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🔭Exploring iconic and small, boutique w**eries worldwide
🏆One of Top 25 W**e Influencers in Canada in 2026 (Feedspot)
📚WSET 3 (Distinction) | French W**e Scholar | Italian W**e Scholar | BC W**e Ambassador
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09/21/2026

After discovering Black Bank Hill, I may have a new problem…

How do you bring the w**es home?

Meet my solution: VinGardeValise from FlyWithW**e - a suitcase designed to safely transport up to 12 bottles of w**e.

The beauty of this suitcase is its versatility - it holds 12 bottles. Or w**e + clothes. However, in my case I have a feeling that this will be dedicated to w**e!

I love the design and construction of the VinGardeValise.

💪 reinforced corners, sturdy construction and customizable inserts.

🧳 hard shell case, four spinner wheels + TSA lock.

But the real test wasn’t getting it packed. It was getting the w**e home.

So how did the bottles hold up on their journey back to Kelowna?

They all arrived safely - even the one bottle of sparkling w**e.

And yes…..most of what’s inside came from Black Bank Hill.

The VinGardeValise w**e suitcase is a hefty investment, but for someone who loves discovering w**eries and bringing a few bottles home, I can see this becoming a very useful piece of luggage.

I’m already looking forward to taking it on my next w**ery adventure.

Where would you take your VinGardeValise?

**eexplorer **etravel **e **e

09/14/2026

What happens when a tiny w**ery in Beamsville starts punching well above its weight?

Meet Taylor Emerson, co-owner of Black Bank Hill.

In 2026, this small Niagara w**ery was named #1 Small W**ery in Canada - and #3 W**ery in Canada overall.

That is impressive enough on its own. Even more so when you realize Black Bank Hill has been making w**e for less than 10 years, with its first grapes planted in 2017.

After a corporate career in England, Taylor purchased the land - formerly an old fruit farm - and planted the first grapes in 2017. He convinced his cousin, Jonathan McLean, to join him in 2021.

Jonathan had been working in the Okanagan, honing his w**emaking skills with some of the region’s best w**eries, including Le Vieux Pin, LaStella, Tantalus, CedarCreek and Culmina.

Taylor shared that Séverine Pinte was one of Jonathan’s mentors. For anyone familiar with Okanagan w**e, you’ll know that Séverine is highly regarded and respected.

A couple of things really stood out to me during our tasting with Taylor.

🍇 They think beyone the typical Niagara varieties.

Black Bank Hill’s vineyard plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, alongside Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling.

Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, is relatively uncommon in Niagara.

🍇 They are incredibly hands-on.

Taylor and Jonathan hand-sort their hand-picked grapes themselves, being extremely particular about which fruit makes it into their w**es.

🍇 They are focused.

No restaurant. No events. No distractions.
Just a small tasting room and patio with a laser focus on making exceptional w**es.

🍷 During our w**e tasting, Taylor shared his perspective on the entire portfolio. Each w**e was distinctive, expressive and beautifully balanced.

We were so impressed with the w**es - we bought a full case to bring back to the Okanagan.

I rarely purchase a full case of w**e from a w**ery I’ve just discovered - which says a lot!

Black Bank Hill - be sure to put this little Beamsville w**ery on your radar.

**eexplorer **ediscovery

08/30/2026

Some w**emakers make w**e…..others make you want to know their story.

I first discovered The Long Way Home w**ery at Crush on King when the couple sitting next to me recommended that I try one of Marlize Beyers’ w**es. So glad that I did!

This weekend I had the chance to attend a w**e tasting hosted by Marlize Beyers, the South African-born w**emaker behind The Long Way Home, and taste through her entire portfolio.

And there were some standouts:

* 2022 Chardonnay - my clear favourite. Drinking beautifully now, with enough structure to reward some time in the cellar. Only available that day, so we were sure to take a few bottles home.

* 2023 Chardonnay - one to watch. I’m particularly curious to see where this goes over the next 12-18 months.

* 2024 Riesling - a dry style with only 1.7 grams residual sugar. Another bottle I’ll be going back to taste.

There was also some intriguing w**es like the 2025 Shortcut, a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, as well as a 2024 Pinot Noir from old vines.

What I particularly enjoyed about the tasting was hearing Marlize talk about her philosophy: food-friendly w**es with character and the ability to evolve in the cellar.

And, as she puts it, “Chardonnay is her favourite child”.

Judging by the full room of people, many who already knew and loved these w**es, I suspect I’m a little late to the party…but happy to have arrived.

If you’re in Ontario, The Long Way Home is a w**ery I’d put on your radar.

So now I’m curious….

Which would you try first - the Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir or the Shortcut?

Cheers my w**e friends 🥂

**e **eexplorer **etasting

07/02/2026

Every great w**e journey includes discovering somewhere new.

Today, that journey leads to Ailm Estate.

For decades, the Stewart family of Quails’ Gate W**ery has helped shape the BC w**e industry. Ailm Estate represents their next chapter - and after visiting their newly opened tasting pop-up on Canada Day, it’s easy to see why so many people are excited about what’s to come.

Perched high on the slopes of southeast Kelowna, the temporary outdoor tasting space offers breathtaking 180-degree views over Okanagan Lake and downtown Kelowna. Even before the permanent w**ery is complete, there’s already a feeling that something truly special is taking shape here.

Our tasting flight included:

Non-Vintage Brut
- Pinot Noir (82%), Chardonnay (18%)
- Traditional method, 18 months on lees
- Crisp apple, pear, lemon zest and a subtle saline finish - an ideal welcome w**e or a palate cleanser

2021 Blanc de Blancs
-100% Chardonnay
- Traditional method, 28 months on lees with neutral oak aging
- Layers of brioche, almond, apple and pear with delicate butter and vanilla notes

2025 Chenin Blanc
- 100% Chenin Blanc
- 35% aged in neutral French oak, 65% stainless steel
- Bright, vibrant acidity with fresh orchard fruit notes - perfect pairing for seafood and appetizers

2025 Rosé
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Barrel fermented in neutral oak, creating a softer, creamier texture than many other rosés while maintaining beautiful freshness. A perfect patio w**e.

My takeaway?

Ailm Estate already feels different.

Casual. Relaxed. Intentional.

With plans underway for a stunning permanent tasting room and restaurant, this is a w**ery that deserves a place on every w**e lover’s radar. Those panoramic views make the visit worthwhile - and I have a feeling the best is still to come.

Reservations are strongly recommended, as tastings are generating plenty of interest.

Have you visited Ailm Estate yet, or is it on your Okanagan w**e itinerary?

📌 950 Crawford Road, Kelowna, British Columbia

Save this post for your next trip to Kelowna, and share it with someone you’d love to enjoy a tasting with.

**eexplorer **ery **e **e

06/24/2026

At first glance, you could easily mistake this for Tuscany. But these vineyard views are actually found in the South Okanagan at Hester Creek W**ery—one of the most beautiful w**e country stays we’ve experienced in Canada.

Tucked among the vineyards of the South Okanagan, the Villas at Hester Creek W**ery might just be one of Canada’s most underrated w**e country stays.

Imagine waking up to sunrise over the vines, coffee in hand, soaking in the view from your private patio before the day even begins.

Then it’s off to the tasting room. During our visit, the Viognier and Trebbiano (still one of our all-time favourites) were showing exceptionally well and are perfect companions for warm summer afternoons.

One of the best things about staying here is the location. Oliver is often called the W**e Capital of Canada, which means you’re only minutes away from some of the country’s top w**eries. One night simply isn’t enough.

Looking for something different between tastings? The Osoyoos Desert Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s unique semi-arid ecosystem—something many visitors don’t expect to find here.

As evening arrives, Terrafina Restaurant delivers one of the most memorable dining settings in Canadian w**e country. Dining al fresco beneath the vines with a glass of local w**e in hand feels like the perfect way to end the day.

What stood out most, though, was the hospitality. The team made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. Many thanks to Melissa and the team for such a wonderful stay.

Would you stay at Hester Creek?

📌 Save this for your next Okanagan w**e trip.

**ery **ecountry **eexplorer

06/20/2026

Introducing Row 188 Restaurant at O’Rourke Family Estate - a fine dining experience like no other that we have experienced in the Okanagan!

✨This may very well be my new favourite w**ery restaurant in the Okanagan.

From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm and welcoming. Doors were opened for us at every single touchpoint - now that is anticipating customer’s needs in advance!

Once we were seated at an amazing table overlooking Okanagan Lake, our host (Asia) brought some complementary bubbles to kick-off our 42nd wedding anniversary celebration. A thoughtful touch that reflected the care and attention to detail.

W**e & food pairings for the night:

> Burrata Salad with the 2022 Georgian Lady Riesling (crisp, refreshing with a hint of petrol)

> Butter Poached Lobster Tail and 2020 Chardonnay ( full-bodied, traditional style Chardonnay)

> Chicken Ballotine and 2021 Clone 548 Chardonnay (this is a “Goldilocks” of a Chardonnay with just a kiss of oak)

> Beef Tenderloin and Non-Vintage Merlot (full bodied red with smooth tannins)

As for the desserts, they were absolutely divine!

O’Rourke Family Estate has already garnered International recognition with the 2020 O’Rourke Family Estate Chardonnay landing in the Top 10 at the 2023 Chardonnay du Monde competition - the only Canadian w**e to land in the Top 10!

However, the 2021 Clone 548 Chardonnay captured my heart. Not too oakey and not too linear - just right! A Goldilocks of a Chardonnay.

The food was absolutely top notch! Michelin-started chef, Quinton Bennett, has joined the culinary team as the new culinary director. Alongside executive chef, Julien Lamrani, this dynamic duo will put Row 188 on the map.

If you are already in Lake Country, staying on the property or nearby Sparkling Hills Resort, I would highly recommend this restaurant. A perfect spot to enjoy your meal at leisure - no table turnovers here! And you can enjoy the patio after your meal - no rush, just enjoy the views and ambience.

Thank you Row 188 for helping to make our evening so special. We will be back!

**eexplorer

06/16/2026

June 16, 2026 - Out of Control Wildfire - West Kelowna

An out of control wildfire has erupted in West Kelowna. BC Wildfire is on site and Casa Loma Resort has been evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

No destruction to structures and BC Wildfire is actively managing flames as it drifts towards nearby homes. Winds are particularly strong today. Smoke has extended into downtown Kelowna.

West Kelowna is home to numerous w**eries. Fingers crossed that the fire is contained shortly!

**eexplorer

06/07/2026

Looking for the perfect patio w**e that’s crowd-friendly and food-friendly? Meet Albariño from Rias Baixas in Galicia, Spain.

Parent Company - Bodegas Gallegas
Regional Producer - Rectoral do Umia
Grape - 100% Albariño

Deep gold in the glass with aromas of apple, pear, orchard fruits, and a hint of wet stones and lemon. On the palate, it’s dry with moderate acidity and beautiful texture highlighting lemon and subtle saline notes.

Most Albariños are meant to be consumed young - but every so often you find one (like Abellio Albariño) that has been aged on its lees. This w**e spent 9 months on the lees, enhancing the texture and depth.

While the 2022 drinks well now, I’d keep keep the optimal drinking window to 2-3 years after the vintage to preserve those lovely fruit aromas.

Albariño has actually been one of my favourite discoveries while studying for the Spanish W**e Scholar - such a vibrant, expressive grape.

This the perfect w**e for entertaining - ideal for anyone who doesn’t like Chardonnay or Riesling and it makes for a refreshing change from Sauvignon Blanc.

Have you ever tried an aged Albariño? If you have a favourite producer, share it in the comments below.

**escholar **eexplorer

05/28/2026

Burrowing Owl Estate W**ery is one of the must-visit stops in Oliver, BC - about 2 hours south of Kelowna.

📍500 Burrowing Owl Place, Oliver, BC

The property includes beautiful on-site accommodations overlooking the pool and vineyards. These book up fast, so plan ahead. It’s the perfect “home base” for a few days of w**e touring. And honestly…..imagine cooling off in that pool after an afternoon in the full Okanagan sun. Bliss!

The w**ery’s Sonora Room Restaurant is a favourite for both lunch and dinner, offering a great menu and w**es by the glass or bottle. Our lunch there was the perfect start to an afternoon of tastings - it’s popular for a reason.

Before you leave, stop by the W**e Shop for tastings and w**e-related finds. I’m a big fan of these w**e glass guards - perfect for al fresco dining and keeping those”uninvited guests” away from your glass.

Save this post for your next visit to Oliver, BC.

Which part of the property would you enjoy most - the pool, the restaurant or the views?

**ery **ecountry **eexplorer

05/23/2026

Meet one of the Okanagan’s newest w**eries - Azhadi Vineyards - where global flavours meet Okanagan soul.

A fabulous dinner at the w**ery’s Journey Restaurant providing stunning views, delicious food with a slight exotic twist and lots of w**es to choose from.

Personally, I found their Riesling to be the perfect match to the unique flavours in their appetizers and mains. As for the dessert - an absolute dream paired with the 2020 Griffin, a bordeaux-inspired red blend.

We dined indoors with a full view of the Okanagan Lake. As the sun was setting, it did get quite warm so bring your sunglasses and perhaps even a hat, especially if you are seated on the sunny patio!

So much more to explore at this w**ery! Will definitely go back for a guided tour and tasting of their entire w**e portfolio. Beyond the Journey Restaurant, the w**ery tour showcases exquisite Persian rugs and an art collection.

In the meantime, if you are living in Kelowna and looking for a new food spot or perhaps visiting Kelowna’s w**e country this summer - do check out Azhadi Vineyards. Nothing else like it in Canada!

📍3778 Hilltown Drive, Kelowna, BC!

**eexplorer **ecountry

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