The Chef. The Winemaker. The Farmer.
Presenters:
The Chef - Chef Dylan Foss, The Kitchen at Fort Berens Estate Winery
The Winemaker - Danny Hattingh, Fort Berens Estate Winery
The Farmer – Tristan Banwell, Spray Creek Ranch
As an emerging wine region, Lillooet is quickly becoming a destination for wine exploration. With its vineyards on sage-brush covered benchland along the Fraser River at the base of towering mountains, Fort Berens embraces the spirit of Lillooet. Winemaker Danny Hattingh and the team are committed to handcrafting award-winning wines that reflect their unique Lillooet terroir.
While expressing the terroir of Lillooet in the wine, it goes hand-in-hand that Chef Dylan Foss from The Kitchen at Fort Berens Estate Winery is also committed to creating culinary dishes that showcase fresh, local ingredients. In a celebration of the finest bounty from Lillooet, Chef Dylan creates farm-to-table dishes that feature fresh, local ingredients and classic, old-world techniques.
Farmer Tristan Banwell and his team at Spray Creek Ranch raise certified organic beef cattle, pigs, meat chickens, turkeys and laying hens on pasture as part of an integrated and regenerative agro-ecological system. They are a certified organic and diversified regenerative farm in Lillooet using ecological principles to produce wholesome, delicious, pastured meats.
The Best of BC Wine Country Awards recently recognized all three of these talented individuals and teams with a number of awards, as voted on by the public. In the emerging region category, Fort Berens won “Best BC Red Wine”, “Best BC White Wine” and “Best Overall Wine Experience”. The Kitchen at Fort Berens won "Best Overall Culinary Experience" and "Best Restaurant Showcasing Local Foods”, while Spray Creek Ranch won "Best Local Food Product".
This culinary stage experience is a unique opportunity to learn from and taste with The Chef, The Winemaker and The Farmer. You will learn about agriculture in the Lillooet area from these three locals with a broad wealth of knowledge. This experience is designed to be just as educational as it is delicious.
During the presentation, you will learn more about the wines on the menu, the potential for wine in this emerging region and the future of Fort Berens wines. You will learn about new and ethical farming practices at work in Lillooet, the food system that is growing in the sea to sky corridor, and the great products being grown in the region. The experience will culminate in a three-course wine and food paired meal that will delight all of your senses.
1st Course
Grilled Cheese
Farmhouse country morning, bing cherry and Cabernet Franc compote, honey compound butter
Paired with a cocktail featuring the Fort Berens Late Harvest Riesling
2nd Course
Spätzle
Roasted pine mushroom, cedar scented cream sauce, parsley verde
Paired with Fort Berens White Gold
3rd Course
Grass fed beef and carrots
Carrot steak, braised Spray Creek Ranch chuck, beets, toasted wild rice, tomato jus
Paired with Fort Berens Red Gold