Located off the highway, up in the lush hills of East Kelowna, you’ll find one of the Okanagan’s most outstanding boutique wineries, just waiting for you to discover.

THIRD SEASON FOR PRIEST CREEK

Tucked away from the city centre and surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas in all four directions, Priest Creek Family Estate Winery enters its third season this summer. They are known for their wonderfully diverse and award-winning portfolio, which boasts an array of both whites and reds.

RED WINES

Priest Creek family estate Winery

experience se kelowna

www.PriestCreekWinery.com PriestCreekWinery.com

Their Old-World Label Collection is of particular note here. This series of carefully crafted red wines are well aged and spent an extended period in the barrel. It gives each of these notable wines a well-rounded, full body with rich and lightly toasted flavours.

Priest Creek Winery may be a hidden gem right now, but with exceptional wines like these, it’s unlikely to stay that way for long. More info at priestcreekwinery.com.

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RE CIPE

F R OM T HE EDITOR MARCH/APRIL 2022 based sauce that’s bursting with spices that could pair well with an earthy Pinot Noir.

Tomato based pastas are high in acid and therefore need a wine to complement that level of acidity.

Should a dish like scallops in a creamy sauce be on the menu, then a white wine is the way to go as it can cut through the rich flavour while complementing the sauce. A crisp Pinot Grigio would be a superb choice, or a light Chardonnay.

With spicy foods, it’s best to find a wine that is low in alcohol or one that is sweeter to help relieve the burning one may get when diving into a delicious spicy curry.

Darcy Nybo

Salty snack food, like nuts or pretzels, needs to be paired with an acidic or a fruity wine.

I first moved to the Okanagan some 25+ years ago. I was not a wine drinker, let alone someone who knew about food and wine pairing. Back then, all I knew was meat colour = wine colour. Times were so much simpler, albeit not as tasty as today.

Red for red and white for white does still work to a degree, but there are so many other factors to consider.

Let’s start with why the red for red rule is there. Red wines are, for the most part, bold in flavour, with layers of complexity.

They can be paired with red meats, because of the meat’s bold flavour.

Therefore, it stands to reason proteins with a milder taste would pair well with a less robust white.

No matter what your protein, if it’s served with any type of sauce, you match the wine to the sauce, not the protein. You may have delicious pasta with a rich tomato-

Spicy Mango Mescal Margarita RECIPE COURTESY OF SALT SPRING KITCHEN CO. It’s a little spicy, a little smoky, and a little sweet. This take on a margarita hits all the right notes.

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Fresh lime juice from 1/2 a lime Mescal, 1.5 ounce

DIRECTIONS: Run fresh lime around rim of glass then roll into chili lime salt.

Place the cucumber and cilantro in a shaker and muddle well.

Add the juice of half a lime, generous teaspoon of sskco’s hot mango jam, 1 1/2 ounce of Mescal and 1/2 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec. Fill shaker with ice and shake well.

Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into your rimmed glass. Garnish and enjoy!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

This month’s cover celebrates spring.

Asparagus is widely regarded by chefs around the world as the first sign of spring.

Chef Rod Butters is a wizard at creating delicious dishes with this colourful vegetable.

They offer cooking classes, a retail store, catering, and a space for intimate events.

Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread, a generous tsp.

Ice

Finally, the best way to pair wine and food is to trust your tastebuds. Have a taste of your favourite wine. Now have something small that’s salty, sweet, acidic, rich, or spicy. Taste the wine again. Did it work?

Does the wine still taste great? Does the food still taste great? If so—yay! You’ve found your latest food and wine pairing.

The kitchen, catering, and events venue, aptly named The Okanagan Table, opened in the fall of 2019 on Pandosy in Kelowna.

Cilantro, few nice sprigs

Chili lime salt (I’ve used Tajin)

When you’re not sure what foods pair well with your new favourite wine, ask the winery. The people behind the counter pouring you those delicious samples know more than you may think. Ask what they’d suggest and take it from there.

ON TH E COV ER N COU INE

Cucumber in 1-inch rounds

Cointreau, .5 ounce

At the end of the meal, you want a wine that goes well with your dessert. Dark chocolate pairs well with a wine with low to no tannins. If your dessert is sweet, a dry wine won’t cut it. Sweet desserts can make a perfectly lovely dry wine taste more bitter than it really is.

Get the gang together and come down for some cooking classes or a private dining experience like no other. If you can't make INSIDE it down for a meal, not to worry.

The Okanagan Table has a retail section where you can purchase the delicious creations of the chefs and take them home with you.

AY E AW HOM HOME FROM E 4 PA G

THE IC IN N PICN AGA OKAN E 6 PA G

UR E YO C R E AT T R A I L WINE 12 PA G E

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When it comes to a nice white wine to go with grilled halibut steak, consider a Pinot Gris, Riesling, or a Chardonnay. As halibut is a firmer fish, you could be so bold as to pair it with a lighter red wine (under 12.5% alcohol), like a Pinot Noir.

You'll find the halibut and asparagus recipe on page 13. Whatever you pair it with, you are sure to enjoy!

Wine Wine Crossword Crossword WINE CROSSWORD 1 1

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2. Also known as Shiraz 5. Delicious white originally from South Africa

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1. Rich red wine derived from the French word for blackbird 3. World's most popular light-bodied red wine

Down 1. Rich red wine derived from the French word for blackbird 3. World's most popular light-bodied red wine 4. Popular German white wine with tropical or flowery notes 7. Subtle fruit flavoured white, fairly new to Okanagan 8. One grape with two ways of producing the wine 9. Full bodied white with notes of peach and honeysuckle 11. Delicious red with notes of dark fruit, spice and black tea

4. Popular German white wine with tropical or flowery notes 7. Subtle fruit flavoured white, fairly new to Okanagan 8. One grape with two ways of producing the wine

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Wine Crossword

Down Down 1. Rich red wine derived from the French word for 1. Rich red wine derived from the French word for blackbird blackbird 3. World's most popular light-bodied red wine 3. World's most popular light-bodied red wine 4. Popular German white wine with tropical or 4. Popular German white wine with tropical or flowery notes flowery notes 7. Subtle fruit flavoured white, fairly new to 7. Subtle fruit flavoured white, fairly new to Okanagan Okanagan 8. One grape with two ways of producing the wine 8. One grape with two ways of producing the wine 9. Full bodied white with notes of peach and 9. Full bodied white with notes of peach and honeysuckle honeysuckle 11. Delicious red with notes of dark fruit, spice and 11. Delicious red with notes of dark fruit, spice and black tea black tea

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Across Across 2. Also known as Shiraz 2. Also known as Shiraz 5. Delicious white originally from South Africa 5. Delicious white originally from South Africa 6. One of the most popular white wines around the 6. One of the most popular white wines around the world world 10. Sweet wine made when grapes freeze on the vine 10. Sweet wine made when grapes freeze on the vine 12. Tastes like summer with notes of apricot and 12. Tastes like summer with notes of apricot and peach peach 13. Only applies to bubbly wines made in this 13. Only applies to bubbly wines made in this particular region of France particular region of France 14. White that makes a great food pairing wine, 14. White that makes a great food pairing wine, somewhat sweet for dry wine lovers somewhat sweet for dry wine lovers

WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

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WPEEST W NA NTKELO ICT O N A FRESH LOOK FOR RED ROOSTER WINERY JENNA HICKMAN

Founded almost three decades ago, Red Rooster Winery is a staple in the Okanagan’s wine scene. Nestled on the hills of the Naramata Bench in Penticton, BC, the winery offers spectacular views of the southern portion of Okanagan Lake.

The spacious property is home to mature trees towering over sprawling areas of grass and vines, making it idyllic for spring and summertime wine experiences.

A NEW LOOK

Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Red Rooster Winery in the past will now notice some aesthetic changes to the estate. The exterior is now a crisp white, creating a fresh and contemporary look and feel. The revitalized exterior matches Red Rooster’s new sleek wine bottles and labels, which pay homage to the region’s unique terroir. The new labels, which display layered graphics of the winemaking process, depict the lifestyle of Canada’s own wine country.

The visual refresh coincides with the highly anticipated release of Head Winemaker Elaine Vicker’s first vintages with Red Rooster. Vickers has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the wine industry. With a master’s degree in molecular biology, as well as a graduate degree in oenology, she brings a meticulous yet artistic approach to winemaking.

THE MAIN EVENT

With the hectic harvest season completed in the fall, Vickers and her team are focused on how the 2021 wines are ageing both in oak barrels and tanks.

“We have a lot in the works at the moment,” Vickers said. “Our 2021 Syrah, as well as our Mouvedre, are both tasting really lovely. Once blended with Grenache, the three varietals will be beautiful in our elegant red blend, GSM. We’ve put our Pinot Noir in concrete tanks, and that is tasting really interesting, so I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve.”

Vickers is also busy working on Red Rooster’s 2021 vintages of Rosé, Semillon, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

WINE CLUB

To stay up to date on Red Rooster’s new releases, follow the winery on social media. To be the first to hear about and have access to Red Rooster’s newest releases, you’ll want to join the Wine Club.

You’ll receive complimentary signature wine flight experiences for you and up to three guests at Red Rooster as well as Black Hill Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, and Sandhill Wines. Wine Club members receive a 15 per cent discount on all Red Rooster wines, merchandise, events, and experiences. For the complete list of Wine Club benefits, visit wineclub. redroosterwinery.com

EXPERIENCE THE WINE AND FOOD For an opportunity to explore Red Rooster’s new releases and experience

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the changes to the winery itself, there’s no better way than to visit the estate.

Red Rooster’s Signature Experience will take you through awakening and understanding the senses around tasting wine with a selection of both their new red and white wine releases. You can upgrade your tasting experience to their Iconic Experience and have your taste buds explode with flavour in this food and wine sensory pairing.

Red Rooster is pleased to announce that later this spring, guests will be able to enjoy a curated selection of delicious

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

food from one of the Okanagan’s own local chefs. Their small plates menu will complement your wine flight, enhancing the flavours and experience of both the wine and food to complete your day.

Red Rooster Winery offers a selection of seated wine experience flights seven days a week from noon until five.

Reservations are required to ensure a table is available for you. For more information about Red Rooster Winery or to guarantee a table, please visit redroosterwinery.com or call 1-888-5105537.

Red Rooster re-invented! Introducing the use of concrete tanks, bold winemaking techniques and an expanded portfolio, our new wines will tease your tastebuds, all from the splendor of our sun-soaked patio with endless views of Lake Okanagan.

@REDROOSTERWINE

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Located on the Naramata Bench, Red Rooster Wineryy is just minutes from downtown Penticton and the perfect location to contemplate your new favourite wine. Sur lie Chardonnay, Carbonic Merlot-Malbec, or Pinot 3?

Join us this season and enjoy your seated wine flight alongside delectable food pairings.

Visit us online or call 1-888-505-5537 to reserve your seat today. www.redroosterwinery.com

Bold. Precise. Exceptional.

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2 2 CREATE YOUR OWN

WINE TOUR WINERIES 1

Priest Creek Family Estate Winery

2

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

3

Red Rooster Winery

4

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

5

Black Hills Estate Winery

PLACES OF INTEREST

3

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1

Kanata Kelowna Hotel & Confrence Centre

2

Okanagan Wine Festivals Society

3

Salt Spring Kitchen Co.

Haida Gwaii Halibut and Asparagus

R E C IP E

COURTESY OF CHEF ROD BUTTERS, THE OKANAGAN TABLE: THE ART OF EVERYDAY HOME COOKING Serves 2

EGG PICKLE MIXTURE

INGREDIENTS

Put the eggs in a small saucepan, add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover, remove from heat, and set aside 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, then cool in cold water. Peel, slice, and set aside.

1 lb asparagus, tough stalk ends removed 4 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 (12-oz) skinless halibut fillet, cut in half Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

EGG PICKLE MIXTURE 2 eggs 2 slices bacon, chopped 1 large dill pickle, chopped 1 Tbsp chopped parsley 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the bacon, and sauté for 5 minutes, until crispy. Set aside.

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Keep at room temperature before serving.

TO ASSEMBLE Using a steamer, steam asparagus for 4 to 6 minutes, until just tender. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Season the halibut with salt and pepper, add it to the pan, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden.

(Adjust heat of pan higher or lower if necessary.) Add the garlic to the pan. Flip the halibut pieces over and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, until cooked but still slightly translucent in the centre. Transfer the fish to a plate and set aside.

TO SERVE Put the asparagus on two serving plates, spoon over the eggpickle mixture, and place the halibut on top. Spoon over garlic pan juices and serve.

This dish was first served at Fresco Restaurant & Lounge in 2002. Chef Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao (RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd) are celebrating 20 years in 2021 of supporting local in our Okanagan community.

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S A LT S PR I N G I S LAN D

Uniquely Curated. Exceptionally Preserved.

ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY WITH SALTSPRING KITCHEN CO. JENNA HICKMAN

Melanie Mulherin is the queen of flavour. Her company, SaltSpring Kitchen Co. gained instant popularity at SaltSpring Island’s farmers’ market in 2012, and a decade later you can find her products on shelves across the country.

With combinations like raspberry and habanero, pineapple, turmeric and achiote, and sparkling apricot and pink peppercorn, each of SaltSpring Kitchen Co.’s products add something unique to your plate.

“We’re all about elevating experiences,” Mulherin said. “Whether it’s our Candied Jalapenos on your charcuterie platter, or our Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread on your grilled cheese, our products are for every occasion.”

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For the perfect hosting gift, check-out SaltSpring Kitchen Co.’s gift box trios. With pairing notes on the labels, you might even discover a new favourite combination.

You can find SaltSpring Kitchen Co. products in fine food stores across Canada. You can also purchase online though www.saltspringkitchen.com.

OL IV ER BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY JENNA HICKMAN

Located between the southern Okanagan towns of Osoyoos and Oliver, in Canada’s only desert, Black Hills Estate Winery is aptly known for their remarkable wine. With more sunlight hours in key growing months, this part of the country has even more prime growing days than California’s renowned Napa Valley. With its high daytime heat during the summer months, and cool nights, this exceptional microclimate provides some of the best grape growing conditions in the world, resulting in impeccable wine.

NEW RELEASES

Black Hills recently released their 2020 Roussanne and their 2019 Ipso Facto (a wine club favourite) is set for release this March.

“The 2020 growing season got off to a slow start with a cool and damp spring and flowering period. However, a warm, dry summer allowed the vines to quickly make up for lost time,” Ross Wise, Black Hills Winemaker said. “The 2020 vintage of Roussanne has an alluring and complex nose, showing aromas of lemon curd and chamomile, along with subtle spice notes. This is a warming and silky full-bodied wine that can be enjoyed in its youth or tucked away in the cellar for three to five years.”

With almost two decades of experience in the wine industry, the winemaker and master of wine focuses on showcasing the fruit characteristics, bringing out its complex flavours and depth of aromas—rather than masking it with additional use of new oak barrels.

The 2019 Ipso Facto returns to its original blend: a Syrah dominant red blend with 53 per cent Syrah and 47 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. Bursting with vibrant dark fruit flavours, the palate is rich and dense with smooth, silky tannins on the finish.

With more bottling planned in March, stay tuned on Black Hills social media channels for updates on when to expect new releases, or to join their wine club.

Club members get exclusive access to some of the Estate’s highly anticipated releases, such as first access to the renowned Nota Bene and Carménère. Members also receive free shipping on all club releases and orders of 12 bottles or more. Additionally, they receive new release wine discounts for 30 days after each wine’s release, VIP Cabana Portfolio Tastings for up to three guests annually, and possibly the most exciting of all, access to returning signature events, like the acclaimed Nota Bene Release Party. For a full list of wine club membership benefits, visit www.blackhillswinery.com/Wine-Club.

WINE FLIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES

To taste some of Black Hills’ many varietals, visit their iconic Wine Experience Centre on Black Sage Road. Over the past decade, the chic Wine Experience Centre has come to be a landmark in the Southern Okanagan. Surrounded by Black Hills Estate vineyards, the property offers panoramic views of the valley, providing guests with the quintessential winery experience.

This year, Black Hills Estate Winery is bringing back their popular Sensory Wine Experience. This experience invites guests to smell various components of the wine using their Le Nez du Vin aroma kits, making it easier to identify the tasting notes in wine.

“The Sensory Experience is a really great way to expand your knowledge and understanding of wine in a fun and interactive way,” says Jesse Collins, Estate Manager.

“By exposing your sense of smell to different aromas, you can learn to heighten your senses and start to pinpoint various tasting notes in the wine.”

To reserve your wine flight or for more information on the various experiences Black Hills Estate Winery offers, you can email tastingexperience@blackhillswinery.com or call 1-888510-5537 to book a tasting.

Black Hills Estate Winery is at 4190 Black Sage Road in Oliver, BC, and is open seven days a week from 11 am to 5 pm, with last seated tastings starting at 4 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For more information, please visit blackhillswinery.com or call 250-498-0666.

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DISCOVER THE

WINE EXPERIENCE CENTRE AT BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY

Immerse yourself in the unique terroir of the Black Sage bench while enjoying a flight of our distinctive wines surrounded by rolling vineyards. hand-grown. hand-tended. hand-crafted.

Our wines can be shipped across Canada. Visit our website to order today or to sign-up for our newsletter and receive priority access to special offers, wine club perks and upcoming events.

For details and reservations, please contact 1-888-505-5537 or visit

www.blackhillswinery.com

Black Hills Estate Winery, 4190 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1

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