Organic farming and local produce are the cornerstones of the philosophy of Gary and Naty King and John Bishop and our members enjoyed the pleasure of sharing their passions at Hazelmere Organic Farms, winner of Vancouver Magazine's Producer of the Year award for 2007. We toured the farm with Gary and tasted some of his fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs while we learned more about the benefits and challenges of organic farming. Then, with glass in hand, we listened to John Bishop as he explained the philosophy of using local organic produce in the kitchen and the opportunities to show our produce to the world at the winter Olympics in 2010.

Our lunch, personally prepared and served by John with help from Kate, Naty and Gary, started with a refreshing gazpacho accompanied by a 2002 semillon from Stellenzicht, and a local green leaf organic salad and raspberry vinaigrette with a 2004 Alibi from Black Hills Estate. Our main course was braised shoulder of local lamb with fennel and roasted potatoes - all organic, of course - with a 1995 Château Peyraud en magnum from Bordeaux followed by apricots poached in Okanagan summer wine with a 1997 Pierre Sparr Late Harvest Gewürtztraminer Mambourg. A splendid day and a delicious lunch!