B.C. Food And Wine Radio: Apr 15, 2026

This week's show comes from the International Tasting Room at the 2026 Vancouver International Wine Festival. Joining us on stage is Jeff Guignard, CEO of Wine Growers BC, for a compelling discussion on the current state of wine, both at the storefront and in the vineyard. Since its founding, Bodegas Olarra has been recognized as the Great Cathedral of Rioja, Spain, or the ultimate example of Wine Architecture. Its impressive construction, the work of Juan Antonio Ridruejo, is one of the first examples of architecture applied to a winery and the first time a prestigious architect designed a production facility. Oscar Urrutia, Export Director at Bodegas Olarra, breaks down the Rioja quality scale and discusses its magical terroir. James Leonardo De Sa, Export Manager for Canada at M. Chapoutier, pours two wines: a new label, Rouge Clair by M. Chapoutier 2024, a lighter, fresher version of a Rhône red, as well as the always dependable Chapoutier. Finally, Guillaume Blisson, North America Sales Director at Boisset, provides an update on the value-driven wines of Gabriel Meffre in the heart of the Rhône Valley.