Last week my cinematographer Chad Galloway and I took a road trip to Keremeos (about 45 minutes outside of Osoyoos) in the Similkameen Valley. We were going for a shoot, but little did we know it would be such a warm, welcoming experience.

Sharon and Lawrence Herder are proprietors/winemakers/business owners of Herder Winery and Vineyards, and they hired us to spend two days and two nights at their estate documenting everything from crushing, filtering and bottling of their grapes and wine to the incredible lifestyle they have carved out for themselves, and soon, guests as well. We also got to know them and their family, spent the days with them, enjoyed dinner and wine around the table each night, and listened to how they made it to where they are today which was a unique aspect that doesn’t happen on a typical job.

Staying in their guest house you can golf over the four holes they’ve set up around the vineyard, swim in their endless pool, and take winery tour before sitting down to a locally catered dining experience, all set against the backdrop of sweeping vistas that are this Valley. I apologize if this sounds a little poetic, or too good to be true, but I’m not kidding you, there’s something here that instantly made me feel like I was on vacation. Maybe it’s getting out of the city…or maybe it’s waking up to delicate sun beams pouring through your window… definitely has something to do with getting out of the city - note to self: remember to do that more often.

Thank you so much to the Herder’s for their generosity and wine, and to Joy Road Catering for their delicious dishes!

* Chad’s cinematography still to come!

I have never really got into video…one may think if the technicalities of still photography are understood, those of video should be simple to grasp, but I subscribe to the theme of sticking to what you know, so when I met Chad Galloway, video artist extraordinaire, I was thrilled.  He’s talented, easy going, and committed to his craft.  He describes himself as a a Vancouver based shooter/cutter who’s loving the sun this summer with a one year old and a brand new (to me) bike!

Our next photo-video-combo-shoot together will be a two-day project for Herder Winery & Vineyards, a fabulous wine made by an amazing down to earth couple who are truly passionate about what they do. More on that to come later.

For now, here is a little bit about Chad…

Is there a certain food or dish that reminds you of home?

You know, this is really going to sound trailer park but I love my Mom’s tuna casserole!  She’s going to kill me because she is an amazing talent in the kitchen and makes so many great things and this one calls for two cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom dumped into the pan!  But there’s just something so amazing about this dish that every time I have it I am 6 years old again, with my legs dangling off the chair.  It takes me to another world.  And it’s super delicious as well!

Is there one thing you can’t live without in your kitchen?

Yep, her name is Jenny!  Jenny is my partner of 4 years and she’s without a doubt the best thing in our kitchen.  She’s amazing and teaches me everything from how to reduce sauces and make delicious Mexican dishes.  It helps that she’s Mexican!  Right now she’s editing delicious food videos for a site called Rouxbe.com so she comes home from work inspired and whips up the most amazing pasta dish or creme
brule!  So yeah, everyone should have a Jenny in the kitchen!

What are you having for dinner tonight?

Tonight we’re having some friends over so I’ve been marinating some steaks in a simple but delicious soy sauce and honey garlic marinade. We’ll do them on the the grill with some potatoes and corn on the cob

for sides.  Fast easy and a great excuse to be outside drinking beer with friends!

Is there one food that gives you the heebie jeebies?

Well now that I’ve been living in Vancouver for a few years I don’t bat an eye at eel sushi or octopus soup anymore.  But I’d be hard pressed to sit in front of a plate of liver.  Even the name - liver.  It just sounds gross.