Despite all the mutterings about "back to school" and the occasional rustling of falling leaves, judging by the forecast, summer is set to maintain its hold for a good while yet.

That means a few more weeks yet of great seafood and smart wine matches. All that has us thinking back to a superb lunch at Fishworks, earlier this summer, with the folks from Stag's Hollow.

It's been 18 years since Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger took the plunge and purchased their vineyard in Okanagan Falls. Since then, like others, they've taken the twists and turns of wine making in stride -- usually with good, occasionally impressive, results.

One of the more intriguing efforts concerned Vidal (formerly grown for Mission Hill icewine) which -- because it was just so darned hard to sell at the time -- was grafted over to Chardonnay. Now, however, says Gerelus, the Vidal vines will be grafted back to their former selves -- a sure sign of the interest that continues to be shown in an ever broadening range of B.C. varieties.

The arrival of winemaker Dwight Sick (from Pentage) has also moved things along, especially as he shares the owners' desire to "make wines on a global level," with a nod to old world regions such as Rhone.

Among the wines that impressed in particular was the nicely balanced Viognier Marsanne '08, which sports a delicious fruit expression, with stonefruit and tropical tones (VQA stores, $24.99), and and the smoky, plump and juicy, black pepper and anise-toned Syrah Grenache '09.

Worth tracking down too is the gooseberry and grassy toned '09 Sauvignon Blanc that sports a touch of barrel with some citrus undertones (VQAS $18.99), while the '09 Syrah Rosé, if you can still find it, packs vibrant strawberry and cherry, wrapped in mouth watering acidity. ($17).

Watch in the future for Stag's Hollow single vineyard offerings, especially the likes of '07 SHV single vineyard Merlot, a layered and complex effort that yields generous black fruit and well integrated tannins before a lengthy end ($24.99).

In short, after a bit of a hiatus, Stag's Hollow winds up very decidedly once again on our list of wineries to watch. And, hopefully, we can still get our hands on some of that smoky, peppery, black fruit packed, robust but polished Syrah to put aside for game season -- which, of course, is months away yet ($27.99).

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Burgundy enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a visit from Allen Meadows, aka The Burghound, who returns to Vancouver courtesy of Marquis Wine Cellars, September 18-19. Meadows leads a Burgundy 101 seminar and tasting, as well as a wide ranging dinner (with Champagne reception) Sept 18, and a Bistro Pastis luncheon, Sept. 19. The only challenge with any of Meadows' events is that they're never long enough to pack in enough of the extensive -- and very candid -- knowledge he shares. Neophyte or seasoned Pinotphile, you'll not be disappointed. Call Marquis to book: 604-684-0445.