Shelley Boettcher
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I write. Travel. Eat. Drink wine. MA (journalism), WSET 3, ISG 2. @calgaryherald @postmedianet @pouredcanada @theguardian @nytimes @cbcradio @castanetnews
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Articles by Shelley Boettcher
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2022 Gamay
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2022 Gamay
Shelley Boettcher - Sep 6, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 630220 Wine: Upper Bench Estate Winery 2022 Gamay Winery: Upper Bench Estate Winery Why drink it? I think everyone should drink more Gamay, and this light-to-medium-bodied version from Upper Bench, with its notes of cherry and raspberry, is a wonderful place to start. I sometimes describe Gamay as a red wine for white wine lovers as it has low tannins and good acidity, characteristics we typically associate with white wines.
Calgary Fall Home Show: 'Each of my (art) pieces is a kind of journey' Original
Artist Brad Holt incorporates vintage vehicle parts and other found objects in his art. Photo by Brad Holt /Postmedia Article content Brad Holt studied science when he was younger, thinking one day he’d be a dentist or a doctor. He quickly realized that the world of medicine wasn’t for him and, instead, became an artist, following in his mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Calgary Fall Home Show: Which handy skills can you pick up at the DIY Training Center? Original
Colin Herring of DIY Training Center demonstrates using a skill saw. Photo by DIY Training Center /Postmedia Article content If you’ve ever wondered how to tile your bathroom floor, fix your baseboard or repair a hole in your drywall, Jackie White and Colin Herring can help. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Calgary Fall Home Show: Witness a mural unfolding in real time Original
Article content Rachel Lyon’s artistic career got an unexpected boost when an interior designer friend needed someone to paint her booth walls at a Calgary Home Show a few years ago. She called on Lyon to come up with something and, afterward, the Calgary-based mural artist gave away her work, asking only for a donation to charity. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Mountain Magic - Savour Calgary
A new Alberta whisky has arrived from PARK Distillery in Banff. Bold rye character and a striking bottle make it a great gift or one to enjoy at home. Park Distillery Banff Whisky is the latest from the team at PARK Distillery. A blend of three whiskies all made from 100 per cent local rye that’s been aged in new American oak, it is complex and layered with notes of candied ginger, baking spices, vanilla and cinnamon heart candies.
Blasted Church 2025 Blaufrankisch Rosé
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Blasted Church 2025 Blaufrankisch Rosé
Shelley Boettcher - Aug 30, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 629562 Wine: Blasted Church 2025 Blaufrankisch Rosé Winery: Blasted Church Vineyards Why drink it? A good, complex rosé isn’t super-common but this one delivers, with notes of redcurrant, strawberry, sour cherry and more. Vibrant and fresh, it’s a pleasure to drink — and true to Blasted Church form, the label is as brilliant and quirky as ever.
River Stone 2022 Small Lots Merlot
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
River Stone 2022 Small Lots Merlot
Shelley Boettcher - Aug 23, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 628770 Wine: River Stone 2022 Small Lots Merlot Winery: River Stone Estate Winery Why drink it? Located just north of Oliver, River Stone is a gem of a winery to visit, with lush flower gardens in the summer and a cozy tasting room. Plan to spend some time here as soon as you can.
Powerhouse Blending
Summer smoothies and shakes are even better when you can blend them and head straight out the door. This portable option keeps things simple with a travel-ready tumbler, leak-proof lid and reusable straw. Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender Want to make your own drinks this summer?
Local Legend - Savour Calgary
Tool Shed Brewing Co. has good reason to raise a glass after earning two honours at Stampede Cellar Uncorked. There’s something new to sip, too, with new beer Local Legend offering plenty of flavour in a lower-alcohol pour. Tool Shed Brewing Co. Looking for some good noshing? Tool Shed Brewing Co. recently won People’s Choice Best Bite and the Guy Weadick Showmanship Award at this year’s Stampede Cellar Uncorked. And, of course, they’re making great beer in addition to great food.
Hester Creek 2025 Viognier
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Hester Creek 2025 Viognier
Shelley Boettcher - Aug 9, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 627230 Wine: Hester Creek 2025 Viognier Winery: Hester Creek Estate Winery Why drink it? From a near-perfect vintage, this 2025 Viogner is made of hand-picked Viognier grapes grown in the South Okanagan. Originally from France’s Rhone Valley, Viognier was almost lost in the 1960s, until an enterprising French winemaker saw its potential and brought it back into fashion.
One Of A Kind Whisky
More than two decades of ageing have gone into Rare Batch Issue No. 2. Alberta Distillers’ latest expression is a rich, full-bodied whisky made for slow sipping. Alberta Distillers Alberta Distillers recently released its Rare Batch Issue No. 2, the second — in case the name wasn’t obvious — in its Rare Batch series. The new whisky has been aged for 21 years in whisky, bourbon and white oak barrels that have been in the Alberta Distillers warehouses for more than two decades.
Poplar Grove 2025 Rosé
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Poplar Grove 2025 Rosé
Shelley Boettcher - Aug 2, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 626720 Wine: Poplar Grove 2025 Rosé Winery: Poplar Grove Winery Why drink it? The prettiest soft pink colour, this wine is fresh and lively, with notes of pink grapefruit, melon, cherry and strawberry. Crisp and clean, it comes from BC-grown fruit, a blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that was hand-picked and quickly processed. Drink now and serve chilled. Pair with: Soft cheeses, charcuterie, sushi or grilled chicken.
Burrowing Owl 2022 Malbec
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Burrowing Owl 2022 Malbec
Shelley Boettcher - Jul 26, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 625943 Wine: Burrowing Owl 2022 Malbec Winery: Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Why drink it? There are a few wineries in the Okanagan making brilliant world-class Malbec, and Burrowing Owl is one of them. This crowd-pleasing full-bodied wine is deep purple-red in colour with layers of flavour including and balanced, with a long finish and layers of flavour including violet, Italian plums and coffee.
Hillside Winery 2025 Un-oaked Pinot Gris
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Hillside Winery 2025 Un-oaked Pinot Gris
Shelley Boettcher - Jul 19, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 624649 Wine: Hillside Winery 2025 Un-oaked Pinot Gris Winery: Hillside Winery Why drink it? The older I get, the more precious summers are to me. They’re a time to get together with friends, to hang out on the patio and to stay up too late until the sun is down and the stars come out. It's also a time to drink good things, such as this un-oaked Pinot Gris from Hillside Winery.
Renowned visual artist John Will, who 'challenged, entertained and delighted,' dies Original
Calgary visual artist John Will. Photo by Rob Hilton, courtesy of Norberg Hall We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. Article content Renowned printmaker, painter and educator John Will died in Calgary on July 15. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Sassy Cerveza - Savour Calgary
Patio season isn’t just about what’s on the grill — it’s also about what’s in your glass. One for the Road Brewing’s latest alcohol-free release brings the bright, refreshing character of a Mexican-style cerveza to summer gatherings. One For The Road Brewing Calgary’s own One for the Road makes delicious alcohol-free beer including the award-winning Stone Sofa Kolsch that is so crisp and flavourful. It’s always in our fridge.
Noble Ridge 2020 The Pink One
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Noble Ridge 2020 The Pink One
Shelley Boettcher - Jul 12, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 624138 Wine: Noble Ridge 2020 The Pink One Winery: Noble Ridge Vineyards and Winery Why drink it? Jim and Leslie D’Andrea fell in love with wine while travelling in Europe. They came home and decided to start a winery. They bought a plot of beautiful land in the Okanagan near Okanagan Falls and two years later, in 2003, Noble Ridge opened its doors.
Quails’ Gate 2025 Rosé
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Quails’ Gate 2025 Rosé
Shelley Boettcher - Jul 5, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 622870 Wine: Quails’ Gate 2025 Rosé Winery: Quails’ Gate Winery Why drink it? Made from Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir grapes, this fresh and lively rosé is a perfect summer wine, made for hot days and patios and good times with friends. Juicy raspberry, pomegranate and watermelon flavours make this one a standout.
Rayu Sunshine - Savour Calgary
Calgary’s Respect the Technique has built a loyal following for its ramen, but one pantry staple deserves a spot in your kitchen, too. This savoury gluten-free and nut-free chili oil has become a go-to condiment for home cooks who like a pop of flavour. Johnny’s World Famous Rayu Jonny’s World Famous Rayu is a vegan-friendly, gluten-free and nut-free garlic chili crisp that you’ll want to add to everything: rice, pizza, scrambled eggs, avocado, chicken, you name it.
Hungarian Happiness
Made in Cochrane, The Hungarian Guy’s traditional pepper spread brings bold Hungarian flavour to everyday cooking. Spoon it onto sandwiches, swirl it into eggs or stews, or serve it alongside grilled meats. The Hungarian Guy The Hungarian Guy’s traditional Hungarian Pepper Spread is gluten-free and peanut-free and made with all-natural ingredients including crushed peppers, tomatoes, garlic, vinegar and salt. Gabe Palotas is The Hungarian Guy — “This is how people know me,” he says.
Larch Hills Winery 2024 Albarino Original
Larch Hills Winery 2024 Albarino A wine that deserves love Shelley Boettcher - Jun 28, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 621903 Photo: Contributed Larch Hills Winery 2024 Albarino Wine: Larch Hills Winery 2024 Albarino Winery: Larch Hills Winery Why drink it? Well, first of all, Albarino deserves love. It is a remarkably under-appreciated grape in Canada, especially considering how delicious and food-friendly it is.
Township 7 Provenance Series 2025 Pinot Gris
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Township 7 Provenance Series 2025 Pinot Gris
Shelley Boettcher - Jun 21, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 620617 Wine: Township 7 Provenance Series 2025 Pinot Gris Winery: Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Why drink it? The 2025 harvest was wonderful. For Township 7 it was the team’s largest harvest on record. Wines like this 100 per cent Pinot Gris showcase the grapes at their best. This bright fruity white wine has notes of peach, pear and honey and is made from hand-picked grapes from three vineyards on the Naramata Bench.
Marvellous Mustard
Alberta grows some of the world’s best mustard seed, yet much of it leaves the country before returning to store shelves. One local producer is working to change that, one jar at a time. Brassica Mustard At almost 30 years in business, Brassica Mustard was started after a local chef realized that most Canadian mustard seed is shipped overseas, where it’s made into fancy French mustards — and then shipped back to Canada. In 2019, the business was sold to a friend and fellow chef, Eric Giesbrecht.
Synchromesh 2025 “White Label” Dry Riesling, Storm Haven Vineyard Original
Synchromesh 2025 “White Label” Dry Riesling, Storm Haven Vineyard Outstanding dry Riesling Shelley Boettcher - Jun 14, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 619363 Photo: Contributed Synchromesh 2025 “White Label” Dry Riesling, Storm Haven Vineyard Wine: Synchromesh 2025 “White Label” Dry Riesling, Storm Haven Vineyard Winery: Synchromesh Wines Why drink it? I admit, it was very hard to choose just one Riesling from Synchromesh to write about.
Can’t Beet This - Savour Calgary
Not every condiment needs to be made at home. Tymek’s Cwikla Beets with Horseradish brings earthy sweetness and a sharp horseradish kick to sandwiches, smoked fish and roast beef, all in a convenient jar. Tymek’s Cwikla Beets For those of us of Eastern European heritage, beet horseradish (sometimes called Chrain, pronounced khrayn) is far from uncommon. It brings a colourful, flavour-packed and healthy kick to a variety of dishes, from roast beef sandwiches to smoked fish.
Nota Bene, Hiatus Collection
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Nota Bene, Hiatus Collection
Shelley Boettcher - Jun 7, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 618161 Wine: Nota Bene, Hiatus Collection Winery: Black Hills Estate Winery Why drink it? Black Hills, like pretty much every Okanagan and Similkameen winery, was hit hard by the killing frosts of 2024. They’re recovering, of course, but in the meantime, it made the decision to release a slightly different version of their flagship red, Nota Bene.
Marvelous Miso - Savour Calgary
Yotam Ottolenghi’s flavour-packed cooking style has influenced kitchens around the world. His miso pesto combines white miso, spinach and pine nuts for a savoury spread that works on everything from pasta to sandwiches. Ottolenghi Miso Pesto “Even if you’ve never heard of Yotam Ottolenghi, you’ve likely eaten something influenced by his restaurants or cookbooks,” Calgary writer Elizabeth Chorney-Booth wrote recently, before Ottolenghi’s visit to Calgary in February. She’s not wrong.
Poplar Grove 2022 CSM Original
Poplar Grove 2022 CSM Rich, layered red wine Shelley Boettcher - May 31, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 616531 Photo: Contributed Poplar Grove 2022 CSM Wine: Poplar Grove 2022 CSM Winery: Poplar Grove Winery Why drink it? This wine’s name, CSM, may sound like a secret code but it actually stands for the grapes that are used to make it, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec. The summer of 2022 was good but tricky, with heat waves and storms, even some hail.
Hester Creek 2025 Old Vine Trebbiano
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Hester Creek 2025 Old Vine Trebbiano
Shelley Boettcher - May 24, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 615740 Wine: Hester Creek 2025 Old Vine Trebbiano Winery: Hester Creek Estate Winery Why drink it? This is from the fresh new 2025 vintage — and what a beautiful vintage it is, one of the best the Okanagan Valley has seen, according to many. This outstanding wine, with honeyed, floral flavours and aromas, has a hint of wet slate on a rainy day. That price is excellent, too, considering the quality.
Stampede Rotary Dream Home prepares for all-star art show Original
The art of Calgary artist McKenna Prather will be showcased in this year's Stampede Rotary Dream House, by Homes by Avi. Photo by Supplied /Postmedia We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. Article content For many of us, a trip to the Calgary Stampede isn’t complete without strolling through the Stampede Rotary Dream Home.
Quails’ Gate 2025 Heirloom White
Shelley Boettcher - May 17, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 614604 Wine: Quails’ Gate 2025 Heirloom White Winery: Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Why drink it? Chasselas is the primary grape here, a Swiss white wine grape that was first planted on the Quails’ Gate estate in 1961. (The winery opened in 1989, but generations of the Stewart family have been farming the land since 1908.) There’s a bit of Pinot Gris in the blend, too. The result is fresh and bright, with notes of peach, lemon, apricot.
Stew a bit - Savour Calgary
Anna Select soups by Roy’s Korean Kitchen offers five traditional soups — from oxbone to pork neck stew — alongside kimchi and sauces, all built on classic recipes that don’t cut corners. Available throughout Calgary. Roy’s Korean Kitchen Beloved local chef Roy Oh sold his restaurants last year but he wasn’t ready to stop cooking. In June 2025, he and Anna Heejin Jeong launched Anna Select by Roy’s Korean Kitchen, a line of ready-made traditional Korean soups, kimchi and sauces.
Moon Curser Confiscated 2024 Riesling
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Moon Curser Confiscated 2024 Riesling
Shelley Boettcher - May 10, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 612850 Wine: Moon Curser Confiscated 2024 Riesling Winery: Moon Curser Vineyards Why drink it? Made in Osoyoos from grapes grown at Rocky Pond Estate Winery south of the border in Lake Chelan, Washington, this Riesling’s label is a playful interpretation of the B.C. need for grapes after the 2024 deep freeze. Lucky for us, of course, it wasn’t confiscated.
Haywire Baby Bub
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
Haywire Baby Bub
Shelley Boettcher - May 3, 2026 / 4:00 am | Story: 611660 Wine: Haywire Baby Bub Winery: Okanagan Crush Pad Why drink it? One of Haywire’s most popular sparkling wines, this salmon-pink sparkler is so delicious and fun to drink, with fine bubbles and notes of fresh strawberries, citrus and peach. You’ll know why it’s one of the winery’s most popular sparkling wines when you try it.
Spicy spoonfuls - Savour Calgary
A longtime northwest favourite, Essence of Saigon continues to draw a crowd with generous portions and deeply comforting Vietnamese dishes. From loaded soups to classic subs and vermicelli bowls, it is the kind of place that earns repeat visits. Essence of Saigon Essence of Saigon opened in a northwest Calgary strip mall in 2001. Two years later, my family and I moved in a couple of blocks away. We’ve been enjoying their food ever since.
JoieFarm 2022 En Famille Pinot Noir
About the Author As a kid, Shelley Boettcher often found herself in the back seat of a pick-up, exploring the back roads of the Okanagan Valley with her parents. They’d occasionally leave her and her brother in the car while they stopped at mysterious addresses to buy wine. They would emerge, clearly happy, as they stuck a box or a few bottles in the vehicle. Then they would continue on their journey. But it wasn’t until a trip to Spain in 2000 that Shelley herself fell in love with wine.
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