(Pictured: The team behind the cellar at Dirty Laundry Vineyard a(l-r) Lee Holland, Adrian Smits & Mason Spink.)
Winemaker Mason Spink has a lot to be happy about. 2014 will be a year of celebration for Dirty Laundry Vineyard’s (DLV) new full-time winemaker – he’s got a puppy, he’s getting married, and he’s having fun creating and improving fantastic wines for the coveted DLV brand.
The hands-on craftsmanship at Summerland’s famous boutique winery holds great appeal for Mason. The former head winemaker at See Ya Later Ranch winery appreciates the opportunities of his new position, experimenting with ‘secret’ tools steeped in a rich history of international winemaking, such as unique blends and co-fermenting.
“It’s not so much about pushing boundaries, but about looking ‘outside-the-box,’” explains Mason. “DLV has a fun vibe: it’s a fun wine, fun brand, and everyone knows the winery. We’ve got a great cellar team. Everyone is on the ball. It makes my job easier.”
Currently, the hard-working cellar boys are making a big push for a mid-June bottling of all DLV’s summer releases, including their coveted ‘Woo Woo Vines’ Gewürztraminer, ‘Hush’ Blush, and their hot new white blend, ‘Secret Affair’.
Grab your tickets for DLV’s second annual Rock & Troll hot tub party on May 10th at the winery, $89.99 plus tax (note: hot tub is only for the lobsters!) Visit www.dirtylaundry.ca for all the juicy details, on-line shopping, food-pairing videos and more.
2013 Dangerous Liaison $19.99
Deep, juicy, ripe fruit make up this very approachable red blend of Merlot, Malbec and Syrah. Designed to enjoy on it’s own, it pairs especially well with friends, soft cheeses and charcuterie. Sales and marketing manager Judi Skinner says that it’s about “recreating Merlot.” It’s an easy-drinking red perfect for restaurants and those transitioning from fruit-forward whites. Take that, ‘Apothic’!
~ Sarah Willard