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Can’t spell, but make nice wine

Posted on May 21, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

It’s a second label for Laughing Stock Vineyards, that was purchased by Arterra Wines Canada in 2017.

One of the first wineries on the Naramata Bench, Laughing Stock was founded in 2003 by David and Cynthia Enns. The couple, who worked in financial services in Vancouver, produced 500 cases of a red blend called Portfolio, which quickly became one of the Okanagan’s most coveted labels. At the time, Cynthia explained the winery name showed an effort to mix a “serious enterprise with a light-hearted attitude.”


This medium bodied wine offers excellent balance and a slight sweetness on the finish. Aged in 100% stainless steel.
100% sourced from Thomas Ranch Vineyards slopes located on the east side of the valley provides the perfect late afternoon sun exposure. 

The funky and catchy name makes it easy to remember that you should pick up a bottle.  We heartily enjoy our’s.

IMBZZL – DOUBLE CROSS PINOT GRIS

$19.99

13.9% alcohol

UPC: 00063657043172

Laughing Stock mystery case Pinot Gris VQA

Suns Out. Holiday Weekend Ahead. Its time

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Music Leave a comment

Wake up the ‘hood and see who’s who out there!


Dancers maybe wanna do the tango

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaC1pK0Tt0o


Probably don’t know what is going on… can’t get it right

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZDKR48l0ro


misunderstood gurl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDXkd2NyCCE


Travellers always come home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuPhCmmfKiE


Or they’re going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH01QSNCbNA


I hear the Triumvirate are planning a night out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LUm-E4GPU8


It’s pretty easy to follow along – Opa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhDgpXWkFHE

Become a frequent purchaser

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Beira Interior is a rather disparate region covering a vast swathe of inland Portugal south of the Douro and east of Dão. Vineyards are grown at altitude on granite soils. In the north, grapes are similar to those of the Douro while the south has a whole mix of varieties. 


A wet and fertile area, the grapes ripen with moderate sugar levels and refreshing acidity, meaning that the wines are usually lowish in alcohol at about 10-11%. Astringent, low alcohol red Vinho Verde is also produced. 


Despite the challengingly arid climate here, this is a dynamic region, referred to sometimes as Portugal’s ‘new world’.


60% Loureiro, 20% Alvarinho and 20% Avesso. These grape varieties tend to produce more complex and structured wines than some of the other Vinho Verde varieties. 


The nose is fragrant, crisp flavours and a very good acidity. The mouthfeel is pleasant. It finishes long, with salty lemon flavours.


Write it on the back of your hand.  Take the picture with you.  This is a selection you want to make at your next visit to the ‘dairy’  Be Brave and adventuresome, and you’ll be rewarded with it becoming your next favourite.

VINHO VERDE – BICO AMARELO

$13.99 regularly $15.99

11.5% alcohol

UPC: 05604882810105

Alvarinho Avesso Louriero mystery case Portugal Vinho Verde

Nature ‘hood

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Neighbours Leave a comment

The map’s design tells stories of urban habitats, captivating species and local parks to explore. Detailed environmental information is woven together with original artwork by Kristi Bridgeman and designed by a team of community partners led by Kathleen Burton as project manager and lead writer.


The team consisted of individuals from the District of Saanich, the Capital Regional District, Rocky Point Bird Observatory, and Victoria Natural History Society.


“Initially the map was developed with the aim to deepen a connection with nature, then a global pandemic hit amidst a climate emergency. This saw the map take on a greater purpose, to create a sense of belonging for those who use it,” says Kathleen.
Bob Peart, founder of the Greater Victoria NatureHood and advisor to creation of the map, adds “It invites you to observe, learn and protect nature where you live.”


The map committee was honoured to work with SENĆOŦEN Language Revitalist, ŚW,XELOSELWET Tiffany Joseph and Erich Kelch First Nations Relations, Community Engagement Coordinator, CRD. This collaboration sees place names and species names included where possible in both SENĆOŦEN and Lekwungen languages.


“We wanted to go one step further than simply acknowledging the territory of the SENĆOŦEN and Lekwungen speaking peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, work and play because it is with respect to those who were here before us and to their deep relationship to place continues to this day,” Peart points out. “Greater Victoria NatureHood looks forward to building a future map that includes more First Nations knowledge, language and history to provide a more complete illustration of our region’s indigenous history.”


Maps are 24″ x 18″ (61cm x 46cm) flat and 4″ x9″ (10cm x 23cm) folded. Folded maps will be available to the public effective May 8, 2021, in time to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day celebrations in Greater Victoria. A limited run of 7,000 maps is available free of charge with thanks to NatureHood community partners. Schools, nonprofits and educational organizations are encouraged to contact NatureHood to request maps.

Gr-Victoria-NaturehoodDownload

Valedictorian

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker, a person with non-speaking autism, delivered the commencement address to her class without saying a word.
https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2441246&jwsource=em

Dance, or hum along

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Music Leave a comment

Gipsy Kings Greatest Hits 2021 – Gipsy Kings Éxitos De Colección 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Whfuz-hvJc

Spoon full of soul

Posted on May 15, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Humour Leave a comment

Masi never disappoints

Posted on May 14, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

This blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes is a pale yellow colour with aromas of ripe tropical fruit and flowers. The mouth is full of ripe fruit and mineral flavours that lead to a refreshing finish.


Verduzzo grapes for the Masianco mature after harvest on straw mats (plateau). This increases the fruit concentration. You can already feel this in the fragrance. In the bouquet of Masianco Pinot Grigio. Made using a unique blend of freshly-picked and semi-dried grapes.


Great with any ‘light’ dish and a wonderful way to ‘encourage’ the coming the summer dayz on the deck.

Masi Pinot Grigio

$16.99 regularly $19.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 03049062001652

Masi mystery case Pinot Grigio Verduzzo

Flower Power

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

The inspiration behind the name of the brand is South Africa’s national flower, Protea. It got its name from the shape-shifting Greek god Proteus because it comes in a dizzying diversity, as each blossom is somehow more exotic and special than the last one.


Protea Chenin Blanc is produced by Protea Wines, a company that belongs to Johann Rupert, owner of luxury brands like Cartier and Mont Blanc. 


Very appealing.  Tangy and crisp flavours get your attention, and holds it through a lovely fullness towards the end. 

The preceding winter was cold and wet, resulting in good dormancy and healthy dam levels prior to the growing season. The cool weather continued into spring which in turn resulted in delayed but relatively even bud break, flowering and fruit set. The moderate summer temperatures slowed the ripening period and resulted in harvest starting about two weeks later than normal. The usually hot month of February was uncharacteristically cool, allowing for the gradual ripening of fruit with good flavours and acidity. An exceptional vintage which promises to deliver outstanding wines.


Protea has a remarkably aromatic nose for a Chenin Blanc.  It’s very palatable and quite distinctive.

CHENIN BLANC – RUPERT WINES PROTEA

$13.99 regularly $14.99

13.5% Alcohol

UPC: 00086891081144

Chenin Blanc mystery case South Africa

Kids!

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Humour Leave a comment

Signed 5 out of school early for an appointment and saw another mom signed her kid in late and the reason was “Monday” so I’m on a quest to find her and force her to be my friend.


7 told me today that my hair looks like I have “thousands of spiderwebs” coming out of my head, how’s your day going?


me: I thought said to keep your hands to yourself son: I did me: then why is your sister crying? son: I kicked her.


One of the kids I work with just said I look like a ‘budget disney princess’ so I guess I’ve got that going for me.


I know my son will be a good dad one day, because I dropped a plate and he said “now things are getting out of hand” with a straight face.


Our dishwasher broke and I told the kids we have to wash everything in the sink and 5 said “like you did in the olden days when you lived in a cave”?


And on my next podcast episode of why I stopped having kids after this one: I had my hair in a ponytail and my son walked in the room and said, “Ewww Mommy take your hair down, it makes your face look like the moon.”


Shout out to all the sunburnt parents who spent hours applying sunblock to their kids but forgot themselves.


If you’re having a bad day just know one of my kids told me I look like ET…..when he’s sick….not just regular ET.


Have kids so you can get weird compliments like “You look nice in that dress, like a Saturday raisin.”


5 asked me to come to her hairdressing salon, put some accessories in my hair then looked at me and said “well your hair looks good now but I don’t know what we can do with your face”. Worst hairdresser I’ve been to, do not recommend.


My son just said he’s going to call me “Squishy” to match my stomach and now I need to have another kid just so I can have a favorite.


My daughter just described someone as “looking like she was drawn from memory” and I think that’s the best insult I’ve ever heard.

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