News From our friend Leeann Clemens – PR rep for Vincor

Good day! I am pleased to share a couple fast happy Okanagan wine country updates: In positive news, the fires are in check and crews are doing great work. At See Ya Later Ranch, all tasting fees are being donated to the SPCA and will assist in the fire aid. In other news, I am proud to share that Jancis Robinson, the world-renowned wine authority and Master of Wine, was able to make a short visit to the Okanagan Valley this week! Last night Jancis shared a dinner at a gazebo in Jackson-Triggs’ beautiful Sunrock vineyard with winemakers from Vincor, corralled by Christa-lee McWatters-Bond. In attendance was Sandor Mayer from Inniskillin, Mark Wendenburg from Sumac Ridge, Pascal Madevon and Alain Sutre from Osoyoos Larose, as well as Frank Hellwig and Troy Osborne who look after the vineyards. There was terrific food from Cellar Door Bistro chef Ryan Fuller and the event was pulled off in style by Sally Sharpe who oversees hospitality for the wineries. Also in attendance was one of Canada’s most influential wine critics, Anthony Gismondi, and in-demand industry consultant David Scholefield. It was a lovely evening and truly could not have been better – from wine selection, food, and weather – and a nice gentle breeze. So despite the haze of the forest fires, it was truly grand – in true Okanagan hospitality fashion. Jancis says she loved it. Last night Jancis stayed in the Golden Mile at the beautiful Villas at Hester Creek, where she met Hester Creek’s Robin and LeeAnn Openshaw and winemaker Rob Summers. Today she is tasting 80 wines from more than 45 BC wineries, in a tasting organized by Chriss Coletta and conducted by Anthony Gismondi and David Scholefield. We are just thrilled that she has been able to visit the Okanagan and cannot wait to hear what she thinks of the wines! Have a great day! Leeann