Haywire and Bartier Scholefield wines have a lot of similarities. Both are made by Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland. The same principals are on the winemaking team. With a few little differences, both make red, white, and pink wines, and have a similar portfolios.

The following three blends are from the 2011 vintage, each is released under the B • S label, and they are all very well-made, affordable blends.

B • S White Table Wine 2011 ($18.90, 310 cases made)
I love this one best of all, with its spicy edge of fruit in front. The unique blend is produced from Summerland Chardonnay and Oliver Pinot Gris.

B • S Rose Table Wine 2011 ($18.90, 214 cases)
Much of this may be gone by now—try the winery first, at www.okanagancrushpad.com/. This is produced entirely from Gamay Noir, as noted by Matt Dumayne, originally from New Zealand and here working with chief winemaker Michael Bartier. It’s “lightly tannic as all good rosés ought to be…[with] frolicsome undertones of red berries”. A great food companion, very juicy and fruity, it works very well with deli meats and cheeses, sushi, and oysters.

B • S Red Table Wine 2011 ($19.90, 408 cases)
Another winemakers’ quote: “A blend of Merlot with a supporting cast of Syrah, Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir”. Nearly a Meritage, slightly jammy.

Here’s a suggestion: open all three and serve them with your best bouillabaisse, and see which wine works best with the fish stew. The white shows very fresh berry fruit, the rosé offers up hints of sage and stone fruit, and the red wants barbecued meat and hard cheese.

A couple of best-buy table wines from the Rhône…

Marius Grenache Syrah by Michel Chapoutier 2011 ($14.99, specialty-listed)
The Grenache adds a sweetish complexity, and the price is terrific. Get the companion white to handle all your lunch and barbecue-dinner requirements.

Marius Terret Vermentino by Michel Chapoutier 2011 ($14.99, specialty-listed)
Also named after the French wine mogul’s grandfather. Let’s give this lovely wine a general listing so it’s more widely available in the LDB. From the agent: “elegantly casual.…Quite naturally the Terret [a Mediterranean grape variety] was chosen for its liveliness and the Vermentino for its refined, floral aromas.” Very fresh and full of juicy fruit. Ideal with Tiberio Faedo’s stunning carpaccio at La Cucina (see next week’s Golden Plates column). Ask if he has it; if not, suggest he bring it in—it’s perfect. A bargain at the price. One of the best buys in Stile Brands’ massive and fascinating portfolio.

A few big, bold reds for dessert—who says you can’t?

Stefano Farina Chianti La Ginestra DOCG 2010 ($19.99, specialty-listed)
The 2009 vintage earned 90 points in Wine Spectator; this 2010 vintage hasn’t been rated yet but will likely get a similar ranking. Ninety percent Sangiovese and 10 percent Canaiolo grapes, it’s harmonious and spicy, with hints of blackberry and violet.

Tatty Road Shiraz 2012 ($14.99)
Another on the big list of Australian wines with dumb names that are flooding our market. Wine guru James Halliday gave this one 90 points earlier this year. Outstanding value; very fruity, with purple berries and heady chocolate. Halliday calls it a perfect little pizza wine. I think it’s too sweet for pizza, that’s why for my palate it’s for dessert. Or perhaps chocolate pizza.

Forbidden Fruit Earth Series Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (between $15 and $20, at my favourite fruit winery outside Keremeos or exceptional indie specialty stores)
A lovely wine, sweeter than New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a sharp edge but not so grassy-green. Fresh and refreshing.

Have you tried Central City Brewers and Distillers’ Red Racer India Session Ale, or ISA? The brewmaster says it’s light and reminiscent of passion fruit. Light, yes—four percent alcohol. Passion fruit? Not to my palate. I find it dark-tasting and hoppy, and no hint of passion fruit whatsoever. But totally delicious. It costs $21.25 for a dozen 355-millilitre cans or $11.95 for a six-pack and was released just in time for Family Day.