Wine trails july aug 2016

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RES TA U R AN T S

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Food &

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British Columbia

H  A  U P  F G W  ,    

J U LY | A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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A WINE EXPERIENCE ABOVE AND BEYOND AT CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY OCCUPIES A VERY SPECIAL LOCATION ON THE GOLDEN MILE BENCH. IT IS ON AN ELEVATED AREA ABOUNDING WITH POTENTIAL BUT WAS MOSTLY UNUSED WHEN DON AND ELAINE TRIGGS FIRST NOTICED THE PROPERTY. WHEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULMINA BEGAN IN 2006, THE TRIGGS FAMILY KNEW THAT THEY WANTED TO BREAK NEW GROUND IN THE WINE INDUSTRY. FROM THE SOIL IN THE VINEYARD TO THE FINAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, EVERYTHING ABOUT GROWING, MAKING, AND SELLING WINE WAS EXAMINED TO ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY WINE AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. Both Don and Elaine had grown up on farms on the prairies and had been in the wine industry for decades.

Elaine managed the family’s vineyard in Ontario and Don spent the majority of his career pioneering the modern Canadian wine industry. They knew what kind of land they were looking for to grow the kind of wine they were most interested in: a site with great potential for making Bordeaux-style reds. Because it was essentially a fresh start for them, they sought out undeveloped vineyard land in the south Okanagan, which had become a rarity by that point. They studied various sites using temperature probes and soil samples. Eventually, they selected a scenic site with a southeastern facing slope set high on the Golden Mile Bench near Oliver.

A lot of climate and soil research was carried out before the vineyard could be planted. “We wanted to understand our terroir before we planted,” explained Sara Triggs. They dug 22 soil pits on the site to find the types of soils, where they changed, and how much moisture they could hold. They discovered that each one of the soil pits were very different which meant that each section of the vineyard would have different needs for water. They developed an irrigation system that broke the vineyard down into micro-blocks, each averaging 1.25 acres in size, and customizing a watering regime for each block. Since there are 43 micro-blocks on a total of 56 acres of vineyard, irrigation becomes a complicated task that is made slightly simpler with the help of technology.

Vineyard monitoring stations track precipitation, temperature, wind speed, humidity, and soil moisture content at www.winetrails.ca

three different depths every 30 minutes.

The information is stored in a cloudbased system which also has the ability to program precise adjustments for irrigating the micro-blocks.

The intense studying of the terroir has resulted in a portfolio of wines that have received high critical acclaim and strong consumer demand. The culmination of the Triggs’ vision to craft an iconic Bordeaux-style red wine is manifested in Hypothesis, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc that author John Schreiner scored as high as 94 points. In fact, each of the new wines this year has rated above 90 points, including Unicus - the Okanagan’s first ever Grüner Veltliner - of which wine critic Anthony Gismondi stated simply, “This is an amazing wine.” Unicus (Latin for singular, unique) is grown high above the winery on Margaret’s Bench and is very limited. Being unique, it is only available for tasting and purchase as part of the Reserve Tasting experience.

The visitor experience at Culmina reflects the Triggs’ desire to share their story with their guests in an intimate setting. “We definitely have a lot to say,” jokes Sara. When visitors arrive at Culmina, they are welcome to enjoy the incredible view on the patio while the team sets up the guests’ seated Reserve Tasting. From there, visitors are seated at the tasting room’s antique Dukhobor table and guided through a line-up of four wines. For the duration of their visit, they receive the undivided attention of Culmina’s staff in a setting that is relaxed, engaging, and surrounded by stunning views of the vineyard.

Because of the amount of time that is spent with each group, all of Culmina’s

Reserve Tasting experiences take place at set times throughout the day on the “:15” of every hour (10:15, 11;15 until the last seating at 4:15). Sara likens it to a ferry schedule. “If you’re late, it’s full, or you miss it, you will have to catch the next seating.” Sara emphasizes that Culmina’s Reserve Tastings are not ‘by appointment only’ and that drops-ins are welcome at any of the daily seated times. However they do recommend booking ahead on Saturdays and over long weekends to make sure that there is room at the table, which has a capacity for 10 people. Reservations can be made at Culmina.ca or by contacting the winery directly. ~ Luke Whittall

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 3

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Reclining at Recline Ridge Winery.

ORANGE IS THE NEW WHITE AT 40 KNOTS WINERY Many restaurants now list at least one “orange” wine on their list, as this ancient style of winemaking is seeing a well-deserved surge in popularity.

Orange wines are made with white wine grape varieties, but the juice is macerated along with the grape skins, giving the wine an orange colour and some very dynamic flavours.

In British Columbia there are now a few winemakers producing orange wine, and winemaker Matt Dumayne is one of them. Dumayne’s L’Orange Schonberger is made on Vancouver Island at 40 Knots Winery and the wine has been receiving high praise. It’s a dry wine with

lower alcohol and lots of complexity and aging-ability. Descriptions of the wine have included phrases such as soft tannins, apparent mandarin orange, cigar box, herb and flowers.

Recently released, the Pinot Noir is always in high demand, so joining the wine club might be a good idea if you are a fan. There are also some new wines at 40 Knots Winery, as they’ve produced a Gamay for the first time as a single varietal, and a Vin de Cure, a naturally botrytis-affected wine that has been dried and hand pressed in an Italian basket press. The Vin de Cure will come in 375 ml bottes and there are

only 200 bottles available. Also look for a new label on the Soleil Rosé, created by a local artist, and more of the sold out bubble will be on the shelves soon and available in their online shop.

Musical entertainment for Wine Wednesdays is listed on the winery’s website and they are offering a variety genres for your listening pleasure this summer. Tickets are just $12.50, or $10 for wine club members, and food is available for purchase. ~ Cassandra Anderton

RECLINE RIDGE WINERY CELEBRATES COOL CLIMATE WINES Recline Ridge Winery near Salmon Arm is proud to create the very special wines that are made only in cool climate conditions, with sun-drenched days and cooler evenings. Their fan loyalty is a testament to their ongoing success.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Tappen, this charming winery produces about 2,000 cases of wine each year. Their portfolio of 12 wines include five German-style cool climate whites (off-dry), a dry Rosé, four cool cimate, Northern-European style reds and two dessert wines. Most of their grapes come from their six acres of vines surrounding the winery.

Recline Ridge features a licensed picnic area adjacent to the wine shop, which features local crafted cheeses and crackers and other light fare such as local pepperoni and kielbasa. Guests are also welcome to bring their own foods.

Graydon explains that the style of reds produced at Recline Ridge are light enough in style that, while they accompany

food very well, also make a great sipping wine. They stand up well on their own.

Sample their newly released vintages including the 2014 Shuswap Serenade and the 2015 Ortega. Look for the soon-to-bereleased 2015 Bacchus and Siegerrebe.

Graydon and Maureen Ratzlaff, proprietors of Recline Ridge, are expecting another early harvest in 2016.

Their recommended summer sipper is their popular Make Me Blush Rosé.

Make Me Blush Rosé - $16.90 “We prepare it in the traditional style, creating a dryish rosé. Aromas and flavours of raspberry and strawberry are present and I would suggest it be served super chilled on the patio on a hot day. It also pairs nicely with salmon and light summer fare.

It is a very versatile wine,” says Graydon.

Visit Recline Ridge from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Tours are by appointment and tastings are ongoing. This is one mustsee (and taste) on your Summer ’16 list! ~ Deanna Rainey

Wine, Wind and Sea NEW RELEASES! 2015 L'Orange Revolutions start with just one release.

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@40KnotsWinery | www.40KnotsWinery.com

LARCH HILLS SUMMER SIPPERS Larch Hills Winery, renowned for premium cool climate wines, is a mustsee for visitors to the Shuswap this summer. Surrounded by spectacular viewscapes near Salmon Arm, you’ll enjoy fine summer sippers, bubbly or superb dinner wines.

Larch Hills was established in 1997 and its position in the northern area of the region provided ideal conditions for cool climate wines. Now, Larch Hill has developed a well-earned loyal following.

Proprietors Hazel and Jack Manser oversee every aspect of the operation.

From tending the vineyards to creating

the wines and operating the wine shop, the Mansers have been hands-on at Larch Hills for the past 12 years. Hazel recommends the Madeleine Angevine as a splendid summer sipper.

“This French varietal is so flavourful because we don’t irrigate the vineyard at all. It is light, delicate and easy to drink. Pair it with fish or chicken, or just enjoy it on its’ own,” Hazel says.

The newly-released 2014 Siegerrebe is very floral on the nose with intense tropical fruit flavours. This white pairs best with red meat due to the intensity of its flavour.

Also new on the shelves is the 2015 Lemberger, a popular medium-bodied red with lots of cherry flavour. It’s a favourite with red-wine drinkers as it can be chilled in the summertime. And the 2015 Rosé, made with a blend of Lemberger and Ortega, is a very light red with a lovely berry flavour.

Larch Hills is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and offers tastings, a picnic area, pre-arranged educational tours. ~ Deanna Rainey

4 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

Jack & Hazel Manser 110 Timms Road, Salmon Arm, BC 250-832-0155 Recline Ridge Hwy #1Winery West to Kamloops

Recline Ridge Winery

Recline Ridge Winery

Hwy #1 West to Kamloops

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

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

Hwy #1 to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

TAPPEN VALLEY ROAD

HWY #1 TO KAMLOOPS

Exit Trans-Canada

Hwy. #1HWY #1 EXIT TRANSCANADA at Tappen Valley AT TAPPEN VALLEY ROAD Road

HWY #1 TO VERNON

Hwy #1 to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

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avour the flavours of our unique, award-winning vintages, and experience the harmony of our wines and this peaceful setting in the beautiful Shuswap.

12PM – 5PM April – June 10AM – 5PM July – August 2640 Skimikin Rd., Tappen, B.C. Phone 250-835-2212 12PM – 5PM September – October

By Appointment, November – March Visit our website at: www.reclineridgewinery.com OPENING HOURS:

www.winetrails.ca

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Marginal Arts Festival ....................................................................................... 17 Naramata Bench Tailgate Party ........................................................................ 26

,    40 Knots ..................................................4

Meyer Family Vineyards........................35

50th Parallel ............................................9

Moraine .................................................27

Adega On 45th .....................................47

Mt.Boucherie.........................................17

Black Hills ..............................................42

Naramata Bench Winery Assc. .............26

Burrowing Owl ......................................43

Nighthawk .............................................37

C.C. Jentsch Cellars ..............................45

OK Falls Winery Association.................34

CedarCreek ...........................................14

Oliver Twist............................................45

Church & State ......................................44

Quails’ Gate ..........................................19

Clos Du Soleil........................................38

Quinta Ferreira ......................................40

Corcelettes ............................................38

Recline Ridge ..........................................4

Culmina ...................................................3

Red Rooster ..........................................30

D’Angelo ...............................................29

River Stone ............................................41

Desert Hills ............................................41

Sandhill ..................................................16

Dirty Laundry.........................................23

Serendipity ............................................31

Eau Vivre ...............................................39

Shuswap Wineries Assc. .........................6

Fairview Cellars .....................................47

Spierhead ..............................................17

Gehringer Brothers ...............................43

Stag’s Hollow.........................................37

Gray Monk ............................................10

Summerhill ............................................15

Hillside Winery & Bistro ........................27

Therapy .................................................26

Kalala .....................................................18

The View ...............................................11

Kraze Legz .............................................32

Thornhaven ...........................................22

Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery ...10

Tinhorn Creek .......................................46

Larch Hills ................................................4

Upper Bench Winery & Creamery ............33

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

Volcanic Hills .........................................19

Lunessence............................................25

Wild Goose ...........................................36

Marichel.................................................28

Westside Wine Trail ....................... 18

   Bonfire Grill at The Cove.................................................................................. 20 Buy the Sea ...................................................................................................... 20 Duffers .............................................................................................................. 12 OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar ........................................................... 13 RauDZ Regional Table/micro bar.bites ............................................................. 12 Terrafina at Hester Creek.................................................................................. 40 The Bench Market ............................................................................................ 33 West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar .......................................................................... 11

Jennifer Schell

  

@ 

    Blake Allen, Cassandra Anderton, Roslyne Buchanan, Elaine Davidson, Kris Johnson, Deanna Merrick, Terry Meyer-Stone, David McIlvride, Henrietta Poirier, Jennifer Schell, Abbey Westbury, Luke Whittall.

WT Food &

2250 Camrose Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 8R1 Tel: (250) 492-6036 Fax: (250) 492-9843 E-mail: jennifer.schell@winetrails.ca

Published 4 times/year: March/April, May/ June, July/August and September/October by

Subscription rate Canada $16.00 per year (GST Incl.)

U.S. $18.00 U.S. per year International $20.00 Can. per year

   BC VQA Info Centre .......................33

Sandy Beach Lodge .......................29

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

Strictly Cellars...................................47

Lone Willow Wine Jelly ..................47

The Cove Lakeside Resort ............20

Okanagan Wine Country Tours ......12

Wine Glass Writer...........................32

www.winetrails.ca

The beloved summer has arrived in wine country in all of its glory. This magical time of year calls for luxuriously lazy days spent tooling around, enjoying wine tastings, patio lunches and beach time with the kids. There are so many areas of this province to discover and I encourage you to plan an adventure to somewhere new! The Shuswap region is not only a destination for houseboats, they are offering all that you could want for—food, wine, farms, hiking, biking, sipping, singing…and its just a beautiful hour and a half drive from Kelowna.

The Okanagan is the hot spot for wineries, with several regions to plan for and visit. The Similkameen Valley is really something special and will complete a tour of the Oliver-Osoyoos trip. Penticton-Naramata-OK Falls and Summerland are all close by but make sure to book time, there is LOTS to see and sip! Kelowna is a wonderful base to hang out with amazing restaurants and wineries to explore and day trips to Lake Country will not disappoint. Glorious Langley and Vancouver Island also offer incredible food, drink and farm tours to embark on.

Then there are events--tons and tons of food, wine, farm and art events to participate in. Get your tickets early to the ones that interest you as time spins by too quickly here when you are having fun. The Marginal Arts Festival in Summerland September 1st to 4th is brand new and sounds fantastic: marginalarts.ca.

Enjoy your summer and remember to shop and eat local! The farmer’s markets are in full gear and there are plenty to choose from, so go native and live like a local.

This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our magazine! Thank you to all of our wonderful advertisers and to our loyal readership. We love sharing stories about our amazing community behind the wine labels and menus with you.

Personally, after eight years as editor, it has been remarkable watching our wine community elegantly take its place on the world stage. I am so proud to know many of these people personally and to be a part of it all.

Photo: David McIlvride

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Publisher: Bruce McAuliffe Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Schell Creative: Greta Snodgrass Circulation: Sue Kovacs

View the Food & Wine Trails’ website: www.winetrails.ca ISSN 1188 - 1348 Publications Mail Registration No. 10195

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.

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 5

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

Celista

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

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

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Take the beautiful hike through a cedar rain forest to Margaret Falls.

PLAN YOUR SHUSWAP ADVENTURE THE GLORIOUS SHUSWAP REGION OF OUR PROVINCE HAS BECOME A SERIOUSLY AMAZING NEW FRONTIER FOR FOOD AND WINE LOVERS. WE ALL KNOW ABOUT THEIR AMAZING HOUSEBOAT SCENE, WITH BOATERS RETURNING YEAR AFTER YEAR TO FLOAT ABOUT THE SHIMMERING SHUSWAP LAKE SURROUNDED BY LUSH CEDAR FORESTS AND MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER LAYERS OF THIS UNIQUE LOCALE TO DISCOVER, AND I AM GOING TO LET YOU IN ON THESE SECRETS.

Shuswap Pie Company is a must!

Put a bottle or two of Redneck Red on your ‘to buy’ list.

www.winetrails.ca

Now boasting seven wineries, the Shuswap wine scene is a wonderful new offering for oenophiles and wine geeks to lay their palates upon. Uniquely ‘North’, the wineries here focus on cool climate varietals that open up an entirely new tasting experience. Crisp, aromatic varietals like Ortega, Madeline Angevine and Siegerrebe thrive here in the higher elevation vineyards but there are also big, full-bodied reds to be found.

Relatively new is Marionette Winery located right off the highway in Salmon Arm, owned and operated by a couple from England who are both trained winemakers and viticulturists! They have discovered, after years of research and data collection, that the conditions of their unique microclimate are incredibly similar to Burgundy.

Larch Hills Winery boasts the title of being the highest elevation winery in North America as well as being the first vineyard to lay down rootstock in the region. Recline Ridge, nestled up in Tappen, just outside of Salmon Arm, offers visitors stunning vineyard views with a backdrop to dramatic Tappen Mountain where they can sip wines on the patio and relax with picnic fare.

Sunnybrae Winery is a treat to behold with views offering mountains behind and lake in front. Visitors can actually boat up to this winery to pick up their bottles of famous “Redneck Red” blend among others from the cozy tasting room. Lots of history on this family farm land.

Celista Winery is another hour or so drive more but the scenery makes it worth every mile. Award winning wines are to be found here at this hidden paradise including a dessert wine and port-style fortified wine. Ovino Winery also may seem off the beaten path in Silver Creek, but how could you pass up tasting wines at a place were a flock of sheep is employed to do vineyard clean up?

Not a wine lover? Two local craft microbreweries, the Barley Station and Crannog Ales will address that need.

Local food choices abound with farmer’s markets galore. Scattered all across the region and scheduled on different days of the week, locavores can easily satiate their desire to eat local here if cooking is available at your choice of

accommodation. Downtown Salmon Arm also has Chicken Direct, a shop selling fresh local chicken from Farmcrest Foods.

Cheese lovers will enjoy visiting local Grass Root Dairies who specialize in amazing Gouda. To complete your local cheese platter, pick up Happy Days Goat Cheese, Terroir Cheese and ‘D’ Dutchman Dairy, with local dairy products as well as artisan cheese.

There is a palpable connection between wine and nature here. Not just the unique terroir but how visitors can combine the two through incredible hikes and walks.

Before you imbibe at Sunnybrae winery, don’t miss the ethereal walk through the cedar forest to Margaret Falls – it is the most magical escape into nature’s hands and a cool respite from summer’s heat.

If you are interested in more of a hike, there is a stunning 6 km trek to Mount Baldy that will land you on the doorstep of Crannog Ales to whet your whistle with their decadent brew. Want to leave touring options in someone else’s hands? Byron at Noble Adventures is the man to call. He offers a range of touring options that include wineries, cycling, ski adventures, hiking…and a combination of all of them! If you are the biking type, the Shuswap has a map with over 30 different cycling tours. That map, and a range of excellent guides are all available to download on their shuswaptourism.ca website.

My suggested itinerary ideally it would include overnight accommodations at one of the beautiful B&B’s like the Artist’s House Heritage B&B, or maybe at a cottage at Maples Waterfront Resort on the lake. I will also be returning for the music. Something about their air here attracts musicians and besides the annual sell-out Roots & Blues Festival in August, music lovers can attend live music concerts every day of the week in different areas around the Shuswap.

This is a camping haven as well.

Beautifully manicured campsites by the lake are a destination for nature lovers all year. On my list for next visit is to stay at Quaaout Lodge in Chase. There is a spa there and I have heard amazing things about the chef at Jack Sams. ~ Jennifer Schell

Taste the amazing wines at Marionette Winery.

MY MUST EAT LIST: Shuswap Pie Company This landmark bakery has been featured on the Food Network’s “You’ve Gotta Eat Here!” for good reason. Delicious pies both sweet and savoury are on the menu as well as a wide range of other treats and menu items. 24-year-old owner Tovah Shantz bought the business in 2014 and is passionate about her craft.

Blue Canoe Another bakery/coffee and lunch spot in town that the locals love. The grilled Blue Canoe Asparagus, Goat Cheese & Prosciutto sandwich is it.

Shuswap Chefs Owned and operated by chefs, these guys specialize in locally focused cuisine and offer a sophisticated take.

Café Tasse Mon Dieu! My expression when I walked into this gorgeous oh-so French eatery.

Tappen Co-Op I was messaged by a friend to make time for a gi-normous ice cream cone from Tappen Co-Op in Sunnybrae. Missed it, but also on my list.

DeMilles Farm Market A tourist and local favorite, the market store is loaded with local produce and artisan items.

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 7

    UNPARALLELED ENERGY AT 50TH PARALLEL THERE IS A CERTAIN JE NE SAIS QUOI ABOUT VISITING 50TH PARALLEL ESTATE WINERY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY ALIVE. MAYBE IT’S THE 16 HOURS OF SUNLIGHT THAT BATHES THE STUNNING LAKESIDE LOCATION ON THE EAST SLOPES OF LAKE OKANAGAN; PERHAPS IT’S THE UNSTOPPABLE, DETERMINED LIFE-FORCE WHICH FEEDS THE 61 ACRES OF VINES. MOST CERTAINLY, IT’S THE EFFERVESCENT PASSION AND FOCUS OF 50TH PARALLEL CO-FOUNDERS AND PROPRIETORS, CURTIS KROUZEL AND SHERI-LEE TURNER-KROUZEL, WHICH INFUSES EVERY SINGLE SQUARE INCH OF THIS WORLD-CLASS WINE DESTINATION. After hand-planting the first vines in 2009, this extraordinary couple and their team continue to develop 50th Parallel into a transformative entity on the Okanagan wine country landscape.

Together, with winemaker Grant Stanley, they have created a deliciously approachable portfolio of cool-climate varietal wines that dazzle your taste buds with each sip. Guests are always treated to a “Welcome Wine” and a hearty, genuine greeting upon arrival— sometimes even before you enter the tasting room. Your experience ramps up when you begin sampling the portfolio of ridiculously quaffable yet very foodfriendly wines: the fresh, creamy stone fruit of the Pinot Gris; citrus fruit, honey, and minerals of the Riesling; and the peach, kiwi, toasted nutty-marshmallow of the Chardonnay. The Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir—grown in blocks specifically for this wine, which is fresh and crisp, showing notes of strawberry, raspberry, and savoury herb flavours. Then comes the Pinot Noir, Curtis Krouzel’s selfprofessed “reason for living”, made from block-specific Dijon clones, which is delicate yet supple, offering dark berry, truffle, and chocolate on the palate.

Truly spectacular is 50th Parallel’s latest release, the appropriately titled 2014 Unparalleled Pinot Noir. Winner of the Decanter Wine Awards Silver medal, brooding, dark purple edges give way to an intense, red rose center. Herbaceous and warm, earthy aromas abound, with a hint of rose petal, toasted walnut and anise. Ripe black cherry, black currant, baked blueberries, and a hint of roasted red pepper kiss your palate, with caresses of black pepper, toasted cashews, and slate minerality. Retailing at $50.00/bottle, Unparalleled is only available in groupings of six bottles, elegantly packaged in a beautifully crafted wooden box. Just 300 cases were produced—a limited opportunity to enjoy this quintessential Okanagan Pinot Noir.

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While simply ‘stopping by’ is a joy unto itself, 50th Parallel Estate Winery has designed additional, unique guest experiences offering exceptional service and unbridled energy—promising to create precious memories.

The “Grape to Glass Tour” offers an engaging vineyard walk, complete with a production facility tour and a tasting of their six current releases, hosted by one of the Wine Hospitality Concierge.

This package, at $40/person, can be customized for a minimum of six guests for an unparalleled wine experience.

Highly recommended is the “Crush Pad Lounge VIP Tasting”—which will surely provide an unforgettable day amongst the vines. Sip and savour 50th Parallel’s wines in a private, sitdown, guided tasting with your personal Wine Hospitality Concierge, including a tasting of their current six current releases, and an exclusive opportunity to sample the 2014 Unparalleled Pinot Noir, as tastings of this wine are not available to the public.

Cheese and charcuterie platters can be added to enhance your taste-tripping, and wine is available by the glass or bottle while lounging. This tour is worth every cent at just $60/person; maximum eight people per group.

Both tours include a $10 gift card towards a wine or retail purchase. Visit 50thparallel.com for more information about the wines and tasting experiences.

50th Parallel Estate Winery is a place you may never want to leave; a place that seemingly goes on forever in your heart, and your mind. ~ Kris Johnson

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 9

   GRAY MONK– A HISTORY OF EXCELLENT WINEMAKING When you visit Gray Monk Estate Winery in Lake Country, you enter a vibrant world of color and the quintessential Okanagan view, with lush vines framing the shores of Okanagan Lake. Along with the superb wines, it is an experience that entices locals and visitors alike to sip their internationally renowned wines, dine on gastric delights at the Grapevine Restaurant and discover the perfect gifts in their large and well-appointed wine shop.

Vintage photo of Gray Monk proprietors Trudy & George circa 1976.

Proprietor Trudy Heiss is heartened by the continued strength of their customers’ loyalty. They enjoy a huge Alberta following and their local customers, including over 2,000 Wine Club members, frequent the winery over and over.

Gray Monk is open daily from 9am to 9pm, with free hourly tours from 11am to 4pm. Participate in free tastings of four wines from each of their Latitude and Estate series, or for $5 pamper your palate with four exceptional samples from their Odyssey series.

Trudy has selected the 2014 Odyssey Rosé Brut as the perfect summer sipper.

Made from a blend of Pinot Meunier and the traditional Pinot Noir grape, it displays fresh berry and melon followed by a smooth, creamy palate and crisp finish. The Rosé Brut is perfect on its own, or pair it with your favorite charcuterie.

She also recommends their newlyreleased Chardonnay and Ehrenfelser.

“They are both flying off the shelves,” she says. “Already, we have 1,000 cases gone!”

The Heiss family, including owners George and Trudy along with their three sons, deliver one of the best wine experiences in BC. Don’t miss it! ~ Deanna Rainey

10 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

EAT, DRINK, & PLAY AT KRAUSE BERRY FARMS & ESTATE WINERY Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery’s berry season was off to an early start for 2016 and the berry pickers have even more to enjoy on the property this year. Opened in June, the Fresh Family Fun Field is an entire field where both adults and children can play. Visitors will find giant strawberry and pumpkin jumping pillows, farm games full of both agricultural facts and fun. On the weekends enjoy live entertainment on the farm fresh stage and Farmer Alf’s Tractor Training where there are mini and adult John Deere pedal cart tractors to test your tractor skills. Visit the big Red Truck to hear and see the talking farmer and talking chicken show. And if you get hungry, munch on fresh farm food made daily from their Harvest Kitchen such as donuts, popcorn, shortcakes and more.

Mark August 7th on the calendar for their Outdoor movie night. Tickets for entry to the field are available when you arrive at the Fresh Family Fun Field entry window but if you would like to make a reservation for a covered chuck wagon located inside the field, book online at krauseberryfarms. com or call 604.856.5757.

Tour Krause Berry Farms aboard the Tractor Train, rides runs every weekend to learn what is growing and all about

their Integrated Pest Management growing methods. Tickets can be purchased for just $2 cash per person from the driver, located outside the Fresh Family Fun Field entrance and it leaves every 20 – 30 minutes.

Krause has partnered with Chef Wolfgang to create the Farmer’s Table Cooking School where all the ingredients are sourced from the Historic Otter 248th Trail or local neighbouring farms. Visit the website for upcoming classes.

Along with the berries, you can pick your own flowers for $9.99 a vase. Every other Friday, if you have signed up for the farm fresh box, there will be veggies from their Potage Garden available for pick up, along with fresh bread and a berry pie. Add in a bottle of wine, some popcorn and their home-made salsa and you are set.

At the winery, the new Sparkling Blueberry wine is selling fast and the winemaker, Sandra Lee won a Double Gold award for the Raspberry Sparkling Wine. Enjoy bumbleberry and elderberry flavours in their new Hopalong-be Cider! It is an apple based cider with hops. Visitors sip Winearitas and Sangria over lunch and can choose from over 20 different wines including Cassis, their newest dessert wine made with black currants. ~ Cassandra Anderton

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 THE VIEW IS ALWAYS SPECTACULAR

#TGFP AND THE WEST COAST GRILL + OYSTER BAR In summer, we all proclaim #TGFP – Thank God for Patios. Settle in for refreshing beverages and delectable food at ideally situated West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar’s patio overlooking Kelowna’s signature City Park. Inside the downtown Prestige Inn with convenient onsite parking, West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar is the Okanagan’s premiere seafood house with a menu that offers an extensive selection of fresh and sustainable coastal seafood including oysters, prawns, mussels, crab and sushi, along with a variety of salads, flatbreads, burgers and steaks. Consider Fresh Sheet items such as the West Coast Sushi Roll or Dungeness Crab Bruschetta and starters to share like Fish Tacos and Calamari Sticks. Choose a cocktail or sip selections from the great BC wine and local beer list. On draft are Tree Brewing,

Bad Tattoo, Firehall Brewing – its Holy Smoke was awarded best stout pairing at the Osoyoos Oyster Festival, or a little further afield, Victoria’s Driftwood or Vancouver’s Steamworks. By the glass and by the bottle wines include such local wineries as Okanagan Crush Pad, Red Rooster, 50th Parallel Estate, Tinhorn Creek, Kettle Valley, Mission Hill and Lake Breeze. Exclusively by the bottle, there’s Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate, Spierhead, Sandhill, Osoyoos Larose, and CedarCreek. For that big night out or special occasion, there’s Sandhill Syrah, or Mission Hill Compendium and Oculus. Happy Hour runs daily, 3 to 6 pm, where it’s buck-a-shuck for ‘superior’ selection oysters, 15% off starters and the Fresh Sheet; and house wine is $5 per glass. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

At The View Winery in southeast Kelowna, ‘fabulous and fun’ is one pairing that is guaranteed to delight. Delicious wines and ciders are the order of the day, and their sparkling wine-in-a-can, BLING, is an ongoing crowd-pleaser. And there are numerous new reasons to drop by The View.

It had to happen eventually… this year, The View has partnered with Artisto Gelato to create a double chocolate

Jennifer Molgat

gelato infused with The View Pinotage, and was awarded the Judges Choice at Devour in March for their combined effort. The pairings proved so successful they are featuring two gelato-and-wine pairing events at The View, July 8th to 10th and August 12th to 14th.

President Jennifer Molgat has also announced the release of three new small lot wines under her flirty red shoe label.

These wines are available exclusively at The View’s charming wine shop at their heritage apple packing house location.

The 2015 White Pinotage ($19.95), North America’s first white Pinotage from the red Pinotage grape, has fresh aromas of floral, citrus and subtle berry, with flavours of pineapple and white peach.

And the 2015 Ehrenfelser ($19.95), an off-dry white, contains delicious layers of floral and succulent fruit notes. The sumptuous 2015 Pinot Gris ($19.95) is also a must-try during your visit.

The View is open from 11:00 to 6:30 daily, and offers five tastings for $4, which is refunded with a wine or $15 cider purchase. Their boardwalk style picnic area offers select cheeses and charcuterie plates. Just minutes from downtown Kelowna, this historic ‘don’t miss’ is sure to be one of your summer favorites! Just look for the red shoe! ~ Deanna Rainey

Kicking up our heels over the new releases at The View Winery!

1-2287 Ward Rd., Kelowna, BC theviewwinery.com (p) 250.860.0742 Hours: May-October 11am - 6:30pm 7 days a week

Just look for the RED Shoe www.winetrails.ca

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 11

 RAUDZ AND MICRO RAISE THE BAR When we talk about raising the bar at Kelowna’s RauDZ Regional Table and its nearby sibling, micro bar.bites, we’re raving about their elevated locally focused cuisine and the combined power of their beverage lists. Consider beer: RauDZ has six taps dedicated to local selections while micro has another eight taps with both local and international beer on tap. Let’s do the math together.

That’s 14 taps of choice for craft beer aficionados and perfect for wine touring folks whose taste buds are tired of wine.

Okay, maybe true oenophiles never tire of wine. For those folks, RauDZ wine list is 100% local with 20 wines by the glass from which to choose. Among the extensive wine list are three fabulous large format 1.5-litre bottles including Kettle Valley Winery Malbec 2011 and Meyer Family Vineyard 2013 McLean

Creek Pinot Noir for sharing with friends.

If you’re thirsting for a bit of bubble, there’s sparkling wine including the Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey Brut Rosé 2012 that recently was awarded Best Sparkling, Okanagan Wine Festival 2016. RauDZ recent list features nine of the ‘Best of Varietal’ winners from the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.

To provide international flavour and flair, micro carries wine from around the world as well as features BC wines.

You can do a world wine tour without leaving your bar stool. Can’t wait to get started? Now opened for lunch, too, micro’s creatively simple approach in its tapas and bar menus allows you to grab a quick bite even if you’re pressed for time. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

The bar at RauDZ

DUFFERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE– GOLF, EAT, DRINK Three of the Okanagan’s favorite pastimes are drinking wine, eating and playing golf. Duffers at Mission Creek Golf Course offers all three in a cozy neighbourhood near the southeast Kelowna area.

Duffers has a great menu to choose from for all three meals of the dayand of course, delicious snacks as well.

The brunches have been a huge hit with entrees ranging from decadent Eggs Benedict to breakfast wraps for

those on the go. For lunch or dinner, favorites include the traditional pub food menu including Fish & Chips or the Steak Sandwich. Whatever you have a hankering for, Duffers aims to please the hungry golf crowd as well as their local, casual clientele. There is also a kid’s menu to choose from.

Patio season is upon us and guests will be able to linger under the Okanagan sun, sipping wine and enjoying a meal overlooking the green golf course. Check out their great BC wine list to enjoy too or cold beer on tap. Chef Damian will also be offering dinner specials and changes to the menu as seasons change.

Family run by the local Welder family, Duffers/Mission Creek Golf Course also offer a large event space to rent for a special family events, business meetings or weddings! ~ Jennifer Schell

AT MISSION CREEK GOLF CLUB

W ELCOME

E njoy OUR NEW, CASUAL PUB STYLE MENU Banquet Room AVAILABLE FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT

to the ne w Duffer s. We hop e you enjoy our ne w far m to table

menu. We have p ar tnered up with sever al local sup p lier s to ensure that we use only the best quality ingredients. Our bread is baked on a far m 5 minutes up the road by Bread on Wheels. Our meat is sup p lied by Two River s. Our Beef Str ip loin is aged on the bone for 30 day s, it is r aised without any hor mones, steroids or anti-biotics, as well as our chicken and bacon. The chicken is sourced from far m crest in salmon ar m and our beef is from cache creek, B.C, our bacon is from johnsons p ork in the Fr asier Valley. All of our oceanwise and sustainable seafood is sup p lied by Codfather s. We have also worked with Sy sco to sup p ly our p roduce from S&G Far ms in

LUXURY TRANSPORTATION

Oliver and Other Far mer s within the Inter ior. The rest of our p roduce comes from Don O Ray s far m just a stones throw from our Golf Cour se. You can taste their

10AM – 8PM DAILY 12 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

lovely tomatoes in our soup and our signature bur ger. Enjoy.

Sincerely,

250.762.3230

Ch ef Al ex Lavroff and t h e D uffers Team

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 OAK + CRU SOCIAL KITCHEN & WINE BAR MAKES A SPLASH NEWS ALERT: KELOWNA’S HOTTEST NEW DESTINATION PATIO JUST OPENED ON THE DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT. LOCATED WITHIN THE DELTA GRAND OKANAGAN RESORT, UNDER NEW MARRIOTT HOTEL OWNERSHIP, OAK + CRU SOCIAL KITCHEN & WINE BAR IS SET TO THRILL.

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The hotel has just received a makeover, and she looks beautiful. A shiny new lobby off of Water Street will lead you through the hip new Oak + Cru Social Kitchen & Wine Bar. What begins as a modern new lounge room with a sleek bar, cool art and leather accents, steps down to the water front level room with new fire deck oven to the left, complete with bar stools to hang with the chefs. Face forward to the water view through the floor to ceiling roll back windows then step out onto the sexy new 130 person patio deck set on the water. The vibe is chill, with Indie tunes playing indoor and out to set the mood.

Around the corner is a private patio that guests can book for personal and business gatherings.

Warning: Executive Chef Iain Rennie’s menu will cause involuntary mouth watering. With items ranging from flatbreads and other classic creations from the Fire Deck oven like French onion soup, here called Old Grandad Soup or Baked Mac (n’ cheese), to locally focused soups and salads or the ‘Tried & True” favorites like Hali & Chips, Soul

Food (fried chicken!) or burgers (both meat and veg), there really is something for everyone. I can’t wait to have brunch on that patio this summer! There is a choice of five Bennies to choose fromhow does the Maryland featuring chicken and waffles sound? Heck ya! I love the little tongue in cheek humour on the menu ie. social chicken eggs are used referencing the free range terminology.

The food team here is big on sourcing local, and farmers like Doug Haggarty (Fester’s Organics) are specifically noted on the menu. I love the fresh herbs that are planted around the patio outside too, very in keeping with this theme. Open from breakfast to midnight, this kitchen will feed every appetite.

And then there is the wine. And, true to its name, this is a wine bar and it features 300+ labels of Okanagan wine only!!

Finally a place in town, where visitors and wine lovers can hang out and taste from all of our wine regions here and support our local industry. Cheers to that.

See you on the patio! ~ Jennifer Schell

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 13



CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY– ENTERTAINING WINE COUNTRY “Been there, done that”, is not a phrase you’ll hear at CedarCreek Estate Winery. There are so many things happening at this beloved Okanagan institution that you could return every week and never repeat yourself.

Legendary wines and a plethora of activities means there’s an option for everyone at this magnificent facility.

CedarCreek has a multifaceted approach to winery tours, offering something for every level of commitment. Only have a few minutes? Pop into the wineshop (10-7, daily) for a pour at the charming tasting bar. For an informative peek behind the scenes, join one of the three daily tours throughout the season. Want to learn the field-to-table story of that delicious glass you’re sipping? Take advantage of the unique paired vineyard tour. For visitors who prefer an intimate setting to experience CedarCreek’s excellent vintages, the winery offers an unobtrusive, sommelier-guided

paired tasting at the Vineyard Terrace restaurant. If you have time, you’ll want to linger here; Executive Chef Jeremy Tucker’s tantalizing lunch and dinner menus are perfectly complimented by the glorious view of Lake Okanagan from the patio.

Those views get even better down among the vines, at the enchanting Vineyard Pavilion. Throughout the summer, this heavenly spot plays host to a variety of events.

Perhaps your downward dog is in need of some inspiration. Try out the weekly sunset yoga sessions overlooking the lake. If the serenity of stretching with a gorgeous view is just too much for you, never fear! You can relieve your stress afterwards with a glass of tasty tranquility in the garden lounge.

Even the aspiring painter has a home at CedarCreek, with the winery’s Vineyard Artist series. Which wines pair best with a paintbrush? Find out, as three talented

local artists guide you in creating some wall-worthy pieces (over a glass or two of winemaking artistry). Attend each of these evenings, and by the end of the summer, you’ll have a complete gallery!

Music aficionados eagerly anticipate CedarCreek’s summer concerts, featuring Juno Award-winning artists. This year, there are exciting performances by Kim Mitchell, Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine

Maida, and an unplugged evening with Matthew Good.

With such an array of exceptional experiences on offer at CedarCreek, you’ll find yourself constantly saying, “been there, but haven’t done that… yet!” (Then visit cedarcreek.bc.ca to reserve your spot!) ~ Abbey Westbury

To fully appreciate our wines, you need to see where they come from.

Wine Tastings, Vineyard Walks and Winery Tours Daily Vineyard Terrace Restaurant Open Daily for lunch and dinner Visit cedarcreek.bc.ca or call 778 738 1027 We look forward to seeing you this Summer!

14 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

Kelowna, B.C.

www.winetrails.ca



RAISE YOUR GLASS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH SUMMERHILL’S 20/20 VISION SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY IS RENOWNED THROUGHOUT THE OKANAGAN VALLEY. MORE THAN A VINEYARD, WINERY AND RESTAURANT, IT IS A THRIVING ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM; PROOF THAT A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CAN BE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, AND A BEACON FOR EVERYONE WHO VALUES NATURE, LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE CUISINE, AND WINES THAT EXPRESS PURITY AND AUTHENTICITY.

(l-r) Paul LaGrange, chef Alex Lavroff & Ezra Cipes

“

Summerhill’s vision brings so much joy to my work. It lets me invest my creativity into doing something that I feel is of real value for the guests and for the world.

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”

A quick look around Summerhill tells a convincing story, from visitors lounging on the patio enjoying the stunning views to those wandering through the gardens; everyone is smiling, chatting, eating, drinking, and having a good time. There must be something in the air, the food, the wine…. dare we say it is the good vibrations of love?

Hospitality is a key part of Summerhill’s founding vision, and one that fortifies the food & beverage manager Paul LeGrange. Says LeGrange “We want to make sure our guests can feel the love that is behind everything we do here.”

Working closely with LeGrange, winery chef Alex Lavroff took the helm of Summerhill’s Sunset Organic Bistro this spring and is feeling the vibe. “I moved back to the Okanagan three years ago with my wife and new baby. The community of chefs in the Okanagan has been amazingly supportive. They recommended me to Summerhill when they heard of an opening, and I feel like I’ve found my home. Summerhill’s vision brings so much joy to my work. It lets me invest my creativity into doing something that I feel is of real value for the guests and for the world.”

Chef Alex Lavroff and his dedicated team are committed to using only the best ingredients from the onsite biodynamic gardens and honoured organic farmers and foragers from around the province. The purity of Summerhill wines work well with chef Lavroff’s ethos in the kitchen, where the clarity of flavours speak for themselves.

Summerhill wines are fine examples of man working symbiotically with the harmonious notes of nature. The bold, smooth 2012 Cabernets are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from organic vineyards in Osoyoos. True

to the local terroir, they hold notes that are distinctively and proudly rooted in the South Okanagan.

Summerhill’s dedication to organic and biodynamic principles reaches into all corners of the business and beyond.

“Biodynamics is about the farm as an ecosystem, and it does not exist in isolation,” said Summerhill’s CEO Ezra Cipes. “It’s about the welfare of the whole region. We would love to see the whole valley working organically. My dad [Summerhill founder and proprietor Stephen Cipes] and brother Gabe, along with a group of dedicated visionary volunteers, have launched the “2020 Vision” campaign. They are working to see the whole valley organic by 2020.

It is a brave vision to think we could get the whole region seeing clearly in such a short time, but it is the right vision. It is a vision of true sustainability. And it is doable! Whole countries have embraced this vision. Look at Bhutan and Denmark.

What do these countries understand that Canada doesn’t? We hope that all the farmers and residents of the Okanagan will listen and understand what these countries are doing and embrace that vision at home.”

There are not many places on this planet fortunate enough to enjoy farm-to-table cuisine; the Okanagan is one of the lucky regions of the world, and with Summerhill’s vision of an Organic Okanagan, visitors and locals should be able to enjoy the bounty of nature for generations to come.

This year, the vineyard, gardens and wetlands will be open to visitors where they can learn more about the beauty of biodynamic culture and take some time to feel the harmonious vibe of Summerhill.

It’s a beautiful simplicity of being. ~ Henrietta Poirier

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 15

 MASTERING WINEMAKING AT SANDHILL WINES “I LOVE INNOVATION AND DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT,” SAYS MASTER WINEMAKER HOWARD SOON AT SANDHILL WINERY, AND UNOFFICIAL GODFATHER OF THE OKANAGAN WINE INDUSTRY. A 36 YEAR VETERAN OF WINEMAKING IN OUR VALLEY, SOON REMAINS A PIONEER OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. In 1980, fate and curiousity brought Howard Soon to the nascent Okanagan wine region. Calona Wines welcomed him as their new lab manager, and had the foresight to promote him in short order to assistant winemaker. By 1997, his passion and talent landed him the role of winemaker at Sandhill. His background as a scientist drives him to pursue excellence in the bottle, but as a winemaker, Soon is known for his ardent belief that great wine is made in the vineyard. Maybe it’s more appropriate to consider him a “wine alchemist”.

Truly, what he creates has been infused with a little bit of magic.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the recently released Soon Series wines.

The 2013 red blend was co-fermented (the grapes all five of the varietals were crushed, fermented and pressed together) –an ancient way of creating

a blend, but not common practice today. A true scientist, Soon was skeptical until his hypothesis was proven; the resulting wine is in perfect harmony, and has a depth of flavour that can’t be recreated in any lab. As he describes his process, the veteran vintner chuckles at the realization that “innovation” in winemaking has come full-circle. Similarly, the 2014 single-block, barrel-fermented Chardonnay is a testament to oldworld methodology. Soon’s expertise and grower Richard Cleave’s green thumbs showcase the exquisite result of careful, respectful winemaking.

Only two barrels were made of each of the Soon Series vintages, and they’re only available at the winery. Hurry!

The Soon Series’ may be scarce, but fortunately, Sandhill has plenty of other excellent wines on hand this summer.

Vintage photo of Howard Soon circa 1992.

Perfect for our glorious Okanagan weather is the award-winning Sandhill 2015 Rosé ($15.75) (Gold medal, Pacific Rim Wine Competition). Made from Sangiovese, it’s light in colour and fruitforward, with a refreshing acidity that makes it expressive on the palette.

Also appropriate to the season is the 2015 Osprey Ridge Viognier ($16.99).

Distinctively fruity and lively, this is simultaneously sweet and thirst-quenching –a precarious and masterful balance.

Such mastery is not surprising from a dynamo like Sandhill. It’s evident in everything they do. It’s fitting that their magnificent urban facility is the first of its kind in the Okanagan. The contemporary

architecture is spacious and bright, funky and welcoming. It is a working winery; all of Sandhill’s wines are made in the back, and visitors can peek into the sleek barrel room, but more than just a building, it is an anchor of its neighbourhood and local community.

To that end, guests can take advantage of informative, interactive tastings, the readily-accessible wine shop and the regular community events the winery hosts. Throughout the summer, the tasting room is open daily from 10-6, and you can extend your visit with a glass in the sunny atrium. All year long, enjoy Friday night happy hour (5-8), featuring $5 wine and locally-catered appies, and lively local bands. Check the Sandhill Wines Facebook page for the summer lineup.

The approachable-yet-trailblazing vibe at Sandhill is a perfect reflection of the man at its helm. He may be the valley’s amiable elder statesman, but Howard Soon’s humble demeanour belies his progressive spirit. “Nobody knows it all,” he says. Perhaps, but the wines of Sandhill prove, time and again, that Howard Soon knows how to cultivate genius. ~ Abbey Westbury

experience our new soon series wines BC VQA OK ANAGAN VALLEY • BC VQA SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY

Discover the difference that a single vineyard can make.

Visit our new Sandhill Winery in the heart of downtown Kelowna.

1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC • 250-979-4211 www.sandhillwines.ca

16 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

Soon Series is a showcase of the wisdom that has come from Howard S o o n ’s t we n t y - ye a r t e nu re a s Sandhill’s Master Winemaker. Forging valued partnerships with the region’s finest growers and championing a t e rro i r- d r i ve n ap p ro a c h h a s consistently led to award winning single vineyard wines.

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   SUMMER SURPRISES AT SPIERHEAD WINERY It’s summer at SpierHead Winery and Proprietor Marina Knutson says they’ve been very busy this spring, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.

A picturesque drive to southeast Kelowna will take you to SpierHead, where you can taste up to six wines for just $5, and one tasting fee is refunded for each bottle you purchase!

Now there are even more ways to pamper your palate at SpierHead.

Beginning this summer, relax in the picnic area or bring up a group of friends or colleagues to the vineyard-framed events’ area, and enjoy some tempting foods to accompany your favorite wines. The Patio At SpierHead features charcuterie platters, a selection of cheeses and delicious thin crust pizza baked on site in the newly installed wood fired pizza oven. Hours for The Patio are 12pm to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.

The event area - great for corporate functions, small weddings or family get togethers – will comfortably host 50 to 75 people. For that special occasion, you can order light fare catering through the winery.

And while you’re enjoying the view in the picnic or event areas, be sure to take a stroll through SpierHeads’ ‘demonstration

vineyard’, where you’ll learn about the different varietals that are used to make sumptuous SpierHead wines.

The SpierHead team has been busy in the surrounding vineyard, too. This year an additional two acres of Riesling grapes have been planted, and a western facing slope is now home to 2.5 acres of new Pinot Noir grapes.

Marina’s recommendation for the perfect summer sipper is SpierHead’s 2015 Pinot Gris ($19.00).

“It’s so versatile. The Pinot Gris will go with all of the foods being offered on site, and any light or summer fare. It pairs perfectly with many of the foods that are grown locally,” she said.

The Tasting Room at SpierHead Winery is open Sunday through Tuesday from 11am to 5:30, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 7pm. ~ Deanna Rainey

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.

SpierHead is open daily for the summer and fall: Sunday to Tuesday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

3950 Spiers Rd., Kelowna 250.763.7777 info@spierheadwinery.com spierheadwinery.com www.winetrails.ca

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 17

   GO WEST FOR #TASTYTUESDAY OR ANY DAY The Westside Wine Trail invites you to take to the trail for a rare comparison each Tuesday. The recently launched #TastyTuesday is a coordinated effort where member wineries who make a certain wine all pour it that day in their unique tasting rooms so you can explore how different winemakers bring out the flavours in that varietal or blend.

Really any day is a great day to tour the Westside and its diverse wineries from some of the oldest and most

Beaumont Family Estate Winery

established in the Okanagan to some of the most recent. Beyond age, size and amenities, the diversity goes to the wine varietals offered and based on where the grapes are grown, the nuances within those vintages. As for taste, your opportunities to satisfy your cravings go beyond what’s in your glass to what’s on your plate. You’ll find five wineries with tantalizing restaurants including newcomer Indigenous World Winery and the established Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate, Little Straw, and Volcanic Hills. If you prefer to pack your own Okanagan goodies, many of the other wineries offer licenced al fresco areas and patios in which to enjoy their wine along with your picnic lunch. Throughout the summer, watch for special events when some of the wineries will feature taco or other food trucks onsite. Within a short drive from Kelowna, you’ll find the Westside Wine Trail where the wineries are perched in close proximity to each other in idyllic rural settings from quaint to spectacular. Some offer spectacular lake views while others verdant vineyards.

Visit thewestsidewinetrail.com for all the latest news and touring details. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

A SOLO FROM SAUVIGNON BLANC AND THE HARMONIOUS BLENDS If that title sounds like a band from the sixties it’s because the companionship of wine and music is as ancient as, well, wine and music.

Kalala Organic Estate Winery is launching a sensational solo this year. A particularly exciting harvest of Sauvignon Blanc grown in the unique climate of Oliver has passed the scrutiny of winemaker Tibor Erdelyi, and it will be allowed to sing solo in this year’s Dostana Sauvignon Blanc.

But let’s not forget the talent singing in the band of harmonious blends.

A common misconception amongst wine drinkers is that quality is best found in wines of a single variety.

Fortunately for wine tasters with palates seeking adventure, Tibor dispels that myth with the many award-winning blends lining the shelves of Kalala Organic Estate

winemaker Tibby Erdelyi

Winery. “Blends” states Tibor, “are where the real wine making begins.”

Each grape variety holds unique qualities, and just as it takes more than one voice to create harmony in a choir, in wine it can take more than one grape to make an astounding blend.

Kalala doesn’t just believe in making award-winning wines, as a company with a conscience Kalala has a strong focus on stewardship of the land and on contributing to community. They support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and this year, proceeds from the Chardonnay Icewine were matched and donated to Fort McMurray Fire Relief.

This summer, visit the Kalala tasting room for an authentic wine tasting experience. Check the website at kalala.ca for more information. ~ Henrietta Poirier

ORGANIC 18 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

www.winetrails.ca

   THE SUMMER BOUNTY ARRIVES AT VOLCANIC HILLS New to the already impressive lineup at Volcanic Hills this summer is the well-known West Kelowna winery’s first vintage of Viognier, a classic and much celebrated French varietal renowned for both its floral and fruitful qualities.

Two different takes have been made on this classic grape – a more citric straight varietal with hints of peach along with a more fruitful Reserve Viognier. However, the limited production of the inaugural vintage means that this unique wine will only available to Volcanic Hills Wine Club members this year. Fortunately, those who register before July 31st will still be able to receive this prestigious wine that remains quite rare in the Okanagan in their August shipment.

However, it’s been a bountiful year for Volcanic Hills Winery in more ways than one; with their 2011 Pinot Noir taking home a Gold medal at this year’s Best of BC Wine Awards for Best of Varietal.

And while the Viognier is only available through the wine club, this light-bodied red with a cherry and dark mocha finish is currently still available in the wineshop as well as for tasting, in addition to a further 20 different wines throughout the whole of the summer season.

If all of this were not reason enough to swing out to West Kelowna and visit the winery beneath the shadow of the now dormant volcano, Mount Boucherie – the city of West Kelowna will be playing host to this year’s Feast of Fields – Okanagan. The well-known celebration of local wine, food, and beer will be held on August 14th and showcase a number of craft distilleries, local produce, and of course – specially paired meals with local wines. It’s the perfect opportunity to come out, unwind, and revel in the bounty of the volcanic heritage that makes the city of West Kelowna, and this winery, so distinct.

2015 Reserve Viognier - $30.00 An alternative take on her straight varietal sister, this barrel aged Viognier is enriched with just a touch of yet another classic French grape, Chardonnay. Citric to the nose but fruit-forward to the palate, much like the straight varietal.

The Reserve Viognier shows a strong burst of apple with just a hint of peach on the finish, breaking from the French traditions of Viognier to establish a distinctive Okanagan-style. ~ Blake Allen

QUAILS’ GATE WINERY SUMPTUOUS SUMMER TOURS At Quails’ Gate Winery, the myriad of tours and tastings are as unique and enjoyable as the award-winning wines you’ll discover there.

Quails’ Gate offers a variety of wine experiences to welcome and entice guests into the wonders of the Stewart Family estate. From chocolate and wine tastings to a tour designed for the entire family, there is something for everyone’s palate.

The irresistible Chocolate and Wine Tasting is an enthusiasts’ dream, including a guided wine pairing beginning with a welcome wine as you stroll through the vineyard. Discover the art of how wine and chocolate complement each other while tasting four wines and select chocolate.

This tour is limited to 12 guests, so book in advance. Book online at quailsgate.com/ tour-tastings. Tastings are $25 and run daily in the summer at 12 noon and 2 pm.

A $5 rebate is offered on purchases of two or more bottles of wine.

Experience the Quails’ Gate renowned hospitality during the Scenic Seated Terrace Tasting, where you’ll enjoy the view of the Stewart Family vineyards as they cascade gently down to the shores of Okanagan Lake. The tour includes a guided flight of four top-tier Stewart Family Reserve and Collector Series wines paired with small food bites prepared at Old Vines Restaurant.

This 75 minute experience is $49 and is offered at 11:30 and 2:30 pm.

Great for the entire family, Quails’ Gate Family Tour is a 60 minute guided experience that explores the Stewart Family heritage, the estate’s vineyards and a behind-the-scenes look at wine production and bottling. Concluding with a three-wine tasting, the fee is $15 per adult and guests under 19 are free. Join in the fun at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm.

There are plenty of other tour and tasting options, including the Best of Boucherie Tour with reserve wines, the Wine Bar Tasting, the Taste of the Estate Tour and more.

And be sure to try the 2014 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, which just took home the Gold at Decanter World Wide Awards in London, UK. It was an amazing feat for an amazing wine. ~ Deanna Rainey

3303 Boucherie Rd. West Kelowna 1-800-420-9463 | quailsgate.com www.winetrails.ca

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 19

Photo: Jennifer Cockrall-King

   BEACHES & BONFIRE AT THE COVE LAKESIDE RESORT

owners, Mike & Samantha Stokes

BUY THE SEA: TASTE THE DIFFERENCE Legendary management consultant Peter Drucker said, “Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it.

It is what the client or customer gets out of it.” That’s the point Buy the Sea owners Mike and Samantha Stokes make when they challenge you to “Taste The Difference”. Buy the Sea has been open in Penticton for 24+ years on Main Street and in West Kelowna on Louie Drive for 5+ years with a passion from the beginning for freshness, flavour and quality. Says Mike, “Our seafood comes to us direct – no lengthy supply chain, and often overnight from boat to store. As fresh as vendors on the BC Coast, our promise is that you will taste the difference!”

Before moving to the Okanagan, Mike spent much of his life on Vancouver Island at Campbell River where he managed a large marine business that worked closely with commercial and recreational fishermen. This background has served him well. “We know our fish, where it’s from, how it was caught, and how to cook it,” says Mike. Offering the largest selection of Sockeye Salmon, Halibut, Marlin, Spot Prawns, Oysters, Pickerel, Ahi Tuna and other fish in

the South Okanagan, Buy the Sea has shipments arriving off the boat overnight three-to-five times weekly.

Besides selling restaurant quality and sushi-grade fish that is plump and juicy, Samantha and Mike enjoy cooking it and are delighted to provide cooking tips and free recipes. If you don’t want to cook it yourself, both locations offer Fish n’ Chips, Oysters, Prawns, Seafood Chowders and Baja Fish Tacos to eat in or take away. The menu gets excellent TripAdvisor reviews with accolades such as “fantastic, awesome, and best” for the halibut and chips.

The commitment extends to finding healthy, sustainable sources. In 2012, Buy the Sea became a member of the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise™ conversation program. Sustainability at home is also cherished as it supports local businesses, for example, buying product such as Road 17 Arctic Char and Wrap It Up Tortilla. On the stores’ shelves, you’ll find seafood companion items including local favourites Okanagan Wineland Dressings and Little Miss Chief Wild Smoked Salmon. For further information, store hours or to preview the menu, seasonal specialties and products, see buythesea.ca ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Cradled along the Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna sheltered from the din of summer traffic, The Cove Lakeside Resort is an ideal headquarters for your vacation or staycation. Sitting on the beach, by the pool or on Bonfire Restaurant’s waterfront patio it’s easy to relax entranced by the lovely gardens, shimmering waters and vineyard-lined hills beyond. To revitalize your mind and body even more there’s The Spa at The Cove onsite. How perfect after a day of wine touring, fun in the Okanagan sun, or a sailing expedition from The Cove Marina. To put an exclamation on that perfect day, let executive chef Brian Fowke and his amazing team at Bonfire Restaurant tantalize your taste buds. Talk about showcasing locally inspired specialties; the cuisine here features local farmers, produce growers, and suppliers as well as freshly grown

e g l u Ind in The Cove Lakeside Resort

There are so many delightful activities to experience that enjoying a stay at The Cove Lakeside Resort is a great way to explore and indulge in our picturesque region.

Inquire about our Indulgence Package Offers.

Call now & secure your reservation 1.877.762.2683 or email info@thecovekelowna.com

The Cove Lakeside Resort

4205 Gellatly Road | West KeloWna | BC

1.877.762.2683 | 250.707.1800 www.covelakeside.com

Penticton 106-2100 Main Street (Near BCAA) 250.492.3474

Fish N’ Chip Shop 20 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

items from its own Bonfire’s Culinary Garden kitty-corner to the hotel entrance. The multi-award winning Chef Fowke complements all those intense and fresh flavours with an extensive wine list. You’ll find international labels balanced with a list that shines the light on Okanagan wines produced by world-class operations to family-run vineyards. There’s a full beverage menu, too, including selections of local spirits and craft beer. For features such as the Prix Fixe Menu of three courses paired with local wine, available Monday to Wednesday, or special garden dinners visit bonfirerestaurant.ca This bit of paradise is loved by visitors and locals.

If you really want to spoil yourself, check into all the special accommodation offers such as “Indulge in Wine” at covelakesideresort.com ~ Roslyne Buchanan

www.outbacklakeside.com

West Kelowna 104-2231 Louie Drive (Near Rexall) 250.768.3474

www.buythesea.ca www.winetrails.ca

    Fine Silver Jewellery Uni que 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

www.winetrails.ca

TREASURES AWAIT YOU IN DELONG STUDIO Allow yourself the time and pleasure to follow the DeLong Studio signs off Highway 97 in the Trout Creek neighbourhood of Summerland. Here, you’ll discover there’s more than lakes and wine sparkling in the Okanagan.

With a fresh look and stocked with exciting new pieces after last year’s 25th Anniversary festivities, DeLong Studio continues to offer unique shopping in its garden cottage setting. Owner John DeLong and Manager Sue May returned from key industry events such as the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows with sensational materials for their production, innovative ideas and some new artisans.

Find treasures such as one-of-a-kind designs created by their silversmiths with whom they’ve built 20-year relationships or fresh work by their new designers. You’ll also encounter fine mineral specimens, lapidary products and more along with the silver and silver with coloured gemstone pieces.

Be dazzled by the diverse variety of rings, chains and necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks, gemstone knives and corkscrews, scarves, leather accessories, and watercolour art cards.

Browse at your leisure or engage staff that will be delighted to help you in selecting that special piece that’s just right for you or as a gift. Open every day, 10 am to 5 pm, from April 1 to Christmas, DeLong Studio also offers online service and shipping is available worldwide. To preview a sampling of the products or to place an order, see delongstudio.com.

In your treasure hunt, check out a selection of DeLong jewelry and other items available year round at the Penticton VQA Wine Shop and during wine-touring season, at Thornhaven Estates Winery. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 21

   

the Fraser clan

CHEERS TO THORNHAVEN ESTATES’ 15 YEARS PULL UP A RED CHAIR, POP OPEN SOME LOVELY PINK FRIZZANTESTYLE INFUSION, SOAK IN THE STUNNING VIEWS AND DRINK A TOAST TO THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THORNHAVEN ESTATES WINERY. THIS DOWN-TO-EARTH ADOBESTYLE WINERY WITH ITS WAY UP IN THE SKY VIEWS OF VINEYARDS, CANYON AND LAKE OKANAGAN IS A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION. Summerland’s oldest family-run winery began life as a retirement project by Jan and Jack Fraser. They have been at it long enough to call it their second career project while changing the lives of their son Jason, (Thornhaven Estate’s winemaker, cellarmaster and vineyard manager) and daughter Cortney. She heads sales and marketing and along with her husband Nick, oversee the Elmo’s Vineyard, home of the winery’s special Orange Muscat.

“Thinking about this 15th anniversary, I’m most proud of the fact that we are still here,” Jan says. “We’ve seen a lot of changes in the wine industry over the years and it’s great to have been in Summerland when we were only the third winery here.”

Cortney says she is proud of her brother.

“We never set out to make wine that won awards. We wanted to make great wines but the awards, like the most recent Golds for our 2015 Gewürztraminer and the XV Syrah (specially crafted and released for the anniversary) at the Spring Wine Festival are a happy surprise. With so many wineries its something that we make really great wines too. That’s all down to Jason.”

If someone suggests whipping up a picnic to enjoy on Thornhaven’s patio with a glass or two of vino with a vista…drop everything and go. Within five minutes of being greeted by the friendliest staff you could imagine, and enjoying a free tasting of some beautifully-crafted reds, whites and bubbly, you will get that weekend vibe, even if it’s a Monday.

If you can visit on an actual weekend, the vibe ratchets up a notch with live music. Check out thornhaven.com for a schedule of entertainers who will play for you from 1 to 4 pm on weekends throughout summer.

“We had a great group of musicians, sunny skies, people dancing and laughing on the patio and a guy turned to me and said, I feel like I’m on a movie set right now this is so amazing,” Cortney says.

As for the next 15 years, Jan says they are taking it one year at a time with the goal of producing consistently great wine and keeping the family happily working together among the growing community of great winemakers on Bottleneck Drive. ~ Elaine Davidson

Celebrating 15 Years LIMITED EDITION XV CAB SYRAH

Enjoy Complimentary Wine Tastings 10am - 5pm • Mon - Sun 250.494.7778

6816 Andrew Ave. Summerland, BC

22 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

www.winetrails.ca

   

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DIRTY LAUNDRY! 10 YEARS HAS FLOWN BY FOR THE PARTNERS THAT OWN THIS UNIQUE AND FUN FILLED WINERY. ON AUGUST 20TH THESE VISIONARIES WILL BE HOSTING AN ANNIVERSARY PARTY ON THE STUNNING PATIO. TICKET HOLDERS WILL ENJOY A FABULOUS WINE PAIRED FOUR COURSE DINNER CREATED BY CHEF PAUL CECCONI, OWNER OF BRODO. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, DANCING UNDER THE STARS, DOOR PRIZES AND A SPECIAL MEMENTO FOR ALL GUESTS WILL ENSURE THIS WILL BE A PARTY NO ONE SHOULD MISS. BE SURE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS THROUGH THE WEBSITE AS THEY WILL BE SOLD OUT BEFORE YOU CAN SAY:

“WHAT HAPPENS AT DIRTY LAUNDRY STAYS HUSH HUSH”.

On the off chance that wine is not your passion Dirty Laundry will be offering four exclusive craft beers on their patio this summer. Whether it be a lager or an ale that excites you DLV will entice you with a flight tasting or an ice cold glass of craft brew to enjoy with lunch.

The outside tasting bar is being renovated to accommodate guests more comfortably and is now complete with a roof for those days when it’s a little too bright, or on the off chance there’s rain.

Live entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4pm just enhances the experience. Don’t forget every Friday commencing July 1st is Lobster Lunch from 12–2pm.

Tickets are only $34.95 and can be purchased through the website.

Mason Spink, winemaker at DLV continues to create award-winning wines.

Congratulations on being awarded a Gold medal from the Okanagan Wine Festival for his 2014 Say Yes Pinot Gris.

This vintage won a Silver medal from the www.winetrails.ca

International Wine & Spirit Competition and the IWSC also awarded a Silver medal for Mason’s 2011 Kay Syrah.

Set to be released this summer will be DLV’s first ever Viognier that will be available to the public. Stop by any day of the week, summer hours are from 10am – 6pm and tastings are always complimentary.

If you’d like to stay in wine country there is now a second vacation home on Dirty Laundry’s stunning property.

Known as the “Parlour House”, guests can now enjoy gorgeous views of the lake, vineyards and trestle whilst staying in beautiful Summerland.

2014 Say Yes Pinot Gris $20.99 Inspired by a true Summerland love story, let her caress your senses with fresh nectarines and a lively citrus finish.

Try her with salmon baked in dill cream sauce with a hint of lemon. ~ Cassandra Anderton

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 23

   

LIVELY VINES AND WINES AT LUNESSENCE IF A WINE IS THE EXPRESSION OF THE TERROIR, THEN WHAT GOES IN, ON AND AROUND THE TERROIR IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT HIGH-END WINE PRODUCERS TODAY HAVE CONVERTED TO BIODYNAMIC PRACTICES, AND THE SECRET TO THE SUCCESS OF WINES LIES IN THE SOIL. This summer, all wine lovers looking for a wine of superior purity and quality should take a trip down to Lunessence, where this little-known winery produces truly delicious wines.

Nestled between two wetlands and resting under the gaze of Giant’s head, the terroir at Lunessence brings some unique influences to the wine. The wines of Lunessence embody the purity of clean air, water and soil, and in addition to the natural elements classical music is piped through the vineyard where the vines grow to the harmonious notes of Rossini, Verdi and Mozart, and in the winery the good vibrations of Mascagni and Puccini accompany the bottling process.

For those who doubt the influence of moon, music, and eco-friendly farming practices the proof of quality is clear in the tasting.

Wines at Lunessence have been flying off the shelf. Experienced oenophiles know a good wine when they taste it, and although Lunessence has only recently opened the doors their reputation is already growing fast.

Winemaker Michal Mosny brings a background and education in winemaking from Europe. While Michal brings a passion and creativity to winemaking, wife and partner Martina, brings equal amounts of passion to the vineyard where she integrates biodynamic practices to nourish the soil and maintain the natural balance of the landscape.

www.winetrails.ca

Lunessence works symbiotically with nature; the wetlands provide a natural irrigation system of clean, filtered water for the vines while integrated farming practices ensure no poisonous herbicides or pesticides disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands.

It is perhaps the intense dedication to quality that maintains the purity of the wines, and in addition to quality wines, visitors will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the winery, and wonderful views of the surrounding landscape from the patio while classical music plays throughout the vineyard and winery offering a welcome reprieve from the noise of today’s hurried lifestyle.

Visitors should not miss tasting the wines from 2015 including the Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and Pinot Blanc Oranienstainer, and from 2014, the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon will be ready for release.

The very limited, and very popular small lots, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc 2014 have been partly aged in Slovakian barrels, their unique character is instantly recognized by experienced wine lovers, but hurry down to the tasting room because, thanks to the premium quality, there are only a couple of cases left.

Later this season, Lunessence is extending the golden label of their premium white wines to include a Riesling Reserve, a Chardonnay Reserve, and Sauvignon Blanc – all partly or

fully aged in Slovakian barrels and all carrying the hallmark of Lunessence simple sophistication and subtle notes.

Oenophiles will not be disappointed at the quality of Lunessence wines, as a new artisanal winery they are already winning an impressive array of awards including Bronze and Silver from the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge in London.

The challenge for wine lovers will be to get their hands on a bottle!

This summer, Lunessence will be holding picnics on the patio where visitors can enjoy an afternoon of classical music, European salami, cheese, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, paired with a glass of wine and local organic bread or baguette.

To learn more about the range of wines and their integrated farming practices visit lunessencewinery.com.

“

For those who doubt the influence of moon, music, and eco-friendly farming practices the proof of quality is clear in the tasting.

”

2014 Sauvignon Blanc $28.00 Partly wild fermentation in stainless steel, 30% of the wine was aged in Slovakian Oak for 5 months.

Bouquet: spicy and intensive aroma of black currant, mint, apricots, and lemongrass.

Palate: mineral and tropical fruit flavours well balanced with oak tannins. ~ Henrietta Poirier

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 25

   

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Debeck 26 940 • BC Food & WineRoad, Trails • Naramata, JULY | AUGUST BC 2016 •

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www.winetrails.ca

TASTE THE WINNERS AT MORAINE ESTATE WINERY Moraine Estate Winery at only four years old has garnered enough international and local awards and accolades that would make any winery proud for a lifetime. But they are just getting started. Winemaker Jacq Kemp has excelled and continues to excel in creating award winners, and this will only increase as her knowledge and comfort level working with the vines grown on the estate has become intimate.

In early April at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Moraine won big again beating out many different varietals from around the world-- 3824 to be precise!

Winners: Riesling 2015- Gold, Cliffhanger Red 2014- Silver, and Gewürztraminer 2015- Bronze.

The high quality of wines being produced at Moraine are a combination of the unique terroir achieved in their glorious sloping vineyards facing Okanagan Lake on the Naramata Bench. The soil conditions work in concert with the

sunshine hours and reflection off the lake, and Jacq’s gentle yet firm touch, especially needed to craft the persnickety Pinot Noir grape, is indeed a gift.

Proprietors Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov moved to wine country from Alberta.

The winery is a family business with the Naramata estate vineyards, named for their two daughters Anastasia and Sophia, producing a range of varietals, two very popular and affordable blends (Cliffhanger White and Cliffhanger Red) as well as an icewine.

2015 Riesling - $23.90 Whole bunch pressed and fermented at cool temperatures, this multi award-winning Riesling is exclusively available on-line, at tasting room and for wine club members.

Find hints of dried apricots and orchids. The natural acidity of this wine is balanced well by the natural residual sugars.

Cliffhanger Red 2014 - $18.90 This version of Cliffhanger Red is comprised of Malbec and Merlot grapes that were produced on the Anastasia vineyard.

Bottling took place after 4 months in French oak, creating mouthwatering aromas of raspberries, blackberries, and cassis married together with mocha and milk chocolate. The tannins are quite soft and easy to approach.

Allow your palate to navigate a firm acidity without the presence of sour undertones. Be sure to take notice of the fruitful flavors of cherries, both red and black, swirled in with mocha and chocolate. ~ Jennifer Schell

   

winemaker Kathy Malone

CELEBRATING WEDNESDAYS AND EVERY DAY AT HILLSIDE ESTATE WINERY Sigh. Poor Wednesday. Hump day.

Almost everyone looks past Wednesday.

But not the convivial folks at Naramata’s Winery. Hurrah! They’ve given us a reason to look forward to it!

Hillside’s excellent solution to the midweek “meh”s are their Winemaker Wednesdays (July/August). These are intimate and in-depth tastings led by gifted winemaker Kathy Malone, focusing on a different topic each week. Try a vertical tasting of the awardwinning red blend, Mosaic. Learn how different terroirs can influence the wine with a single-lot comparison flight. Other sessions offer barrel tastings and food

and wine pairings. Spending an afternoon with such an industry talent is sure to turn Wednesday into the highlight of your week! (Reservations recommended.)

If Wednesdays aren’t your thing, consider booking a private tasting. New to Hillside, these offer wine lovers a behindthe-scenes experience. In a guided têteê-tête with a Hillside wine specialist, you can enjoy new releases, choice Reserve wines, and a rare opportunity to sample straight from the barrel. As a unique enticement this year, one of these wines (the exquisite 2015 Pinot Noir) will be the highlight of July’s Back Label Writing contest. Let your creative juices flow (like wine…), and enter this fun competition! The best wordsmith’s work will be included on the bottles for this vintage. There’s no question that this Pinot is mouth-watering, but just how juicy is your pen?

On top of these events, Hillside has plenty to recommend it every day. The quaint wine shop is always ready to welcome you with a glass of deliciousness. The inspired Bistro menu makes every meal feel like a holiday.

The summer months are leisurely in the Okanagan. Rest easily, as Hillside Winery and Bistro has something to give all week long. ~ Abbey Westbury

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

See you under the Tower...

WINESHOP: 10 - 7pm Daily BISTRO: 11:30 - 9pm daily NEW! Winemaker Wednesdays

T: 250 460 1836

www.morainewinery.com

www.winetrails.ca

JULY & AUGUST hillsidewinery.ca 1350 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC 250 493.6274 JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 27

    MARICHEL WINERY— AUTHENTIC AS IT GETS ON THE NARAMATA BENCH Fresh off his tractor, owner, viticulturist and winemaker, Richard Roskell says it’s the farm that makes Marichel wines unique. “Naramata is a special place to grow things and I am very blessed that this farm is in a particularly nice place in Naramata.”

Richard’s stewardship of that land, its vines and the resulting limited quantity of fine wine he produces are his way of honouring the intensely scenic land he and his wife Elisabeth bought in 2000.

“Buying the farm was due to the efforts and vision of Elisabeth, who passed away a year ago,” Richard says. “We found the property together and she was instrumental in acquiring it. For example, she spoke German with the former owners who were in Germany.”

Marichel produces about 1,500 cases a year of Syrah and Viognier wines. Tucked away at the end of Littlejohn Road, the winery is quietly attracting a following of wine lovers who appreciate the personal attention paid to the grape growing, winemaking and the wine sales experience.

A retired Air Canada pilot, Richard says he has never looked back. “I am doing the thing that is right for me to do. I love being outdoors and being physically active.

Watching the vines grow and mature is highly rewarding. You literally see the fruits of your labour. There is nothing like seeing someone’s eyes lighting up at a tasting. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Marichel’s wines are described as a quintessential expression of the farm as Richard doesn’t believe in manipulating his wines. “You are not tasting Richard’s

“ ”

You are not tasting Richard’s whims from year-to-year, you are tasting the vineyard and the terroir.

28 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

whims from year-to-year, you are tasting the vineyard and the terroir. My job is to bring forward the characteristics of the grapes grown on this particular piece of land.”

When asked how he would describe Marichel wines, Richard closes his eyes to better put into words his thoughts and pauses a good while. “The offerings from this farm are an expression of love of Naramata. This is a special place for growing and making wine.”

The property has a spectacular view, with vines undulating on a bluff overlooking Lake Okanagan. The vineyard terrain and the deliberate set-asides of natural plants create eight mini-microclimates.

Richard believes this contributes to complexity in the wines. The fruit is also carefully thinned to produce the intensely flavoured wines he is known for.

“A lot of people analyze the end product of what I’m doing here,” Richard says. “Chefs will know what I mean…

Somebody is going to taste my wine at the end of day and hopefully they will like it.” Talk in the wine shop, wordof-mouth and sales of Marichel wine indicate that many, many do indeed like it and this tucked-away spot in Naramata isn’t a secret any longer. ~ Elaine Davidson

www.winetrails.ca

D’ANGELO ESTATE WINERY– TASTE THE 2006 TEMPRANILLO Sal D’Angelo and his family own and operate their gorgeous lakeview winery and Guest House on the Naramata Bench.

Visiting the tasting room, which has been recently updated, you will feel like you are being welcomed into a home. Sal is a delight to visit with and has a multitude of knowledge to share about grape growing and wine making. This man is passionate about the vineyard and knows wine and grapes. His connection to his wines and his vines is intensive and his winemaking philosophy has always been “quality is grown”.

    SANDY BEACH LODGE– ESCAPE INTO THE MAGIC OF NARAMATA

Sal with Ana and Alex, workers from Spain, shoot positioning the Tempranillo.

The Guest House is located amongst the vines with five units to rent on the vineyard, allowing guests the unique opportunity to live amongst the vines. All suites have kitchens, private bathrooms and, of course, come with a bottle of D’Angelo wine!

Currently in the tasting room, the D’Angelo’s are pouring the 2006 Tempranillo.

Stephanie D’Angelo says, “Through our Cellar Release program - we are selecting ten year old plus wines from our cellar and releasing them one case at a time to give guests the opportunity to taste. And yes, we are pouring the 2006 Tempranillo for tastings . Stop in and discover an older generation of our wines.”

What an amazing opportunity for wine lovers to taste wine this age. You are in for a treat!

2006 Tempranillo - $58.00 With a garnet colour this wine has aged beautifully, starting with a Port aroma, having layers of complexity showcasing its darker fruits and earthy mineral notes. It finishes with dried figs. ~ Jennifer Schell

Sandy Beach Resort embodies the complete Okanagan experience. This is why, year after year, families make their pilgrimage back to this haven on the lake to escape into the bucolic Naramata lifestyle.

This restored, four star waterfront resort features six charming lake-view B&B guestrooms and 13 deluxe modern log cottages for guests to enjoy. The main lodge offers indoor facilities and accommodations that can host an intimate group of up to 40 guests, or an outdoor lakeside event for up to 100 close family and friends. One couldn’t dream of a better location and venue to book a special event—a wedding here would be any bride’s heart’s desire.

With its own private beach to laze upon, guests of the Resort will be spoiled with options. Hike, bike, enjoy at game of tennis or play in the water with the Resort’s many

toys available like paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, the kids will be kept in high spirits.

If you are a bicycle enthusiast, you will marvel at the incredible Kettle Valley Trail nearby.

Don’t feel like playing? Sandy Beach Resort is also stocked with non-activities to relax into. A heated pool, a hot tub and plenty of deck chairs are around to sink into and read those books on your list. And then of course, there are the wineries! The world famous Naramata Bench is located just minutes away, with incredible array of wines (and spirits!) Strike out on your own or book a wine tour to ferry you around to the local wineries, picking up bottles on your way to enjoy back at the Resort. The website has great packages and special guest events planned for the season, check it out sandybeachresort.com ~ Jennifer Schell

LEGEND DISTILLING TURNING MYTHS INTO MEMORIES

Guest House & Picnic Area Family owned and operated winery D’Angelo is 100% estate grown

Tasting Room Open Daily 10 - 6

Don’t tell everyone, but nestled amongst Naramata’s eclectic mix of wineries lies a little known distillery where premium spirits are hand-crafted with locally sourced botanicals to produce top shelf vodka and gin.

Legend Distilling was inspired by the local tall tales of the prohibition days in Naramata.

The distillery was once a doctor’s office where locals could source a ‘prescription’ to keep the prohibition blues at bay.

Locals still pop in to the Lounge at Legend Distilling for a pick me up, but these days the home-brewed remedies are finely crafted under the care of owners Dawn and Doug Lennie. The Lennie’s are keeping the liquor legend alive, while taking it into the 21st century with a delicious menu of refreshing cocktails,

along with a carefully curated selection of Naramata wines, ciders and craft beers.

Summer cocktails are creatively mixed to let the subtlety of the botanicals in the artisanal spirits complement flavors of citrus and local fruits--truly a prescription to pick up the palate. Grab your glass and relax on the patio where you can watch the sunset over a magnificent view of the lake.

The Legend Lounge is open seven days a week with live music most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Smuggler’s Smokehouse at Legend Lounge is open daily for lunch and dinner.

The Smokehouse menu changes seasonally to provide the best of fresh local produce.

Check into legenddistilling.com to find inspiring cocktail recipes and learn more about what’s going on at Legend. ~ Henrietta Poirier

A Legend-ary view!

LODGE & RESORT An ideal, Okanagan waterfront resort in the heart of Naramata Bench Wine Country.

• Plan your next intimate or group getaway offering luxury log cottages, B&B Guestrooms and much more!

Craft Distillery and Lounge

• Seasonal Specials & Events Available

Reservations & Info: sandybeachresort@shaw.ca

1-866-496-5765

4275 Mill Rd., Naramata, BC www.winetrails.ca

www.sandybeachresort.com

Craft Spirits flights Daily drink specials Happy Hour Cozy lounge and view patio

3005 Naramata Road Naramata, BC legenddistilling.com 778-514-1010 @legendnaramata JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 29

    INDULGE IN THE OKANAGAN SUMMER AT RED ROOSTER WINERY The summer season has arrived in the Okanagan and Red Rooster Winery is inviting those in the valley to indulge in the perks of the season at its Naramata

home. From both the patio and the tasting bar visitors can look out over the panoramic vista of the iconic grape lined Naramata bench, laid out in stark

30 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

contrast to the deep blue of Okanagan Lake. It’s the ideal location to escape the heat of the midday sun and unwind in the shade of Pecking Room Grill, overlooking the winery’s meticulously manicured garden.

Internationally renowned, chef Darin Paterson brings several new additions to the menu this summer, including the traditional Italian specialty of Chicken Spezzi – a first for the Naramata Bench.

And for those looking to indulge their inner child afterwards, why not try the Honey Pinot Gris Milkshake? There’s even a small selection of beer now, for the members of your party that may not yet share your own love for wine (although a few minutes at the tasting bar may yet change their attitude).

It’s a setting, and a meal, that calls for the 2015 Rosé – a five varietal blend that couples the traditional Okanagan-strawberry notes of a Rosé with an unexpected watermelon. Or, for those looking for something a little lighter, the 2014 Bantam white blend may suffice – with its balance of sweet and fruity notes on a lighter body. Of

course Red Rooster’s newest varietal, the Viognier, certainly shouldn’t be left out of consideration either – with its unorthodox swing to fruitful notes over the more traditional floral notes.

A selection this prestigious may just demand a second glass.

The Pecking Room’s Patio is open from 12 – 5, and the Tasting Room from 10 – 6.

So there’ll be more than enough time in the day to come out and enjoy the view.

2013 Meritage - $21.75 This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend which also includes Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot is distinctly Okanagan. Done in the traditional Bordeaux-style this wine is beautifully aromatic and with a lighter body then may be expected of a red that’s been oaked for 10 months.

Awarded the “Best Red” at the Best of BC Wine Awards this wine is perhaps best paired with Chef Darin’s barrel smoked baby back ribs in the shade of the Red Rooster patio while keeping a close vigil on the lake below. ~ Blake Allen

www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Winery of the Year

   

- 2013 New York International Wine Competition

SERENDIPITY WINERY TAKES ITS NEXT STEP

Order Online at: www.serendipitywinery.com

Open for the season May 1, 2016. Open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week.

Before May 1, please call for an appointment: 250-486-5290 990 Debeck Rd., Naramata, BC

serendipitywinery.com Serendipity Winery

info@serendipitywinery.com @Winespiration

Serendipity Winery has never shied away from embracing change. In fact, embracing change has been a guiding philosophy of the winery since it first opened. And this summer will see a big change at Serendipity, as the main winery will reopen this August with a new wineshop, a breathtaking patio, and beautiful landscaping to welcome awestruck guests. Until this time, the winery will of course still be open to the public at a temporary facility on the property.

Such changes of course, call for proper celebrations! Fortunately the opening of the new wineshop will coincide with the release of Serendipity’s new sparkling wine, a Chardonnay-based bubbly made in the traditional methods of the Champagne region of France.

August will be a month of festivities and feasts in more ways than one. The winery will be hosting its annual Movie in the Vineyard night on August 13th.

For only $25 the popular event allows patrons to set-up a romantic picnic among the Pinot Noir rows (or if they rather, lay claim to a table) and enjoy the classic Leonardo DiCaprio film “Catch me if you can”, projected onto a silver screen placed above the vines. And on August 20th wine club members will be treated to a four course meal on site that

will include library pulls of Serendipity’s past vintages. It’s the next step for the popular Naramata winery, and it welcomes you to be a part of it.

2012 Next Step - $25.00 Cellared for four years in both French and American oak, this Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc blend shows a prominent note of fig that’s accompanied by hints of cocoa and toffee. ~ Blake Allen

An all women management team (from l-r): Darcia (vineyard manager), Judy Kingston (general manager), Katie O’Kell (assistant winemaker), and Natalie (wine shop manager).

 DISTINCTIVE WINE BORN OF A DISTINCT GROWING AREA – KRAZE LEGZ AT SKAHA VINEYARD At the very core of viticulture is an attention to growing region. Distinctive variations in soil and climate create identifiable trademarks to wines born of these areas. But when it comes to distinctive growing regions, few wineries in the Okanagan stand out quite like Kraze Legz at SKAHA Vineyard.

Nestled on the slopes overlooking Skaha Lake in the village of Kaleden, this boutique winery is able to boast a distinctive growing region set apart from the rest of BC, distinguishable by a unique substrate of fossilized sandstone that occurs in this small portion of Kaleden. This marks the estate grown wines with a light minerality that only becomes more refined with every

vintage as the roots of the vines grow deeper into this enviable soil.

Blessed with this kind of a distinction, Kraze Legz has sought to make their wines a celebration of their unique microclimate. Their small operation allows them to ensure that all of the grapes are handpicked and estate grown, allowing their wines to show this distinctive flavour.

They have even begun fermenting with wild yeast, indigenous to the site, ensuring that nothing detracts from the expression of SKAHA Vineyard. To this end this fun, 1920s themed winery runs a second label under the name of “SKAHA Vineyard” – giving a subtle nod to the region that distinguishes this winery.

2015 Kraze Legz Pinot Blanc - $18.85 Cultivated in the unique microclimate beneath Lookout Mountain and hand harvested, this distinctive Okanagan gem is rich in notes of apple and pear with just a hint of citrus on the finish. All of which is enveloped in a mineral-rich body that is the telltale trademark of Kraze Legz wine. ~ Blake Allen

32 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

THE FINAL EVOLUTION OF THE ALL TOO FORGETTABLE WINE CHARMS IS WINE GLASS WRITER If necessity is the mother of invention, saving good wine from the drain surely meets the criteria. Wine Glass Writer creator Jeannine Fradelizio recalls a party for 20 people in her Sonoma area home that left her with 90 wine glasses to wash.

“Dumping wine down the drain drives me crazy,” says Jeannine. “I thought that someone out there must have a product where you could write your name on a wine glass and easily wash it off later. It just didn’t exist so six years ago I began researching, working with chemists and finally came up an ink that would work and Wine Glass Writer was born.”

The family-run business with an all-woman staff is now selling the Wine Glass Writer pens in seven different countries. With Jeannine’s daughter Renée Stewart, the company’s operations & sales manager, now married to a Canadian and living in the Okanagan, there is a great opportunity to place the fun product in the local market.

“Wine Glass Writer also works on mirrors, plates and trays, condiment holders, spice and mason jars, bottles and more,” Renée says. “It’s fun to see the artists are at your parties. Sometimes you hate to clean the glasses afterward.”

Winning the Wall Street Journal Wine Accessories of the Year for their solution to keeping track of your wine glass at events has been a highlight for the company Renée and Jeannine agree.

Wine Glass Writers, sold in three-packs, can be found at Garden Works, The Peoples Craft House, Tea and Weaves, 8th Generation Winery, Summer Gate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Intrigue Winery, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Meyer Family Vineyards, Noble Ridge Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Road 13 Winery and Church & State Winery, among other locations. ~ Elaine Davidson

(l-r) Renée & Jeannine

www.winetrails.ca

LOCAL, FRESH TO GO FROM THE BENCH MARKET Summer is fleeting and when you want to tour all the wineries, attractions and beaches while the weather is fantastic, sometimes you just want to grab something and hit the trail. The Bench Market, perennially a favourite in Penticton for lingering on the patio, has you covered for fresh local items to go. Build your own picnic with delectable goodies like handcrafted cheeses from BC producers including Naramata Bench’s Upper Bench Winery & Creamery, Poplar Grove Cheese, Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, Natural Pastures (Comox), and Jerseyland Organics (Grand Forks). Add charcuterie from Two Rivers Specialty Meats, a purveyor of fine local meats free of antibiotics, hormones and additives; housemade seasoned roasted almonds, hummus and other fromscratch dips; Gone Crackers and Raincoast Crisps; mixed olives; fresh in-house baking, grab ‘n’ go sandwiches, and salads; plus, organic fresh fruit in season. If you’re

PENTICTON WINE INFORMATION CENTRE: THE BEAT GOES ON

staying in self-catered accommodations, there’s great housemade takeaway to heat at home such as meat or vegetarian lasagna, pizza and shepherd’s pie. Browse the retail shelves for other local products such as Penticton and Similkameen honey, jams, preserves, Wineland Dressings, gelato, and The Bench Market’s own granolas. From further afield there’s sea salts, oils and vinegars, for example. For summer reading or souvenirs, check out the local cookbooks. Open seven days a week year-round until 5 pm, it’s also highly recommended for breakfast, lunch and coffee any day, and for its fabulous brunch served Saturday, Sundays and holidays until 2 pm. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

As construction of the new casino reverberates at its former site, in the temporary location of the Penticton Wine Information Centre, it’s business as usual. The flagship store, distinguished almost 20 years ago as the first VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wine store in British Columbia, is easily found right in front of the South Okanagan Event Centre. The building is cheerfully wrapped in bright logos and surrounded by lots of parking. Inside you’ll find roughly the same square footage as before and, of course, the products and services you’ve come to expect. The shelves stocking the remarkable range of BC VQA wine made the move and, more importantly, the staff who are always so willing to assist you. Browse the alphabetically arranged wineries at your leisure or engage staff to find your favourites or discover something new. With over 800 wines in stock, there’s something for every palate. A bigger fridge now accommodates a broader selection of chilled wines and perishables.

   You’ll also find an amazing array of wine accessories and local products such as cheese, preserves, dressings, vinegars and designer jewelry. Need a winery guidebook or specialty cookbook? Here’s the go-to place for those and other culinary items. Be sure to check out facebook. com/pentwineinfo daily for what’s being sampled at the tasting bar and any special promotions. Until its permanent home is fully constructed – anticipated Spring 2017 – shop this location to scope out great gifts for weddings and other special occasions.

Experience the full range of BC VQA wines and complementary products yourself and bring or send your visitors. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

WINE & CHEESE HEAVEN IN NARAMATA

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

We’re awfully lucky here in the Okanagan, it really is a little slice of heaven. We have wine, we have cheese, we have incredible weather and lake views. We have Naramata, and we have Upper Bench Winery & Creamery.

You know what Upper Bench has? It has wine, it has cheese, it has magnificent weather and views to the horizon, and it has them all in one winsome, welcoming and not-to-be-missed locale. It’s a perfect microcosm of this Okanagan paradise.

And it has a splendid patio.

Head south on Upper Bench Road to this quintessential charmer of a winery. Spend a leisurely, enviable afternoon outside with a flight of wines and expertly paired cheeses (it’s like they were made for each other!). Ideal for summer is the dry and delightful 2015 Cab Franc Rosé ($23.00); grab a bottle if you’ve got a good catching arm, as this one is flying off the shelves!

Upper Bench also has Canada’s only wine and cheese club, the cleverly monikered Curds & Corks. With shipments throughout the year, early access to new releases, and specialty cheeses created only for club members (seriously– exclusive cheese!

Think of the caché!), you can stretch out that feeling of paradise all year long.

There’s always one place on every trip that perfectly encapsulates the entire experience.

On your summer Naramata wine tour, Upper Bench Winery & Creamery is just that spot. ~ Abbey Westbury

BC VQA WINE INFO CENTRE • PENTICTON

Your One Stop Wine Country Experience Store!

See us in our new location in front of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

250-490-2006 www.pentictonwineinfo.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9am-7pm

CORNER OF ALBERNI ST. & ECKHARDT AVE. PENTICTON www.winetrails.ca

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 33

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.

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East Side Rd

9 7

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6 Nighthawk Vineyards 2735 Green Lake Road, OK FallsJunction 250-497-8874 3A www.nighthawkvineyards.com

PENTICTON

5 Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8553 www.MFVwines.com

Rd

8 8

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4 Liquidity Vineyards 4720 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 778-515-5500 www.liquiditywines.com

Lakeside Rd

2 Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars 2385 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8244 www.bluemountainwinery.com 3 Kraze Legz Winery & SKAHA Vineyard 141 Fir Ave., Kaleden 250.497.6957 www.krazelegz.com

Valleyview Rd

1 Blasted Church Vineyards 378 Parsons Rd., OK Falls 250.497.1125 www.blastedchurch.com

Side

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7 Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2320 Oliver Ranch Rd. ,OK Falls 250.497.7945 www.nobleridge.com

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Wild Goose Vineyards Stag’s Hollow

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2016 EVENTS PENTICTON

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13 Topshelf Winery 236 Linden Ave., Kaleden 778.515.0099 www.topshelfwine.ca

Holiday Beach Resort Motel

Okanagan Falls Provincial Park

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12 Synchromesh Wines 4220 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.535.1558 www.synchromeshwines.ca

Christie Memorial Park

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

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

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

OKANAGAN FALLS

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8 Pentâge Winery 4551 Valley View Road, Penticton 250 493 4008 www.pentage.com

VASEUX LAKE

Nighthawk Vineyards 6

www.ofwa.ca #SipOKFalls

14 Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2145 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls For the latest information on all happenings in the heart 250.497.8919 www.wildgoosewinery.com of wine country, contact us: www.ofwa.ca e: info@ofwa.ca

Thursday June 2nd: Summer Kick Off! All 14 Okanagan Falls Wineries will be participating in our 5th annual Trade & Media Kick Off event, 10am-6pm. Email info@ofwa.ca for more info. ____________________

Friday July 8th: Party in the Park Kenyon Park in Okanagan Falls.Tickets on sale soon for our 5th annual Party in the Park at Kenyon Park in beautiful Okanagan Falls, check our website for more details! ____________________

Holiday Cheer Open House November 19th and 20th A Weekend of Holiday Cheer Come visit our 14 member wineries and celebrate the Holiday Season with special gifts, food and wine pairings!

Check our website for more details to come!

    

EXCELLENCE IN THE VINEYARDS – MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS Meyer Family Vineyards is at the top of their game. We’re talking elite athlete level performance here. Racking up recognition the globe over, Meyer is proving that they can successfully compete in the big leagues. And like any top competitor worth their salt, Meyer Family Vineyards has reached these heights with time, training, skill, stamina, and risk.

“You’ve got to stick your neck out,” says winery proprietor, Jak Meyer. They have done just that—and the world is noticing.

In April 2016, the UK’s Decanter Magazine released an article entitled “Best Pinot Noirs in the World Outside Burgundy”, in which Meyer’s 2013 McLean Creek Pinot Noir rated as ‘highly recommended’.

This praise comes after being judged

alongside 80 other fine international Pinots. Of those, only 30 wines made the cut—and Meyer stands among them.

Meyer Family Vineyards has worked relentlessly to create “buzz” by getting the product into the mouths of those who need to objectively taste the wine and discover the superior quality of their product. Meyer’s Chardonnay has also twice been rated the Best in Canada in the National Wine Awards, Canada’s largest wine competition.

Subscribing to the wise notion of producing wines from varietals that are best suited to the growing conditions at the physical location of the vineyard, Meyer Family Vineyards focuses on “cooler climate” Burgundian wines grown primarily on their

1.62 hectare vineyard on the Naramata Bench, and the 6.9 hectare property in Okanagan Falls.

The Okanagan Falls location is the site of Meyer’s production facilities, wine shop, tasting room, and beautifully terraced gardens. Hidden amongst the vines in a tiny, green fruit-bowl valley, the winery reveals itself as you pass the unassuming bi-level family home at the entrance to the property. Visitors will experience a quietly refined and unabashedly humble “family” feel – at Meyer, guests always sense as though they’re visiting wine country cousins or old friends who just happen to have amazing property.

While their portfolio of five distinct Pinot Noir and five Chardonnay are the flagship

proprietor Jak Meyer with new NV Brut

wines, they also produce beautiful Gewürztraminer and Riesling, and are releasing a NV Brut Methode Traditionale this summer. The delicate (yet robust) Brut promises intensely active bubbles with gorgeous strawberry and shortcake flavours with a touch of yeast on the nose.

You’re encouraged to subscribe to the Meyer Family Vineyards Wine Club, as some wines are only available to members.

Sign up for their summer Cabana Tasting events—a one-hour experience that will surely leave you with gold medal aspirations of your own. ~ Kris Johnson

Highly Recommended in Decanter Magazine’s

“The Best Pinot Noirs in the World (outside Burgundy)” 2013 McLean Creek Road Pinot Noir

“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)

Sept 3rd Harvest Dinner with Joy Road Catering ~ tickets on sale now! www.MFVharvestdinner2016.eventbrite.ca www.winetrails.ca

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 35

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CELEBRATING ALL THINGS OPEN AIR AT WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS Wild Goose Vineyards is nestled on a small bluff perched above Vaseux Lake in Okanagan Falls. Aptly named the Stoney Slopes vineyard, this enviable spot provides the terroir and climate perfect for producing premium white wine grapes. One of the oldest wineries in the valley, Wild Goose’s estate remains picturesque and unsullied –the perfect little aerie for whiling away a summer afternoon.

And boy, can you make an afternoon of it here!

Okanagan summers entice you to bring the indoors out, and Wild Goose’s lovely grounds do so with ease. Contemporary and cheerful, the well-stocked wine shop boasts a bird’s-eye view from the expansive patio. It’s open 10-7, daily this summer, and the adjacent Smoke and Oak Bistro is too. It’s worth extending your visit to enjoy an early dinner there.

People are flocking to the revamped open-air eatery, which overlooks mature vines and Peach Cliff Mountain beyond.

Even the kitchen is outdoors, adding to the treehouse-like magic of the space.

Chef Richard Desnoyers’ smoker, fueled

by Wild Goose’s own vine cuttings and barrel staves, produces melt-in-your mouth fare that invites you to linger. The inventive barbeque-influenced menu is an excellent match for Wild Goose’s acclaimed wines.

And speaking of those celebrated libations, Wild Goose has a gaggle of tasty new releases. The full portfolio of 2014 reds and 2015 whites is in the wine shop and stores now.

Particularly exciting is the release of the remarkable Classic Riesling ($16.62), as the 2015 vintage is one of the most exceptional in recent memory. Borne of some of the valley’s oldest vines, it’s aromatic, with

proprietors/brothers Hagen & Roland Kruger

flavours of stone and orchard fruits and the bright balance of citrus. Crisp and delicious on a summer’s day!

Also recently landed, the port style 2014 Black Brant ($30.52) is a fitting tribute to the graceful bird for which it’s named.

The fortified Merlot/Petit Verdot blend is plummy and rich. The touch of oakiness nicely compliments the smoky flavours of barbeque…just sayin’.

You know what else pairs perfectly with great wine and barbeque? The Blues.

On August 13th, Wild Goose’s popular Vineyard Stage concert showcases Blues

artist Sherman “Tank” Doucette. His mastery of the harmonica and infectious showmanship are guaranteed to touch your soul. Tickets are available online.

Want to make the most of your Okanagan wine tour this summer? Alight at the beautiful Wild Goose Winery and Bistro for an afternoon. It’s an experience that will set your palate and your spirits soaring. ~ Abbey Westbury

A Canadian Icon!

Reservations are recommended 250-497-8919 1-800-497-8919 wildgoosewinery.com

Bistro Hours:

Daily until Mid Oct. 12-7

Tasting Room Hours:

Daily

36 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

10-7

Join our Vintner’s Club for discounts and special promotions

2145 Sun Valley Way Okanagan Falls 250.497.8919 wildgoosewinery.com

www.winetrails.ca

     NIGHTHAWK VINEYARDS SOAR ONTO THE OKANAGAN WINE SCENE Daniel and Christy Bibby are not strangers to the food and wine scene.

Daniel has been executive chef and director of food and beverage for several hotels and is currently the general manager of the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna.

In 2008, the two were captivated by the vineyard lifestyle following a stay in Oliver. Christy explains, “Our vineyard dream started over seven years ago, shortly after we spent a weekend at Burrowing Owl on the Black Sage Bench. It was our first getaway without

kids in quite some time, and waking up in the morning (with a coffee in hand) overlooking their vineyards was an amazing experience. As we drove back to Kelowna that afternoon, we noticed a couple of small vineyards for sale, which started us thinking…”how could we possibly make this work, and change our lifestyle to live the Okanagan Dream”. After discovering pictures of a beautiful property in Okanagan Falls with a gorgeous log home, we set out with our GPS to find this paradise. Our journey took us up past See Ya Later

Ranch, which had always been one of our favorite wineries, and as we came around the bend in the road with the view of Green Lake…we fell in love. It became an obsession really, which took us another four or five years to sort out the financing and bring on two of our good friends as partners - David and Melanie Flotten. It was certainly well worth the wait!”

Food and wine are a theme in this family with all four of the Bibby’s children involved in the Okanagan wine industry.

Nighthawk Vineyards currently has

six wines to offer in their portfolio: Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Noir Rosé, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. With a 2015 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releasing soon and a signature Cabernet Franc in barrels planned to be released in 2017.

Christy explains, “What we really love about the wine industry in our valley, is the camaraderie and support between the farmers and small producers. When we succeed, we all succeed together…” ~ Jennifer Schell

BRIGHT FUTURES AT STAG’S HOLLOW

(l-r) David, Melanie, Carson, Dakota, Christy & Daniel with vineyard dog “Callie”

Stag’s Hollow’s Renaissance series of wines represents the best of the best: the best batches of the best varieties from an outstanding vintage. Merlot and Pinot Noir have both been solid performers in the Renaissance series and Grenache was a new addition last year. This year will see the release of a new variety in the series – the 2014 Renaissance Syrah. Grown in the Amalia Vineyard in Osoyoos, it is the first time that Syrah has been included in the Renaissance series and really speaks to the strength of Stag’s Hollow’s reds from that vintage. Only 275 cases of this wine were produced and it will be available in September.

To make sure that you get your hands on the new Renaissance Syrah and any of the new Renaissance wines, you can purchase futures now through the wine shop or online. To get a sense of how these wines are progressing, they will be available for tasting in the wine shop one at a time on a rotating basis. A 15% discount off of the eventual retail price of the wine is applied to futures before August 15th. The wines will be delivered as soon as they are released in early September.

The wine shop will also have everyone’s favorite Stag’s Hollow wines available this summer: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling along with new favorites Grenache, Tempranillo, Albariño, and the Viognier-Marsanne blend. Of course the “Tragically Vidal”, always popular in the wine shop, will be there with all of its tropical fruit, orange zest, pineapple, lychee, pear and citrus aromas. For loyal fans of Stag’s Hollow, the future will always include Vidal. ~ Luke Whittall

Natural Beauty. Distinctive Elegance.

Exceptional Hand Crafted Wines…

Always innovative, with a spirit to be unique, we are growing grapes and making wines found nowhere else in the Okanagan.

15th Anniversary of Renaissance Futures

TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM

This year you can purchase a mixed case of our best wines of 2014 - Renaissance Merlot, Renaissance Pinot Noir and Renaissance Syrah. Even better the discount is amazing! Visit our website or drop by the winery to learn more. visit us at www.nighthawkvineyards.com 2735 Green Lake Road, Okanagan Falls, B.C. 250.497.8874 or 250.300.9161 Trudelphoto.com

www.winetrails.ca

Join Our Wine Club- It’s FREE!

Discover all the benefits on our website or ask us.

We tweet - talk to us! @stagshollow @simplypinot @shwineshop 2237 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC 250 497 6162 stagshollowwinery.com “YOU” in white

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 37

   SMALL LOT COLLECTOR WINE TASTING AT CLOS DU SOLEIL Visitors to the Similkameen who are looking for a memorable tasting room experience must consider a trip to Clos du Soleil. This artisan winery offers visitors a unique view into the workings of the winery, and an exclusive opportunity to sample tastings from their small lot collector wines.

A large picture window in the tasting room provides a peek behind the scenes, while visitors taste the awardwinning new releases. A surprisingly broad range of Gold medal wines is available for tasting, including their

flagship red, Signature. The new release Signature 2013 was just awarded 92 points by Anthony Gismondi and their Pinot Blanc won a Gold medal at the Best of B.C. Wine Awards.

Beyond tasting, visitors are invited to stroll through the biodynamic vineyard where the air is sweet and fresh, untainted by pesticides or herbicides.

And to maintain the quality terroir and bring the grapes on the vine to maturity, Clos du Soleil welcomes their new viticulturist, Michael Mauz.

Michael brings a wealth of knowledge from his education in Viticulture and Enology at the University of Wiesbaden in Germany.

He combines his traditional European education with organic and biodynamic practices to maintain the unique qualities of the Similkameen terroir and produce top quality organic grapes.

Clos du Soleil is well known for their exclusive Vertical Tasting Event in October, open only to a small group of attendees.

However, this year an open competition is being held where interested oenophiles can win an invitation to the event. Visit closdusoleil.ca for more details. ~ Henrietta Poirier

CORCELETTES WINERY – A WINE COUNTRY ROMANCE There is romance surrounding this winery. From the people, to the vineyards to the wine, all parts play into a wonderful story of building the dream.

Charlie Baessler and Jesce (Walker) Baessler were both initiated early into the wine industry by their families. Although Jesce’s life began far away in Nunavut where she grew up and Charlie’s far away in Switzerland, destiny brought them together in the Similkameen where they would meet and fall in love.

Fast forward just a few years and the two are co-owners of the stunning former Herder estate in Keremeos and parents to a perfect set of twin baby girls. Charlie actually worked on these vineyards years ago with the Herder family and has intimate knowledge of this land and soil.

When the property came up for sale a couple of years ago, it all felt meant to be as Gord and Diane Peters stepped

up as partners allowing the Baesslers to acquire this dream property. Jesce describes the estate as iconic, “Tucked up against the mountain, the vineyard has charisma.” And on winemaking, Jesce explains, “Charlie doesn’t make his wine, he grows it.”

The portfolio of 12 wines and 1900 cases this year are a labour of love and passion for Charlie. He is a vigneron, which is the French term for a winemaker who

also grows the vineyard, and is one who is dedicated to his vines. There is a magnificent plan for a wine cave to be built with a new tasting room above late this year – more to follow.

Their vision is to raise their family in their beloved, majestic valley and make small lot premium wines made with Similkameen grapes only –and they are well on their way. ~ Jennifer Schell

Jesce & Charlie with their sweet twin baby girls

Old world elegance... ... New world edge.

Wineshop Open Daily 10am to 5pm Winery Direct Sales Available Online Corcelettes is a family owned estate winery located on 15 acres of hot, dark rocks in the pristine Similkameen Valley. We create small lot, handcrafted wines that truly express a sense of place.

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 38 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

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

   proprietors Geri & Dale

PINOT NOIR & VIOGNIER CONTINUE TO SHINE AT EAU VIVRE

Wine shop open daily 10:30 am - 5:00 pm May 1st to October 31st or by appointment.

Our wines are available at BC VQA and other fine liquor stores and restaurants.

250.499.2655 716 Lowe Drive, Cawston www.EauVivreWinery.ca

Two wines are shining in the tasting room this summer: Viognier and Pinot Noir. These two beauties are proving to be popular treats for travelers on the Similkameen wine trail.

The Eau Vivre Pinot Noir has a wellearned reputation thanks to two previous Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Wine in British Columbia.

Based on that history, owner Dale Wright is pleased with how the 2014 vintage of Pinot Noir has turned out. “It’s better than last year,” Dale says. “We’ve got a little bit more acid on the finish with this one.” The result is a brighter texture but without sacrificing the elegance for which Eau Vivre has become famous.

The complexity for this vintage has also been ramped up by using a wild yeast ferment on 50% of the juice.

The Viognier went through its own unique winemaking process. Most of the grapes were destemmed, pressed, and fermented in a stainless steel tank just like most white wines. However, a small portion of the fruit

was started like a red wine – de-stemmed and fermented on the skins in a small tank with three punch-downs each day. After the majority of the sugar was fermented out, it was pressed and added to the stainless steel fermenting tank with the rest of the Viognier.

The result is a white wine with incredibly smooth mouthfeel and texture.

Look for these wines along with their Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Riesling all summer long!

2014 Pinot Noir - $21.90 Aromas of smoked meat, cinnamon, crushed velvet, cherries, and flowers.

The palate is rich and complex with cherries, smoke, eggplant, baking spices, smoked meat, and flowers. A very profound wine.

2014 Viognier - $23.00 Aromas of flowers, perfume, wet rocks, lemon tarts and fresh apricots will amuse the nose. The palate is soft and smooth with white peaches, apricots, and floral notes. ~ Luke Whittall

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PICTURE YOURSELF ON THE PATIO AT QUINTA FERREIRA Bring your lunch and stay awhile savouring a glass of Quinta Ferreira wine on the licensed patio at the estate winery set amid the verdant vineyards of the Black Sage Road. Or if you prefer, purchase regional meats, local cheeses, crackers and olives from the onsite deli case inside the tasting room that is open daily from May to October from 10 am to 6 pm. Even more reason to tarry for a time, each Sunday from 1 to 4 pm, from July 3rd to September, enjoy complimentary live music on the patio.

Confirmed are: July 3rd - Donna the Vineyard Girl; July 10th – Wild Son Duo; August 7th - Donna the Vineyard Girl; August 15th – the Eisenhauers; August 21st – Ari Neufeld; and September 4th– Mark Irving. To see the full slate of guest

TERRAFINA EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE chef Jeff Van Geest

artists, check out quintaferreira.com and the Quinta Ferreira Facebook page.

Tickets are going fast for the 5th Annual Paella, Wine & Live Music at Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery scheduled from noon to 4 pm, Sunday, July 17th, that features Chef Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro Restaurant. While walk-ins are welcome July 17th, to ensure that you get to experience that famous Portuguese paella prepared over an open flame, pick up your tickets in advance at the winery or on eventbrite.com. Speaking of avoiding disappointment, tickets are now on sale for the 8th Annual Quinta Ferreira Wine/Lamb Dinner, 6:30 pm, October 1. It’s always a sell-out so buy your tickets soon. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

The customers have spoken and the exceptional results are in: Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek Estate Winery has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. “The Certificate of Excellence honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travellers,” says Heather Leisman, TripAdvisor vice president industry marketing. An overall rating of at least four out of five, a minimum number of reviews, and at least a 12-month listing is required for the prestigious recognition reflecting the quality, quantity and recency of travellers’ reviews. In expressing their delight in the accolades, Erwin Huber and Cindy Evans, Terrafina Restaurant owners, gave credit to their team for striving to exceed customer expectations: “We understand that such an award can only be achieved if the entire team delivers

on all levels. Our heartfelt thank-you goes out to each and every single Terrafina team member.” Part of the charm is an outcome of the seamless experience provided by Terrafina with Hester Creek Estate Winery. Terrafina’s building of Old World charm is situated in a gorgeous setting within Hester Creek’s lush working vineyard. Herein, you can experience a little piece of Italy right in sunny south Okanagan. Never complacent, Terrafina has released a new and exciting summer menu that draws from its Tuscan and European inspiration while presenting fresh local ingredients. For the summer season, May 1st to October 31st, Terrafina is open daily, 11:30 am to 9 pm. To preview the menus, make reservations or learn about hosting intimate private functions, visit terrafinarestaurant.com ~ Roslyne Buchanan

QUALITY WINE with a VIP Family Tasting Experience

Tours, Weddings and Corporate Events

10am-6pm DAILY 6094 BLACK SAGE ROAD, OLIVER 250.498.4756

www.quintaferreira.com

40 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

www.winetrails.ca

 PARTIES ALL SUMMER AT DESERT HILLS

proprietor/winemaker Ted Kane

RIVER STONE’S LANDMARK SITE Ted and Lorraine Kane came to the South Okanagan with a goal to produce premium red wines from Bordeaux grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petite Verdot. Ted was seeking the two most important things that he needed to make those kinds of wines - reliable heat and the right timing for water. He determined that the Okanagan Valley south of McIntyre Bluff was the best place in Canada to do this. They also found one of the most unique sites to plant their vineyard.

The spot they chose was on a mound of alluvial gravel in the middle of the valley next to the Okanagan River. “The terroir is really uniform gravels,” explains Ted. “Many of the stones have a frosting of calcium on them.” All of the Première

Cru chateaux on Bordeaux’s left-bank are perched atop similar mounds of alluvial gravel next to the Gironde Estuary in the Médoc and the Garonne River in Graves (which literally means “gravel” in French). And unlike vineyards on the sides of the Okanagan Valley with slopes that face only in one direction, River Stone’s vineyards slope southeast, south, and southwest giving the vines maximum exposure throughout the day and the season. The slopes also protect the vines from frost since the cold air flows down to the river and away from the vines. The beautiful red house and winery perched at the top of the vineyard has become a landmark for this special terroir in the world of BC wine.

2014 Cabernet Franc – $27.90 This wine has aromas of ripe berries, black pepper, earth, and graphite. On the palate, there are rich flavours of dark cherries, spices, cocoa, and leather.

2014 Malbec -$26.90 A very rare bottling of Malbec on its own, this wine features beautiful aromas and flavours of blackberries, white pepper, earth, and sage. ~ Luke Whittall

There will be events all summer long at Desert Hills Estate Winery.

Chris Temos, the marketing director, is buzzing about the new lineup of events that will feature a theme party each month. Following up on their successful Mirage Release party in June, July will feature an Arabian Nights-themed party that will have many surprises to entertain guests. August will treat guests to a Blues Night complete with authentic southern barbeque and a Chicago blues band.

At any time of the day, all summer long, the Desert Hills Wine Shop will be the focal point for wine lovers. Guests can relax on oak barrel furniture on the patio and enjoy high quality charcuterie featuring local, organic fresh cheeses, meats, breads, mustards and spreads as well as olives and pickles to enjoy in the summer sun. In addition to the wine shop, the barrel cellar has been reorganized to accommodate groups for library tastings and private events. There is nothing more refreshing that a wine tasting in a cool barrel cellar during the hot summer months.

Behind the scenes, winemaker Anthony Buchanan is working on the 2015 reds while preparing for the coming harvest.

A tank sample of the Gamay shows

beautifully concentrated fruit flavours and silky smooth texture that have made this wine a standout for this variety in BC. 2015 Unoaked Chardonnay Pronounced aromas of white peaches, melons, and apple skins and flavours of soft peaches, ripe ambrosia apples, and baked pears make this a beautifully intense wine.

2015 Gewürztraminer This wine has big aromas of lychee nuts, perfume, and violets and is lightly off-dry on the palate. The big flavours continue with more lychee, perfume, flowers, and stone fruits. ~ Luke Whittall

winemaker Anthony Buchanan

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

Hand crafted single vineyard wines.

Come Savour the Journey.

Discover the hospitality and passion at River Stone Estate Winery.

and passion at this new winery.

www.riverstoneestatewinery.ca www.riverstonesstatewinery.ca riverstone@eastlink.ca e/mail: riverstone@eastlink.ca Ph: 250-498-0043 250-498-7798 Ph: 250or498-7798 143143 Buchannan Drive, Oliver, Buchannan Drive, Oliver,BC BC. www.winetrails.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! 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 JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 41

 20 YEARS OF BLISS AT BLACK HILLS Nestled into a sage-and-vineyardclad hillside, the Black Hills Wine Oasis provided me with an incredibly unique tasting experience from the moment I stepped through the door. I was greeted with a sincere, welcoming feeling, as though the property itself whispered: “It’s wonderful to see you.” While some tasting rooms can feature a crowded stand-up tasting bar, Black Hills offers a relaxed, sit-down, personalized tasting experience. My host directed me to my tasting table, with awe-inspiring views of the valley below. I was gifted with my very own “Wine Evangelist”—a member of the Black Hills team who guided me through my tasting journey of the portfolio of finely crafted, old world style wines. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to take one’s time to savor each wine, to feel completely at home, and engage in conversation about wine, life, and the bounty that surrounds us in the Okanagan. Black Hills Estate Winery is a wine lover’s bliss.

The wines are, simply put, sublime: a luscious, stone fruit and honeysuckle Viognier; an elegant, fruit and mineral balanced, oaked Chardonnay; a demure and sexy Syrah, with dark fruit, cocoa

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and soft pepper; the divine, classic Bordeaux blend, Nota Bene; and, the knock your flip-flops off Carmenere, which practically begs for grilled meats with its herbaceous, rosemary-and-sage nose with dominant pepper on the palate. These wines—along with the sought-after Alibi (a fabulous Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend) and the whimsical Cellar Hand Red—define all that is perfect about South Okanagan wines.

Each wine is served in its own particular glass, chosen specifically to let each sing pitch-perfect notes.

Founded in 1996, Black Hills is celebrating 20 years of creating awardwinning wines and providing lasting wine country memories. Enjoy their daily lunch service from 12-6pm, 7 days/week. Join the summertime party every Friday from 4-6pm for Sunset Happy Hour, hosted in Black Hills’ poolside cabanas, with wine service and delectable edibles, paired perfectly to chill DJ-spun beats.

Buy tickets now for Black Hills’ Mid Summers Night Dream party on August 13, 2016. The Wine Oasis will be converted into a Miami-inspired vineyard ultralounge, with South Beach-inspired tunes

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HAPPY HOUR SERIES

The Aqualillies, water ballerinas

by their in-house DJ, a sexy beachwear fashion show, latest wine releases, and delicious BBQ food creations. Tickets are $135.00 (plus tax & grat), include five drink tickets, food, entertainment & shuttle pick up from Osoyoos.

Visitors are always encouraged to become Black Hills Wine Club members – some releases are not available to the public.

With 20 years of bliss already on the books, the next 20 years promise to be heaven! ~ Kris Johnson

4 Pm To 7 Pm, Every Day In July & August • Relax in the sun or by our poolside Cabanas • Enjoy the sunset-inspired chill tunes being spun by guest DJ Shakes • Live Music Every Friday Evening featuring the likes of Ari Neufeld, Les Deux Guitars and Aidan Mayes & Mandy Cole • Taste the great Pizza’s and Charcuterie plates from our Vineyard Kitchen • Laugh at the witty banter of our host, Master Wine educator, Michael Biggatini

Call Black Hills for details

(250) 498 498-0666

w w w . b l a c k h i l l s w i n e r y . c o m 42 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

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 AN EXCELLENT 2015 VINTAGE AT GEHRINGER BROTHERS GREEN WINERY GOES SOLAR – BURROWING OWL WINERY Burrowing Owl Winery has long demonstrated that quality wine can be cultivated and produced in an environmentally sustainable fashion, having emerged an industry leader in ecological stewardship. Right from the start the Oliver-based winery has funded conservation efforts concerning its endangered namesake – the burrowing owl, while building a facility that was ecologically sensitive and spearheading the use of renewable energy in its cellar.

The decision to pursue solar energy was an obvious decision for a winery situated in one of the sunniest places in all of Canada. Now 10 years since its first investment into solar energy, Burrowing Owl is preparing to take the next big step by building three new solar installations on its premises. Some might just notice one of these installations when its placed atop a parking cover, designed to shade patron’s vehicles from the heavy heat of the South

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Okanagan, that will be installed in the coming fall. Accompanying this project in the parking lot will be four new charging stations for electric vehicles, making this ecologically conscious winery more accessible to ecologically conscious drivers.

The other two solar installations will be installed atop the cellar and warehouse roofs. The latter of these projects alone will reduce the winery’s carbon emissions by 38 tons annually, making Burrowing Owl the region’s first carbon-neutral winery. In fact, the staggering numbers alone speak volumes to Burrowing Owl’s commitment to the environment – as the 451 panels will offset carbon emissions by 115 tons a year. Perhaps most importantly however, this project only further shows that the spectacular wine of the Okanagan, doesn’t need to come at the expense of the Okanagan’s spectacular environment. ~ Blake Allen

It is pretty widely agreed that 2014 was a very good vintage in BC “2015, as far as vintage character, is even better,” says Walter Gehringer. “It’s even fuller compared to 2014. We’ve traded a bit of volume for complexity.”

So while ther e may be slightly less wine to go around, the taste of the wines so far has proven that the flavours and aromas of the 2015’s are more intense than previous vintages.

One of the best examples of this intensity is Gehringer Brothers’ Unoaked Chardonnay. It was fermented in stainless steel, and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. Then, to increase the complexity and structure, a portion was given extended contact with the lees (sur lie). The result is a wine that shows beautiful acidity, lovely fruit aromas, and supple texture. A luscious example of South Okanagan terroir.

It is not only the whites that are shining in 2015. The reds are showing similarly intense profiles as well. “It’s across the board,” says Walter. “The intensity comes out beautifully in the reds as well.”

The 2015 Private Reserve Pinot Noir, which was released in mid-May, exhibits similar higher intensity and concentration

when compared with the 2014. Walter says that the Merlot and Cabernet Merlot are also showing the same increase.

With all that extra sunshine, the winery will soon be fitted with solar panels as well, to environmentally supplement its electricity.

Once installed, Walter estimates that 65-70% of the winery’s electrical needs will be supplied by solar energy.

2015 Unoaked Dry Rock Chardonnay - $13.29 Aromas of lemon squares, cantaloupe melons, flowers, and fresh baked bread. The palate is soft and round with sweet lemons, melons, pears, and ripe apples. ~ Luke Whittall

proprietor/winemaker Walter Gehringer

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 43

 A DIVINE EXPANSION OF CHURCH & STATE

KIM PULLEN AND HIS TEAM AT CHURCH & STATE WINES HAVE BEEN A MARVEL TO WATCH AS THEY HAVE ARTFULLY CARVED OUT THEIR BRILLIANT BRAND TO BEST REPRESENT ITS DIVERSITY AND CULTURE OVER THE PAST DECADE. FROM THEIR ORIGINAL WINERY ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, WHERE THEY ALSO HAVE A BISTRO ON THE VINEYARD, THE PULLENS EXPANDED TO THEIR OLIVER VINEYARDS IN THE OKANAGAN, WHERE THEY BUILT A CAPTIVATING WINE TASTING ROOM SURROUNDED BY VINES AND DESERTSCAPE. FROM HERE, THEY NOW OFFER TWO UNIQUE AND EXCITING BRANDS TO DESCRIBE THEIR TWO FACES OF WINES: ELEGANT AND FUN.

proprietor Kim Pullen

New to launch this summer is the Signature Series featuring hand drawn scripts that depict the skill and craftsmanship that went into making each of these wines.

John Pullen, marketing director explains, “The project is a really interesting complement to our Lost Inhibitions series, which also is rooted completely in typography, but with a completely different effect. These new (Signature Series) labels are like a person’s signature that they’ve spent a lifetime perfecting, where Lost Inhibitions’ lettering is a bright stream of consciousness.” The Lost Inhibitions Series, if you have somehow not heard or seen this new line of controversially fun labels, were launched in 2015 and uproariously embraced by the wine consumers, with bottles flying off the shelves in every genre. This was an eye-opening example of the diversity of our modern wine

culture and an extraordinary business model for successful wine marketing.

Who was behind this? You guessed it: Bernie Hadley-Beauregard and his team, who worked closely with John and C & S to build this explosive new branding.

From fun, on to elegance. The Signature Series is a directly opposite wine experience than the Lost Inhibitions Series, but as John mentioned, makes the perfect complement in being so.

John explains, “We began the project last summer again with the Brandever team. The concept of the new designs was to interpret each of our premium and super-premium blends and varietals as unique, calligraphic signatures. Each script draws on the flavour, texture, body and style of the wines; essentially, creating a unique signature for our wines.

All the scripts were created by Jackson Alves, a prominent calligrapher based in Brazil. He describes himself as a letterer,

calligrapher and teacher. With over 15 years of experience, his lettering style is shaped by fluid and graceful curves, bold style choices and a keen eye for aesthetics. Alves was also awarded the 10th Graphic Design Biennial in Brazil in 2013, as well as the co-founder of the lettering and mural collective Criatipos.”

As with everything this winery does, this choice has been thoughtfully made, and has meaning. John says, “The parallels between calligraphy and penmanship, and winemaking are incredibly strong.

Each are built around traditional craftsmanship and incredible attention to detail. Furthermore, Alves begins each script with traditional mediums such as pen or brush, and then perfects each piece digitally, which really speaks to our winemaking philosophy of creating traditional, handcrafted wines, perfected with cutting edge technology.” ~ Jennifer Schell

 C.C. JENTSCH CELLARS: FEELING NOSTALGIC EASY TO FIND, HARD TO BEAT AT OLIVER TWIST When it comes to convenience in touring wine country, there is hardly a winery that is easier or more convenient to access than C.C. Jentsch Cellars. Located right on Highway 97 south of Oliver, owner Chris Jentsch has placed a landmark that is difficult to miss when traveling from Oliver to Osoyoos – a massive oak tank.

And there is really no reason to miss out on this winery experience. The awards list for C.C. Jentsch over the past two years have been nothing short of astounding, and not just for one particular wine. The Syrah 2013 won Decanter Asia Gold medal and Regional Trophy for Best Red in North America, the Small Lots Chardonnay 2014 won Best White at Whistler Cornucopia 2015, and most

winemaker Amber Pratt

recently the Viognier 2013 and Cabernet / Merlot 2014 both picked up Gold medals at the Okanagan Wine Festival’s Spring Best of Varietal awards this past May. 2015 Quest - $17.90 A new release to look for in the summer, this beautiful white blend has an equally beautiful story to go along with it (ask them about it at the tasting room). The wine has aromas of guava and white peaches and has a briskly refreshing acidity that will make it a perfect match for summertime afternoons in the Okanagan.

2014 Cabernet Merlot - $15.90 Aromas of cherries, plums, earth, and spice leads to similar flavours wrapped in soft tannins and balanced acidity and alcohol. At $15.90, there is simply no better value out there than this wine. It will not last long so if someone offers it to you at a party, just say thank you.

2013 Viognier - $22.90 Aromas of peaches, apricots, and flowers, it is a rich, smooth, and elegant wine. There’s a good reason why this wine won a Gold medal at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. ~ Luke Whittall

The next wine in Oliver Twist’s Nostalgia Series of wines was released in early June. The 2014 Pink Cadillac (a rosé, of course) augments the collection along with the Rockabilly Red and Boogie Woogie White. Each Nostalgia Series wine is colorfully adorned with a hot rod car and unique character painted

by California artist Ralph Burch, who has over 30 years of experience painting pin-up girls. The Pink Cadillac is driven

by Billy-Jean, who never actually reveals all of her secrets about the wine. A fully loaded rosé, the Pink Cadillac is a bigblock blend of three grape varieties and has a voluptuous touch of sweetness.

The Pink Cadillac is not the only rosé in the portfolio. Owner and winemaker Gina Mitchell is also proud of the two others at Oliver Twist – the always-popular Patio Passion (a rosé made with Merlot) and the Rosado Splash (a dessert-style rosé that also makes a great a martini). All of their rosé wines pair well with a wide assortment of foods and are popular in the heat of the Okanagan summer.

If you are planning a visit to Oliver Twist in the fall, ask about the Harvest Dinner that is planned for mid-September. Featuring locally sourced foods, live music, and

winemaker Gina Mitchell

dancing, it will be a spectacular dinner in a truly picturesque setting. Oliver Twist is also open all year long.

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - $28.00 This wine has aromas of dark cherries, cocoa, eucalyptus, and mint. It has smooth flavours of coffee, cherries, and leather and has smooth, elegant tannins. This one is a real mouthful.

2012 Merlot - $26.00 Blueberries, plums, cardamom, and allspice on the nose and black cherries, dark berries, and coconut flavours on the palate. At around $26, this top-flight wine is an incredible value. ~ Luke Whittall

Who & Where the eck re hese uys?

6 minutes south of Oliver, BC

A “Golden Mile Bench” Winery Home of many nternational wards

FREE Canada-wide shipping hrough our online store Visit our website to see all the fine restaurants and retail outlets that carry C.C. Jentsch Cellars wine

4522 Hwy 97 | 778.439.2091 | ccjentschcellars.com www.winetrails.ca

olivertwistwinery.com Tasting Room Open Daily 10:00am-5:30pm 398 Lupine Lane (Just off Road 9), Oliver, BC 250-485-0227 JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 45



TINHORN CREEK VINEYARDS: TIME TO TASTE AGAIN Established in 1993, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is no new kid on the block.

If you think you know all about Tinhorn Creek and its array of wines, think again.

The website states, “We grow grapes and we make wine. There are many steps between the field and the bottle, but at the end of the day it’s about farming the land responsibly, having fun, and making wines to share with family and friends.” Don’t let its simplicity mislead you. From the beginning, Tinhorn embraced continuous improvement. As the vineyards mature so has the business approach. In 2009, Andrew Moon was added as viticulturist/vineyard manager, and in 2014, Andrew Windsor was recruited as winemaker to allow Sandra Oldfield greater focus as president/ chief executive officer. In the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2016, Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2014 was awarded 95 points and a Gold medal.

That’s quite the international affirmation for Windsor’s work as winemaker and Moon’s vineyard management. Clearly, it’s time to taste the wines just as the nineties advertisement proclaimed about cereal, “taste them again for the first time”. Spring 2016 saw the release of the new Oldfield Series Chardonnay, the latest reserve tier wine, harvested from the Tinhorn Creek Vineyard in the Golden Mile Bench appellation. Two Golden Mile Bench designated wines

were released, the 2014 Oldfield Series Chardonnay and 2015 Gewurztraminer.

It’s part of a repositioning of the lines that’ll be fascinating to follow.

Sandra now puts Tinhorn’s passion for sustainability on steroids: “We are stewards of the land and our relationships with them; people rely on us for their livelihoods and trust us to keep them safe; we must reduce our production of carbon; and conserve the use of water, preserving the integrity of our watersheds.” It’s a community approach where seasonal workers are mentored into year-round positions, a rigorous workplace health and safety program earned an Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence certification, and a policy to buy and hire locally facilitates impressive staff retention.

“Having fun” is reflected in Tinhorn’s Canadian Concert Series that attracts about 2,500 guests annually to its stunning outdoor amphitheatre and in Tinhorn’s Crush Club – perhaps Okanagan’s most generous wine club.

It is evident daily in the highly lauded Miradoro Restaurant and its special dinners. How about self-guided tours where you see into a working cellar? Or yoga at the winery on Saturdays, June through August? Truly it’s time to revisit.

See tinhorn.ca to plan your return. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

KICK OFF YOUR SHOES AND

DANCE WITH US!

SOLD OUT!

winemaker Andrew Windsor

46 • BC Food & Wine Trails • JULY | AUGUST 2016

www.winetrails.ca

  (l-r) Alex, Maria, Fred & Pamala

ADEGA ON 45TH GOES PINK AND GOLD FOR THE SUMMER It’s not a secret that the Okanagan gets hot in the summer and wineries often make small batches of rosé to sell as a summer specialty for their wine shops.

Adega’s western-facing Osoyoos location means that they have one of the hottest patios in the valley – literally. So it’s no

surprise that Adega’s Rosé has been a huge hit with visitors. A few years ago, their Rosé was still technically supposed to be available into the summer, but was gone by late June forcing them to release the next vintage, that also sold out! “That Rosé actually made it to the first week in September last year,” explained Adega co-owner Pamala Farinha, “which was a first.” This year’s Rosé has already been released and is ready for the summer’s heat. But… “If you want it, you’ll have to come and get it – soon,” said Pamala.

It’s more than just winery visitors appreciating Adega’s wines. Some of their wines were recently awarded some

serious hardware. Both the Merlot and the Malbec from 2012 took home Silver medals from the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York. However the big winner was the Quarteto Tinto, which brought home Canada’s only Double-Gold medal for a red wine. It is a Bordeaux-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.

It is one of the most consistent wines of its type in BC, a fact that is attributed to their amazing southwest sloping vineyards and farming techniques.

Look for both the Rosé and the Quarteto Tinto this summer at Adega and enjoy both with specialty foods from their deli fridge on their shaded patio all summer long. ~ Luke Whittall

FAIRVIEW CELLARS From the Heart For the Heart

Family and Tradition ... Timeless.

By appointment only between November 15th through April 1st.

Open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

fairviewcellars.com

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

Just off Old Golf Course Rd. 989 Cellar Rd., Oliver, BC

250 495 6243 www.adegaon45.com

Open Daily 11am-5pm

250-498-2211

NEW PINOT NOIR & A NEW ROOF AT FAIRVIEW CELLARS After many years of working out in the elements, Fairview Cellars owner Bill Eggert is pleased with the new roof over the winery crush pad. Along with providing shelter while working outside during the harvest, it will also provide crucial shade while working with barrels outside of the cellar doors. The famous barrel cellar mural created

by Leza MacDonald remains unobstructed and is still clearly visible from the fairways at the golf course next door.

Fairview will be sampling not one, but two Pinot Noirs in the wine shop this summer. The first is a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Eagle Bluff Vineyard that shows bright cherries, chocolate, earth and has an elegantly balanced finish. The second is the Crooked Post Pinot Noir and is similar in style to last year’s wine of the same name. It has a much richer style with more floral aromas and smoother acidity. The grapes were grown mostly at the Fournier Vineyard, but this wine also includes some fruit from the Eagle Bluff Vineyard. “There was a marked difference between these two in the barrel,” says Bill of why these two wines were bottled separately. Both wines will be available for $25.00 each.

This summer will also see the release of the new vintage of Madcap Red 2013. A Merlot-dominant blend that also includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine has been perpetual favorite among fans of Fairview Cellars. The new vintage will more than live up to its reputation.

2013 Madcap Red - $24.90 Aromas of dark berries, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, and allspice. Bold and richly textured with huge black fruit, toffee, and baking spices and a long finish. ~ Luke Whittall

   

ADVERTISE HERE FOR ONLY $99! email Jennifer at:

jennifer.schell@winetrials.ca to book your space in our next Marketplace Directory. www.winetrails.ca

JULY | AUGUST 2016 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 47

You can’t improve on the taste of pure nature.

– Stephen Cipes, Founder/Proprietor

ORGANIC • BIODYNAMIC • 100% BC

Visit us for complimentary tastings and a meal in our Sunset Organic Bistro, or order online to have our delicious wine shipped to your door!

WWW.SUMMERHILL.BC.CA