BC Food & Winetrails - July Aug. 2017 issue by BC Food & Wine Trails Magazine

WINERIES

WINE EVENTS

R E S TA U R A N T S

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

Food &

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w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia

INSIDE WINEMAKER SEVERINE PINTE A NEW CHAPTER AT D â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A N G E L O E S TAT E W I N E R Y WILD GOOSE SCORES A H AT T R I C K EXPLORE THE SHUSWAP GARAGISTE NORTH WINE F E S T I VA L

NO. YOU DON’T. You don’t need to bottle the spirit of the Shuswap to share it with friends. We’ve already done it for you.

Welcome to Wine Country. A Shuswap experience begins with a taste... In addition to memories that last a lifetime, our region’s hot days and deliciously cool nights result in a rare offering of distinctive, exceptional and

Celista Estate Winery

2640 Skimikin Rd., Tappen, BC V0E 2X3 www.ReclineRidgeWinery.com inquiry@reclineridgewinery.com 250.835.2212 | F: 250.835.2228

2319 Beguelin Rd., Celista, BC V0E 1M6 www.CelistaWine.com jake@celistawine.com 250.955.8600

1577 Yankee Flats Rd., Salmon Arm, BC V1E 3J4 www.OvinoWinery.com info@ovinowinery.com 250.832.8463

Recline Ridge Vineyards & Winery

Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery

Tappen

award-winning wines. Each of our wineries offers tasting opportunities and onsite sales. Discerning adventurers and casual vacationers are invited to tour the Shuswap’s wineries, and meet their owners. Contact wineries for tour times in advance.

www.ShuswapWineries.ca

Celista

Marionette Vineyards & Winery

Marionette

Salmon River Road

Salmon Arm

Vineyards and Winery

3849 Sunnybrae Canoe Pt. Rd., Tappen, BC V0E 2X0 www.SunnybraeWinery.com info@sunnybraewinery.com 250.835.8373

110 Timms Rd., Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2P8 www.LarchHillsWinery.com info@larchhillswinery.com 250.832.0155 | F: 250.832.9419

2540 40th St. NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1Z3 www.MarionetteWinery.com wine@marionettewinery.com 250.832.7702

Larch Hills Winery Ovino Winery

Grindrod

SHUSWAP AMANDA & JAMIE AT MARIONETTE WINERY

TURTLE VALLEY BISON RANCH

SUPER SUMMER ADVENTURES IN THE SHUSWAP JENNIFER SCHELL The Shuswap= Houseboating, Roots & Blues Festival, Adams River “Salute to the Sockeye” Festival! All fabulous draws to visit this amazing region but there is so so much more to this secret paradise than you know. Plan a wine tour, book a sweat lodge experience with a First Nations elder, partake in some world class fly fishing, hit the farmers markets, drink organic beer, go where the buffalo roam and even snorkel with salmon (well, that will be next year at the Adams River “Salute to the Sockeye” Festival, but still! So cool!!) The immense presence of nature is felt in the Shuswap wherever you go – water, mountains, trees, it is a green oasis and microclimate that straddles the desert climate of the south with the rainforest of the north and east. The harmony with nature in this picturesque region brings forth so many unique experiences. The culture here is creative and authentic, youthful entrepreneurs are migrating here to explore new opportunities and start new businesses in what is a relatively untapped industry. Music is a vibrant scene with music events galore. Throughout the summer there is live outdoor music somewhere in the Shuswap, usually on a beach, every night of the week. And then there is the food and wine! There are farmers markets galore offered every day of the week up and down the region. Fresh produce and artisanal products are celebrated here – these people know how to bring life from the land. The Turtle Valley Bison Ranch, near Chase, is an exciting new addition to the area and is sight to see. Oh, give me a home, where the buffalo roam… yup, it really is as idyllic as the old ballad depicts. Young bison ranchers, Rudi Scheibel

LARCH HILLS FATHER & SON JACK & WAYNE

and Layne Keyes, met playing junior hockey together and launched into this business venture together two short years ago. 300 acres of glorious land surrounding them, and a majestic herd of buffalo later- the two are going great guns selling this healthful alterative to beef. They now have celebrated chef Chris Whittaker on board and plans are for dinner in the field events and a future restaurant experience. Hard to explain the feeling when seeing this herd before your eyes, it reaches into the primal. These majestic animals represent the history of this land and our ancestors. As for the thriving wine industry in the Shuswap, this is a new frontier for BC wine. Wineries continue to pop up in this northern growing region as word spreads of the unique growing conditions. Cool climate wines are very special and offer a unique taste of what BC has to offer. The higher elevations support amazing white varietals that you may not have heard of, or tried! Ortega, Siegerrebe, Madeline Angevine, Lemberger – these crisp whites are only made in this climate and will thrill your tasebuds. At Marionette in Salmon Arm, you can taste the terroir of their regional Pinot Noir, and other reds that are thriving there like Zweigelt and Merlot. The growing conditions here are actually very like Burgundy and many of the wineries do not need to irrigate because of the balance of the microclimate. Recline Ridge specializes in many of the whites mentioned above and more. When you visit them in Tappen, you can also taste a real wine gum! Local entrepreneur Teena Gudjonson’s Cellar Candy, her unique and patented creation of an all-natural wine gums actually made with real wine, have

become a sensation. Recline Ridge has a custom wine gum made with heir own wine. Wind (or should I say wine?) your way out to Celista Winery to enjoy their incredible park like setting and then pop into Sunnybrae Winery for a couple of bottles of their famous Redneck Red blend. Larch Hills Winery takes you to the highest altitude winery in North America and at OVINO Winery in Silver Creek you can taste wine and say hello to the flock of sheep from which the winery got its name. Go to www.shuswapwineries.ca for details and to help plan your route. The Shuswap also delights with many delicious food options. From locallyfocused dining at Café Tasse or Table 24 to an indigenous experience at Jack Sam’s restaurant at the Quaaout Lodge featuring First Nation’s traditions, to wonderful hip cafes and bakeries, your appetite will be sated. The Hungry Panda Curbside Noodle truck has manifested this year as a bricks and mortar eatery. You will see from the lineups that this is THE hot spot (try the yellow curry noodle box!). The Shuswap Pie Company has become legendary for its delicious fruit and savoury pies that are perfect to eat in or take home to your cottage. Plan to take a drive to Falkland to experience hyper local chef Jay Bennett’s creative culinary menu at The Ranch Cafe that also serves casual café style favorites. Only 1.5 hours from Kelowna, the Shuswap area offers a fabulous weekend escape or simply make a day trip to wine tour. Easy peasy to get to with so many adventures to offer, book your Shuswap escape this summer! Check out sample itineraries and event schedules at www.shuswaptourism.ca

HUNGRY PANDA OWNER KRISTIN FELLS

SUNNYBRAE’S SENSE OF HUMOUR

CELISTA’S LABELS FEATURING OWNERS MARG & JAKE OOTES

CELEBRATING SPARKLES AT AVERILL CREEK

I SL AN D The horizon is ‘sparkling’ on the West Coast. As wine drinkers continue to celebrate the success of the Vancouver Island wine industry, it seems fitting that more corks are popping here. Whether using the traditional style or the tankfermented Charmat Method, the climate and soil structure in this region are prime for producing crisp, clean, sparkling wines. Vancouver Island has an ideal cool climate to grow the same varietals that were made famous by Champagne: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. It seems like a natural progression for the region to take sparkling production to the next level. Several wineries in the region have found success in a collaboration called “Charme de L’ile”. The concept is to create a Vancouver Island regional bubble - affordable, approachable and fruit forward sparkling wines. Participating wineries produce their own signature base wine but share equipment used in the Charmat process. A second fermentation in tank and bottling under pressure give the Charme de L’ile a natural carbonation, its spumante zest and refreshing appeal. Averill Creek’s Charme de L’ile is a unique blend of their estate grown Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. A delightful

Prosecco-style sparkling wine, fresh and fruity with notes of sweet orange blossom and succulent pear. The palate is typically lively featuring a vibrant mousse and flavours of crisp apple, white peach and a sprinkle of citrus zest. The quintessential summer wine, it is best when paired with fun, friends and food. In addition to Charme de L’ile, Averill Creek has also produced a Traditional

Summer in a Bottle Premium Local Wines, Vancouver Island

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Method sparkling wine. The 2010 Averill Brut, released in 2016, was first barrel fermented and aged in French oak. It then spent over four years aging in bottle, sur lie. This extended aging was key to producing a wine that has aromas of toasted brioche on the nose, and a rich palate full of citrus and nutty-vanilla. With an extra-fine mousse, the elegant bubbles melt on your tongue.

Averill Creek is inspired by the quality of sparkling wines produced from their Mt Prevost site and have increased plantings in Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Focusing on these traditional varietals, they hope to increase their bubbly production. The goal is to achieve ideal ripeness each year, creating a sparkling wine with flavour and richness, balanced by high acidity yet relatively light in alcohol – signature Vancouver Island.

ANDY JOHNSTON POURING BUBBLES FOR GUESTS.

ON THE COVER Winemaker Severine (Sev) Pinte at Oliver’s Le Vieux Pin & La Stella wineries. Read more about Sev on Pages 18 & 46. Photos by Victor & Henrietta Poirier, Red Star Media.

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Adega On 45th .....................................44 Averill Creek ........................................... 4

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2017 winet rails. Britis ca h Col umbia

Black Hills ..............................................39 Burrowing Owl ......................................42

INSIDE WINE MAKE SEVE R RINE PINTE A NE W CH APTE AT D ’ R A E S TAT N G E L O E WIN E RY WILD GOO SE SCOR A H AT E S TRICK EXPL ORE THE SHUS WAP GARA GISTE NORT H WI NE FEST I VA L

RESTAURANTS & CATERING Delta Grand, Oak and Cru ................................................................................. 8 RauDZ Regional Table/micro bar.bites ............................................................. 11 Terrafina at Hester Creek.................................................................................. 13 The Bench Market ............................................................................................ 26

CO N T E N T S

Ciao Bella ..............................................14

Moraine .................................................25

Clos du Soleil .......................................46

Mt. Boucherie .......................................16

Corceletttes ..........................................45

Nighthawk .............................................35

D’Angelo ...............................................26

Oliver Twist............................................41

Desert Hills ...........................................43

Play ........................................................24

Dirty Laundry ........................................22

Quails’ Gate ..........................................16

Forbidden Fruit .....................................45

Quinta Ferreira .....................................41

Gehringer Brothers ...............................42

Recline Ridge ..........................................7

Hester Creek .........................................37

Red Rooster .........................................27

Hidden Chapel......................................44

River Stone ............................................43

Hillside...................................................25

Sandhill ..................................................10

Kalala .....................................................17

Spierhead ..............................................11

West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar .......................................................................... 11

Kismet ...................................................38

Stag’s Hollow.........................................35

WINE COUNTRY SERVICES & ACCOMMODATIONS

Kraze Legz .............................................31

Summerhill ............................................13

Buy The Sea .................................................................................................... 15

Larch Hills ................................................7

Therapy ................................................28

Lock & Worth ........................................26

Tinhorn Creek .......................................40

DeLong Studio ................................................................................................ 21

Lunessence............................................20

Upper Bench .........................................30

Legend Distilling ............................................................................................. 29

Marichel.................................................31

Volcanic Hills ........................................15

Naramata Bench Winery Association ............................................................... 29

Meyer ....................................................33

Wild Goose ..........................................34

Noble Adventures ........................................................................................... 11

EVENTS

Okanagan Falls Winery Association ................................................................. 32 Poplar Grove Cheese ....................................................................................... 26 Skaha Hills ........................................................................................................ 24 Strictly Cellars .................................................................................................. 46 The Cove .......................................................................................................... 18 Tourism Shuswap ................................................................................................ 3 Vows & Vines Event Planning ........................................................................... 30 Westside Wine Trail .......................................................................................... 17

Feast of Fields .................................................................................................. 18 Garagiste North.................................................................................................. 6 Pinot Noir Festival ........................................................................................... 21

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Blake Allen, Roslyne Buchanan, Lesley Buxton, Elaine Davidson, Deanna Dunham, Sue Harper, Deanna Rainey, Henrietta Poirier, Victor Poirier, Jennifer Schell, Joanna Schlosser, Abbey Westbury, Terry Meyer Stone, Jenna Hickman, Andrea Dawn Thomas, Luke Whittall.

Wine Glass Writer............................................................................................... 6

RECIPES

Wine Opulence ................................................................................................ 18

Legendary Cup Cocktail ..................................................................................... 7

EDITOR’S NOTE

Honey Roasted Beets w/ Toasted Hazenut & Cilantro Pesto .......................... 25

EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY… Summer is in full swing now and the wineries, drinkeries, farms and eateries in the Okanagan are buzzing. There are so many wonderful food and wine trails to follow throughout our diverse and glorious regions and so many wonderful people to meet in our food, drink and farm industry. Really cool, inspiring people that are doing what they love! Ask them about their craft, learn a bit about how they roll – I promise you will be inspired. Osoyoos, Similkameen, Oliver, OK Falls, Penticton/Naramata, Summerland, Kelowna, Lake Country and then to the exciting new trails in the Shuswap region! The possibilities are endless. Events are abundant and the themes will sate every one of your passions. Book as many as you can many and go have fun! Remember to eat and drink local and to support your local farmer and farmers market. Every summer has a story so make yours a good one. Cheers!

– Jennifer Schell

Sticky Baked Chocolate Cookies w/ Drunken Berry Salad .............................. 31

Food &

WINE TRAILS 2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6X2 Tel: (250) 763-3212 Fax: (250) 862-5275 E-mail: jennifer.schell@winetrails.ca

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Karen Hill Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Schell Publication Design: Tiffany Larkan Circulation: Glenn Beaudry Publisher:

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Food & Wine Trails articles, columns, pictures and illustrations are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any other publication without the expressed written consent of the Publisher. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of information received and printed in BC Food & Wine Trails, we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions, E&OE.

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SAY

“I DO”

TO WINE GLASS WRITERS

ELAINE DAVIDSON

Wedding planners have discovered a new tool to add to their arsenal of blusher veils, tulle and nosegays. Wine Glass Writer markers, the invention that lets you scribe on glass and glazed ceramics in a trendy colour that wipes clean instantly with a soapy sponge, have a million and one uses to make any wedding bespoke. The Wall Street Journal Wine Accessories of the Year winning product was invented to help you keep track of your wine glass

Ink stays on until you wash it off

NEVER LOSE YOUR GLASS AGAIN! www.wineglasswriter.com

@ IRELYEAEVENTS

at a party. Wine Glass Writer’s Renee Stewart of Summerland says, “Keep them at the bar. Guests will enjoy being creative and you won’t have to spend as much on dishware rentals.” Renee says the Writers are great for DIY customized marquee and signage, from the wedding program, seating chart to the dinner menu. “Get that rustic feel by writing on old windows or mirrors with Wine Glass Writer,” says Renee. After the wedding you can wipe them off and re-use them.” The markers are great for writing your wedding parties’ names on the plates at the king table, she adds. “As a wedding favour, think about putting a sign on the table displaying glassware that could read, ‘Your glass for the night for whatever feels right. Take your cup when you’re through as our gift to you.’ Fill a decorative container with Wine Glass Writers so guests can claim their special glass to bring home.” Wine Glass Writer markers can be found at Garden Works, Trellis and Vine Craft House, Legend Distilling, Tea and Weaves and at these wineries: 8th Generation, Summer Gate, Dirty Laundry, CedarCreek, Summerhill, 50th Parallel, Little Engine, St Hubertus, Intrigue, Gray Monk, Noble Ridge, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and Road 13 among other locations. Follow Wine Glass Writer on social media @wineglasswriter on all platforms and use #wineglasswriter for a chance to be featured. Renee would love to see how you use the Writers at your wedding.

t s e l o o c e h t

L A V I T S E F E N I ever... W

GARAGISTE [GAR-ah-jEEst]- noun, Term originally used in France referring to renegade small-lot winemakers, sometimes working in their garage, who refused to follow industry laws and protocol and created unique blends that became international cult wines. Synonyms: rebel, pioneer, individualist, maverick, driven by passion for the craft of winemaking.

PENTICTON FESTIVAL COMING SOON! Come and meet the members of the Garagiste Guild. The hard to find, small-lot winemakers are congregating in one place allowing an incredible, unique tasting experience for wine lovers

When: Sunday, August 27th from 3:00pm to 5:30 pm Where: Canadian Tire Garden Market Penticton (yes, Canadian Tire - what could be more fitting for a group of Garagistes?) Why: To meet the coolest winemakers in the Okanagan wine industry and taste their amazing wines! Fairview Liquor Store will be on site with a pop-up wine shop so guests can buy their hard to find favourites after the tasting Music by Luke Whittall Grilled Cheese & Smokies by Peter Ze German Street Food Truck

Tickets on Eventbrite www.garagistenorth.com 6

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WINES FOR ALL SEASONS AT RECLINE RIDGE WINERY

SHUSWAP

LUKE WHITTALL

WAYNE & COREENA

A VERY COOL E XPERIENCE AT LARCH HILLS WINERY Winery owner Jack Manser welcomed his boys back home to the winery this year. Both sons, Roman and Wayne have moved back to Salmon Arm from Edmonton to learn and work with their father. Jack says both are talented in the vineyard and the cellar and they are eager to learn the trade. He couldn’t be happier to see the next generation come on board. Wayne’s girlfriend Coreena also moved here from Edmonton and is know the friendly face that will greet you in the wine shop. Larch Hills offers the wine lover a truly unique wine tasting experience. Because of their vineyard elevation (they are the

highest altitude winery in North America!) the Manser’s create zesty cool climate varietals including Ortega, Siegerrebe, Madeline Angevine and Semillon, which are hard to find in our wine country and are a delicious discovery for those who have not experienced them. For the first time ever, Jack purchased Cabernet Sauvignon from a Similkameen Valley to add to their Grandview Bench Red blend and they is thrilled with the result. Very different from the past blends, he replaced the Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon and it is a winner. ($14.29) Stay tuned for news of a barbecue celebrating their 20th year and a wine club launch.

“Most people have the perception that whites are for summer and reds are more for winter,” says Recline Ridge Winery co-owner Graydon Ratzlaff. In the hot summers of BC’s Okanagan Valley, this assumption is frequently the case. But Recline Ridge in the Shuswap Valley is poised to seriously challenge this notion with the fresh qualities of the red wines grown in their vineyard in Tappen. The four reds in the portfolio are all perfectly suited for refreshing enjoyment in the summer just as much as whites. The first red that visitors taste is whimsically named Too Many. Made with the Zweigelt grape, this is a versatile, foodfriendly red, but it does not necessarily need to be accompanied by food and it

is perfectly suited for the stand-up red wine trend that focuses on easy drinking and perfectly balanced red wines. True to form, Too Many is a delicious red with a slight zest that holds your interest for the whole reception, meal course, or even the entire meal. The spacious picnic area is a great place to relax. It is fully licensed to enjoy wine by the glass. The wine shop and deli fridge are stocked with locally-produced foods and treats including cheese from Grass Root Dairy, meat from Tappen Valley Meats, and wine gummies by WineBox Sweets Company, all of whom are located nearby in the Shuswap Lake region. Recline Ridge offers the perfect venue to enjoy a complete Shuswap wine experience!

Jack & Hazel Manser 110 Timms Road, Salmon Arm, BC 250-832-0155

RECIPE

THE LEGENDARY CUP In a pretty 1.25 litre pitcher full of ice add: • 2 oz. Gin • Sliced cucumbers (preferably (around 8-10 Doctor’s Orders;) slices) • 4 oz. Naramaro • Sliced fresh • 2 oz simple syrup or frozen or honey syrup strawberries • 3 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice Mix well and top with soda. Enjoy! Serves 2-4 of your favourite people

Recline Ridge Hwy #1Winery West to Kamloops

Recline Ridge Winery

Hwy #1 West to Kamloops

Exit Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at Tappen Valley Road

Hwy #1 West to Kamloops

RECLINE RIDGE 2460 SKIMIKIN ROAD

Hwy #1 to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

TAPPEN VALLEY ROAD

Hwy #1 to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

HWY #1 TO KAMLOOPS

Exit Trans-Canada

Hwy. #1 HWY #1 EXIT TRANS-CANADA at Tappen Valley AT TAPPEN VALLEY RoadROAD

HWY #1 TO VERNON

OPENING HOURS: Hwy #1

12PM – 5PM April – June 10AM – 5PM July – August 12PM – 5PM September – October By Appointment, November – March to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

avour the flavours of our unique, award-winning vintages, and experience the harmony of our wines and this peaceful setting in the beautiful Shuswap. 2640 Skimikin Rd., Tappen, B.C. Phone 250-835-2212 Visit our website at: www.reclineridgewinery.com

WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

KELOWNA

OAK + CRU SOCIAL KITCHEN AND WINE BAR – THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER JENNA HICKMAN

With summer in full swing, everyone is looking for the best patio to sit back, relax and enjoy fresh, quality food. This summer, the Okanagan’s patio is at OAK + CRU Social Kitchen and Wine Bar. Whether you are walking around Waterfront Park, just jumped off the boat, or ready for a night on the town, Oak + Cru is the perfect pit-stop or destination for you. After a $9.4 million facelift, the Delta Grand Okanagan was transformed in 2016 to include the modern and elegant 263 seat restaurant, and along with it, its’ lakeside patio. The oneyear-old restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, within the prestigious Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. The name, Oak + Cru, makes reference to the abundance of oak used throughout the restaurant’s decor. Additionally, ‘Cru’ is a French wine term, translating to growth, as well as

JULY | AUGUST

drawing parallels to farming and the bountifulness of produce in the valley. By incorporating natural elements in the decor, along with dark, cool colours to contrast, a contemporary, yet timeless atmosphere is created. Overlooking the lagoon, and the lake in the near distance, patio-goers will struggle to put their cameras away. The picturesque scene captures what the Okanagan has to offer. With the lake and the mountains in the distance, you can enjoy your meal, or select one of the many taste-tingling cocktails and completely forget you are in the city. If you time your visit right, you may even be lucky enough to catch a famous Okanagan sunset, with oranges and pinks lighting up the sky with their golden hue. It is no secret that Kelowna’s summers are hot, however with misters to keep you cool, the heat will be a friend, not a foe. For when the sun goes down, heaters, and gas fireplaces will not only

keep you warm, but create an intimate, cozy ambience. The 120-seat patio has three sections guests can choose from. The first is comprised of tables and chairs. If you’re looking for a bit more of a comfortable and relaxed vibe, dine in the lounge, where fire pits are surrounded by luxurious couches - but be careful, you might not want to leave! The last area is the private patio, where small gatherings of 10 to 30 people are welcomed. Entertain and impress your friends in this one-of-a-kind area, where three different choices of menus are offered. While sitting on the patio, you may find yourself wondering where the smell of chocolate and mint, or lavender and lemon is coming from. Planted around the patio is the restaurant’s herb garden. Consisting of everything from jalapeños, to purple basil, to three different varieties of mint, you can see the care that goes into providing the freshest ingredients possible. You might even see the chef

or bartender come out to gather some, while preparing your meal or cocktail. Focusing on globally inspired cuisine, but by using local produce, Oak + Cru has something for everyone. With dishes inspired from 250 plus wineries, with 30 in the Okanagan alone, and many farms in the region, each plate awakens your tastebuds and showcases what the Okanagan has to offer. Led by executive chef, Iain Rennie, a core member of Culinary Team Canada in the 2016 Culinary Olympics, prepared to be introduced to unique, locally inspired pairings. Amongst the many details that set Oak + Cru apart, is its’ 6,000 pound signature fire deck oven, which is the backbone for the restaurant’s menu. With the food and bar menu changing with each season, guests can expect mouth watering dishes that highlight the best of what the season has to offer, and for those who regular the waterfront restaurant, the changing menu will continue to excite the palette.

KELOWNA CANADA’S LONGEST SERVING WINEMAKER HOWARD SOON RETIRES JENNA HICKMAN

Sandhill winery is known for their unique wines that showcase the quality of Okanagan grapes. By using a single vineyard approach, every bottle is pure and distinct in flavour. All of Sandhill’s six vineyards are located in the Southern Okanagan, where the heat and terroir play a big role in producing exceptional grapes. Although their Cabernet Merlot blends are Sandhill’s bread and butter - as Master Winemaker Howard Soon describes - Soon is not sure how the creation of their signature blend line came about. “With Sandhill One, Two and Three, we’re trying to build on the success of Sandhill Small lots,” Soon said. “If you want to be on the map as a winery, you’ve got to do a Bordeaux blend.” The Sandhill Small Lots program allows Soon to express who he is as a winemaker. Every year a few varietals are bottled in extremely small quantities

where Soon is able to experiment and give special attention to each, creating a truly distinctive wine. Ranging from 10 barrels to 22 barrels, each of the One, Two and Three blends are a part of the Small Lots program. “We couldn’t come up with fancy names for our wines, so we just called them One, Two and Three,” said Soon. “I think of the Charlie Brown comic strips, when he fell in love with a girl named number five.” Created from grapes out of the Phantom Creek Vineyard, Sandhill One is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah. According to Soon, that’s not a conventional blend due to the Petit Verdot and Malbec. “This doesn’t smell like a British Columbian wine,” he says. “It’s fruit forward and oaky.” Comparing to One, Sandhill Two is a much more conventional blend. It is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. “Cab Franc is what makes this blend delicious,” Soon says. “It’s a very good blender and plays well with the other two, the 10% of it that’s in here is enough to lift the whole wine up.” Although Phantom Creek Vineyard, and Sandhill Estate Vineyard are just one kilometre apart from one another, the wines produced from each are completely different. Sandhill Two and Three are from Sandhill Estates. “It’s complex and soft, less oaky than One,” says Soon. “It has an aged taste, you get the smoothness and richness of the fruit and layers through the mouth.”

Due to the addition of Sangiovese and Barbera, Sandhill Three is truly unique. Sandhill Winery is the first to plant Sangiovese grapes in all of Canada, and the only Canadian winery to grow Barbera. “This wine grew out of the fact we had lots of Sangiovese grapes,” says Soon. “There’s a juiciness in it - like fresh fruit, yet it’s got an aged thing to it, you smell time in it.” With all of Sandhill’s wines, Soon says he wants to give people the grapes’ story. “I’m almost like a sculptor, I like to see what I’m given before I start thinking what I’m going to do.”

Soon says it is a winemaker’s blend that sets him or her apart. “If I want to find out what a winemaker is doing, I’ll try their blend, it’s their personal story,” he says. “It carries forward the legacy of the winery.” Soon has since announced he will be retiring. The longest serving winemaker in Canada, Soon has created 37 consecutive vintages and has won countless awards for his winemaking excellence. Most notably, he was the first BC winemaker to win a gold medal at the 1998 Chardonnay du Monde, in France, and in 2009 he won best red wine, best white wine, and best Canadian winery at the Canadian Wine Awards - making Sandhill the only winery to ever win all three.

INDUST RY BELOVED MASTER WINEMAKER HOWARD SOON

BRING THIS AD IN TO ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING FOR TWO

Discover the difference that a Small Lot Single Vineyard can make. Visit Sandhill’s Urban Winery in the heart of Downtown Kelowna.

1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC • 250-979-4211 • www.sandhillwines.ca • Follow us @sandhillwines 10

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VALUE

SPIERHEAD WINERY’S

SPECTACULAR SUMMER

DEANNA RAINEY

I arrived at SpierHead Winery on a sun-dappled Sunday morning to meet proprietor Marina Knutson. It was a stunning day in an equally stunning setting, sipping wines in the tasting room just before the visitors began to arrive. At SpierHead, they not only serve up fabulous wines, but they do so with a flair and warmth that makes you want to linger, sip and soak up the setting. We tasted a series of wines that day, starting with their 2016 Pinot Gris which held hints of nectarine, pear, peach and apricots. The popular

TASTING ROOM ASSOCIATE PAT RICIA SKLAR W/ PROPRIETOR MARINA KNUTSON

2016 Riesling and the 2015 Pinot Noir, with hints of red berries, followed. The 2016 Chardonnay, aged in one and two year old barrels, was very fruity without a lot of oak. It was a dazzling morning for the taste buds! One of the best ways to enjoy all SpierHead has to offer is membership in its wine club, which offers a wonderful array of events. About 100 members of SpierHead’s Wine Club had recently participated in a vertical tasting of Rieslings from 2010 to 2016 (except 2013). Marina says the 2010 vintage was fabulous! On August 5 the club will hold their annual Pinot Noir

KELOWNA Blending Party, where members have a hand in creating a blend which is bottled for members only. And during the harvest, members can enjoy a special day enjoying hands-on activities at the winery. Marina says SpierHead will be featuring some of their older vintages that have been stored in its library since the winery opened. Available in limited quantities, their Vanguard, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from 2009 and 2010 will be featured at different times. Check the SpierHead website at www. spierheadwinery.com for details.

MUSIC MATTERS AT CACHÉ LOUNGE AT THE PRESTIGE BEACH HOUSE ROSLYNE BUCHANAN Sporting the mystique of a speakeasy, with better drinks, music and food, Caché Lounge is tucked away in the Prestige Beach House in downtown Kelowna. In this upscale bar/lounge, enjoy live music while sipping on artisanal cocktails, beer and wine, and noshing on bar menu selections featuring West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar. Caché is opened from 6 pm, Thursdays to Saturdays showcasing live music each evening. On Thursdays, Happy Hour pricing is all night long. Here’s an adult sanctuary to gather your friends and family to build memories that’ll last a lifetime. The “Alive Inside” film documented how musical memory lasts longer than other

kinds of memory. With Cache’s live musical performances, the sensory memories created with the bar menu and you’ll never want to leave. Over 12 specialty cocktails are highlighted – have fun perusing the creative names and ingredients. Plus, there’s a great cross-section of beer, wine and other libations. As you’d expect from the Okanagan’s premier seafood house, Caché Lounge’s menu from West Coast Grill includes fresh oysters and other delectable seafood plus other selections like their burger, chicken focaccia and quinoa salad. To stay tuned to the list of entertainers, follow Caché Lounge Kelowna on Facebook.

Your Adventure Starts Here! Wine, Hike, Bike, Paddle & Ski Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm

Linger over a glass of one of our award winning wines and enjoy

some delicious light fare and artisan pizzas offered at our newly opened “Patio at SpierHead”. Ask us about booking an event in our lovely reception area and about joining our Wine Club. The tasting room is open from 11 am to 5:30 pm daily starting May 1 through to October 31. Please check our website or call us for the “Patio at SpierHead” hours.

3950 Spiers Rd., Kelowna 250.763.7777 info@spierheadwinery.com spierheadwinery.com

Toll Free: 1-800-868-5121 Local: 250-253-8379 byron@nobleadventures.net www.nobleadventures.net Photo courtesy of Destination BC

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RECIPES FOR HOME BY RENOWNED CHEF BUTTERS

KELOWNA

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

While Rod Butters might blush being called renowned, his peers inducted him into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2007. Such accolades are no surprise for those fervent about fine food in the Okanagan. Fans of RauDZ Creative Concepts restaurants including RauDZ Regional Table, micro bar • bites and Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ, eagerly anticipate his long-awaited first cookbook. “At its heart, the book is about my passionate relationship to food. I wrote it, quite simply, for people who love to cook. It’s not intended to blow minds or turn cooking into a lab experiment, explains Butters. “Cooking should be inclusionary, not exclusionary. We gather in the kitchen because it’s comforting, and it harkens back to the happy feelings that CHEF ROD BUTTERS WITH DAVID MCILVRIDE a warm, aromatic PHOTOGRAPHING ROD’S NEW COOKBOOK. kitchen instilled in us as kids.” The Okanagan Table: The Art of Everyday Home Cooking, by having it printed in Canada rather published by Figure 1 Vancouver, hits than overseas like a lot of cookbooks. bookshelves summer 2017. Celebrity Plus, Canadian culinary icons, Bernard Chef Daniel Boulud said, “The problem Casavant, Anita Stewart and Jamie Maw is that there are many great chefs and wrote the forewards. Also, departing from tradition, it’s many great cookbooks, but none of them work at home.” Chef Butters’ book structured by time of day: Sunrise, completely addresses that: geared to the Midday, Sunset and Twilight. Favourites home cook, Butters prepared every one from Butters’ restaurants and home are of these recipes in his own home rather featured, for example, Chef’s Worldthan in restaurant kitchens. True to that Famous Pancakes, made since he was focus, accompanying every recipe is a seven years old. There’s Oat-Crusted photograph to give you something to aim Arctic Char, a RauDZ staple and Fresco carry-over, Spring Pea Soup, and the RJB for when recreating his dishes. “I want you to get this book dirty – – think steak sandwich or the ultimate dog-ear the pages, write in the margins, burger’ with beef tenderloin, butter stuff your grandmother’s best recipes poached crab, shaved cured bacon, onion for Swedish meatballs and zucchini loaf jam on a brioche bun. Twilight offers tapas such as RauDZ stuffed calamari, between the pages,” explains Butters. There’s over 270 pages including the addictive duck-fat popcorn that’s 80 recipes and more than 120 photos a staple at micro, and some beloved by local professional photographer cocktails from their Liquid Chefs. The David McIlvride, who shot this stunning unbelievable ingredients chefs and home photography in Butters’ home and cooks experience in the Okanagan are throughout the valley. Locals and tourists showcased such as seasonal fresh produce. will have fun spotting places they Pick up at any of Chef Butters’ restaurants recognize. Butters is keeping it local, too, or online at www.chefrodbutters.com.

JULY | AUGUST

SUMMERHILL LAUNCHES SMALL PLATES FOOD

BAR

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Always at the forefront of the wine and culinary world especially as it relates to organic and local, Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery is launching a new Food Bar to complement its existing Sunset Organic Bistro and other dining facilities. In a recent interview to check out the stunning space being developed to accommodate it, Stephen Cipes, Proprietor, said, “What’s sweeping the rest of the world in this industry is a movement toward small plates of cash and carry authentic foods which can be shared. Here at Summerhill each dish will be served in a setting that gives it presence.” With a nod to executive winery chef Alex Lavroff and dining room manager

Paul LaGrange now partnering with chef Megan Dune of RauDZ Creative Concepts’ fame to present the magnificent new Food Bar, Cipes pointed out, “the food presentation at Summerhill is the talk of the town. And, of course, everything here will be organic including the Asian and Italian-influenced dishes.” To accommodate the Italian side, a new wood-fired pizza oven is being installed on the lower level, which can produce 14 pizzas every three minutes. What’s exciting is that much of the ingredients used on those pizzas will be harvested from the organic pizza gardens located right next to it. Whatever wines and culinary delights you select, you’ll have the choice of

stunning settings in which to enjoy it. On the 80-acre vineyard, there’s now a rooftop picnic area with a sweeping 30-kilometre view of Okanagan Lake and Kelowna beyond the vineyards, gardens and winery facilities. If you prefer an air-conditioned dining experience, the Summerhill ballroom with its fabulous view will also have seating. Adds Cipes, “This season we have expanded to more than 10 tasting stations so that each and every fellow steward of the earth receives a personal, warm welcome. Our ambassador program has gone global allowing each enthusiast to be an ambassador for Summerhill Pyramid-energized organic wines. This breakthrough program catapults the already fastest growing segment of the wine industry – organic wines.” While venturing on your own wine trails, visit Summerhill to taste the single most awarded wine in Canada, Cipes Brut. Be sure to sign up for the Pyramid Experience Tours held at noon, 2, 4 and 6 pm. These tours are free and include an opportunity to be in the precision sacred geometry chamber, which Cipes says is second only to the Great Pyramid in Egypt. “The chamber is conducive to ‘going within’ and is a cherished awakening to many just as it clarifies the wines.”

KELOWNA The excitement of being awarded The Best Chardonnay in the World for the 2014 Chardonnay Icewine at the Chardonnay du Monde® 2017 competition in Burgundy, France continues to resonate for the Summerhill family of over 150 employees as well as long-time fans of Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery. Blanc de Blanc won platinum in BC and silver at Chardonnay du Monde® making Summerhill the only winery from Canada with two medals. Blanc de Blanc was recently awarded a coveted gold medal from Decanter Magazine of London, England. “With such success and quantity under 200 cases, at $65 per bottle it’s moving like hotcakes,” adds Cipes. “These world-class accolades are a source of pride to Canadians for 25 years and recognize the benefits of being in harmony with nature and the Okanagan Valley’s pristine growing conditions.” For more information on Summerhill’s commitment as an organic and fully certified biodynamic operation and its many internationals and national awards, visit in person or see summerhill.bc.ca. On the website, you’ll also find the latest news, events and wine releases.

KALE CAESAR SALAD

THE BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE SUMMER IN THE OKANAGAN CIPES BRUT ROSE ON THE SUNSET ORGANIC BIST RO PATIO.

TWO RIVERS ELK SAUSAGE & RICOTTA PIZZA

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A TOUCH OF ITALY NESTLED IN THE OKANAGAN HILLS AT CIAO BELLA WINERY BLAKE ALLEN

WE ST KELOWNA

A great bottle of wine can whisk you away to another locale, and when matched with the right setting can make you feel as if you’ve traveled the world without ever

THE FIUME FAMILY: ROBERTO, OLIVIA, SHARON & ANTONIO WITH BELLA, THE WINERY DOG.

leaving home. Such is the case with Ciao Bella Winery, feeling like an idyllic Neapolitan vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake nestled in the peaceful and serene hills of the West Kelowna Farm Loop. A young artisanal winery, born of the Fiume family’s hard work and reflecting their Italian heritage. Owners Roberto and Sharon along with kids Antonio and Olivia first began to cultivate their vineyard back in 2000. With the help of renowned viticulturalist Dr. Alan Marks and celebrated winemaker Jim Faulkner, the Fiume’s have had their hard work rewarded through their recognition last year as the home of BC’s Best Pinot Noir. All of the wines are crafted in the traditional Italian-style, and the family greet guests in a similar manner, usually with a warm and welcoming Benvenuto! But Ciao Bella isn’t thematic, it’s authentic. An important distinction to make. Here, everyone who wanders through the doors is welcomed as part of the famiglia. Images of Nonna (Grandma) and Nonno (Grandpa) adorn the bottles and yes, conversation is known to occasionally drift in and out of Italian. Cappuccinos are on hand for drivers and the garden-dotted picnicking grounds provide weary travellers with shady tables to relax at with bottles of wine and spuntini (charcuterie) boards of Italian meats and cheeses. One would be advised to consult the website ahead of time to catch live Italian music, especially Remi the nonagenarian accordionist beloved by regulars for his moving renditions of traditional Italian folk music.

As the setting sun casts its last light on the surrounding back hills and you notice the faint call of a rooster in the distance, you could be forgiven for momentarily thinking you were in rural Naples. But fortunately from here you won’t need a flight nor a passport to return home.

2016 PINOT GRIGIO $18.95

Made in the traditional Italian-style, this exquisite summer white is off-dry and fruit forward with crisp hints of green apple and apricots. The nose offers citric notes and the finish is surprisingly rich and buttery.

2015 PINOT ROSÉ $19.95

Fun, refreshing and fruit forward, this delightful wine awakens the palate with bursts of strawberries and rhubarb underscored by hints of succulent watermelon and wild cherry.

2014 PINOT NERO $24.95

Ruby-red in colour, this celebrated wine begins with an aroma of strawberries followed on the palate with deep notes of black cherry and chocolate, and a soft pepper finish. Paired best with your favorite Parmigiano dish or with good friends on the patio.

Winner of ‘Best Of Varietal’ for our Pinot Noir at the 2016 Okanagan Wine Festivals.

Summer Hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

3252 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna, BC

778.754.3443 www.ciaobellawinery.com 14

JULY | AUGUST

A Taste of Italy

In the Okanagan

BUY THE SEA: BRINGING THE SEA TO THE OKANAGAN LESLEY BUXTON

Love great seafood? We have the place for you: Buy the Sea. Their two shops located in Penticton and West Kelowna provide the Okanagan with the freshest and largest selection of seafood available in the area. These folks love seafood and are so dedicated to offering their customers the very best that they are members of Ocean Wise; a program created by the Vancouver Aquarium to promote sustainability and ocean-sound choices. This means you can enjoy the produce at Buy the Sea with a clear conscience.

In keeping with this mandate, the shop offers the finest local and sustainable fish from BC, Alaska, and around the globe. During the summer season the options are endless. There’s: Sockeye Salmon, Red Spring Salmon, Coho Salmon, organic Spring Salmon plus a heap of other choices. One tasty possibility is the Arctic Char farmed at Road 17, a family farm in Oliver, where the motto is “Know your farmer, know your food.” If cooking seafood makes you nervous, never fear, you’re in the hands of experts. Owner Mike Stokes and his staff all love

to cook and eat fish. They’re happy to give advice or find you a great recipe. There’s also a delicious range of readymade dishes from prawn and crab cakes, salmon burgers to Salmon Neptune’s, we offer a great variety of delicious ready to eat meal ideas! But if you don’t feel like cooking, don’t worry. Try their fabulous Fish n’ Chip shop. Their fish and chips are made with wild cod and halibut from BC and Alaska along with wild haddock from Atlantic Canada. Both are delicious. But fish and chips aren’t the only dish on the menu. There’s home-made chowders, prawn and oyster meals and a variety of fish burgers. Eat-in or have a picnic overlooking one of the Okanagan’s beautiful lakes. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day.

WE ST KELOWNA

WINES ERUPTING WITH FLAVOUR AT VOLCANIC HILLS SUE HARPER

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, family owned and operated, is located on the southeastern slope of a dormant volcano. They are excited to share two new releases this summer. Lava Red, a popular off-dry, semi-sweet blend (a high one or low two on the sweetness scale) is ready for tasting, while their Sparkling Gewürztraminer is eagerly waiting to be bottled and should be available in August. Over the summer, the wine shop opens from 10 am to 8 pm, At the spacious, wheelchair accessible tasting bar, try their 2014 Riesling Icewine, judged the Best Icewine at the 2017 BC Best of Varietal Wine Awards. Get creative and try it in chocolate liqueur cups, on ice cream, fresh fruit, or mix it into your favorite drink. They also boast award winning reds and whites that will be sure to please your palate. After your visit, you can enjoy lunch or dinner next door at Blu Saffron (11:30 – 8 p.m.), which holds a spacious patio

so you may soak up that Okanagan sun. Reservations are recommended. Would you like Volcanic Hills wines delivered to your door? By joining the wine club you will receive four wines, four times a year (February, May, August, and November) carefully selected to reflect classics, new releases, and trends in vinification. You can choose a red, white or a mixed package. There’s a discount on the wine and Volcanic Hills can ship right to your home across Canada. In the wine shop, members receive a discount on wine and merchandise, and tastings are complimentary for you and two guests. It’s like Christmas four times a year and makes the best gift for a friend too. The winery is currently organizing three events for mid-July, mid-August and midSeptember. Visit www.volcanichillswinery. com and click on News/Events for more information.

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WE ST KELOWNA SUMMER DELIGHTS AT QUAILS’ GATE WINERY SUE HARPER

Quails’ Gate Winery boasts one of the most sublime views over vineyards and Okanagan Lake, and their summer calendar is filled with exciting tastings, tours and events. It’s a winery you won’t want to miss. Dinner in the Vineyard returns Wednesdays, June 28 through September 6. Starting at 6:00 in the evening, guests

share a four-course meal – family-style – seated at a long dinner table in the vineyard. This event is not only about a magical night of delicious food paired with Quails’ Gate’s award winning wine, it’s also about coming together as a community. Seating is limited to 30 diners so book early. $175 per person covers a canapé reception, dinner and accompanying wines. For a more casual food and wine pairing experience, try a Scenic Seated Tasting offered from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the private dining room adjacent to the wine shop. Choose from five themed flights of wine and food and relax as a senior wine educator acts as your guide. For those looking for a slightly more intimate tasting experience or for a light snack to bolster their momentum, this is the perfect option. No reservations required. Chocolate and wine – two of life’s great pleasures. The Chocolate and Wine Tasting

THE MAGIC OF DINING IN THE VINEYARD. tours begin June 24. Limited to 15 guests, the 45-minute tour starts with a tasting of wine as you wander through the vineyards led by one of the winery’s senior educators. Guests then move into the wine library for a guided wine pairing experience with a variety of chocolates provided by the

in-house restaurant and KARAT Chocolate (owned by Quails’ Gate’s former pastry chef.) Offered until September 4, tours run three times a day at 11:00, 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. at a cost of $25 plus tax per guest. All tours and events can be booked on line at www.quailsgate.com.

MT. BOUCHERIE PROMISES MORE OF A GREAT THING! DEANNA RAINEY Mt. Boucherie Winery in West Kelowna has an extensive history of grape growing in the region that reaches back for decades. Now, discerning wine drinkers can enjoy their delectable wines during a visit and tasting at their charming wine shop. In the future though, Mt. Boucherie promises even greater things to come, including an expanded wine shop and an on-site restaurant. Mt. Boucherie’s vice president and CEO Craig McCulloch says they are currently in the preliminary drawing stage of the planned expansion. “Our wine shop is quaint and cozy, but we have outgrown it. We hope to start this

fall, working on a whole new facility. This will include a much larger retail wine shop and refit of our patio, along with a restaurant.” For now though, Mt. Boucherie is concentrating on creating great wines, something which they are very good at. Craig says there are several wines that shine the brightest in terms of popularity. “We’ve had overwhelming success with the 2016 Gamay, which was just recently released. It seems to appeal to new and experienced red wine drinkers…it gets everyone excited. It is our first Gamay in a few years, and people have been waiting for it. It’s been described as floral, fruity and youthful, which I think is a good description,” he says.

“The 2015 Pinot Gris is also a great summer wine,” says Craig. This vintage is reminiscent of ripe Bosc pear and melon, with a satisfying silky honey finish. The ‘Special Summer Sipper’ title goes to the Semillon, according to Craig, who says it is especially popular with younger wine drinkers. He also recommends the Merlot Icewine, which retails at $88, for a special treat. The future may be ripe with promise, but now is also a great time to spend a summer afternoon at Mt. Boucherie winery. You’ll love the sensational wine and breathtaking scenery!

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT OKANAGAN MOMENT

HERITAGE. STEWARDSHIP. DISTINCTION. Come to the Mountain. We offer daily wine tastings from our extensive portfolio. Bring your picnic and enjoy the vineyard and lake views from the patio.

OPEN YEAR ROUND MAY - OCT 10 am to 6 pm NOV - APR 11 am to 5 pm

829 DOUGLAS ROAD WEST KELOWNA, BC 250-769-8803

mtboucheriewine

16 | AUGUST MTB-Wine Booklet adJULY 5.25x4.75.indd 2

mtboucheriewinery.com

3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna | 1-800-420-9463 | QuailsGate.com 2016-12-15 3:08 PM

SMALL AREA, BIG VARIETY ON THE WESTSIDE WINE TRAIL

CELEBRATING A SPARKLING

SUMMER

SUE HARPER

AT KALALA HENRIETTA POIRIER

Since the first bottling in 2008, Kalala has consistently delivered award-winning wines. One quick look around the tasting room reveals row upon row of awards; year after year, from the U.S. Europe, and Canada, this elegant but modest winery has been quietly gaining recognition. In the last few years, it has been the dedication and WINEMAKER TIBBY ERDELYI talent of winemaker Tibor PHOTO BY VICTOR POIRIER Erdelyi that have brought Kalala global renown. Last This year, wine lovers should visit year, Kalala won the Chardonnay du Kalala early in July, if they want to get Monde, but despite the accolades their hands on the much anticipated from prestigious organizations, for Frizzante 150 (working title). This winemaker Tibby there is no better sparkling rosé blend of Chardonnay, compliment than an empty wine shelf. Blaufränkisch and Gewürztraminer has With no need of fanfare, been created in honor of Canada’s 150 year anniversary and is a perfect grandstanding, or marketing gimmicks, the Kalala label represents working in addition to summer celebrations. A trip to Kalala’s tasting room is a harmony and balance with nature. certain pleasure. Not only will the wines The philosophy behind the success delight - the subtle flavours of each of Kalala is simple, and Tibby is quick varietal are distinct, and the blends to defer the winning quality of the are masterfully mixed and creatively wines to Karnail Sidhu, owner and inspired - but the atmosphere is truly viticulturist. By focusing on organic welcoming. viticulture practices, Karnail ensures the If you can’t make it to the winery, don’t worry, you can have wine delivered to soil that supports the vines is rich with your door through the wine club at the nutrients that bring each aromatic www.kalala.ca. variety to its full potential.

In the late 18th century, poet William Cowper wrote, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” From large wineries to small farm-gate operations, the Westside Wine Trail offers locals and visitors a taste of just about everything the Okanagan wine industry offers. Experience organized tasting tours at large wineries like Quails’ Gate then move to an intimate setting like Rollingdale where the wine shop and tasting bar are inside the cellar. Bring your own lunch and enjoy their wine by the glass in the picnic area. Many Westside wineries provide unique dining experiences. Tapas are featured at Little Straw Winery’s Barrel Top Grill while the Red Fox Club at the Indigenous World Winery serves unique Indigenous-inspired food. A new addition to the Westside Wine Trail is Tuesday Sips. Each week a specific varietal is chosen, and wineries offering that varietal will feature it in their tastings. Guests can compare how each vintner has crafted their particular vintage. Check the Westside Wine Trail website for further details. For something completely different, sign up for OK Yoga on the Vine at the Beaumont Family Estate July 20. The evening begins at 6:30 with a glass of wine followed by a 50-minute yoga class. A tasting completes the evening.

WE ST KELOWNA The cost is $25 including the glass of wine and the tasting. Sign up early. This event always sells out. Yoga events can also be enjoyed at the hatch and Off the Grid Organic Winery. To update William Cowper, varietals give life flavour. Because the Westside boasts some of the oldest, most established vintners in the valley who have property or work with other growers up and down the Okanagan, visitors to the Westside can experience a range of varietals without ever leaving the area. Enjoy a summer of diversity on the Westside Wine Trail.

WE LET NATURE TAKE THE LEAD Kalala, meaning “Miracle Place”, is the symbol of our commitment to harmony with nature, organic viticulture practices, and our wines. We produce light-to-crisp white wines, bold red wines, and have one of the largest portfolios of organic Icewines in British Columbia. Our philosophy is to allow the varietal characteristics and terroir to be truly expressed and only enhanced by minimal handling during winemaking. We welcome you to visit our tasting room and experience the finest of what the Okanagan has to offer.

K A L A L A O R G A N I C E S TAT E W I N E R Y 3361 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna, BC, Canada P: 1 866 942 1313 • F: 250 768 9700

www.kalalawines.ca @KalalaWines

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WE ST KELOWNA THE COVE LAKESIDE RESORT… ENJOY THE SUITE LIFE! DEANNA RAINEY

A spectacular lakefront location,

Enjoy the Suite Life

plentiful amenities, outstanding service and mouth-watering locally sourced foods await you at Kelowna’s only allsuite hotel, The Cove Lakeside Resort. Nestled on the shores of Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna, The Cove is a family favourite for locals and vacationers alike. Their beautiful one, two and three bedroom suites offer all the comforts of home. Explore the Bonfire Culinary Gardens for fresh herbs and veggies and create your own delicious meal in your suite’s wellappointed five-piece kitchen. The perfect location for family fun, you can spend time on their sun-

4205 Gellatly Road | West Kelowna, BC 1.877.762.2683 | 250.707.1800 www.covelakeside.com

Your Four Season Resort in the Heart of Wine Country

Visit our sister property: Outback Lakeside Vacation Homes Vernon, BC | 877-546-5005 | www.outbacklakeside.com

MAKE SURE YOUR WINE ARRIVES SAFELY AT HOME

The Ultimate Accessory For Your Next Wine Tour

AVAILABLE AT: Adega on 45th Burrowing Owl Enrico Ex Nihilo Harpers Trail Hester Creek

Joie Farm Winery Kitsch Wines Little Engine Liber Organic Farm Little Straw Vineyards Quinta Ferreira Estate

Winery Quails Gate Road 13 Seven Stones Tinhorn Creek Singletree Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Township 7 Langley Unsworth Vineyards And more!

See wineopulencecanada.com for a complete list of retailers

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JULY | AUGUST

drenched private beach, take a dip in one of the sparkling pools or enjoy a hot tub. Tennis, a fitness centre, putting green and barbecues are all available at this pet-friendly resort. There is also a private marina with water sports rentals including power boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. After a full day of activities, you can relax in the Bonfire Restaurant, featuring delicious farm-to-table meals, with many ingredients grown in their own organic culinary gardens. Languish on the beautiful waterfront patio, which features live music Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Guests can even enjoy poolside dining at the Bonfire Cabana, with all-new menus rolling out this summer. Stay up to date on upcoming events, promotions and specials on their website, www.covelakeside.com, or follow them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/thecovelakesideresort. And drop by The Cove Lakeside Resort, where their attention to detail guarantees you the consummate Okanagan experience.

ON THE COVER … SEVERINE PINTE

Thank you Victor and Henrietta Poirier of Red Star Media for photographing this beautiful cover portrait. This issue we are featuring Le Vieux Pin/La Stella’s outstanding winemaker: Severine Pinte. 1. When did you decide that you wanted to become a winemaker? How did food and wine play a part of your young life? After high school, I enrolled in a program to eventually join ENSAM (Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique of Montpellier). I was going to be an agronomic engineer. Very quickly I found out about the versatility of the wine world. I was going to be able to learn how the industry worked from growing the baby plants in the nurseries, to nurturing plants in the vineyard and growing quality grapes, to making the wine, aging it, bottling it, selling it. Finance and marketing were also a part of the program and allowed me to have a wide understanding of the business. So it was decided, I was going to specialize in viticulture and enology and become a winemaker. As life and experiences came along, I became more and more passionate and I just fell in love with the ability to create some beautiful pieces of art every single season! Growing up in France allowed me to appreciate the importance of food

CONT. ON PAGE 46

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CRESCENDO - UNFINED

& UNFILTERED AT LUNESSENCE

HENRIETTA POIRIER

SU M M ER L AN D

JULY | AUGUST

The cycles of the moon are an important feature in every Farmer’s Almanac; the celestial influence that rules the tides of every sea and ocean are also considered an important element in agricultural management throughout the seasons. And so it is at Lunessence, where sustainable and environmentally sensitive viticultural practices work with the seasons of nature and cycles of the moon. Winemaker Michal Mosny and viticulturist Martina Mosny are responsible for the recent accolades and interest in Lunessence wines. Martina works with the vineyard as a living and varied ecosystem. By integrating biodynamic practices in the vineyard, she focuses on enriching the soil to maintain the optimal health of vines, which, ultimately, intensifies the unique flavours of each varietal. Michal takes the grape to the next level. With a heritage in winemaking from France and Slovakia, Michal brings a European sensibility to winemaking. He integrates traditional practices with a creative twist and works with the singular qualities of each varietal to compose a masterfully-crafted wine. This year, oenophiles will be delighted with the new releases from Lunessence. Michal and Martina have been working intensely on their first signature red blend. With careful consideration of each varietal and how the distinct qualities complement each other, the first ideal blend of a 2015 vintage will be

released this summer, and it is aptly named - Crescendo. Crescendo is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. A veritable symphony of notes that culminate in a climax of flavours on the palate. Each year, the Lunessence signature red blend will be slightly different. The ever-changing influences of the environment affect each row in the vineyard and produce subtle differences

THE MORE WE ARE LISTENING AND RESPECTING THE VINEYARD, NATURE IS GIVING IT BACK TO US A THOUSAND TIMES. in the grape. And just as each musician adds their own twist to a composition, so nature provides a spectrum of notes and tones in each vine for the winemaker to play with. At Lunessence, the blends are selected in the vineyard before they arrive at the winery for the crush. This ensures that the blend is composed from the unadulterated core qualities of each varietal. It is this attention to

perfection, in both the care of the vineyard and the winemaking process, that produces superior quality wines. An equally exciting release this year is the New Winemaker’s CUT label. These 100% natural wines include a 2016 Sauvignon Blanc and a 2015 Syrah. All Lunessence reds are unfined and unfiltered to ensure a fresher, purer flavor from the grapes. This also allows the natural sediment to nourish the wine and age gracefully in the cellar. All new releases are available in the tasting room including, Sauv Blanc Muscat 2016, Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner 2016, and Blanc de Noirs 2016. Visitors may be surprised at the sound of classical music that reverberates throughout the vineyard and winery, uplifting, inspiring, and energizing. But this is all part of the Lunessence philosophy to help steward the land by all means possible: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And indeed, if music feeds the soul, and the soil is the soul of this earth, then surely, the music of Paganini, Puccini, and Bach must affect each vine with good vibrations. It certainly tastes that way. If the essence of music and moon can be bottled, then it is in the wines of Lunessence. But why not taste the wines yourself? The patio at the winery offers an inviting space where you can relax, and enjoy the wine while watching the sun set over the lake. The perfect way to end your wine tasting tour and pick up a couple of bottles for the weekend - or for the wine cellar. “The more we are listening and respecting the vineyard, nature is giving it back to us a thousand times.”

SU M M ER L AN D “Cold spring” rings true as the DeLong Studio folks are delighted to report the yard and gardens are now ready for the season with flowers and trees in full bloom despite the cold start. “Bling”, however, is used tonguein-cheek because you’ll find DeLong Studio is not your usual jewelry store. “We specialize in natural stone and silver jewelry, from delicate to bold,” says Sue May. “In our relaxed shopping atmosphere, Sue and Paula are always happy to take time to help our customers find that special piece that’s just right for them. We’ll provide advice for the care and long life of your jewelry purchase.” Picking out that custom-made, oneof-a-kind treasure is convenient given DeLong Studio is open, 10 am to 5 pm every day, until December 23. The attractive shop, known for the largest inventory of sterling silver jewelry in the Okanagan Valley, is just off Highway 97 in the Trout Creek residential subdivision of Summerland. There are lapidary, free-form polished gemstones, mineral and fossil specimens plus studio-produced stone belt buckles, customized gemstone-handled knives and sterling silver rings, chains, cufflinks and bracelets. Shop, too, for popular stingray leather products such as belts, money clips, wallets and travel purses.

COLD SPRING, HOT BLING: DELONG STUDIO

WE SPECIALIZE IN NATURAL STONE AND SILVER JEWELRY, FROM DELICATE TO BOLD

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Once you’ve discovered this gem, you’ll keep coming back. Faithful clientele knows exciting new pieces await from artists with whom there is a long working relationship, and fresh designs thanks to DeLong’s commitment to seek out new artists every year. Adds John DeLong, “Above all we want our customers to enjoy their visit and look forward to their return.” Preview a selection at facebook.com/DeLongStudio and www.delongstudio.com. Or while wine touring, see some DeLong Studio items at Thornhaven Estates Winery and in the stunning new Penticton VQA Wine Shop by the recently opened casino.

Fine Silver Jewellery Unique Handcrafted Designs • Open Daily 10-5

250.494.5155

Visit DeLong Studio: Turn off Hwy 97 at Travel Land, onto Wharf St., right on Nixon and right on Williams. 4420 Williams Ave., Summerland (in Trout Creek).

w w w. d el o n g s t u dio . c o m

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UPSTAIRS AT DIRTY

LAUNDRY VINEYARDS ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

For adults only, book ahead for an elevated tasting and tour package called Upstairs at Dirty Laundry, available by appointment only, Monday to Friday. For $15 per person, join the WSET-educated team of Lauren Selfridge, online marketing manager, and Drew Kuchta, cellar master, for a behind the scenes experience. Drew will take you on a tour of the cellar with barrel tasting and Lauren will lead wine education and cheese pairing in the upstairs Board Room. No minors or children, please, for this in-depth session that frolics roughly an hour and a quarter. For more details or to book, contact lauren@dirtylaundry.ca. Dirty Laundry is popping the cork on two new sparkling wines in celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary. These wines playfully dubbed “Bubble Entendre” are wine shop and wine club exclusive. Produced via the traditional method, there’s a white, Chardonnaybased selection, and a rosé, a Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier blend. As exclusives, Bubble Entendre sparkling wines are another great reason to join the Bordello Club, where members can pick their own wines and get free shipping across Canada. Choose the membership level that works best for you: Peek-a-Boo, Blush, Boudoir, and Madam. You can get your hands on the exclusive Bubble Entendre in Dirty Laundry’s wine shop, too. The wine shop

SU MMER L AN D is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm, and found on Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive. While you’re there, allow some time to linger on the patio to take in the views of Okanagan Lake, vineyards, orchards and even part of the historic Kettle Valley Railroad. Sip on award-winning wines or try out the “Laundry Suds” craft beer by the glass or in flights. Bridge Brewing in North Vancouver brews a special line up for Dirty Laundry including Dirty Blond Kolsch, Brunette IPA, Full House Pale Ale, and Red Head Wheat Ale. Through social media you can remain current on Dirty Laundry wine releases and events. Follow @DirtyLaundryVin on Twitter, @dirtylaundryvineyard on Instagram, and facebook.com/ dirtylaundryvineyard. Go online to dirtylaundry.ca for tickets, if dates are still available, to the Roch Lobster Lunches held each Friday in July and August. Check out our calendar for the schedule of musicians playing on the patio on summer weekends. You’ll find local favourites including Dale Seaman & Highway 97, Blue Skies Trio, The Creeks, Uncorked, Hellard & Hirth, Julie Masi, and Timbre Wolves. No wonder Dirty Laundry is known as the place where “Wine is Fun!” Browsing through the latest merchandise and wine selections in the “naughty” wine shop is sure to bring a smile to you and your out-of-town guests.

DREW & LAUREN LOOK FORWARD TO GIVING YOU A TOUR OF THE WINERY.

JULY | AUGUST

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PLAY REALLY IS THE THING PENTI CTO N

If Hamlet had popped by for glass of chilled Ad Lib, a delicate blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, he may have dropped the entire revenge scenario. “Alas, poor Yorik, too bad you didn’t have a chance to spend time at

ELAINE DAVIDSON

Play Estate Winery…” Heck, the Prince of Denmark would have upped sticks and bought a home in Skaha Hills. The winery’s playful name and branding are perfectly suited to its founder Jason Pechet, CEO of

Stagewest Hospitality who along with long time collaborator and sommelier Mohamed Awad launched this unique winery set as a showstopper entrance to a unique new resort-style community. Skaha Hills, with its spectacular view of

WINEMAKER MOHAMED AWAD

Skaha Lake, is a joint venture between the Penticton Indian Band and Greyback Construction Ltd. It’s Act One for Play Estate and reviews are strong for the recently opened $5.2 million winery and vineyard featuring a wine shop, tasting lounge, indoor/ outdoor bistro space and 14 acres of vineyard planted in Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscat. “Our vision is to produce good quality, honest wine with integrity,” says general manager and winemaker Mohamed. “We set out to over-deliver on quality for the price point and are really living up to our goal. “We don’t want to come across as too serious reflecting the other meaning of our name,” he says. “People come here to have fun and play. They are on vacation or are walking over from their home to do a tasting or have lunch and a glass at the Bistro with its view.” The winery features three white and three reds. In addition to the 2014 Ad Lib, the off-dry 2015 Moscato is a blend of three unique Muscats including White, Orange and Ottonel. The third

JULY | AUGUST

white is a 2014 Viognier, kissed by new French oak barrels for four months. The reds include the 2014 Improv, a Merlot and Syrah blend, a 2014 Syrah which Mohamed describes as true cool climate Syrah with minimal interference

WE ARE HONEST ABOUT WINEMAKING,WE LET THE GRAPES MAKE A GREAT BOTTLE OF WINE AND ARE AS NATURAL AS POSSIBLE. and the premium wine in the series, and the 2014 Applause, a Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend aged in French oak.

“We are honest about winemaking,” Mohamed says. “We let the grapes make a great bottle of wine and are as natural as possible.” Being involved in building a winery and vineyard from the ground up is a dream come true for Mohamed who is a familiar face in the Okanagan wine scene with experience managing Spirit Ridge Resort and Vineyards in Osoyoos and Black Hills Estate Winery. The Skaha Hills lifestyle resort community that Play is centre stage for is something new to Penticton and the first master planned resort-style community in the South Okanagan, says Curt Jansen, vice president of Skaha Hills. “It’s all about lifestyle. Residents can take advantage of walking trails, enjoy the vineyard, Skaha Beach, golf, access the Kettle Valley Railway trails, play in the sport’s courts and pools, take their dog to the off-leash park and enjoy a glass of wine at Play and lunch at the Bistro.” Skaha Hills is lifestyle-focused, the views are outstanding and owners are getting great value for money, Curt

says. The homes are scaled up the hillside in such a way as to ensure unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding hillsides. “Greyback, the developer, has done an outstanding job and are winning awards. Skaha Hills is the most energy efficient housing development in all of Canada,” he adds. Like a popular vintage of wine, the homes are going fast and interest is so high that its necessary to register for the next phase of homes, Phase IV, Curt says. “It’s really fun to see how Play is becoming central to the community,” says Curt. “Some homeowners are even working in the vineyard. There is a real pride in ownership. On any given day you will see residents at the Bistro with guests in tow showing off their new special locale.” As Hamlet would say, “To be, or not to be at Play: that is the question.” One look at the view and the answer is clear.

MORAINE ESTATE WINERY – CASUAL, FRIENDLY AND VIEWS THAT STUPEFY ELAINE DAVIDSON

A tasting experience at familyowned Moraine Estate Winery on the Naramata Bench is like no other. Winemaker Jacq Kemp says at Moraine it’s not so much about tasting notes and numbers but more about a friendly and comfortable exchange between guests and staff. “We feel that our visitors know a lot about wine and what they like and love to hear what they have to say. The experience is very authentic and I often drop by to meet people. We talk about the vineyard, the grapes and the processes we’ve used and listen to what they tell us about how they are enjoying the wine.” Moraine’s striking setting enhances the tasting experience. The winery is perched

on a shelf above a clay cliff overlooking Okanagan Lake. A great selection of locally sourced meats and cheeses are available to pair with a glass of their award-winning wine on the view patio where guests are welcome to bring their own picnic and soak in the panoramic scene. Moraine kicked off the 2017 season of new releases with a bang by winning a gold medal in the 2017 Best of Varietal Awards for their 2016 Riesling. Moraine’s Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 2014 and Pinot Noir 2013 are available only

PENTI C TO N at the wine shop and will sell out in July or August. Their lovely wines are produced from the estate’s beautifully tended vineyards, which are sustainably managed by Jacq. Moraine is known for its elegant, balanced and distinctly varietal vineyard focused wines that please the palate and scoop up awards. The secret is also out that these amazing wines are among the most reasonably priced on the Naramata Bench. All these factors combine to make for lots of wine wins.

PINK MOUNTAIN ROSE 2016 . $23.00 RIESLING 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.00 VIOGNIER 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00

WINEMAKER JACQ KEMP

SLOW DOWN , YOU’RE MOVING TOO FAST – TAKE IN A HILLSIDE SHARING AND PAIRING EXPERIENCE Much more than award winning winery and bistro, Hillside’s winemaker Kathy Malone and chef Brent Pillon’s shared philosophy is creating a unique and compelling wine and food experience. “We both feel strongly that you start with good ingredients whether they be premium Naramata Bench grown grapes or locally-sourced produce at its peak and let these ingredients do the work,” says Kathy. Chef Brent says, “It’s about showcasing the grapes and food and doing as little to them as possible to let all the flavours shine through.”

Brent’s Bistro menu features beautifully flavoured and presented share plates designed to pair with Kathy’s wine portfolio to create a dining experience that encourages guests to slow down, soak in the view and savour every bite and sip in this special spot on the Naramata Bench. Here is a taste of one of Chef Brent’s new dishes beautifully paired with the newly released 2016 Reserve Pinot Gris. The bright acidity of this wine complements the sweetness of the beets, while the creamy palate balances

the flavour of the rich hazelnut pesto. Winemaker Kathy describes the 2016 Reserve Pinot Gris as, “Our classic Pinot Gris with luscious ripe fruit scents of orange blossoms and vanilla mingled with tropical fruit aromas followed by a rich and supple mid-palate.”

RECIPE

ELAINE DAVIDSON

HONEY ROASTED BEETS WITH TOASTED HAZELNUT AND CILANTRO PESTO

For the pesto: 2 cloves garlic 100g cilantro 100ml olive oil 25g toasted 15ml lemon juice hazelnuts sea salt Clean and wash beets thoroughly of any excess dirt. Toss with oil and sea salt and roast Add ingredients to a food processor in oven at 300F until tender and blistered. or blender and pulse until desired Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. consistency is achieved. 1 lb. beets 45ml olive oil

sea salt 25ml honey

O P E N D A I LY 1 0 A M - 6 P M M AY T H R O U G H O C T O B E R

ESTATE WINERY

T: 250 460 1836

www.morainewinery.com

Visit us:

HILLSIDEWINERY.CA

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1350 Naramata Road | Penticton, BC | 250.493.6274

/HILLSIDEWINES @HILLSIDEWINES @HILLSIDEWINERY

| info@hillsidewinery.ca

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A NEW CHAPTER AT D’ANGELO ESTATE WINERY SUE HARPER

PENTI C TO N

When Sal D’Angelo sold his Ontario winery this year, he finally had time to focus on expanding his D’Angelo Estate Winery on the Naramata Bench. He wants to plant red Montepulciano and white Trebbiano grapes, two varietals grown in his birthplace of Abruzzo, Italy and plans are in the works for a new building. But that’s in the future. This summer he’s offering visitors some new releases including a 2013 Tempranillo, which is a Spanish varietal, seldom grown in British Columbia. D’Angelo has the largest block of Tempranillo grapes on the Bench. The new release has spent 24 months in oak and a further year bottle aging. It was awarded a silver medal at The 2016 Best of BC Wine Awards. Dolce Vita, a silver medal winner in the Fortified Wine category combines a Port-style wine with icewine. For the brandy portion, Sal takes Tempranillo grapes to Maple Leaf Spirits (just up the road from his winery in Naramata) for distilling. The grapes he leaves on the vine over winter then go into his product – but he’ll never divulge the secret of how or when that happens. That’s the magic of the winemaker. A brand new blend for D’Angelo’s is the 2013 Merlot Malbec, which was awarded a bronze medal this spring. They have just released 90 cases and Sal says, “It’s delicious.” Although their Pinot Noir has already sold out, Sal has a surprise for his customers this summer – a 10-year-old cellar release Pinot. Finally, don’t miss the Naramata Bench Tailgate party at GRANDPA SAL D’Angelo’s. Tickets are on sale now.

D’ANGELO WITH LUCA.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BENCH MARKET ELAINE DAVIDSON

Keeping it local, making it fresh! Open 7am-5pm Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 368 Vancouver Ave. Penticton 250-492-2222 www.thebenchmarket.com

Wine & Cheese Together - Both Located Just Off Naramata Rd., Penticton

poplargrovecheese.ca • Delicious Handcrafted cheeses • Wine & Cheese Tastings

Single Vineyard Wines. Everyday. lockandworth.com

• Cheese Making Classes Open 7 Days A Week June to October 11am to 5pm

Find Us At : 1060 Poplar Grove. Rd. 250-492-4575 26

JULY | AUGUST

Flawlessly made specialty coffees and refreshing summer drinks, fresh, colourful, healthy food and a beautifully stocked artisan retail section make The Bench Market stellar. But it’s the staff that elevates the customer experience to a whole new level and wins them people’s choice awards. The smiles and greetings from the staff are not because of a requirement in a training manual. “It’s a great place to work for a lot of reasons,” says veteran Bencher Vanessa Farinha. “I work with owners that ask about your life and your plans for your days off. I’m encouraged to be creative and offer suggestions. The team is great and likes to hang out after work. We help each other out and we feel respected and valued.” New employee Gabrielle Lucier says she likes the food and the vegan options available. “I’m even asked for ideas that could expand their offerings. It’s great they are open to that.” Xavier Maciel says he has worked in other kitchens that were just jobs. “The strong team here allows us to offer consistency and quality which means customers that are happy with what we are doing and that makes us happy.” “It’s the vibe here that I like from the staff and customers,” says Megan Reilly. “Everyone here is treated like family, everyone pitches in and we are cross-trained so it’s never too routine.” Aside from building a business where staff are engaged and valued, owners Stewart and Heather Glynes are working to help improve the culinary scene in the area. They have established the Bench Market Bursary Fund this year to support young adults entering the culinary arts program. Drop by for some authentic smiles. The Bench Market is open seven days a week.

THE BENCH TEAM.

A PERFECT PAIRING: LOCK & WORTH & POPLAR GROVE CHEESE JENNIFER SCHELL The partnership between Gitta Pedersen, Matthew Sherlock and Ross Hackworth is perfect on many levels and represents the high quality results of hands-on grape growing matched with hands-off winemaking. Lock & Worth wine is a philosophy in a bottle. The goal of Matthew and Ross, who also work together at Hackworth’s famed Nichol Vineyards, is to create the wines as naturally as possible. Using fruit from single vineyards only to reflect the purity of their terroir. Winemaking style is whole often cluster pressed, unfined and unfiltered and using natural ferments with no added yeasts whenever possible. That philosophy is also in sync with Gitta’s cheesemaking. A pioneer Okanagan cheesemaker, her high quality range of delicious cheeses is renowned. When you visit their joint wine and cheese tasting room, and witness the magic of her unique terroir, the gorgeous views over Okanagan Lake and rolling vineyard, you might have some insight into how these artisans were inspired. It is under Gitta’s own loving hands that the vines thrive. Visitors are encouraged to linger at one of the picnic GITTA tables, enjoy the view and order a glass of wine, some PEDERSEN beautiful cheese, crackers and olives. Local Hoodoo Adventure tours have also added this one of a kind pit stop to their cycling tours. Head cheesemaker Louise remains and also continues to offer cheesemaking classes that are fantastic! Email cheese@ poplargrovecheese.ca to inquire about classes or to arrange your own group.

NAR A M ATA

RED ROOSTER STRUTS A NEW LOOK THIS SUMMER Not unlike their namesake, Red Rooster Winery has earned the right to strut with pride. This renowned institution of the Naramata Bench has played a significant role in the shaping of the Okanagan Valley’s distinctive wine making style, which has

increasingly become recognized around the world. Winemaker Karen Gillis sources her grapes from the finest growing regions of the valley; be it the estate’s own vineyards in Naramata, as with the Malbec, or from the southern benches of Osoyoos, as with the Syrah. In the cellar Karen uses both the more time-tested and orthodox methods of the old world with some less orthodox methods, such as concrete eggs, wooden vats, and a computerized system that grants the cellar hands the freedom to focus on the finer points of the cellaring process. This attention to quality allows the cellar to produce some of the best examples of this region’s unique take on its many varietals. But while winemaker Karen has helped to further distinguish Okanagan wine, chef Darin Paterson has matched the viticultural styles of our valley with distinctive culinary styles. These distinctive stylings can be as simple as sourcing local fruits or preserves, or they can take on creative twists such as smoking meat with old wine barrels. With ten years of experience cooking in the Middle East and nine years in Europe, Chef Darin has literally brought a world of experience and flavours to pair with these celebrated wines, and places an emphasis on locality with a specific focus on the farm-to-table tradition so integral to the Okanagan’s culinary past. His work is showcased in the Pecking Room

2016 PINOT BLANC $16.00

A fun, bright and lively Rooster with aromas of ripe apple, pear, lemon and white peach. This light to mediumbodied refreshing white wine has fruit-forward flavours of citrus (lemon and pink grapefruit), green apple and pineapple. Crisp clean notes of white currant and lemon linger on the finish. Drink while young and fresh.

BLAKE ALLEN

Restaurant, open from noon until 5pm every day until September. But this careful nurturing of a uniquely Okanagan viticultural and culinary tradition is far from the only things strutting about the winery this summer. In what was either a stroke of coincidence, or perhaps more than-likely a stroke of fate, the 20 year anniversary of Red Rooster Winery, which will be celebrated this summer with a public party catered by local food trucks and capped with fireworks (check the website for dates) just so happens to coincide with the Year of the Rooster on the Chinese Zodiac. And in celebration of such a momentous anniversary Red Rooster has shaken up a few feathers at the henhouse and released a new line of labels to adorn two of their most popular lines. Those familiar with this beloved winery may already have noticed the new, highly detailed images of roosters on embossed labels, topped with a cherry red cap strutting a stylized rooster’s talon. The new flock further differentiates the wine with a distinctive breed for each varietal, and is distinguished more with golden foil on the Rare Bird Series, a line of wine available only at the winery and through the wine club. They can be sampled in the private tasting room with cheeses from neighbouring Upper Bench Creamery. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be determined, brave,

2016 RESERVE PINOT GRIS $25.00

This reserve bottling of Pinot Gris really ‘struts its stuff’ with a classic aroma of peach, melon, floral, apple, pear and a hint of wet stone. This is a medium-bodied, slightly rich wine with a round mouth-feel and just enough acidity to refresh, along with flavours of melon and peach. Spicy melon flavours linger on the almost creamy finish. Drink while young and fresh.

perseverant, and hard-working. It is quite evident that these characteristics don’t only apply to people, but to wineries as well. Anyone who loves Okanagan wine – from connoisseurs to enthusiasts, would be remised to not stop by and visit the winery whose hard work has helped to place our wonderful Valley on the map. 2016 Riesling $15.99 A prominent burst of citrus coupled with a light touch of lemon catches the palate by surprise as it follows the soft minerality on the nose. This Riesling is pleasantly distinguishable from many variations of this popular varietal as it is void of the all too common petrollike notes of some Rieslings, instead embracing more welcoming notes of citrus and a light acidity. Paired best on hot summer days with a Syrah Braised Chicken Tagine Pizza from the Pecking Room at a table with a view of Okanagan Lake Syrah Braised Chicken Tagine Pizza: A hearty 12-inch pizza made from fresh, hand-kneaded dough topped with locally sourced dried fruits, a zesty sesamelemon drizzle, rich hung yogurt, and a touch of house preserved citrus peel. This pizza is a simple yet simultaneously complex blend of sharp, zesty notes balanced with a familiar dairy-based body.

2016 RESERVE ROSÉ $25.00

Pretty in Pink’ colour with a summer fresh aroma of strawberry, watermelon, crab apple, red currant, cherry and rose petal. Refreshing red fruits and red berry tea notes linger on the finish of this extra-dry rosé.

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FINDING

SERIOUS THERAPY IN NARAMATA

NAR A M ATA

ANDREA DAWN THOMAS

The new owner of Therapy Vineyards, Mike Boyd, isn’t wasting any time when it comes to upgrading the entire facility to enhance every guest’s experience. The already beautiful Guest House, which features serene, panoramic views of the Okanagan Lake and the vineyard, will be getting a complete upgrade of all the rooms with the most exciting feature being the addition of an outdoor pool and pool deck to sit and relax at while enjoying a glass of any of their amazing wines! This space is perfect for a couples romantic getaway, a girls or guys weekend road trip, a retreat with business colleagues, or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You will feel pampered from the moment you step foot on the property to the time you have to head home. Your stay will include all the luxuries of home and more including, a gourmet selection of pastries and fruit, served on your patio each morning and a complimentary tasting in their tasting room. Therapy Vineyards and The Guest House sit at the very end of the Naramata Bench. The current tasting room, which is currently a long, rectangular, one-story building, is being renovated as well to include another story. They will be updating the tasting room as well as adding a private, multi-purpose space with a permanent tasting bar, a full

kitchen facility with a beautiful dining room and large open-air patio. The space can be utilized for private functions, weddings and events. With stunning views and fantastic wines, this place is hard to beat! The winery is increasing its capacity for wine production, which is exciting news for all of us Therapy wine drinkers! Their capacity in 2016 was around 12,000 cases, with this year increasing to around 17,000 cases and next year projecting 20,000+ cases. This means more wine for their guests and customers to enjoy including their new focus on single vineyard wines. Pop in for a taste of Therapy’s highly sought after Single Vineyard 2016 Riesling at their tasting room, or pick up a bottle at your local wine shop! You most certainly will not be disappointed. This wine has a light, dry and silky mouthfeel with bright notes of green apple, lime, honey and tropical fruit. It has a beautiful, sweet and tart balance and is a perfect aperitif to any meal. This wine would also pair perfectly with Roasted Chicken or a Coq Au Vin Blanc. Therapy wines are much more than their cleverly named wines and cheeky, but gorgeous labels. The winemaker and owner of the vineyard take their wines very seriously and the complexity and passion from this is reflected in every glass!

• Stunning Views • Award-Winning Wine • Vineyard View Rooms • Hot Tub & BBQ • Sig’s Grille at Therapy

Open 10-6 Daily

940 Debeck Road, Naramata, BC • www.therapyvineyards.com 28

JULY | AUGUST

A RATTLESNAKE THAT DOESN’T BITE, TEACHES YOU NOTHING – LEGEND’S

BITTERSWEET SO MUCH FUN AT THE NARAMATA BENCH TAILGATE PARTY.

NARAMATA BENCH WINERIES TAILGATE PARTY CELEBRATES CANADA ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Salute Canada’s 150th Anniversary at this year’s Naramata Bench Wineries Association (NBWA) Tailgate Party. Kick up your heels in your most colourful gumboots to strut the “back to our roots” theme to celebrate Naramata wine culture and the coming of harvest. Tap into your creativity, if you dare, because prizes will be awarded for the most creative gumboots. Hosted by D’Angelo Estate Winery, 6:30 to 9 pm, September 9, you’ll enjoy distinctive wine tastings from 28 wineries of the NBWA along with local chefs’ cuisine and live music. Restaurants confirmed at press time include The Kitchen from Misconduct Wine Co., Hillside Winery Bistro, The Pecking Room Grill at Red Rooster Winery, The Vanilla Pod at Poplar Grove, The Patio at Lake Breeze Winery, Ambrosia at the Naramata Heritage Inn, and Bench 1775 Winery Bistro. Tailgate Party tickets include shuttles from Penticton and Naramata, are restricted to ages 19+, and sell out in early summer so check for availability now.

You’re invited to visit the NBWA wineries throughout the season to discover “A Story In Every Bottle!” For details on wineries’ tastings, dining and activities check www.naramatabench. com frequently and click links to the wineries’ individual websites. Follow “naramatawines” on Instagram and Facebook, and @naramatawines on Twitter. The NBWA Best of the Bench Wine Club is a great way to engage. It complements clubs presented individually by Naramata wineries. Best of the Bench provides you with a mixed case twice annually of hand-selected NBWA wines at winery pricing. Many of these wines are limited production and not widely available. Sign up by August 15 for Canada’s only winery association wine club to be entered in a draw for two tickets to the iconic Tailgate Party. Learn more at www.naramatabench.com or email wineclub@naramatabench.com with your questions.

NARAMARO WILL TEACH YOU PLENTY ELAINE DAVIDSON

Naramaro is Legend’s latest contribution to its flight of distilled lore. Legend has it…herbal elixirs were made by monks and medicine men alike to ward off plague, evil spirits and as a potential cure-all for anything from snake bikes to stomach ailments. Traditionally herbal liqueurs have been enjoyed as a digestif, after a meal in Italy. Amaro (Italian for bitter) has been made in almost every small town, crafted using herbs and botanicals that reflect their environment. “Handmade in Naramata, this is our Amaro,” says Legend’s Dawn Lennie. “It’s a mix of exotic and local ingredients including orange zest, vanilla, sour cherry, dandelion root, sumac, anise and like all Amaro crafters, some ingredients we are keeping top secret.” Legend Distilling extracts the essence of British Columbia and serves it up in beautifully crafted gin, vodka and liqueurs. Local fruit, grains and botanicals are used in their premium spirits, which make magical cocktails and pitcher drinks served in a stunning setting overlooking Okanagan Lake.

NAR A M ATA Visitors can enjoy lunch, bar snacks or dinner at the new Urtica Eatery where Naramatian chef /owner Josh Bender serves up produce from his own farm as well as locally-sourced and foraged ingredients in a style he describes as, “elevated comfort food.” Lunch and bar snacks are served every day in the summer and dinner most nights. Check www.legenddistilling.com to get plugged into live music nights, paint nights and other events. End your visit with a Naramaro and you will get all bittersweet too. Sweet to spend time on the most beautiful patio in Naramata… bitter to have to leave.

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PE N T I C TO N N A R A M ATA

KICK OFF YOUR HEELS AT A LANG

VINEYARD WEDDING ELAINE DAVIDSON

“Getting married in the Okanagan is all about enjoying a relaxed vibe where you can kick off your heels and trade them for flip flops,” says Lang Vineyard’s exclusive wedding planners, Vines and Vows’ Tammi Foster. Tammi says there is something about the stunning lake, mountains

VOWS & VINES MAKE MAGICAL WEDDINGS ON THE NARAMATA BENCH

and vineyard scenery at Lang on the Naramata Bench that turns potential Bridezillas into Bridechillas. The behindthe-scenes planning by Tammi and her partner Jillian Buchanan play a big part in ensuring the bride and groom enjoy their special day with friends and family. Living and working full time in the area has allowed the Vines and Vows team to create personal relationships with GM Mike Lang and his team and vendors like caterers, florists, entertainers and hairdressers. “We take care of everything so the couple can truly enjoy their ceremony and reception. “There is room for error when you plan a birthday party,” says Tammi. “There will always be another one next year. There is big pressure on us to nail it every time when we plan weddings. I love it. I’m an adrenalin junky and I get great satisfaction from pleasing the bride and groom and being a part of their special day.” Tammi says a Lang Vineyard wedding can range from a sit down dinner to meet any foodie’s expectations to a more informal and on-trend cocktail wedding. “Guests enjoy drinks and highend canapés while mingling or standing around high-top tables and soaking in the views.” Lang Vineyard boasts some of the oldest vines on the Naramata Bench and their award-winning wines have a loyal and ever-growing following. Vines and Vows plan dozens of wedding every year all over the Okanagan. Check vinesandvows.ca or mike@ langvineyards.ca for more details if an Okanagan destination wedding is on your wish list.

ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR VIEWS IN THE OKANAGAN

HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR PERFECT OKANAGAN WEDDING LANG VINEYARDS’ ONE OF THE OLDEST WORKING VINEYARDS/ WINERIES IN BC! STUNNING VIEW,

AWARD-WINNING WINES AND VINES AND VOWS TO MAKE YOUR DREAM WEDDING COME TRUE. BOOK YOUR DREAM WEDDING TODAY!

www.vinesandvows.ca 30

JULY | AUGUST

www.langvineyards.ca

THE BEAUTIFUL NEW PIZZA OVEN AT UPPER BENCH.

PIZZA ON THE ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

PATIO

AT UPPER BENCH

At Upper Bench Winery & Creamery, it’s a perfect pairing between Gavin Miller’s wines and Shana’s cheeses. Now, a new wood fired oven applies heat to that collaboration bringing a fresh, value-added component. In addition to Upper Bench’s popular charcuterie and cheese boards, opt for pizza that matches the wines. Christopher Royal, of Vancouver Nook locations and sister restaurant Tavola, is chef. Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary, a new wine christened “150” was released. It’s a beautiful blend of Merlot all sourced from the Naramata Bench. There are just 150 cases and disappearing fast because club members are exercising their option in always getting first access to special releases.

To step to the front of the line, join Canada’s first Curds & Corks Club. Benefits of this unique club include a shipment of wine four times annually with handcrafted cheese to pair; special discounts on additional wine purchases; complimentary wine-and-cheese tasting for you and three friends at the winery; invitation to the exclusive Annual Pick up Party, Upper Bench tasting notes and recipes; plus, exclusive access to pre-released wines, past vintages and members-only artisan cheeses. “Spread the Curd” and you receive free shipping on your next shipment when friends sign on as a member. See www. upperbench.ca, Facebook and twitter for details and updates. Open daily, 10 am to 6 pm. The patio is covered for your enjoyment of Upper Bench wine and cheese. It even offers an overhead spritzer to mist you on those hot days.

EXPERIENCE UPPER BENCH THIS SUMMER

UPPER BENCH WINERY & CREAMERY

170 UPPER BENCH ROAD SOUTH, PENTICTON T. 250 770 1733 WWW.UPPERBENCH.CA

N A R A M ATA

RECIPE

SPICY BAKED CHOCOLATE MERINGUE COOKIES WITH DRUNKEN BERRY SALAD CHEF DIXIE-MAY KUNICKY

DIRECTIONS Berry salad:

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and place in the fridge so all the flavours can come together. Let stand for at least 1 hour.

Meringue:

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 second increments stirring after each segment till partially melted then set aside. Beat the egg whites, vanilla and salt together till soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat till the peaks become stiff and shiny. Gradually fold in chocolate and chilli flakes until combined. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper measure small spoonfuls of the mixture and place 1 inch apart. Bake immediately for 8 to 10 minutes. If you want a softer cookie 8 minutes is ideal. Let cool and when ready enjoy with the berry salad!

KALEDEN INGREDIENTS Berry salad: • 1 oz vodka (Okanagan spirits preferably) • 1 tsp lemon juice • ½ cup strawberries,

Meringue: • 6 oz semi sweet chocolate • 2 oz milk chocolate chips

quartered and washed • ½ cup blackberries, washed • ½ cup raspberries, washed • ¼ cup sugar • 3 large egg whites • pinch of salt • ¼ cup sugar • 1 tsp chilli flakes • 1 tsp vanilla extract

New Releases: 2014 Lone Wolf Syrah + 2016 Viognier

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Heart of Wine Country The

The Heart of Wine Country wraps around the Okanagan Falls area stretching from Skaha Lake to Vaseux Lake. The area is famed for some of Canada’s top wine production with the highest quality wines in the valley. What has largely been kept a secret only sought out by those wine lovers in the know, these hidden gems of small wineries offer a taste of some of the finest wines, wonderful people and the heart of the Okanagan wine experience. Call each winery for wineshop hours. 1 Blasted Church Vineyards 378 Parsons Rd., OK Falls 250.497.1125 www.blastedchurch.com 2 Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars 2385 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8244 www.bluemountainwinery.com 3 Crescent Hill Winery 205 Spruce Road, Penticton 250.492.7842 www.crescenthillwinery.com 4 Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery 141 Fir Ave., Kaleden 250.497.6957 www.krazelegz.com 5 Liquidity Vineyards 4720 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 778.515.5550 www.liquiditywines.com 6 Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8553 www.MFVwines.com 7 Nighthawk Winery 2735 Green Lake Road, OK Falls 250-497-8874 www.nighthawnvineyards.com 8 Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2320 Oliver Ranch Rd. ,OK Falls 250.497.7945 www.nobleridge.com 9 Pentâge Winery 4551 Valley View Road, Penticton 250 493 4008 www.pentage.com

2017 EVENTS Saturday April 29th: Spring Social!

10 Painted Rock Estate Winery 400 Smythe Dr., Penticton 250.493.6809 www.paintedrock.ca

Tickets on sale soon for an evening of wine, food & music. Mingle with all 15 member winemakers while they showcase their new spring releases. Check our website for more details!

11 See Ya Later Ranch 2575 Green Lake Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8267 www.sylranch.com

Friday July 7th: Party in the Park

12 Stag’s Hollow Winery 2237 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.6162 www.stagshollowwinery.com

at Kenyon Park in Okanagan Falls. Tickets on sale soon for our 6th annual Party in the Park at Kenyon Park in beautiful Okanagan Falls, check our website for more detail!

13 Synchromesh Wines 4220 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.535.1558 www.synchromeshwines.ca 14 Topshelf Winery 236 Linden Ave., Kaleden 778.515.0099 www.topshelfwine.ca

www.ofwa.ca

15 Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2145 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.8919 www.wildgoosewinery.com

#SipOKFalls

For the latest information on all happenings in the heart of wine country, contact us: www.ofwa.ca e: info@ofwa.ca

Saturday, Nov 18th & Sunday, Nov 19th: Holiday Cheer Open House A weekend of Holiday Cheer, come visit our 15 member wineries and celebrate the Holiday Season with special gift, food and wine pairings! Check our website for more details to come!

making using organic practices in the vineyard.” Two new releases are already generating buzz. The 2016 Pinot Noir Saignée Rosé was sourced from four vineyards, each having their own unique aspect, elevation and soils resulting in a complex, elegant wine with plenty of finesse. Produced using the traditional saignée method of draining off juice from Pinot Noir ferments in the early stages of cold soaking and then transferred to seasoned older red wine barrels. The 2016 Steven’s Block Chardonnay is made from grapes grown on the family-owned Old Main Road Vineyard on a terrace on the famed Naramata Bench. One of the four acres has the steepest slope and is the coolest part of the Old Main Road site. As the vines have matured this section of the vineyard has developed its own unique terroir. The fruit was fed directly into

MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS IS

INTERNATIONALLY

GOLDEN

ELAINE DAVIDSON

If you can make it on the world stage you can make it anywhere, and Meyer is proving out its forays into markets such as the UK, China, Japan, the Philippines and Norway by taking home a gold medal for their 2015 Pinot Noir in the International Wine Challenge in London, England. The challenge, owned by William Reed Business Media, now in its 34th year, is accepted at the

world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition. Throughout the rigorous processes, each medalwinning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10 different judges. London-based Marks & Spencer carries only one Canadian wine, Meyer, and they entered it into the competition. The winning Pinot Noir was described by the judges as: “Classic varietal nose, layers of cherries and coffee. Elegant, supple tannins, well integrated.” “An international third party endorsement like this really validates our approach to making wine,” says Janice Stevens-Meyer. “It’s also a tribute to the skills of our winemaker Chris Carson and his focus on single vineyard wines and hands-off natural approach to wine

CLASSIC VARIETAL NOSE, LAYERS OF CHERRIES AND COFFEE. ELEGANT, SUPPLE TANNINS, WELL INTEGRATED.

O K FALL S the early stages of the pressing was used for this special wine. Those lucky enough to pay Meyer Family Vineyards a visit will enjoy the tasting room, patio, expansive lawns and sheltered garden overlooking the vines and can extend their visit by enjoying a lovely lunch of charcuterie, cheeses and other light fare where wine, cider and beer is available by the glass. If a visit isn’t possible, the Meyer Wine Club gives participants access to small production wines, new releases and wines only allocated for sale through the club. For those looking for a more in-depth and intimate tasting, a private VIP tasting will offer more of the Meyer Family Vineyards story. Guests will sample the estate’s premier and library wines. Book ahead by email at wineshop@MFVwines. com or by phoning 250-497-8553.

the press for a long gentle whole cluster press. Only the finest, purest juice from

#5 Winery in Canada #3 Winery in BC National Wine Awards of Canada 2016 “crafting single vineyard wines of excellence"

Tasting Room OPEN DAILY 10AM to 5PM | 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls | T 250.497.8553 Ask about our private cabana tastings ~ one hour informative tastings with rare and exclusive wines (by appointment only)

Harvest Dinner with Joy Road Catering September 2nd ~ tickets on sale now! www.MFVharvestdinner2017.eventbrite.ca WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

O K FALL S WILD GOOSE SCORES A HAT TRICK ELAINE DAVIDSON

Capturing three Best in Shows is making for a lot of toasts at Wild Goose. The trifecta of accolades include: Best in Show at the Fifth Annual Cascadia Wine Competition, a first for a Canadian winery, with the 2016 Pinot Gris, the 2017 BC Best of Varietal Awards – Wine of the Year – 2016 Mystic River Gewürztraminer and Best Winery in 2017 in the Okanagan Life Best of BC Wine 2017. “It has been an extremely humbling year and a great honour but a true validation of the great vintages of the past couple years and the efforts of an extremely talented winemaking team,” says general manager Roland Kruger. “We couldn’t be happier.” Some of Wild Goose’s awards leading up to the overall title at the Okanagan Wine Festival’s BC Best of Varietal Awards include Best Meritage blend under $25 for Red Horizon Meritage 2014, Best Single White Varietal $19 and over for the 2016 Morio Muscat & Friends, and ultimately the Best Gewürztraminer and

Wine of the Year for the 2016 Mystic River Gewürztraminer. Wild Goose took Best Winery in 2017 in the Okanagan Life Best of BC Wine

IT HAS BEEN AN EXT REMELY HUMBLING YEAR AND A GREAT HONOUR BUT A T RUE VALIDATION OF THE GREAT VINTAGES OF THE PAST COUPLE YEARS AND THE EFFORTS OF AN EXT REMELY TALENTED WINEMAKING TEAM

2017 by capturing three gold, a silver and a bronze for their five entries including Best Red for their 2015 Dunkelfelder and golds for both the 2014 and 2015 Red Horizon Meritage. All that toasting is best backed up with some delicious food. The winery’s Smoke & Oak Bistro, with its great selection on a menu inspired by the smoky flavours of the Southern US, will tempt you to linger and enjoy the stunning vineyard views. New chef, David Simenoff, came to Wild Goose as a Red Seal chef, from a helicopter ski camp in Northern BC. Chef David has brought some new additions to the menu including his take on homemade cornbread and a delicious watermelon salad, while keeping some of the past favourites like the Pitmaster Pig Wings…the most popular item on the menu with good reason. The wineries’ 2017 Vineyard Stage Concert Series launches with Grammynominated, singer, songwriter, harmonica player and drummer Randy McAllister on

CHEF DAVID SIMENOFF July 29. Nearly Neil’s tribute celebrating Neil Diamond’s early days is next up August 26th and the 4th Annual Beale Street Festival, a tribute to the annual Memphis Blues Festival, rounds out the series September 30. Tickets, available online or at the tasting room, include seating, a Smoke & Oak Bistro buffet meal along with a glass of wine. Cheers, Prost, to life, to health, to Wild Goose!

Upcoming Summer Events Visit wildgoosewinery.com for more information and to purchase tickets

The new vintage has arrived Visit us in the tasting room, on-line or call for your chance to tastes wines that touch the four cornerss of the Okanagan; Sun, Earth, Fruit & Family

Tasting Room Hours: Daily 10:00 – 5:00 pm The Smoke & Oak Bistro opens May 3rd , Wed- Sun, 12 noon - 7:00 pm Reservations are recommended

JULY | AUGUST

Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, harmonica player, drummer and legend of East Texas Blues/Roots: McAllister. Randy McAllister. One of America’s true blues/roots originals, and most versatile bluesman in Texas. Don't miss your opportunity to hear him live! ffees es & GST Saturday, July 29th, 6:00 pm $75 + fe Buff ffe ff fet dinner Buffet Neil's tribute Nearly Neil's tribute Diamond to Neil Diamond, Saturday, August 26th, 6:00 pm $ 5 + fe ffees ees es & GST GS $75 Buff ffe ff fet Dinner Buffet

Hot off the press! Best in Show - Pinot Gris 2016 Total of 8 Gold Medals Cascadia Wine Competition, OR

Watch for exciting news about our Vintner's Club Join now!

2145 Sun Valley Way Okanagan Falls 250.497.8919 wildgoosewinery.com

THE ADVENTUROUS TERROIR PORTFOLIO OF STAG’S HOLLOW LUKE WHITTALL

Diversity is what makes the wines at Stag’s Hollow, namely, the diversity of terroirs between their two main vineyards, Stag’s Hollow Vineyard and Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard. Both produce a variety of grapes that give winemaker Dwight Sick a range of possibilities for making wine. The two vineyard sites are very different. The Stag’s Hollow Vineyard, that surrounds the winery, is a deep kettle of gravel, cratered out by a massive block of ice during the ice age. When the ice melted, it left a beautiful, sloping site perfect for a vineyard. Shuttleworth Creek is the outer rim of alluvial fan that contains seams of gravel and sand that indicates the location of old stream flows. It is a flatter site that slopes slightly east west, much different than the bowl-shaped slopes at Stag’s Hollow. Both sites complement each other well and allow Dwight to maintain a finely tuned portfolio of wines. Two wines made from Spanish grape varieties illustrate this diversity well. The Albariño 2016, with beautiful crisp apple and melon flavours, comes from the Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard and is the second vintage produced. The Tempranillo, with beautiful black cherries and leafy herbal flavours, includes fruit

25 .99 $

21 .99

grown in the Stag’s Hollow Vineyard. Both have won high profile medals (Albariño – Double Gold and Best in Class at 2017 Cascadia, Tempranillo – Gold at 2016 All Canadians) confirming that both vineyard sites are well suited for growing top quality fruit. Check out their whole portfolio in the tasting room or online at www.stagshollowwinery.com.

AVOID THE SUMMER CHAOS & FIND SERENITY AT NIGHTHAWK VINEYARDS BLAKE ALLEN

O K FALL S

Nighthawk Vineyards is a true family run farm gate winery, now in their third season. Less than ten minutes from the village of Okanagan Falls, the winery is perched atop the surrounding hills, against the picturesque shores of Green Lake. The Bibby family’s passion and devotion to their vineyard is perhaps best reflected in their 2016 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer “Special Select”. Born from an all-family harvest at -12 degrees, the frozen grapes went through a slow basket press outside over a two-day period to extract the golden nectar that has become their new signature vintage. This unique dessert wine, along with their newly released Cabernet Franc, join the wineries already noteworthy portfolio of high-quality wines. Several of which have been winning awards at the Best of BC and Best of Varietal at the Okanagan Wine Festival and Pacific Northwest Wine Awards. Nighthawk Vineyards has just launched the “Guardian Club”, a wine club named in honour of the local nighthawks who they consider to be the guardians of the vineyard each season. The two-tiered club not only provides members with early

access to new releases and discounts on purchases in-store, but in it’s upper level, also offers members access to library vintages and an exclusive invitation to a harvest celebration dinner served in the vineyard. The Okanagan can sometimes prove to be a busy place at the height of the summer season, but the natural silence of Nighthawk’s forested hills provide the weary traveller a quiet place to relax with a patio looking out on the emerald waters of Green Lake. Kept company with only a bottle of fine wine and charcuterie board of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and preserves made right on site. As the nighthawks dance in the sky above the lake you’ll discover just what makes this valley so wonderful.

Growing grapes and making wines found nowhere else in the Okanagan

Wines for tasting this Summer Albariño, Tragically Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah Grenache Rosé

WE TWEET - TALK TO US! @STAGSHOLLOW @SIMPLYPINOT @SHWINESHOP 2237 SUN VALLEY WAY, OKANAGAN FALLS, BC • 250.497.6162 • STAGSHOLLOWWINERY.COM

Tasting Room Open 7 Days a Week, 10 AM - 5 PM Tours Welcome 2735 Green Lake Road • Okanagan Falls (by See Ya Later) nighthawkvineyards.com • 250.497.8874 WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

OLIVER

HESTERVILLA

HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY THE GOLDEN MILE’S TUSCAN GEM DEANNA RAINEY

In a valley resplendent with beautiful wineries, lush vineyards and sumptuous award-winning wines, Hester Creek Estate Winery in the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile stands out as one of the finest. As the director of hospitality Roger Gillespie points out, Hester Creek beckons with immaculately appointed grounds that are perfectly suited to a relaxing afternoon of food and wine and offers an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike. “People think they have been transported to the Tuscan countryside. We are surrounded by 105 acres of estate vineyards and you’ll be welcomed by our modest but attentive guest service team.” Roger says they have some fabulous new releases to mark the beginning of summer. The 2014 Judge – their premium red Bordeaux-style red blend, was just featured in John Schreiner’s

ROGER GILLESPIE LEADING A COOKING CLASS AT THE WINERY.

new book, Icon. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the wine is aged 24 months in oak, the last 12 of which are the final blend. The Judge has consistently been considered one of the top iconic British Columbia wines. Look for the newly-released 2015 Syrah Viognier, which is predominantly Syrah with a small percentage of Viognier. Enjoy a personal visit to Hester Creek to pick it up - it is well worth the visit! A Rhone style wine, it has violet floral notes on the nose; lovely gaminess and an earthiness that represents the terroir of the South Okanagan. Last year, the 2013 vintage won a Lieutenant Governors’ award. The Syrah Viognier is perfect for a summer barbecue with a nice marbled rib eye steak, game meats or a roasted leg of lamb. The Hester Creek Trebbiano and Rosé are Roger’s recommendations for great summer sippers, and his personal favorite is the rosé. Perfect for charcuterie, it contains hints of juicy strawberry and rhubarb. “This relatively full-bodied rosé is big enough to go with blue cheese and salami and is equally delicious for just sipping around the pool,” Roger says. The Cabernet Franc Rosé sells for $19.95. The Trebbiano is clean and crisp with grapefruit, tropical notes and gooseberry. This is the only Trebbiano sold in the valley and it retails for $23.95. Drop by Hester Creek for a complimentary wine tasting between 10 am and 7 pm. There are also a variety of customized tasting opportunities, including one which features a tour of the vineyards and cellar. Check their website at www.hestercreek.com for details of tours, tastings, wines and events. A trip to Hester Creek brings you to their much-lauded on site restaurant, Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ. A

gorgeous Tuscan-style restaurant nestled amongst the vines and replete with a sun-drenched patio and a breathtaking view, you’ll discover some of the South Okanagan’s finest cuisine. The newest partnership at Hester Creek Estate Winery involves RauDZ Creative Concepts, led by partners Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao. RauDZ is at the forefront of the culinary scene in BC, and is also home to one of Kelowna’s finest restaurants. Roger Gillespie is no stranger to Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao, having worked with them many years ago at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. As Roger says, “These relationships started strong and have endured,” he said. The summer entertainment calendar is packed with don’t-miss events. All summer, Hester Creek features live entertainment Saturdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Well-known local musicians are featured, including Ari Neufield, Aidan Mayes and Mandy Cole, and Kelowna’s Joshua Smith. Guests can choose from a wide array of locally hand-crafted cheeses and deli offerings, or bring along a blanket and enjoy a picnic on their gorgeous grounds. From July through September, Terrafina by RauDZ is offering Tuscanstyle locally sourced spit roasted barbecue lunch each Friday on their private patio. And the daily food and wine pairing features three Hester Creek award-winning wines, each paired with its own food offering for $10 per person. It is the perfect light introduction to the art of food and wine. The accommodations at Hester Creek are, simply put, spectacular…and booked well in advance. For a treat you’ll never forget, check online for available dates. Whether it is the surroundings, the wine, the food, the accommodations or the ongoing festivities, Hester Creek offers the quintessential true wine experience.

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OLIVER DESTINY AWAITS YOU AT KISMET ESTATE WINERY DEANNA DUNHAM In the 1990’s the Dhaliwal family immigrated to the Okanagan to embark on a journey that was to become their destiny. In a mere 20 years, the family has established themselves as one of the top premier award winning grape growers. The family’s mantra of determination and hard work combined with love has brought them together to create ‘Kismet’- the Sanskrit word for destiny. Kismet Estate Winery takes pride in making handcrafted wines selected from their finest vineyard blocks. They have named their top red blends after the spiritual laws of destiny: Karma, Mantra, and Moksha, and each tell a story of the Dhaliwal’s journey. The family recently purchased the neighbouring property and has planted another vineyard to add a premium small lot series to their brand. The property includes a heritage house for guest accommodations, designed with delicate Indian décor, a hot tub, fire pit, and picnic area featuring docks along the properties stunning Mirror Lake. With good karma on their side, the new additions to Kismet are sure to impress.

JULY | AUGUST

MASALA BIST RO CUISINE The launch of their wine club, the Kismet Connection Club, includes exclusive releases of their Reserve series featuring small lot single varietals such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier, the family’s most passionate varietals to grow. In addition to the wine club, Kismet has shifted the entire winery to the larger warehouse on the new property and have launched a VIP tasting

tour which includes: a walk through the vines to showcase the growing stages, a tasting in the cellar, and a sensory experience featuring exotic food pairings (available for private bookings). Last season they launched a bistro featuring the family’s secret recipes of authentic Indian cuisine and the response was outstanding! So, this year they have decided to expand the bistro with combined indoor and outdoor seating

to accommodate guests and special events. The feeling you get when you walk into Kismet is best described as ‘Moksha’, the Sanskrit word meaning of freedom and liberation. Premium grapes are reincarnated into delicate wines paired with tastes of cardamom, cinnamon, saffron and spices that will inspire your palate. Your destiny is to experience great wines, and Kismet is sure to make that happen.

CLONES & ROOTSTOCKS IMPORTANT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK HILLS’ GREAT WINES ELAINE DAVIDSON As the saying goes, great wines start in the vineyards. But it’s not just the farming practices that result in excellent grapes. Great vineyards start with planting superior clones on the right rootstocks to improve a variety’s development and resulting wine characteristics. A bit of cloning 101: For a winemaker, the best way to preserve the characteristics of a grape variety is reproduction via cloning. A piece of what is called the “mother vine” is cut off and either planted directly into the soil, where it will sprout its own roots, or is grafted onto another vine. With only one “parent,” the genetic content of the new vine will be the same. Black Hills Estate Winery grows the grapes for its award-winning reds on 41 acres on the Black Sage Road in Oliver with the first vines planted in 1996. “The original owners did a very good job selecting the clones and rootstocks,” says the estate’s winegrower Steve Carberry. “The clones work very well here and the vigorous rootstocks like the temperature in the South Okanagan. Each clone and rootstock has been carefully selected for our growing conditions.” The grapes for the winery’s famed Nota Bene, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and

Cabernet Franc, are grown in the Double Black and Sharp Rock vineyards. The grapes from each clone of the three varieties are picked at different times, handled separately and eventually blended.

I CAN T RULY SA Y I LOVE MY JOB,EVERY YEAR IS DIFFERENT AND WE HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON WHAT MOTHER NATURE THROWS AT US. IT ’S GREAT TO BE PART OF A TEAM WHERE THE FOCUS IS TO CONTINUALLY EVOLVE AND TAKE US TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Steve says, “This way the complexity of the wine starts in the vineyard.” For example, the Cabernet Sauvignon grown at Black Hills is from French clones 15, 169 and 191 on French rootstocks 3309C and Riparia Gloria and German rootstock S04. The Cabernet Franc is made up of French clones 331 and 214 on 3309C and S04 rootstock and the Merlot clones are 181 and 347 also on 3309C and S04 rootstock.

SUNSET

HAPPY HOUR

DAILY IN JULY & AUGUST

4-7 PM

Steve says his job is then working with these cloned vines to get the best grapes possible by managing the vineyard sustainably, carefully controlling irrigation, managing the canopy by shoot thinning, tucking and pruning, dropping clusters and carefully monitoring for pests and only spot spraying if necessary and finally deciding when to harvest. “I can truly say I love my job,” he says. “Every year is different and we have to make decisions based on what Mother Nature throws at us. It’s great to be part of a team where the focus is to continually evolve and take us to the next level.” These careful vineyard practices are reflected in the cellar as well. Winemaker Graham Pierce and his team handle each of the clones separately and develop blends based on their individual character. When it comes to wines like Nota Bene, the complexity of flavour can be traced back to the vineyard and the careful clone selection. It’s this meticulous attention to detail that has resulted in a loyal following for wines like Note Bene. To get a taste of this, visit Black Hills Wine Experience Centre on the Black Sage Road in Oliver where this ultra-premium wine can be tasted along with the rest of Black Hills’ portfolio.

OLIVER

BLACK HILLS’ WINEGROWER STEVE CARBERRY

ENJOY 2 FOR 1 WINE TASTINGS SPECIAL COCONUT EXPRESS SHUTTLE. CALL 250-462-9396 TO BOOK HOUSE MUSIC EVERY DAY WITH FEATURE APPEARANCES BY OUR DJ PIZZAS AND CHARCUTERIE BOARDS FROM THE VINEYARD KITCHEN WITTY WINE BANTER WITH EDUCATOR MICHAEL BIGATTINI

www.blackhillswinery.com | 250.498.0666 WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

OLIVER

YOU HAD ME AT

TINHORN CREEK ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

If you’ve flirted with joining a wine club, get in on the fun as a member at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. For starters, VIP treatment abounds when you join the Crush Club – perhaps the Okanagan’s most generous wine club. Gain “behind the velvet rope” access to Tinhorn Creek’s limited release and library wines, early access to summer concerts and club only pre-concert receptions, recipes with pairing suggestions from the acclaimed Miradoro Restaurant, and members only events and parties at the winery and in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Instead of hearing about the great line up after they’ve sold out for the

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CONCERTS AT TINHORN. PHOTO: TRUDELPHOTO.COM. Canadian Concert Series each summer, you’ll be bumped to the front of the purchasing line. Crush Club members get the early scoop about performers and events with first dibs on securing tickets. Dine at onsite Miradoro Restaurant, fivetime Vancouver Magazine gold award winner for Best Winery/Vineyard Dining, and receive 10% off (food only) for up to six people. When available, Crush Club members get preferential seating. To qualify for your Miradoro privileges, members must make reservations and advise when booking that you are part of the Crush Club (the Miradoro discount does not apply to Communal Long Table dinners or special events). The May 13 Spring Exclusive Party saw over 200 club members come to the winery to enjoy paella from four different

chefs, including Chef Jeff from Miradoro paired with a newly released Tinhorn Creek wine along with Flamenco dancers to complete the theme. This fall over 500 members will gather for the annual Fall Pickup Party, September 30, with oldies rock ‘n roll band Crosstown Bus and a pig roast by Chef Jeff from Miradoro. Beyond the fun, there are practical benefits. Your Crush Club discount is 15%, and it applies to all Tinhorn Creek wines plus all merchandise. Plus, participating partners of Tinhorn Creek offer Crush Club members special perks and discounts. Reaping such benefits is as easy as receiving 18 bottles minimum a year, and who can’t manage to get through just over a bottle of wine a month? If you need a hand or prefer to share, why not split a membership with your neighbour

or BFF? Membership also makes a great gift for those hard-to-buy-for wine loving friends or family. Other than the 18-bottle commitment, membership is free and you can choose the one that’s right for you: Cellar Select Mixed, Cellar Select Red, or Cellar Select White. Tinhorn Creek’s winemaker chooses the selections from new releases or small case lot wines. Or consider the limited membership, Oldfield Reserve Select Club, which is unique because you can fully customize your case within the Oldfield Series. For full details and benefits see www.tinhorn.com/club Tinhorn Creek also offers 46Brix memberships, like Amazon Prime but for wine lovers. It’s available to non-club members, too. For details go to: www.tinhorn.com/46Brix

SHOW AND WINE

TIME

It is always a party, retro-cool style, at Oliver Twist. Each year the winery hosts the fabulous “Show, Shine… and Wine?” which attracts amazing classic cars. This year’s event on July 8th promises to be the biggest event in their history. The Okanagan Wolfman will be hosting as emcee and there will be live music from the Timbre Wolves, assorted food trucks, vendors, beer from the Red Truck Brewery, and a classic pinup girl competition. Of course, there will be wine and the spotlight will be on the unveiling of the

AT OLIVER TWIST LUKE WHITTALL new wine in the Nostalgia Series. New this year is a toy drive to benefit Santa’s Anonymous, an organization that provides gifts to children for Christmas and birthdays throughout the year. Bring along a new toy to donate and be entered to win a prize! Two wines have taken home some impressive hardware at the Okanagan Wine Festival’s Best of Varietal wine awards. The 2013 Syrah and the 2013 Malbec have both come home with Gold medals. Oliver Twist has won some serious awards for previous vintages of the Syrah and this one continues to show winemaker and owner Gina Harfman’s expert handling of this bold variety. Limited amounts of the Syrah are available and the Malbec is released only to members of the Twist Club wine club. Oliver Twist is now a lunch destination! The Silver Bullet Express is parked right near the patio and Chef Darby is offering beer battered fish and chips, fish tacos, and other lunchtime treats every day from 11am. With a view of the valley like no other and amazing Oliver Twist wines, it is a perfect place for lunch or munchie break during your wine tour.

WINEMAKER GINA HARFMAN

WWW.QUINTAFERREIRA.COM 250.498.4756

OLIVER

QUINTA FERREIRA’S DELICIOUS ANNUAL PAELLA PARTY!

FREE

CONCERTS AT QUINTA FERREIRA

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

The vineyards come alive with the sound of music as Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery celebrates its 10th Anniversary with its free Sunday Concert Series, 1 to 4 pm, July 2 to September 3. The lineup of talented artists performing on the patio includes: Aaron Loewen, July 2; Timbre Wolves, July 9; Patricia & Ibriam Duo, July 16; Mark Irving, July 23; Rebel Luv, July 30; Arcadian Suns, August 6; Lucy Blu & the Blu Boys, August 13; Kyle Anderson, August 20; Wild Son Duo, August 27; and Donna The Vineyard Girl, September 3. To fully enjoy an afternoon on the patio, bring a picnic or buy selections from Quinta Ferreira’s picnic case to make your own lunch. Buy a bottle of wine to share and it’s a party on the patio!

Of course, 10th Anniversary Celebrations include the scrumptious annual Paella event featuring Chef Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro Restaurant. Lunch is only $20 and includes a glass of wine. Plus, live music starring Rebel Luv will have you kicking up your heels on the dance floor. Buy tickets early as last year was sold out. You’ll also want to snap up tickets for the fall Winemakers Dinner, 6:30 pm, September 30, rejoicing in 10 years of Harvest Quinta Ferreira-style! Featuring Chef Jordan Ash of Flambé Catering, tickets for this cheese welcome reception and four-course dinner with wine pairings presented in the ambiance of the underground cellar/”caves” are $135 all inclusive. You can check out the menu to be paired with Quinta Ferreira’s award-winning wines online. Visit the wine shop and www. quintaferreira.com for tickets and details on these events and wine club benefits. Be sure to tune into all the latest anniversary news by following facebook. com/QuintaFerreira and @QuintaFerreira on Twitter and Instagram.

olivertwistwinery.com Tasting Room Open Year Round 398 Lupine Lane (Just off Road 9), Oliver, BC 250-485-0227

WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

GEHRINGER BROTHERS EXPANDS TO MEET DEMAND

OLIVER

JENNIFER SCHELL

WINE FESTIVAL:

2016 Ehrenfelser- Gold medal 2016 Unoaked Chardonnay - Silver medal 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - Best of Varietal

2016 EHRENFELSER $13.99

This gold medal winning Ehrenfelser has huge aromas of fruit salad, honeydew melons, flowers, and minerals. It has a smooth textured midpalate is a perfect crowd-pleasing white wine suitable for any occasion from casual to formal.

RESERVE 2016 PRIVATE PINOT NOIR

$14.99

The 2016 Pinot Noir is hard to beat. Aromas of bright red cherries and strawberries stretch out to a palate of cherries, cocoa, and allspice. It is an extremely silky and smooth version of Pinot Noir and has a pleasing long finish.

Spring arrived much later this year, but the 2017 vintage is now back on track. Owner Walter Gehringer explains, “We’re still ahead of the latest that we’ve ever been. And, if the growing season continues favorably, we should have similar results to previous later vintages. The vineyard location and vine management will impact different flavour profiles. Terroir characteristics are actually more evident in challenging growing seasons.” This is a good thing. After many years, the Gehringer Brothers tasting room, also one of the oldest tasting rooms in the wine country, has expanded to include a second tasting bar to meet demand. This Golden Mile pioneer winery is also one of the biggest award winners in our industry, check out their website to see the very long list of accolades listed by year (www.gehringerwines.ca). Plan a visit to taste the newest winners from the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.

On the Golden Mile Bench 21 Unique Wines Tasted Daily

Sales Representation: Lower Mainland Vancouver Island 1-877-856-0614 Okanagan Valley, Interior 1-250-809-2293 Northern BC 1-250-267-4641 Southern Alberta 403-850-5838 Northern Alberta 780-945-1434

876 Rd 8, Oliver, B.C. Phone 250-498-3537 Toll free: 1-800-784-6304

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GOL

Winn l a d Me

www.gehringerwines.ca

SHARING A CHARCUTERIE PLATE AND A GLASS OF CHARDONNAY ON THE PATIO AT THE SONORA ROOM.

THE SONORA ROOM AT BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY: THE ESSENCE OF WINE COUNTRY DINING LESLEY BUXTON In the Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, the team is setting up for the summer with a farm-to-table menu designed to showcase the very best of home-grown produce from respected local cultivators such as: Fine point farms, Road 17 Arctic Char, Covert Farms Organics and Codfathers Seafood Market. Here the food philosophy is uncomplicated. They allow the food to speak for itself, highlighting the natural nuances of the flavor with culinary flair. Naturally there’s also an exceptional wine list. The focus here is on vintages from the estate’s library no longer available in the tasting room, giving customers access to some of the winery’s earliest creations from ‘97 and ‘98. A truly rare opportunity. Most establishments shy away from this approach as it’s costly. However, the restaurant has an Enomatic system

which allows them to keep up to eight wines fresh. This is used to offer twoounce tasters and flights such as a four Chardonnay flight which includes their 2011, 2009, 2006 and 2005. This feature is a fabulous way to gain appreciation for the characteristics of aged wine. Throughout the summer season red and white library wine flights will be changed regularly so that visitors are allowed a full experience. But food and wine aren’t the only things here to admire. The restaurant patio faces 140 acres of scenic vineyards. It’s just magical. Their skilled servers just love to pamper their guests. Plus there’s an evening dinner shuttle from Osoyoos so you can leave the car at home. With so much to appreciate, it’s easy to understand why reservations are a must here. Book now and learn for yourself why the Sonora Room is known as the “essence” of Okanagan wine country dining.

RIVER STONE’S

IMMERSIVE

EXPERIENCE

OLIVER

LUKE WHITTALL

SHELTER IN THE SHADE OR PARTY IN THE SUN AT DESERT HILLS WINERY BLAKE ALLEN The town of Oliver’s Black Sage Bench, for which Desert Hills Winery takes its name, is an internationally celebrated wine growing region. Famous for its distinctive terroir shaped by the region’s sandy soil, it was here that the Toor brothers: Randy, Jessie, and Dave, first envisioned the winery that would grow to be one of the town’s most well-known and well-loved. With deep roots in both the community and its desert hills, the winery, not unlike the vines, has only continued to grow. This summer will see Desert Hills open its new picnic and patio area, shaded to provide refuge for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike looking to momentarily escape the Okanagan sun. Surrounded by old-growth vines, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon first planted back in 1997, the patio is an idyllic hidden nook, looking out over both the scenic vineyards which dot

the Black Sage Bench and the pristine desert which has created this legendary growing region. The kitchen will open its doors this July but until then one can still sit back with a glass of wine and a self-selected charcuterie board from a wide array of local options including meats, cheeses, and even wild game. Along with the opening of the new patio will be the return of many of Desert Hills popular events – the Vintage Vertical and Charcuterie Night (July 15th) and the Blues & BBQ Night (August 17th), as well as the return of the Sauvignon Blanc, one of the winery’s most popular varietals from its past, ending its temporary absence. The Okanagan desert is more alive and vibrant than you may realize, and at no other place is that better illustrated than one of these popular events at Desert Hills Winery, but tickets sell out fast so you’ll want to visit the website soon!

So far, “this is a normal year” says owner and winemaker Ted Kane about the 2017 vintage. Ted is always keeping an eye on how the fruit is developing. He pays particular attention to the date of “veraison”, which is when the ripening grapes start to change colour and soften. Red grape varieties start to darken into their colours and white varieties turn to various shades of yellow, light green, or pink depending on the variety. In River Stone’s vineyard, that usually occurs between August 8th and 12th. Visitors can always ask about anything going on in the vineyard from staff when visiting the wine shop

WINEMAKER TED KANE

if interested. From the moment you arrive, River Stone’s wine shop is an immersive experience because grape vines surround you at every turn. If you have visited River Stone’s wine shop previously, be prepared for a new experience. Over the spring, Ted constructed a beautiful new tasting bar that curves elegantly from one end of the shop to the other. “I love woodworking,” explains Ted, who built it from scratch. It replaces the much smaller bar so that now more people can now enjoy tasting the wines. Starting with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the portfolio moves through a small plethora of wines including Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Malbec Rosé, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. There are blends in the mix not be missed including Splash (Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Gewürztraminer), Stones Throw and the iconic Corner Stone (both Bordeaux–style blends). The talk of the shop is the new Sparkling White Merlot, a beautifully fruity sparkling wine with all of the same great flavours that make Merlot a popular grape. Red wine lovers and sparkling lovers alike will both appreciate its flavours and finesse. With its distinctive red fruit flavours, it opens up a whole new world of food pairing possibilities!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW RELEASES Check Out AND EXPERIENCE Our New OUR NEW WINE Releases SHOP!

Savour the Journey... 250-498-0043 RIVERSTONE@EASTLINK.CA 143 BUCHANAN DR, OLIVER BC

RIVERSTONEESTATEWINERY.CA 2 TIME RECIPIENT OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WINEMAKING, WINNER OF CANADA’S BEST RED & 2 TIME WINNER OVERALL BEST WINE!

FACEBOOK: RIVERSTONEESTATEWINERY INSTAGRAM: @DRINKRIVERSTONE TWITTER: @DRINKRIVERSTONE

Wine Shop Open April – Oct., 10am – 5:30 pm, 7 days/wk Desert Hills Estate Winery | 4078 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC | Phone: 250-498-6664 | www.deserthills.ca WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

BEHIND THE SCENES OF HIDDEN CHAPEL WINERY

O S OYO O S OLIVER

ADEGA ON 45TH – A PERFECT PATIO EXPERIENCE

DEANNA DUNHAM

LUKE WHITTALL

The patio at Adega on 45th is quickly approaching legendary status among wine tourists. A beautifully unique, and largely unobstructed, panoramic view of Osoyoos and the lake will entertain customers while they relax and sip wines. It is easily the premier picnic spot in Osoyoos. The patio is fully licensed for wine by-the-glass or by-the-bottle, and visitors can bring their own food if they choose or pick from a selection available from their deli fridge, which is stocked this year with some great new items. Stuffed olives, pâté, tapenade, salami, artisan cheeses from BoMé on Vancouver Island and Cows Creamery in PEI, are all available for hungry wine tourists to enjoy on the patio at their leisure. There is everything that one could need for a picnic, including shade, which is a necessity in the heat of an Osoyoos summer. Lush grape vines on a trellis provide beautiful, natural shade as well as adding wine country ambiance to the patio.

OWNERS ALEX & MARIA NUNES AND FRED & PAMALA FARINHA

A perfectly refreshing wine to enjoy with a picnic spread is Adega’s new 2016 Riesling. Loaded with aromas and flavours of apples, rose petals, and minerals, the Riesling is pure refreshment for the summertime heat. Riesling makes a generally versatile wine and this one finishes slightly offdry, which makes it easy to drink on its own or paired with just about anything. The Riesling is grown entirely on the Adega vineyard and the grapes are also used in the much-loved blend, Felicidade. The Adega wine shop is also filled with art from Osoyoos-area artists. There is a huge selection of pottery by Darlene Fillion for sale and paintings by Gay Ross and Erin Lemiski. Adega’s wine shop is truly a feast for all of the senses!

Family and Tradition ... Timeless. Open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed January and February unless otherwise posted.

Highway 3 (Osoyoos) turn on 45th St., East Osoyoos, BC

250 495 6243 www.adegaon45.com

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You may be familiar with Hidden Chapel Winery and their fabulous hand–crafted selection of wine featuring witty names such as ‘White Wedding’, ‘Blushing Bride’, and ‘Shotgun Wedding’. However, what enchanted my visit to the winery was the co-owner, Deborah Wilde, and her vow to sustainable practices. At first glance, you will note that the property is a spiritual oasis featuring beautiful gardens that wander up a gradual hill to the elusive hidden chapel, where you will find an array of wild birds inhabiting the surrounding forest. It quickly becomes prevalent that the hidden chapel is just a highlight of the property’s incredible eco-system, inclusive of one acre of gardens and three acres of vines. The property’s base is sand, offering the perfect growing condition for the estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon. Hidden Chapel approaches viticulture with minimalist practices and uses drip irrigation to conserve water, while the properties population of great horned owls, blue birds, tanagers, hummingbirds and hawks, keep the pests in check. To the right of the gardens is a thermal mass designed cellar. The cellar’s concrete walls and

roof are a foot thick and were built into the hill then covered with up to four feet of sand. The thermal mass design increases the building’s energy efficiency by utilizing the surrounding earth for temperature control and continuing with the winery’s efforts to be environmentally friendly. To further step towards sustainability, Hidden Chapel uses recycled bottles and Stelvin screw top capsules to preserve their wine to avoid further depleting the cork industry’s natural resources. After my first sip of the 2012 estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, I was tempted to run away with it up to the chapel, no wonder Deborah named it ‘Shotgun Wedding’. Aged in French oak, the Cabernet Sauvignon boasts of excellent growing conditions complete with rich tannins, blueberry jam, and espresso. Shotgun Wedding is a true testament to the winery’s blessing of the hidden chapel.

Tasting is Believing! Open Daily April through October Off Season: 250-490-6000 for Appointment 482 Pinehill Rd., Oliver BC 250-490-6000

www.hiddenchapelwinery.com

CELEBRATE

40 YEARS OF

FORBIDDEN FRUIT TERRY MEYER STONE

Over 40 years ago, Steve Venables came to pick fruit in the Similkameen Valley and so began a 40-year odyssey of organic farming for he and wife Kim. “It was more like homesteading when we began, back to the land and an awareness of the fertility and purity of organic farming. It was what we wanted for our children.” After farming orchards for many years, they wanted to take pressure off the business and in 2004 began their winery producing fruit wines. “The challenge was to get people to try a fruit wine, but once they try it, they love it!” The next generation of Venables came back to the land and helped launch their vinifera wine business. Son Nathan had originally worked in Kelowna in the construction business, but decided to take the winemaking diploma at Okanagan College and then expanded their table wine lineup. This year they won five gold medals at the All Canadian Wine Awards, including gold for the Catch 22 Cabernet Franc and Earth Series Cabernet Sauvignon. They’ve now won 230 medals in 11 years - we can’t wait to see what the next 40 years brings! Don’t miss visiting their idyllic tasting room to the chance to spend time with this lovely family and celebrate their commitment to excellence.

CORCELETTES ESTATE WINERY: SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS LESLEY BUXTON At Corcelettes Estate Winery, they’re all about defying expectations. This intimate family-run winery is an inspiring blend of innovation and tradition. Nothing exemplifies this more than their new release Pinot Noir. This Nouveau-style Pinot is a great summer red, juicy, lively and fruit-driven. It contrasts beautifully with their more traditional Pinot Noir Reserve, which is only available at their wine shop, and a few exclusive eateries. Not sure which wine to try first? Head down to the winery and try both. The winery’s new tasting room is expected to open the first week of July. This gorgeous space is designed to give visitors a first-class tasting experience. Here you will be able to relax, savour the wine and the phenomenal views of K Mountain. You’ll never want to leave especially when you get to know the charismatic staff. Everyone working in the tasting room divides their time equally between the vineyards, the cellar, and the tasting room which makes them experts in all aspects of the wine making process. Recently the winery teamed up with Tree to Me, the Similkameen Valley’s newest café, to create Table de Famille. This fine-dining event, hosted by the café, is all about family-style dining,

great food and of course, delicious wine. The inaugural evening in May was a huge success and two more dinners are lined up for July 22nd and September 30th. Seating is assigned, which creates an exciting dynamic in which diners get to know each other. Reservations are open now but remember, seating is limited so don’t hesitate to reserve.

SIMILKAMEEN And the best news is that if you’re worried about driving home afterwards you can simply book one of Tree to Me’s beautiful suites and tumble into bed. How could anything be more perfect than that?

FLAUNT SPARKLING PLUM $20.00

Like the Moscato Prosecco of plums, this is part of the ‘sparkling sisters’ at Forbidden Fruit. Three varieties of plum offer up a beautiful bouquet of fresh fruit, strawberry, tropical fruit and dry cranberry finish. Double gold ACWA winner.

Visit the dynamic team at Corcelettes that offer an authentic, decadent wine experience. Taste the difference.

Exceptionally Well Grown Wines S I M I L K A M E E N VA L L E Y

Wine Shop Open Daily, May - Oct, 10:30am - 5:30pm 2582 Upper Bench Rd., Keremeos, BC 250 499-5595 www.CorcelettesWine.ca Info@CorcelettesWine.ca WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

SIMILKAMEEN CLOS DU SOLEIL: NURTURING THE ART OF WINEMAKING LESLEY BUXTON

At Clos du Soleil, they have a distinct approach to the tasting room experience. Rather than the emphasis being on simply tasting the wine, they provide a personal and informative encounter with their wines that encompasses all facets of running of the vineyard. This from-the-ground-up practice encourages visitors to learn to

appreciate the dynamics of winemaking from the experts who work directly with the vines and in the cellar. Tours of the estate are available for booking. However, the vineyard wants to foster a casual approach where visitors feel free to wander the grounds and engage with the staff. This is a winery that promotes a solid understanding of all aspects of winemaking and wants to take the mystique out of the procedure. Here the philosophy is not just about selling wine but engaging in its creation. It’s the difference between buying strawberries from California from an unknown source or buying them from the farmer you chat with every week in the market. Visitors are welcome to linger, have a picnic on their beautiful grounds. There’s no need to feel hurried. The winery has a large selection of locally sourced, traditional, picnic-style meals that are perfect for sharing. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around so you can relax and enjoy the

WINEMAKER MIKE CLARK

surroundings. All ages are welcome here. This informal approach extends to the tasting room. Unlike some wineries, here they want visitors to enjoy the full range of their wine library. This means they’re happy to share with you their old

vintages and even award-winning wines —like their 2013 vintage of Signature, which was awarded a silver medal and a 91-point score from Decanter Magazine at the 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards, confirming it as one of the highest quality wines in the world.

ON THE COVER SEVERINE PINTE ...and wine. I remember our Sunday lunches where delicious smells would escape from the kitchen and my dad was religiously hunting down the perfect bottle to pair with what my mom had concocted! From time to time, my parents would go on wine tours and as a little girl I was so bored waiting inside a beautiful wine cave while they were tasted from every barreI. I guess it impacted on me, more than I thought LOL!!! I couldn’t imagine changing careers now or being anyone else but a winemaker! 2. How did you decide to move your family here from France? The BC wine industry is so dynamic, constantly evolving. Being able to write a small part of the wine history is so exhilarating! Learning new viticulture technique to adapt to the Okanagan Valley special climate is one of my biggest challenges but I love it.

Old world elegance ... New world edge. Wineshop Opens April 15th Daily 10am to 5pm Winery Direct Sales Available Online

www.closdusoleil.ca

2568 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC 250-499-2831 wine@closdusoleil.ca 46

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3. If you were a bottle of wine, what would you be? What would your tasting notes be? I would be a bottle of Syrah from a cooler growing region with some granite dominant soil. The color would deep, ruby red with some hints of purple. The nose would be intense dominated with some thyme, rosemary aromas with an

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elegant background of flowery notes such as violet or peonies. As I would keep swirling the wine in my glass, a few notes of blond tabac and truffle would slowly come up. In the mouth, it would be elegant, balanced, velvety, silky but with a nice tannin spinal cord. It would linger for a while letting some ripe dark fruit charm my senses. 4. The Rose revolution has finally come here. Your Vaila is one of our best and very unique. Describe it and how you decided to make your particular style and what your secret is. For me, Rose is one of the most challenging style of wine to create: the rosé wine is NOT a side product. The Pinot Noir Vineyard I get the grapes from to make the Vaila rosé at Le Vieux Pin winery are carefully chosen and are grown specifically to make rosé. The canopy and the yield will not be managed the same way as if I was growing grapes for red wine. The picking date is also crucial, as I want to reach a nice phenol maturity but also preserve some natural acidity. Then once the grapes reach the crush pad, fast processing, protection against oxidation and slow cold fermentation would be, I guess, how I do it.

“You can’t improve on the ﬂavour of pure nature.” – Stephen Cipes, Founder/Proprietor

Join us to create a more delicious future.

Join us for a complimentary tasting, and stay for a meal in our Sunset Organic Bistro. Order online to have our delicious wine shipped to your door!