Category Archives: Terroir

Ready for some Kefi?

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Looking back, I see how far forward Patrick was thinking when he named the band Kefi

One linguist put it this way: Being upbeat and in a good mood, having fun. To do something with kefi means you’re smiling, you’re doing it with gusto, you’re having fun. To have kefi is to be in a good mood.

Simply put a “zest” for whatever you are doing, from dancing, to singing, to eating a meal with all the fondness of family & friends. Just simply ecstatic about what you are doing, as we say enjoying life to the hilt!

And that we did for more than 20 years, when 50 couples took over a Greek Restaurant on the last Saturday of every month for a private party.

And this is the song that kick started the dancing.  I wonder where all the original Kariatis Dancers are now?

May all your days be filled with Kefi

 Όχι

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Of course I’ve been cellared long enough – lots of people like to keep me in the dark.

Heading East out of Keromeos, up the hill, first right, past the Police Station. (Check how many vehicles in the parking lot), and then down the hill onto the flats of Cawston to the vines of the grapes in this lovely Merlot.  

The meat started its way to tenderness hours before we opened the bottle to breathe.  All the aromas filling kitchen didn’t lead to restraint when it came to dinner time.

You might want to head for the winery in West Kelowna and sample some of their other vintages.

And just so you understand the furrin words.  Όχι means NO and αρνίσια κοτσάνια means lamb shanks.

Mt Boucherie Merlot 

The Colour of Summer

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The South Okanagan a couple of years ago was full of a cool, wet May and June that slowed the grape growth but things really  blossomed when summer got underway.  Healthy canopies gave the vines a chance to respond to the great growing weather.

It’s a beautiful blend of  65% Gamay Noir, 35% Merlot 

Don’t bother grilling veggies. But, Start making the potato salad when you crack the bottle, the salmon will only take 12 minutes at 400 F.

It would go great with kalameri too.

Sandhill Rose 2021

$20.99

12% Alcohol

UPC: 00058976501212

Frail and about to collapse

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While he planned the book, Diamond at first thought that it would deal only with human impacts on the environment. Instead, what has emerged is arguably the most incisive study of senescing human civilizations ever written. … the fact that one of the world’s most original thinkers has chosen to pen this mammoth work when his career is at his apogee is itself a persuasive argument that Collapse must be taken seriously. It is probably the most important book you will ever read. … Tim Flannerty

Diamond’s distinction between social and biological survival is a critical one, because too often we blur the two, or assume that biological survival is contingent on the strength of our civilizational values… The fact is, though, that we can be law-abiding and peace-loving and tolerant and inventive and committed to freedom and true to our own values and still behave in ways that are biologically suicidal…. Malcolm Gladwell

Another said “Exhaustive and exhausting” It’s provocative and should provoke you into doing something.

Collapse – How Societies choose to Fail or Succeed,  Jared Diamond, 0-670-03337-5

Can’t spell, but make nice wine

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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

Become a frequent purchaser

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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

Masi never disappoints

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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

Flower Power

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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