Playhouse Wine Festival announces trade competition award winners; The Glowbal Collection of Restaurants – Dine Out Vancouver 2010; Café Nuba on 3rd opens its doors on South Main; David Gunawan appointed Chef de Cuisine of West Restaurant; Chef’s Jean-Francis and Alessandra announce special cruise and eat tour to France and Barcelona; Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery announces 2010 FIFA World Cup appreciation events with a team of special guests; Chefs’ Table Society of BC announces the fourth annual Spot Prawn Festival; Opus Bar & Cointreau present: FAB Women; The Price is Right at Market for Dine Out Vancouver 2010; Wine tasting with a social twist
PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES TRADE COMPETITION AWARD WINNERS
Vancouver, BC, April 24th, 2010 – The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival has announced this year’s trade competition winners. “The trade competitions give the Festival an opportunity to honour and celebrate those professionals who have developed and enhanced the extraordinary wine and food culture of our region,” says Festival Executive Director Harry Hertscheg. Winners were honoured at the 7th Annual Awards Lunch on Friday, April 23rd, 2010. Attendees enjoyed lunch and wines from theme regions Argentina and New Zealand.
SPIRITED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL (SIP) AWARD
The SIP Award annually honours an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia. This year, the fifth annual Spirited Industry Professional Award goes to Anthony Gismondi. Gismondi has been writing on wine since 1983 and has been the weekly wine columnist for the Vancouver Sun since 1989. He is also editor-in- chief at Wine Access, co-host of the weekly Best of Food & Wine show on AM650 in Vancouver and the man behind www.gismondionwine.com.
SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 11th annual Sommelier of the Year Award recognizes outstanding wine knowledge and wine service. This year’s award goes to Kurtis Kolt for his short, thoughtful wine list at Salt Tasting Room, which also took the Platinum Wine List Award. The award is voted on by key members of the industry.
WINE LIST AWARDS
Restaurants in Metro Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island, the Interior and Alberta have all been recognized for creating wine lists that complement their establishment’s unique menu and concept. Candidates who were considered submitted their wine lists and menus and were then visited by judges who reviewed their programs. “These awards are all about a wine program, not a wine list. Having a big wine list is not necessary. Food and wine pairings and staff knowledge is what makes a successful wine program,” says House Wine’s Michelle Bouffard. The Wine List Awards are sponsored by Vancouver Magazine and the Playhouse Wine Festival.
METRO VANCOUVER
Platinum
Blue Water Café + raw bar
Salt Tasting Room
West Restaurant
Gold
C restaurant
CinCin
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca
Silver
Au Petit Chavignol
Le Crocodile
Cru
Lift Bar Grill View
The Observatory
Provence Marinaside
Rangoli
The Salmon House
Seymour Golf and Country Club
Vij’s
Wine Room at Joey Bentall One
Zest Restaurant
Bronze
Aqua Riva
Diva at the Met
gudrun
Hart House Restaurant
Pearl on the Rock
Shuraku
YEW restaurant & bar
Honourable Mention
Bistrot Bistro
Bravo Restaurant & Lounge (Chilliwack)
Bridges
Goldfish Pacific Kitchen
Gramercy Grill
La Terrazza
Ric’s Grill (Chilliwack)
WHISTLER
Silver
Araxi Restaurant + Bar
Honourable Mention
Ric’s Grill
The Wine Room (Fairmont Chateau Whistler)
VANCOUVER ISLAND AND GULF ISLANDS
Silver
The Pacific Restaurant (Victoria)
Bronze
The Landing West Coast Grill (Nanoose Bay)
Nautical Nellies Restaurant (Victoria)
The Restaurant at Painted Boat (Madeira Park)
SoBo (Tofino)
Veneto (Victoria)
Honourable Mention
eat@galianoinn (Galiano)
Hastings House (Salt Spring)
The Marina Restaurant (Victoria)
Stage Wine Bar (Victoria)
BC INTERIOR
Silver
Cobblestone Restaurant at the Naramata Heritage Inn (Naramata)
Bronze
All Seasons Café (Nelson)
La Bussola (Kelowna)
Honourable Mention
Emerald Lake Lodge (Field)
Sal’s Prime Steakhouse (Kelowna)
Whitetooth Mountain Bistro (Golden)
ALBERTA
Gold
Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro (Calgary)
Taste (Calgary) Silver River Café (Calgary)
Vin Room (Calgary)
Bronze
The Ranche (Calgary)
Honourable Mention
Buffalo Mountain Lodge (Banff)
Cilantro (Calgary) Deer Lodge (Lake Louise)
Ric’s Grill (Calgary)
Velvet (Calgary)
WINE PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE
For this award, five distinguished industry professionals each play a different role in testing candidates on technical knowledge and varietal distinctions, flight tasting and customer service. This year’s winner is Sandy Hamilton, former Cannery restaurant sommelier. The Wine Professional Challenge is sponsored by Puddifoot.
QUADY DESSERT COMPETITION
For twenty-two years the Quady Dessert Competition is a test to create a dessert that pairs perfectly with a Quady wine, which this year was Elysium. First place was awarded to Tomiko Mayede from Terminal City Club. Second place was Lisa Ip from VII Lounge, and third place awarded to Whitney Reimer from Lumiere. Top Student award went to Alice Wu from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.
About the Playhouse Wine Festival
The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine show, runs from April 19 to 25, 2010. The Playhouse Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine festival events in the world. The featured theme regions for 2010 are Argentina and New Zealand with the global focus of rosé. The festival features a week of special events including a gala auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine
Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for consumers and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Playhouse Theatre Company. Since its inception in 1979, the festival has raised over $6.8 million to enable Western Canada’s leading theatre company to mount 209 productions and develop extensive community outreach and educational programs. The Shore Club generously presents the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival.
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THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION OF RESTAURANTS – DINE OUT 2010
Eat your heart out, Vancouver – Dine Out is back! The GLOWBAL COLLECTION of restaurants – glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria, and Society – is once again participating in the city’s annual culinary campaign, April 26 – May 6. The promotion, organized by Tourism Vancouver and presented by Visa, offers foodie fans the chance to dine at 200 participating restaurants over 11-days. Offering incredible value, guests will enjoy three-course menus at set prices of $18, $28 or $38 respectively (excluding tax and beverages).
“The GLOWBAL COLLECTION of restaurants is thrilled to be involved in Dine Out Vancouver,” says proprietor Emad Yacoub. “Our chefs have prepared delicious menus indicative of each restaurant and we hope our existing fans, as well as newcomers to the GLOWBAL scene, will take advantage of these amazing dining deals.”
GLOWBAL COLLECTION Dine Out Incentive
All Dine Out Vancouver reservations made on Sundays through Wednesdays will receive a complimentary Gift Certificate letter valued at $25 – valid at any GLOWBAL COLLECTION location from May 10 – June 30, 2010. Limit one Gift Certificate per reservation. Restrictions apply. Diners can make reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.
glowbal invites guests to check-out its fresh new look whilst savouring a delectable meal in one of Yaletown’s favourite restaurants. With a recent renovation and a new steak-centric menu, glowbal is offering a three-course Dine Out menu for $38 per person. Diners can choose between two starters – a roasted beet and arugula salad or sweet pea soup with Dungeness crab; three entrée options include Canadian prime tenderloin, Queen Charlotte halibut, or a creamy (and vegetarian-friendly) wild mushroom risotto. Pucker up for dessert with a sweet strawberry-rhubarb crumble. click here for full menu details
COAST beckons with a tantalizing blend of both surf and turf selections on its three-course Dine Out menu, priced at $38 per person. To start, choose between the dungeness crab cake, poached prawn waldorf salad, or classic New England clam chowder. Entrées include grilled wild BC salmon, broiled Canadian prime beef tenderloin or jumbo sea tiger prawns. The Pastry Chef’s dessert platter is guaranteed to float your boat, with white chocolate-vanilla cheesecake lollipops, chocolate mascarpone brownie and pistachio cream. click here for full menu details
Discover Sanafir’s signature tapas trios and indulge in its exotic three-course Dine Out menu for just $18 per person. Start the meal with either tomato and lentil soup or sake-marinated woodland mushroom salad. Entrées include one of the following trios: Land – goat cheese stuffed lamb kibbeh, hand-rolled oxtail ravioli and Punjabi-style butter chicken; Sea – miso bourbon glazed sablefish, kanafa wrapped tiger prawns, and spicy salt & pepper calamari. A vegetarian option of filo-wrapped lentils, goat cheese and grilled vegetables with marinated tofu and green tea vermicelli noodles with crispy Asian slaw is also available. Finish the evening with pannetone bread pudding or baklava. click here for full menu details
Those seeking a generous helping of good old-fashioned Italian home cooking need look no further than Alberni Street’s sumptuous Italian Kitchen, which is presenting a three-course Dine-Out menu for $38 per person. Choose between a crab and mushroom torta or braised chicken cannelloni to start the meal. Main courses include veal parmigiana or roasted sablefish. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of espresso anglaise tiramisu for dessert. click here for full menu details
Comfortable and casual, Trattoria is offering a modern twist on Italian dining with its three-course Dine Out menu, priced at $28 per person. To start, try the farro soup (wild forest mushrooms and mussels) or fresh burrata cheese with crispy prosciutto. Entrée options include braised beef cheek pappardelle topped with pear and apple mostarda or pan seared halibut accompanied by fried potato gnocchi. A traditional tiramisu is served for dessert. click here for full menu details
Offering an unexpected twist on classic favourites, Yaletown’s newest hotspot Society presents a three-course Dine Out menu for $18 per person. Start with the tomato soup with mini grilled cheese sandwiches; jalapeno, white cheddar mac ‘n’ cheese balls; or Caesar salad. Entrées include blackened wild BC salmon, penne primavera or grilled beef short ribs accompanied with house-cut fries. Of course, no visit to Society would be complete without something sweet — enter the dessert platter, consisting of bread pudding, donuts, mini cupcakes and cookies. click here for full menu details
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CAFE NUBA ON 3RD OPENS ITS DOORS ON SOUTH MAIN
Vancouver, BC – Nuba’s commitment to quality, organic ingredients, sustainable business practices, vibrant service and community involvement has earned it a place in Vancouver’s heart. Thanks to the generous response of customers, friends and staff, the Nuba team has created a new space in the South Main neighborhood.
The new Café Nuba maintains the soul of the original concept while adding fresh, new and colorful elements to its authentic Lebanese roots. Expect homemade Middle-Eastern baked goods, new vegan items and organic retail products. The unique beverage offerings start with nourishing fresh-pressed juices, including selections like “Life on Mars?” and “Redencion” (made with watermelon, raspberries and rose water) and finishes with organic coffees, teas and the house favorite: Turkish coffee.
The architectural and interior design of Café Nuba was entrusted to Scott Cohen who has designed projects such as Maenam, Les Faux Bourgeois and Nuba on Hastings. The new interiors were inspired by the conceptual idea of a roadside café in the Middle East during the early 1970’s. For this project, Cohen developed bright colored geometric patterns and non-conventional surfaces resulting in a space that brings back the exuberance of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The music selection is inspired by third world grooves from the same period.
The new location also houses the production kitchen and bakery where all the Nuba products are made fresh everyday. Soon, Nuba Natural Foods products will be available on retail shops around Vancouver.
Please join us to celebrate the GRAND OPENING on Wednesday the 28th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm for a tasting of our new dishes, fresh juices and a great musical selection.
CAFÉ NUBA will be open for business Monday to Saturday from 11:30am to 9:30pm. The Café Nuba is located on 146 East 3rd (between Main and Quebec).
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DAVID GUNAWAN APPOINTED CHEF DE CUISINE OF WEST RESTAURANT
Vancouver, B.C. – Jack Evrensel, proprietor of Top Table Group, is pleased to announce the promotion of David Gunawan to Chef de Cuisine of West Restaurant.
“David is a tremendous talent who will provide a fresh focus for West’s kitchen,” said Evrensel. “His philosophy reflects the restaurant’s core values and our ongoing dedication towards providing exemplary fine dining experiences.”
A rising star in Vancouver’s culinary scene, David honed his skills in top restaurants throughout Chicago, Seattle and Vancouver.
Unusually for an aspiring chef, he first studied at Purdue University in Indiana where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Form soon followed function, when he graduated from two culinary schools: Kendall College in Chicago, and then Vancouver Community College.
David now joins West’s outstanding management team: Brian Hopkins, Restaurant Director; Rhonda Viani, Pastry Chef; Owen Knowlton, Wine Director; and David Wolowidnyk, Bar Manager. Together with their teams, they will continue to achieve the high fine dining standards that are synonymous with West.
West’s outstanding contemporary regional cuisine and seamless service have garnered much critical acclaim, both locally and internationally. Cocktails are crafted behind the gleaming cherrywood bar, and the highly awarded wine collection is housed in a magnificent, temperature-controlled wall of wine. 2881 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Valet nightly. Open for dinner nightly, and lunch Monday to Saturday. 604-738-8938. www.westrestaurant.com
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CHEF’S JEAN-FRANCIS AND ALESSANDRA ANNOUNCE SPECIAL CRUISE AND EAT TOUR TO FRANCE AND BARCELONA
The Chefs Jean-Francis and Alessandra are going to Provence! Join them on this exciting adventure to one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Chefs will share all of their love and deep knowledge of France during this 13 night culinary experience.
The adventure begins June 30, with three magical nights in Paris before transferring in style aboard the high speed TGV train to Lyon, to board the beautiful Swiss Pearl, to begin your 7 night river journey, where the Chefs will join you to cruise through exquisite wine growing regions. Explore the historical town of Avignon, taste famous wines such as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, feast your eyes on the rolling hills and endless fields of lavender. End your cruise in the ancient town of Arles where a motor coach will await to transfer you to Barcelona for three additional nights! This will truly be a magical and life changing journey. Indulge your love of food, wine and adventure!
When you make your reservation, mention Chefs Jean-Francis and Alessandra to be entered to win a magnificent four course dinner for yourself and nine guests at Provence Marinaside; the perfect setting to reminisce with friends and family about your adventures. Book your cruise before May 31, 2009 and receive two entries for this exclusive contest.
For more information or to book please visit www.cruiserivers.com/ama/
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KICK OFF THE WORLD CUP IN STYLE
Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery announces 2010 FIFA World Cup appreciation events with a team of special guests
Vancouver, B.C., April 21st, 2010 – Stylish downtown eatery, Red Card Sports Bar is preparing to embrace the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with events taking place next week in celebration of the upcoming championship launch on June 11th, 2010.
The FIFA World Cup is the highlight of the European sporting calendar and takes place this year in South Africa, from June 11th to July 11th. Thirty-two teams will vie for the coveted title of World Champions, an accolade that only seven teams have achieved in the history of the tournament. With its ingrained Italian heritage, Red Card Sports Bar is excited to support the Italian reigning champions.
A team of very special guests is headlined by Osvaldo “Ossie” Ardiles, former member of the Argentinean World Cup team, rising to glory after winning in 1978. Ossie went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur, implementing the 4-4-2 diamond formation and helping them to win the UEFA Cup in 1984. In more recent years, Ossie has shown his talents for management with positions at Swindon Town and West Bromwich Albion. Other celebrated special guests include White Caps and Canadian National Women’s team players Kaylyn Kyle and Randee Hermus.
Red Card Sport Bar + Eatery’s World Cup Kick-Off takes place on both Tuesday April 27th and Thursday April 29th, with meet and greet opportunities with Osvaldo Ardiles and other soccer experts between 2-3pm and 7-8pm each day. Entry is free but space is limited, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
About Red Card Sports Bar
With authentic Italian cuisine and a beautifully-restored heritage building, Red Card Sports Bar offers a dramatic and elegant environment in which to enjoy your favourite sports game. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques, Executive Chef Andreas Wechselberger has created an inspired menu, executed to the highest standards. Red Card Sports Bar is located at 900 Seymour Street, adjacent to Moda Hotel, on the corner of Seymour and Smythe Streets, in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.
For more information on Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery visit: www.redcardsportsbar.ca
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CHEFS’ TABLE SOCIETY OF BC ANNOUNCES THE FOURTH ANNUAL SPOT PRAWN FESTIVAL
(Vancouver, BC) – The Chefs’ Table Society of BC is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Spot Prawn Festival. Lasting for the duration of the season, the six to eight week Spot Prawn Festival will kick off on Saturday May 8th from 12pm – 3pm with a community and family-friendly event at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf.
This rain or shine launch will feature delicious spot prawn dishes, spot prawn specials at the award-winning Go Fish, a gathering of Vancouver’s chef and restaurant community, and the arrival of the season’s first spot prawns as local fishermen return to the wharf with their catch.
The annual Spot Prawn Festival will provide another local, fresh, and sustainable ingredient for our restaurant chefs and home cooks to enjoy. Those who take pride in serving the bounty of British Columbia can use this annual six-to-eight week window of opportunity to purchase live, locally sourced and sustainable spot prawns directly from our local fishermen at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf and at participating restaurants serving local spot prawns. At $12 per pound for the public ($10 for Chefs’ Table members), they are an excellent and affordable alternative to the farmed tiger prawns.
This year the Spot Prawn Festival is proud to feature wine samples from Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery, a kids play area from the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise Program, a special guest speaker from the David Suzuki Foundation, and entertainment from local blues-rock band Terminal Station. As the Chefs’ Table Society is continuing to spread awareness for it’s latest cookbook Vancouver Cooks 2, festival goers can purchase books at the festival and have them signed by their favourite Vancouver chefs.
The festival creates a virtual ‘spot prawn frenzy’, as the event is growing bigger and better each year! Bringing energy and excitement down to the docks, attendees will flock to local fishermen at the wharf generating long line-ups for spot prawns bought fresh off the boats.
Local. Sustainable. Delicious. Join us for the 4th Annual Local Spot Prawn Festival!
Launch date: Saturday May 8th, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Duration: The Spot Prawn Festival will run for eight weeks
Buying times: After 1pm daily
Location: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf
(1505 West 1st Avenue, North-West of Granville Island, between the Burrard Street Bridge and the Granville Street Bridge – http://www.falsecreek.com/p_map.htm)
For further event information please visit:
www.chefstablesociety.com
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OPUS BAR & COINTREAU PRESENT: FAB WOMEN, THE SAVVY WOMEN’S GUIDE TO A STYLISH LIFE APRIL 28
Wednesday April 28, 2010
6-9pm, OPUS Bar 350 Davie Street, Yaletown
Enjoy cocktails, canapés and network with fabulous women at the chic ‘see and be seen” OPUS Bar in the world renowned
OPUS Hotel Vancouver.
RSVP to Jessica Dunn JDunn@opushotel.com
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HAMILTON STREET GRILL PRESENTS THE WINES OF ARGENTINA AND NEW ZEALAND
Hamilton Street Grill is pleased to host Yaletown Wine Festival
A “Vancouver wine festival” themed evening for those of you who can’t make it to the big festival,
are looking for a more casual setting to try this year’s featured wines,
or are just looking for great value!
Monday, April 26th and Tuesday, April 27th
5:30 to 7 pm – 3 wines, 3 appetizers $25 per person
In keeping with our popular monthly format, try a sampling of three new wines and have three savoury, wine-inspired food tasters while learning from a wine expert as they take you through a sit down yet casual style tasting. This month International Cellar’s Tina Hoogeveen takes you through some of the wines featured at this year’s Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
Monday, April 26 at 5:30pm or Tuesday, April 27 at 5:30pm
$25 per person plus taxes and gratuity
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Yaletown, Vancouver
Reserve by credit card at: 604-331-1511
or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
Hamilton Street Grill
Brunch served 10 am – 3 pm
Dinner served 7 nights a week from 5 pm
Lunch Tuesday – Friday – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Reservations available, large party’s welcome
twitter@hamiltonstgrill / Facebook Hamilton Street Grill
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Now serving Dine Out Vancouver Menus $28 and $38 April 19th to May 9th and a $15 three course Dine Out lunch April 17th – May 7th
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THE PRICE IS RIGHT
MARKET is ready to make your taste buds and your wallet go ‘wow’ during DINE OUT Vancouver 2010.
This annual event brings the foodies – whether local or visitors – out in droves to the city’s top restaurants where menu creativity is at an all time high, and pricing at an incredible low.
From April 26th to May 6th, discerning diners will enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu – 3 decadent courses for $38 plus tax.
Bookings begin early – April 19th and sell out fast.
To reserve your DINE OUT spot in MARKET, call 604-695-1115 or e-mail marketbyjg.slv@shangri-la.com
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WINE TASTING WITH A SOCIAL TWIST
Oliver, BC…..Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has always been a leader in the BC Wine industry and embracing the age of social media has proven no different. The Tinhorn Creek team are avid tweeters, Facebook followers and are very LinkedIn. So, to meet their fellow social types, Winemaker Sandra Oldfield and the crew from Tinhorn Creek Vineyard are hosting a Staggered Tasting, Wednesday, May 26th from 6 – 9pm in the Audience Lounge at CBC, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. This event is structured as “brown bag meets speed dating”, with a fast paced tasting followed by light canapés, and guided unveiling of wines by Sandra Oldfield and live tweeting galore. Tickets are an incredibly reasonable $20 and can be purchased at www.staggeredtasting.eventbrite.com or by calling the winery at 1-888-484-6467.
This irreverent look at Speed Dating has nothing to do with dating, but more about the fast paced times we live in and making wine tasting fun. Guests have five minutes per brown bag, then move to the next table, taste and move on. Upon completion, winemaker Sandra Oldfield will guide tasters through the nuances of each varietal, with the chance to win great prizes if you choose to enter the game and guess the wine. Enjoy the cool space of CBC, taste and re-taste wines, nibble on canapés and leave with a souvenir Riedel wine glass. BUT, no staggering allowed!!!
On the hillside overlooking vineyard, sagebrush, and the old gold mining creek that gave the winery its name, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver B.C., in the famed Golden Mile wine growing district. As the number one winery destination, evoking classic south Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards offers an unrivalled visitor experience and wines that rank among the best in the world. For more information about Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, call 1.888.484.6467 or visit the website at www.tinhorn.com.
