Kascadia 6 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.

 

Birichino Vineyards

Santa Cruz, California

Discover Birichino Vineyards – Santa Cruz Winemaking with Global Roots
Founded in 2008 by longtime friends and industry veterans Alex Krause and John Locke, Birichino crafts vibrant, expressive wines from historic California vineyards—some dating back to the 19th century. With over 40 years of combined experience making wine in California, France, and Italy, their approach emphasizes balance, elegance, and a playful spirit.

Sourcing from own-rooted, family-farmed vineyards in marine-influenced microclimates, Birichino champions minimal intervention winemaking—including native fermentations, stainless and neutral aging vessels, and unfiltered bottling when possible. Their goal? To preserve the purity of the fruit and the soul of the vineyard.

Whether you're exploring old-vine Grenache, crisp Vermentino, or delicate Pinot Noir, Birichino wines deliver pleasure, refreshment, and a true sense of place.

Birichino 2022 Malvasia Bianca (Monterey)

 

This vibrant Malvasia Bianca from Monterey offers an elegant and aromatic profile, showcasing the varietal’s classic charm. On the nose, expect a bright bouquet of white flowers, ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, and subtle hints of citrus zest. The palate is crisp and lively, with a refreshing acidity that balances the gentle sweetness. Flavors of juicy pear, honeysuckle, and a whisper of orange blossom unfold, supported by a silky texture and a clean, mineral-driven finish. This wine carries a delicate complexity that invites slow savoring, reflecting the cool Monterey climate's influence.

Food Pairings:
This Malvasia Bianca pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood, light pasta with lemon or herbs, and creamy cheeses like ricotta or burrata. It also complements mildly spiced Asian dishes and fresh summer salads with fruit and nuts, making it a versatile and elegant choice at the table.

Birichino 2023 St Georges Zinfandel Old Vines

This Old Vines Zinfandel from Birichino’s St Georges vineyard showcases a beautiful depth and complexity. On the nose, it reveals rich aromas of blackberries, ripe cherries, and subtle spice with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is full-bodied yet balanced, with juicy dark fruit flavors layered alongside notes of pepper, clove, and a touch of smoky earthiness. Smooth tannins and lively acidity carry the wine to a long, satisfying finish, reflecting the old vine character and cool climate of the site.

Food Pairing:
This Zinfandel pairs excellently with grilled meats, such as barbecued ribs or steak, as well as rich, savory dishes like braised lamb or mushroom ragout. It also complements hearty pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces and aged cheeses, making it a versatile and robust partner for bold flavors.