We all know that our beloved Izzit is passionate about the outdoors – after all, that’s where he’s from. So when he learned about all of the great things the organization Get to Know Your Wild Neighbours was doing to help promote the national parks of Canada and the United States, not to mention improve everyone’s interactive learning experience with nature, Izzit immediately said “sign me up!” And after a long day out on the trail, what’s better than a soothing glass of chilled Ice Wine from one of Canada’s premier wine producers, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, who donate a portion of every purchase to the Get to Know Society.

First, the mission: Get to Know aims to provide folks – both young and old – with a simple and enjoyable way to get engaged with local green spaces. Ironically, Get to Know realized that one of the best ways to get people outside was to use something that ties most people to their desks…technology. The result is something they aptly call National Treasure. By incorporating technology in a truly different and unique way, they’ve created a fun and interesting interactive program that enhances the nature experience of the individual, while at the same time expanding their knowledge of the world’s wonderful biodiversity that exists beyond the computer screen. To learn more about Get to Know and all the great things they do, please visit www.gettoknow.ca.

Speaking of national treasures, the beautiful Okanagan Valley and the award-winning wines from Summerhill Pyramid Winery should be on everyone’s must-have list.  That list, along with the bottle of Summerhill Pyramid’s 2007 Riesling Ice Wine we were tasting at the IzztGreen Corporate Headquarters went mysteriously missing last Friday.  Coincidentally, Izzit was witnessed leaving work a bit early (but after sipping a little of this elegant wine from a renowned vintner, who could blame him if he indeed made off with it). We’re sure there’s a good explanation!

Although the stunning Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia produces many delicious wines that rival anything coming out of Washington State, Summerhill Pyramid is rightly famous for their Ice Wines.  What makes these wines so unique is that they can only be made in cooler climates. Because the grapes are left on the vine to freeze before fermentation, only the water freezes, leaving the sugars intact.  The resulting  harvest output is smaller, sweeter and more highly concentrated.  Both the 2007 Riesling and Pinot Noir Ice Wines are beyond excellent and worthy as daily sippers as well as make perfect holiday gifts. For more information please visit www.summerhill.bc.ca and for our American customers located in states that allow wine shipments, please visit www.summerhill.bc.ca/Wines/USA-Customers.

As if producing stellar wine isn’t enough, Summerhill Pyramid Winery also has a longstanding commitment to the environment.  About 80% of the total grapes used in production are Certified Organic, and their stated goal is to reach 100% in the near future.  They have achieved Certified Production status in their cellar and their Kelowana vineyard is in the process of applying for their Demeter Biodynamic certification.  So beyond the fact that the wines are elegant and delicious, you can rest assured that in buying Summerhill Pyramid products, you are supporting a business that truly cares about the environment.  They’re partnership with Get to Know is just “icing on the vines!”

So, please join Izzit (wherever he is) in raising a glass of Summerhill Pyramid in toasting and supporting the Get to Know mission!