Cookin’ on the Coast – Season 13, Episode 2:
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris with Pakora Smash Burgers
In Episode #2 of Season 13 of Cookin’ on the Coast, Sheryl Tilley from Liquor Plus introduces the Poplar Grove Pinot Gris, a beautifully expressive white wine from one of the Okanagan Valley’s most respected estates. Pale straw in colour, this Pinot Gris opens with aromas of pear and juicy peach, leading into flavours of nectarine, apricot, and citrus on the palate. A bright acidity, smooth mouthfeel, and long, delicate finish make it both refreshing and refined.
The 2024 vintage was crafted with exceptional care. Grapes were harvested at peak ripeness in the cool of night to preserve aromatics, then pressed immediately to retain quality. After a slow, six-week fermentation with selected yeasts, the final blend was composed from 20 unique lots, cold-stabilized, and filtered to ensure clarity and balance. Fruit from both the Yakima Valley (bringing crisp definition) and Horse Heaven Hills (adding lush ripeness) come together to create a wine that is vibrant, complex, and elegantly polished.
Founded in 1993, Poplar Grove is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench. Since 2007, the Holler family has grown the estate to over 160 acres of vineyards, guided by the philosophy that great wine brings people together. Today, Poplar Grove is recognized for its Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, and its flagship Bordeaux-style blend The Legacy—all of which celebrate the diversity and excellence of the Okanagan Valley.
With its bright, fruit-forward character and crisp finish, the Poplar Grove Pinot Gris is the ideal companion for a wide variety of dishes—especially Chef Heidi’s flavour-packed Pakora Smash Burgers featured in this episode.
Head to a Liquor Plus liquor store near you to pickup the Poplar Grove Pinot Gris.
Chef Heidi’s Pakora Smash Burgers are a playful twist on the beloved Indian snack, transforming spiced vegetable pakoras into hearty burger patties. Packed with flavour, the mixture combines coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne with a base of chickpea flour, onion, cauliflower, spinach, and mashed chickpeas. Lightly fried until crisp and golden, the patties deliver a satisfying crunch and a warmly spiced, earthy depth.
To brighten and balance the richness, Heidi pairs the burgers with a vibrant Green Almond Chutney, blending cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lemon with toasted almonds for a tangy, herbaceous kick. Served slider-sized for appetizers or full-sized for a main, these vegetarian burgers are both comforting and boldly flavourful, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
The Pakora Smash Burgers are a celebration of texture and flavour: crunchy, creamy, spicy, and tangy all at once. Perfectly satisfying as a main, they also shine as playful sliders for entertaining.
In this episode, Chef Heidi and Sheryl Tilley explore the art of pairing, showcasing why the Poplar Grove Pinot Gris is the perfect partner for these flavour-packed burgers. The wine’s bright acidity and citrus-driven freshness cut through the richness of the fried patties, while its notes of peach, nectarine, and apricot harmonize beautifully with the warm spices and nutty chickpea base. At the same time, the Pinot Gris’ long, delicate finish complements the zesty Green Almond Chutney, creating a pairing that is as refreshing as it is dynamic.
Together, this pairing highlights the magic of balance—where vibrant vegetarian cuisine meets the crisp elegance of a benchmark Okanagan Pinot Gris.
Grab the recipes below and all the ingredients at your local Country Grocer:
Liquor Plus Sponsors Cookin’ on the Coast
Each week, Liquor Plus sponsors the Pairings segment of Cookin’ on the Coast on CHEK. The show features unique food and drink pairings offered by BC suppliers, with recipes created by Chef Heidi Fink and sponsored by Country Grocer. All of the beverages featured on the program can be found in Liquor Plus stores across Vancouver Island.
