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Lisa Marie Ritchat Continues to Define Dirty Laundry While she appears supremely confident and upbeat, her admission of experiencing "imposter syndrome" offers a relatable glimpse into the challenges faced by accomplished women in leadership even in the wine industry. But spend time with Lisa Marie and you realize she is wise beyond her years with humor that rivals any stand-up. Not only that but she puts emphasis on the value of "team" and power of women she works with at Dirty Laundry. Dirty Laundry Makes "Good Wine" ​Dirty Laundry was never high on my wine radar. Its playful name and polarizing labels like 'Woo Woo Gew' and 'Hush,' made me pass on it. Primarily, I had an aversion to off-dry wines, which reminded me of the Germanic influence that once dominated the Okanagan Valley wine scene. That changed when I met Lisa Marie Ritchat while opening Wine & Beyond in Kelowna in 2021. She showed up consistently and built a partnership that left its mark. My first visit to the winery was surprising. I realized Dirty Laundry is a serious enterprise, producing approximately 40,000 cases annually. Winemaker Mason Spink busy since 2013, was shaping a portfolio that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Tasting their 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, I was converted: it was dry, refreshing, aromatic, and genuinely BC. The quality was undeniable. Dirty Laundry History In case you didn't know, the vineyards were planted back in 1978. The brand, founded around 2006 by a group of four partners, is rooted in the Gold Rush era tale of Sam Suey, a Chinese immigrant whose laundry allegedly hid a speak-easy, giving rise to the name "Dirty Laundry." Next year Dirty Laundry will celebrate its 25th anniversary. ​Dirty Laundry is located about 20 minutes north of Penticton. The scenic drive winds through mixed agriculture and leads to the winery marked by a patio hanging over the ledge and ladies’ fashionable 1950s undergarments decorating the entrance. The tasting room, quiet in the off-season, was packed shoulder-to-shoulder in August, buzzing with many languages and many happy faces celebrating wine. ​Accolades have confirmed the shift in critical perception: the 2022 Gamay (sold out) took everyone by surprise, winning "Wine of the Year" at the BC Top 50 Okanagan Wine Festival. This was a massive honor cementing the winery's reputation. This success stands alongside the ongoing triumph of the famously popular but polarizing Hush Rosé, which is traditionally off-dry and sometimes dismissed by critics. What I had discovered was no longer a secret: Dirty Laundry is making "good wine." Lisa Marie Ritchat ​The story of women in BC wine is sometimes found outside the cellar, in crucial areas like sales and marketing. This is the story of Lisa Marie Ritchat, the dynamic, modern host and marketing force driving one of Summerland 's most recognized wineries. Lisa Marie brought her entrepreneurial, cheeky spirit immediately making things happen by supporting local events and other women in wine. As Sales & Marketing Manager, Lisa Marie is a powerful example of a non-winemaker making waves. Drawing on years of restaurant management experience, she brings strategic insight, intuition, and a well-spoken, energetic personality to the winery’s atmosphere. Her ability to recognize pain points and mentor her team has helped to build a robust following with 1,300 wine club members, engaged through popular events like Wine Club Wednesdays and Sangria Sundays. While she appears supremely confident and upbeat, her admission of experiencing "imposter syndrome" offers a relatable glimpse into the challenges faced by accomplished women in leadership not limited to the wine industry. But spend time with Lisa Marie and you realize she is wise beyond her years with humor that rivals any stand-up. ​ Dirty Laundry Wine Recommendations ​Her most pressing challenge is marketing the 2024 "Crafted in BC" vintage. Following the catastrophic deep freeze that devastated BC vineyards, the winery strategically sourced grapes from Washington State under the "Crafted in BC" provisions. Despite the quality risk during transit, the resulting wines are great. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc , 2024 Reserve Rosé , 2024 Reserve Chardonnay , and 2024 Pinot Gris are clean, refreshing and well balanced. ​The new Reserve Rosé​ struck a chord with me. It's dry, flavourful, a classic Provencal color and sourced from grapes in Yakima. The value of "Crafted in BC" could not be more pronounced than here where no grapes would have been catastrophic to the valley's wineries. Exploring new relationships south of the border provided two bonuses. The first being grapes to make wine. Thank god. Second, an opportunity for wine lovers to taste and appreciate the nuances of grapes grown here and south of the border. My palate detected a bit more richness (showing up as body and alcohol) in wines made from Washington grapes. At least that was my observation with the Reserve wines from Dirty Laundry's "Crafted in BC" collection. And when you think about Sauvignon Blanc, this can be a very nice experience - less racy, more balance with lots of flavour and complexity. Conclusion The resilience of the wine industry is fully dependent on adapting to change with entrepreneurial zeal. It takes voice and collaboration to thrive not only at each winery but the industry as a whole. Thanks to women in wine like Lisa Marie Ritchat, a driving force for Dirty Laundry Winery, she’s leading the conversation positioning BC wine for the future. She understands quality and the market at both the entry-level and the premium wine category. Lisa Marie’s influence extends beyond Dirty Laundry and demonstrates that marketing leadership in the wine business is every bit as critical as the work done in the vineyard and the winery. Her story is a powerful narrative for women: you can shape the world of wine from outside the cellar, especially if you use your voice to collaborate not only with your team but also with the broader regional wine industry. Cheers to Lisa Marie. The future is looking Rosé (pun intended).  Support Local Reach out to Dirty Laundry. Buy wine. Join the wine club. Plan your visit. Dirty Laundry is located in Summerland.

There’s something magical about the way Christmas brings people together—around the tree, around the table, and of course, around a well-crafted drink. Whether you’re hosting family, celebrating with friends, or enjoying a rare quiet moment by the fireplace, the right drink adds a sparkle to the season. Here are a few of our favourite Christmas drinks for every moment of the holiday, from Christmas Eve to the final cocktail of Christmas night. Christmas Eve Celebrations Christmas Eve calls for something elegant and whimsical. Sparkling wine is the perfect choice—light, festive, and filled with joy! Try this Christmas Eve spritz: Prosecco or Sparkling wine. Dirty Laundry’s sparkling wine provides an excellent quality base to any elevated mimosa! A splash of St-Germain or cranberry liqueur Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig. Tip : freeze the cranberries and rosemary in ice cube trays with a splash of water! The result is a drink full of holiday cheer that sets the tone for a magical night. Light and Refreshing on Christmas Morning There’s no better way to ease into Christmas morning than with a classic mimosa—bright, refreshing, and simple. However, the traditional mimosa of sparkling wine and orange juice can easily be upgraded: Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store bought. Add a dash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier for an extra layer of warmth and citrus. Try a different kind of juice. If you prefer something more tart than the sweetness of orange juice, cranberry juice makes for a delicious option. Drop a Maraschino cherry in the bottom of each champagne flute, adding a pop of colour and a sweet finish to the drink. An elevated mimosa is the perfect companion to gift-unwrapping, cinnamon rolls, and cozy pajamas. Comfort and Warmth on Christmas Afternoon As the day settles into its rhythm, whether it’s a calm quiet or a joy-filled chaos, mulled wine becomes the drink of choice. Aromatic, cozy, and filled with spices, it tastes like Christmas in a cup. Simmer red wine with: Cinnamon sticks Cloves Star anise Slices of orange A touch of honey or brown sugar Add brandy for an additional kick! It warms cold hands and fills your home with the sweetest holiday aromas. Check out our blog post last year on creating the perfect Christmas Day mulled wine ! A Crisp and Cold Alternative Hot drinks are not for everyone. So if a cold drink is your preference, use your red wine for a festive sangria instead, a twist on a summer classic. To your bottle of red wine, add: Cranberry juice Sliced oranges Sliced lemon Slice lime Fresh cranberries A splash of brandy Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish. Wines That Pair With Turkey Christmas turkey deserves a wine that enhances its flavour without overwhelming it. Whether roasted, brined, or smoked, turkey pairs beautifully with: Chardonnay – buttery and elegant Sauvignon Blanc – crisp with herbal notes Pinot Noir – soft, fruity, wonderfully food-friendly Zinfandel – bold and spicy, ideal for hearty stuffing or glazed turkey These wines bridge the richness of holiday sides while keeping the meal bright and balanced. Close the Day with Cocktails As the night winds down and the last crumbs of gingerbread linger on the plate, a cozy dessert cocktail makes the perfect ending. Enjoy these holiday classics as the visitors leave and the kids go to bed: Gingerbread Old Fashioned: A decadent match for gingerbread cookies or any other Christmas treat. Bourbon Gingerbread syrup (ginger, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon) A dash of bitters Orange peel twist Peppermint White Russian: Creamy dessert-in-a-glass. Vodka Coffee liqueur Cream Peppermint syrup Crushed candy cane rim. Eggnog: A holiday staple. Milk Cream Eggs Sugar Nutmeg Spike with rum, bourbon, or brandy for a kick. Snowflake Martini: Sweet, vanilla-forward, wintery. Vanilla vodka White chocolate liqueur Cream White sugar rim. Hot Buttered Rum: Rich and warming. Rum Spiced butter mix (brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter) Hot water Maple Bourbon Smash: Wintery and aromatic. Bourbon Lemon juice Maple syrup Muddled rosemary. With the right drink in hand, every moment of the holiday season becomes a little brighter, a little warmer, and a little more memorable. Whether you love something sparkling, spiced, or richly aromatic, there’s a Christmas drink here to make your celebrations merry and bright!