Neighbours

The Neighbour’s Blend fundraising bottles from BC Wine Studio in Okanagan Falls feature the winery’s signature mermaid imagery with a special halo of fresh fruits and vegetables.

That’s because the 2015 white blend of Riesling and Viognier ($23) supports the B.C. Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program to give needy children, expectant moms and seniors access to fresh fruits and vegetables from 54 farmers markets around the province.

“We’ve always had a socialresponsibility ethic here,” said BC Wine Studio owner and winemaker Mark Simpson.

“Previously, we did a fundraiser with our Playground Blend to buy equipment for a kids’ playground in East Vancouver.”

Five dollars from every bottle of The Neighbour’s Blend will to the farmers market coupon program.

Simpson blended Riesling grown in Oliver with Viognier from Osoyoos to create a zesty wine with aromas and favours of lemon, green apple and tropical fruits.

You can only buy the wine online at BCWineStudio.ca.

Some of BC Wine Studio’s other wines can be purchased at Save-On Foods.

Last-minute

You may be able to score some last-minute tickets to tonight’s Canadian Culinary Championships Grand Finale at the Delta Grand hotel in Kelowna.

They go for $285 each at GoldMedalPlates.com.

Eleven chefs from across the country are competing for the national title with signature dishes paired with Canadian wines.

There’s also entertainment and an auction over dessert.

Steve MacNaull is The Okanagan Weekend’s business and wine reporter and columnist. Reach him at steve.macnaull@ok.bc.ca.