B.C. Food And Wine Radio: Jul 9, 2025

This week, we are joined by Rod Hallam, Market Manager for Canada at Villa Maria Estate in New Zealand. We learn that Villa Maria sources grapes from multiple wine regions across New Zealand, with their primary focus on the renowned Marlborough region. Then we travelled to the Black Sage Bench in South Oliver, BC, for a chat with Kaylee Barss, winemaker at Red Barn Winery at Jagged Rock. We discussed Kaylee’s passion for reimagining traditional Okanagan varieties, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, while exploring exotic Italian grapes like Nebbiolo and Barbera, and we tasted 2024 Transfiction Rosé. Next, we head to Nighthawk Vineyards, a boutique family farm gate winery overlooking scenic Green Lake Valley high above Okanagan Falls. We also spoke with Daniel Bibby, co-owner and winemaker, about his Nighthawk wines, their luxury tent accommodations, top-level restaurant, and impressive new artistic bottle labels. Finally, it’s all things Kamloops for a fun catch-up with Trish Morelli, executive director of the Kamloops Wine Trail, who shares what makes the Kamloops wine region so unique, along with key wineries to visit and some of the exciting events happening this summer in the area.