Confessions from Senka Tennant - Wine Whisperer & Viticulture Pioneer in the Okanagan Valley, BC

What does it take to turn desert sagebrush into Canada's most iconic cult red wine? Join me for an intimate conversation with Senka Tennant, co-founder of Black Hills Estate and Terravista Vineyards. She's a true foundational matriarch of modern British Columbia winemaking. Hear about her legendary vineyard intuition, the sheer physical grit of the early days, her pioneering work with Spanish white varieties on the Naramata Bench, and what she tastes in the 25th vintage of Nota Bene that only she would recognize. And yes, we taste the 2025 Black Hills Rosé - a first time ever for Senka. From clearing paths in the early days to mastering the meticulous technical skills required to evaluate vines, grapes, and final blends, she has shown the world exactly what the Okanagan is capable of producing. From the creation of the instant cult-icon Nota Bene (cab dominant meritage blend) to pioneering Canada's very first plantings of Spanish white varieties of Albariño and Verdejo on the Naramata Bench, her precision and grit are unmatched. Today she consults with a few wineries including one of my favorites - Lariana Cellars located on the BC/WA border in Osoyoos, BC. Lariana has planted Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier and these bottles are in high demand due to the small lot batches available.