Kascadia 4 Q2 2025
Stoneboat Vineyards
Okanagan Valley, BC
The story of Stoneboat begins many decades ago, in 1979, when the original founders, Lanny and Julie Martinuk, left their careers in Vancouver, packed their dog, their savings, and some furniture into an old Ford truck, and drove to the Okanagan where Julie had grown up.
Following his hopes to plant a vineyard, Lanny was one of the first growers in the Okanagan to convert orchard over to vinifera in 1983. In 1998, Lanny purchased the Orchard Grove vineyard on a handshake, where the winery is now located. This site would be planted primarily in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinotage. This vineyard gave Lanny and Julie the resources to finally unite their grapes in their own bottle in 2005.
Our vineyard is located on what we call The Black Sage Gravelbar.
The defining characteristic of the Black Sage Gravelbar soils is the rocks that lie beneath them. Two to three feet of sandy, gravelly loam give way to hundreds of feet of rounded, similarly sized stones that were deposited by ancient glacial meltwater. They provide excellent water drainage and keep vine vigour in check. Most importantly, these stones are frosted with a coating of calcium and other minerals, known as carbonate skins, which integrate with the soil. Because of their southwestern exposure, the vineyards take full advantage of the South Okanagan’s desert sun & heat, which develops rich, earthy flavors in the grapes.
Winemaker, Bill Adams joined the Stoneboat family following a year as a cellar master at Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars. His discerning approach to winemaking, coupled with his extensive experience with Pinot varieties, uniquely aligned with Stoneboat’s commitment to crafting quality and expressive wines.
Stoneboat 2022 Pinot Noir
Gold Medal - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024
The 2022 Stoneboat Pinot Noir is an elegant, fruit-forward expression of the South Okanagan. In the glass, it shows a delicate ruby hue with aromatic layers of raspberry, cranberry, and sour cherry. On the palate, it’s lively and well-balanced, offering flavours of red plum, a hint of pomegranate, and subtle earthy undertones. The tannins are smooth and supple, complemented by a bright acidity that lifts the fruit and carries through to a clean, medium-length finish. Alcohol 13.3%.
Food Pairing
This Pinot Noir is versatile and food-friendly. It shines with roast duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon. For a vegetarian pairing, try wild mushroom risotto or a beet and goat cheese salad. It's also an excellent partner for charcuterie boards with mild cheeses and cured meats.
Little Engine Winery
Okanagan Valley, BC
Little Engine Winery is a standout gem nestled on the Naramata Bench in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Founded on a vision of producing wines that reflect ambition, precision, and elegance, Little Engine crafts small-lot, estate-driven wines with uncompromising quality. Their portfolio showcases expressive Pinot Noir, structured Chardonnay, and bold Merlot—all shaped by the unique microclimate and terroir of the region. With meticulous vineyard practices and a hands-on approach in the cellar, Little Engine wines reflect both power and finesse, making them a true representation of New World craftsmanship with Old World soul. Their motto, Dreams don’t come true, they are made true, speaks to the passion and resilience behind every bottle.
At the helm of Little Engine Wines are proprietors Steven and Nicole French, a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose shared entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for this visionary winery. Steven, whose career began in Oil & Gas with a focus on Marketing and Business Development, brought his drive and strategic acumen to the world of wine after graduating from the University of Western Ontario. Nicole, rooted in a family of entrepreneurs, transitioned from a career in Education into Real Estate Design, Development, and Brand Marketing—bringing a creative edge and thoughtful design sensibility to the Little Engine experience.
Guiding the winery’s portfolio is Scott Robinson, an accomplished winemaker with a Master’s in Oenology with Distinction from the University of Adelaide. Having honed his craft across New Zealand, Australia, and the Okanagan, Scott has been with Little Engine since its inception, shaping its wines with precision, elegance, and a deep respect for terroir. Together, this trio has built a boutique winery defined by passion, ambition, and world-class quality.
Little Engine 2022 French Chardonnay
The 2022 French Chardonnay from Little Engine is an elegant and expressive wine that reflects both precision winemaking and the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. On the nose, it opens with lifted aromas of ripe orchard fruit—pear and golden apple—layered with lemon zest, white blossoms, and a delicate note of vanilla and toast from well-integrated oak. The palate is rich yet balanced, with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and flavours of stone fruit, citrus, and subtle minerality. The finish is long and refined, with a graceful touch of spice and a lingering freshness.
Food Pairing
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood and creamy dishes. Think seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc, butter-poached lobster, or herb-roasted chicken. It also complements creamy pastas, like fettuccine Alfredo, and soft cheeses such as Brie or Triple Cream. Ideal for elegant dinners or slow weekend lunches.
Orixo Sotelo
Sonoma, California
Orixe Sotelo is a boutique winery founded in 2019 by Gustavo and Jackie Sotelo in Sonoma, California. The name "Orixe" (pronounced o-REE-shay) is derived from the Galician word for "origin," reflecting the couple's deep-rooted connection to Spanish heritage. The surname "Sotelo" traces back to the coastal mountains of Galicia, Spain, symbolizing a bridge between Old World traditions and New World terroirs .
From Mexico City to California's Vineyards
Gustavo Sotelo's journey into winemaking began in Mexico City, where he was born and raised. Initially pursuing a career in publishing in New York, he discovered a profound connection to his Spanish roots through a Spanish wine course at Instituto Cervantes. This revelation led him to transition into the wine industry, working at esteemed wineries like Etude, Mumm Napa, and White Rock Vineyards. His passion culminated in a pivotal experience at Bodegas Mauro in Ribera del Duero, Spain, where he immersed himself in traditional Spanish winemaking techniques .
A Vision for Spanish Varietals in California
At Orixe Sotelo, the focus is on producing wines exclusively from Spanish grape varieties cultivated in California. This approach aims to honor the rich viticultural heritage of Spain while exploring the unique expressions these varietals can achieve in California's diverse climates. The winery's portfolio includes varietals such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Godello, and Albariño, each selected for their adaptability and potential to thrive in California's terroirs .
2023 Orixe Sotelo "NEBOLA" Monterey County Arinto - Albariño
This vibrant, low‑alcohol white (≈12.6%) captures the essence of Txakoli in a California setting. Expect pronounced salinity with bone‑dry lemon zest and grapefruit, backed by a subtle whisper of jasmine and tropical notes like juicy white peach and passionfruit. The naturally occurring spritz adds a playful lift to its refreshing, mineral‑driven finish
Food Pairing:
Nebola’s bright acidity, saline bite, and light effervescence make it a superb partner for fresh seafood—think oysters, raw scallops, or ceviche. It also pairs elegantly with citrus‑seasoned shellfish, summer salads, mild goat cheeses, and vibrant vegetable dishes such as grilled asparagus or roasted root vegetables. Its crisp profile enhances clean, ocean‑inspired flavors beautifully.
Terah Wine Co.
Clements Hills AVA, California
Terah Wine Co. is a standout boutique winery rooted in thoughtful craftsmanship, cultural authenticity, and regenerative farming. Founded by Terah Bajjalieh in 2020, this woman- and queer-owned label has quickly earned acclaim for its vibrant, minimal-intervention wines crafted from organic and biodynamic vineyards across California.
With a background in finance, culinary arts, and global winemaking—from France to New Zealand—Terah brings an international sensibility to California fruit. Her winemaking style embraces native yeast fermentation, minimal sulfur, and hands-on techniques like skin contact whites and foot treading. The result? Pure, expressive wines with energy, elegance, and a strong sense of place.
Her portfolio features fresh, food-friendly interpretations of varietals like Barbera, Vermentino, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir. Each bottle tells a story—of small growers, resilient land, and a deep respect for heritage. Terah’s wines don’t just reflect the vineyard; they reflect her voice and vision as a Lebanese-Palestinian American and LGBTQ+ winemaker committed to diversity and inclusion in the wine world.
With features in Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, and appearances at high-profile events like the U.S. State Department’s Arab American Heritage reception, Terah Wine Co. is both a rising star and a proud ambassador for change in American wine.
Terah Wine 2021 Sangiovese
This single‑vineyard Sangiovese (13.8% ABV) from the biodynamically farmed Bench Vineyard along the Mokelumne River offers a beautifully balanced, food‑friendly profile. On the nose, you’ll find enticing aromas of orange peel, cherry, and anise. On the palate, red fruits—such as ripe strawberries and cherries—are complemented by savory earthiness, firm acidity, and structured tannins from 17 months aging in older puncheons and barrels.
Food Pairing:
Thanks to its bright acidity and medium body, this Sangiovese is a superb table wine. Enjoy it with classic Italian fare—like pizza, tomato-based pasta, or herbed roasted chicken—or elevate grilled lamb or savory mushroom dishes. The wine’s zesty profile also stands up beautifully to a meat-and-cheese charcuterie board .