Wednesday, November 15, 2000 — North Shore News - 25 it Ft kIT NEST CN OL TN .C. wines attract some attention Tim Pawsey Contributing Writer THE Okanagan Fall .. Wine Festival wrapped up with the awarding of a bumper crop of medals that recognize the quality of both the °98 and °99 vintages. However, the 20th annual festival will go down as the first that attracted considerable attention from outside, in the ~ © person of His Excellency John Ralston Saul. The Governor General’s husband led a high- powered delegation that ‘included ambassadors from France and Australia on a whirlwind tour of the valley. Much more than some cozy tasting junket, Saul’s mis- sion had much needed pur- pose, which His Excellency took time to outline ina speech to the annual winemas- ters gala luncheon. “The Canadian wine indus- try is one of the really great success stories of the last 15 years,” said Saul, who suggests its time to “make the wines of Canada better known both to Canadians and to the rest of the world” — hence the dele- gation, which he promises will be the first of several to both the Okanagan and Niagara. Rideau Hall will “lead by example — existentially,” he quipped, “by building “the finest Canadian wine cellar in the world.” In fact, announced Saul, the Governor General's residence “is the show kitchen and wine cellar of this country and by the end of this year it will be 100% Canadian wine.” That statement would have been unimaginable 10 — per- haps even five — years ago but with better wines consistently holding their own in world competition, there’s no ques- tion the time is right. ‘Fortunately, some e changes are. easier to get used to. “Everyone on the delega- tion has been struck by the quality and variety of what we've tasted,” said Saul. He also struck some famil- iar chords, alluding to the absurdity of a trade environ- ment that still makes it difficult to sell B.C. wines in Ontario and vice-versa. “We need to concentrate on how we can get wines across the country,” says Saul. “Niagara and B.C. have to work together. There’s a need to reinforce by exchange, back up in a power- ful way to give some self confi- dence.” All too easily, this might have been just another visit by another dignitary or politico delivering pre-election plau- tudes but Ralston Saul’s visit had substance as much as style. While His Excellency’s entourage was busy on its exhausting two-day tasting schedule, his aide-de-camp was equally busy writing orders to ensure future visiting foreign dignitaries and heads of state will be suitably impressed by the Rideau Hall wine cellar. Not surprisingly, the selec- tion includes a healthy repre- sentation of Sumac Ridge Wines, which scooped an impressive seven of 20 gold medals this year. Also on the list were wines from CedarCreck (four golds), Quails Gate, Blue Mountain, Burrowing Ow!. Gehringer, Tinhorn Creek, Summerhill and others. Winery of the Month: Sumac Ridge. Based on a recent tasting, wines currently available (or pending immi- tem RN EM peril aah! nent release) from Sumac add up to the best across-the- board offering to date. They include: 1999 Pinot Blanc. Fruit forward apple and pear, under- lying French oak and a clean, crisp close. A perfect salmon wine and one of B.C.’s best values at $10.95 327882 1999 Meritage White. Half *n half Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc brings ele- gance and complexity. Some sage notes on the nose, rich and rounded with some gooseberry, restrained oak and vanilla in a lingering end. The best yet. $18.95 434977 1996 Blanc de Noirs. Pale straw coloured with a stream of fine bubbles, richly textured with medium toast and some citrus notes preceding a crisp finish. $22.95. or Sale ae eee BSE stevia ce ee Furniture business established 28 years. Quality, i custom furniture in steel & glass, lacquer &. wood. Very large client base. Company has excellent reputation. Owners retiring. For further information, fax 988-7171 or call 980-2325 “Join the Alcan Nancy. Greene Ski League id ~-foin beginner, intermediate. and expert “skiers aged 6-12 in a fun; ‘team-oriented ‘program ~ Enjoy an introduction to skiing and racing in 2 ~ 10-12 week session with certified coaches ru by the Ski club. FOR MORE : INFORMATION. - Cypress Ski Cius. 990-6769 Grouse Mtn. Ski CLus 739-6845 § | Mt. SEYMOUR SKI Cue 736-0059 Sponsored .