Food & Wine Trails September/October 2021

Wineries / Distilleries / Recipes / Wine Country Guide

Food &

Wine Trails september|october 2021

30

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Anniversary edition

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The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.

Tinhorn Creek has a long history of exceptional guest experiences. This Fall, we will offer tasting flights of our award-winning wines in our spacious tasting room and seated on our covered outdoor patio. Extend your visit to soak up the spectacular views while dining at Miradoro Restaurant.

Reservations for tastings and dining are recommended.

Please visit the “contact us” page of our website to confirm hours of operation and sign-up for e-mail’s with special offers, new experiences, and Wine Club perks.

CAN’T VISIT THIS FALL? We will happily ship your wine across Canada! @TinhornCreek | www.tinhorn.com | 1.888.484.6467 | 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver, BC

Miradoro: 1.250.498.3742

Enjoy a 2 for 1 Tasting Redeem this coupon for ONE FREE tasting when en you o purchase one seated tasting. (Value $15) Call To Reserve: 250.498.3743 | Valid up until til October Oct berr 11, Oc 11, 2021 20 2 021 0 2 @TinhornCreek | www.tinhorn.com | 1.888.484.6467 | 537 Tinhorn Creekk Road, Roa oad, d, Oliver, Oliv r,, BC O BC

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September/october 2021

ol iv er Tinhorn Creek: Meet the Winemaker Jenna Hickman

Positioned on the Golden Mile Bench in the South Okanagan is Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. With a panoramic view of the southern Okanagan Valley, Tinhorn Creek is an idyllic place to stop and admire the scenery while sipping award-winning wine.

Nosal fell in love with the Okanagan after his first visit, as the hot, dry climate reminded him of his home in Argentina.

Established in 1993, the winery has been a staple in the heart of Canada’s winemaking region for almost three decades.

“The Okanagan is such a cool region because you have the richness and knowledge of wine professionals from around the world,” he says. “There’s this community where everyone is interacting and learning from one another.”

Meet Leandro Nosal

For Nosal, continuing Tinhorn Creek’s legacy of land stewardship is important.

This year, the winery appointed Argentinean-born Leandro Nosal as its head winemaker. With over 10 years of winemaking experience, Nosal is no industry rookie.

Prior to Tinhorn Creek, he was the assistant winemaker at CedarCreek Estate Winery, then the assistant winemaker at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, and most recently assistant winemaker at CheckMate Artisanal Winery for the past three years.

“Climate change is really changing things. People need to be paying attention, especially those who work with the land,” he says. “We need to continue to use our resources sustainably so our kids, and our kids’ kids, can continue to enjoy it.”

Tinhorn Creek’s new winemaker describes his winemaking style as “low-intervention.”

A fourth-generation winemaker, winemaking is in Nosal’s blood.

“Growing up in Mendoza, Argentina, wine is a part of everyday life. My great-grandparents came over from Europe, planted vineyards and made their own wine, and then my grandparents continued the tradition. My mother went to school to be a winemaker. You could say it’s a family tradition,” Nosal says. “I have a lot of memories of wandering through the vineyards with my grandmother and learning things from her and my uncle. Since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to work in the wine industry.”

Nosal has an agricultural engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, and a Master of Science in viticulture and oenology, which he achieved while studying in Montpellier, France and Torino, Italy. After working in both the vineyards and the cellar, he decided the cellar was his passion.

“I love interacting with people,” he says. “For me, winemaking is not only about the wine itself, but about sharing the stories behind the wine and all the work that goes into it.”

“I think the Golden Mile Bench has the most interesting soils in the Okanagan Valley. I really want that uniqueness to shine through in our wines,” he says.

“Obviously at some points you need to intervene in the winemaking process, but the less and the earlier the better.”

To catch Nosal in action, a trip to the winery is required.

While visiting, you can try one of Tinhorn Creek’s different tastings, each of which provides a slightly different experience while showcasing their award-winning wines.

Wine Tastings

Tasting the wines is the best way to decide which ones are right for your palate. With Tinhorn’s sit-down tastings, you can learn about Tinhorn Creek’s history, as well as the reason for all the various stemware they use to taste wines.

For wine aficionados who are up to having a little fun while testing their wine knowledge, the Black Glass Tasting challenge awaits. Tasters are given four varietals of wine, all masked in blacked-out glasses. If tasters can guess two out of four wines, the winery will waive their tasting fee.

Wine Club for Five Wineries!

To gain complimentary tastings at Tinhorn Creek, as well as Black Hills, Gray Monk, Red Rooster, and Sandhill, for yourself and three guests, join the winery’s wine club. Not only do you get exclusive access to new wine releases and the gorgeous guesthouse on the vineyard property, but wine club members receive 15 per cent discounts on all wine and merchandise, and a 10 per cent discount on food at Miradoro restaurant for up to six people.

Come and Visit

Tinhorn Creek is open seven days a week from 11 am until 6 pm. The winery strongly encourages reservations; however, they will do their best to accommodate walk-ins.

For more information about the winery or the wine club, or to book a wine tasting or dinner reservation, please contact 1-888-484-6467 or visit tinhorn.com and go to the Tastings and Experience tab and book a tasting through myWineCountry.com.

www.winetrails.ca

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oliver Kismet Estate Winery: It All Begins With Grapes david wylie

The beginning of every award-winning wine is the grape itself.

The family behind Kismet Estate Winery has been growing wine grapes in the Okanagan Valley for more than two decades, and they’ve earned a reputation for producing some of the best in the valley.

Award-Winning Wines

This summer, the quality of Kismet’s wines was recognized at the 2021 All Canadian Wine Championships with a number of medals, including: • Double Gold – 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon • Gold – 2018 Viognier Roussanne • Gold – 2020 Infinity Rosé

Splash of Indian Culture

Kismet is named for a Punjabi word meaning “destiny.” Keeping with the theme, all of Kismet’s wines have Indian names that resonate with the characteristics of the wine, such as Karma, Mantra and Moksha.

“We wanted to infuse our culture into everything we do at Kismet,” said operations manager Neelam Dhaliwal. “Telling our story by including our culture feels like the best way to really create our identity.”

The Dhaliwals invested in property together, then struck out on their own to found Kismet. They grow many varieties on more than 400 acres, including rare grapes like Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Kismet also incorporates Indian cuisine at its winery through mouth-watering dishes served at the Masala Bistro. The bistro’s patio is located beside the vineyard and offers a beautiful view of the Black Sage Bench.

An outdoor wedding venue has been added to the property and is a hidden gem in the region. Newlyweds-to-be can find more information on the Kismet website or through the several wedding planners that have partnered with the winery.

Located off Highway 97 in Oliver, it’s easy to stop in at Kismet for a $1 tasting—fees are waived with the purchase of a bottle. All proceeds from tasting fees are donated to the BC Children’s Hospital.

Join the Club

How Kismet Came to Be

In the 1990s, one of two founding brothers, Sukhwinder Dhaliwal, immigrated to Canada with only $5 in his pocket. He settled in the Okanagan Valley and made his living in agriculture, eventually managing vineyards. He convinced his brother Balwinder to join him, and together the brothers learned to turn grapes into gold-medal-winning wines for numerous well-known Okanagan wineries.

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September/october 2021

The Kismet wine club is a great way to explore. Two options are available: the Connection Club offers one customizable case per year at 10 per cent off with free shipping, while the Devotion Club offers two cases per year in May and October at a 15 per cent discount. Returning clients often choose the “surprise you” option, where Kismet will select bottles based on past purchases and bottles they think the customer will enjoy exploring.

It’s a fun way to expand on your experience.

Visit kismetestatewinery.com to join the wine club, book a virtual tasting or reserve a table in the Masala Bistro. The tasting room is walk-in only, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

CON TEN TS Tinhorn Creek . . ..........................................3 Kismet Estate Winery................................4 Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery...................6 Destination Osoyoos.................................7 BC Wine Studio.........................................8 Forest Green Man.....................................9 From the Editor. . .....................................10 Red Rooster Winery.. ...............................12 Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery �����������14 Recipe: Red & Green Shakshuka �������������14 Volcanic Hills...........................................15

On the Cover..........................................18 Summerhill Estate Winery. . ......................19 Recipe: Charcoal Grilled Lamb Kaftas .....20 Okanagan Wine Festivals Society ����������21 Sip & Anchor Luxury Wine ......................22 Forbidden Spirits. . ...................................23 Cheers Okanagan Tours. . .........................24 QB Gelato & Bakery................................26 O'Rourke Peak Cellars. . ...........................27 Okanagan Spirits.....................................28 A Brief History of the BC Wine Industry 29 Salt Spring Island Kitchen. . ......................30 Black Hills Estate Winery.........................31

Create Your Own Wine Tour...........................16 The View Winery.. ....................................18

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Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of information received and printed in BC Food & Wine Trails, we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions, E&OE.

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Oliver

REPLENISH YOUR WINTER WISH LIST AT QUINTA FERREIRA roslyne buchanan

Blink and Okanagan summer is gone as autumn returns. Plan for winter by stocking up on your wine wish list at Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery. Find end-of-the-vintage sales and new releases to scoop up quickly because some are in limited supply.

Seize the opportunity to see Carmen Tomé’s latest art and gift items in the Wine Shop before season’s end. Open 10 am to 6 pm daily to October, Quinta Ferreira is picture perfect amid fall-coloured vineyards on Black Sage Road in Oliver.

Among the Vintages

Winemaker Michael Ferreira has been busy creating expressions “true to the fruit” in Old World style.

2020 Zinfandel is brighter and cooler than a Californian style while delivering satisfying dark fruit, pepper and spicy highlights. With limited production, it‘s released to Wine Club members first and sells out quickly.

A beautiful dark colour and the concentrated flavours of blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant with subtle raspberry and floral notes define the 2020 Malbec.

2014 Cabernet Franc delivers wonderful blackberry and black cherry notes, then layers of chestnut, chocolate, light cedar and sweet vanilla. Hard candy flavours linger in a long finish.

Smooth dark cherry and blackberry greet you in the 2014 Malbec, followed by sweet vanilla and spicy oak layers. Raspberry sweet/tartness balances with smooth tannins for a long finish.

Barrel fermented and aged in both French and American oak, the Chardonnay sips smoothly, and pairs divinely with seafood and cheeses. Soft apple mingles with ripe melon, pear and peach, framed by waves of vanilla, caramel, coconut and hazelnut.

www.quintaferreira.com

2013 Obra Prima, a big blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot, is perennially popular. It starts with bell pepper and black cherry notes, then delivers mocha coffee, delicate cedar, cherry and sweet vanilla, culminating with hard candy and a spicy long finish.

Follow @QuintaFerreira For releases and news, follow @QuintaFerreira on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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September/october 2021

Ol iv er Autumn Adventures in the Okanagan blake allen

Osoyoos is already famous for its South Okanagan sunshine. And in the cooler autumn months it’s even more attractive, thanks to the vibrant scenery and joyful residents eager to share their culture and activities.

An Entire Season to be Explored in Osoyoos Osoyoos has an abundance of fall experiences for wine enthusiasts, foodies, and fall foliage seekers. The autumn weather is warm enough for outdoor activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, golf, hiking and more. The fall is also ideal for fishing, birdwatching and stargazing under the region’s famously starry skies. And, after all of that activity, you’ll be pleased to know you won’t go hungry in Osoyoos.

Osoyoos is a leading culinary destination in Canada.

Connoisseurs and aspiring foodies will savour seasonal local flavours prepared by renowned chefs. Using the best of the bounty from the South Okanagan and Similkameen, local chefs source much of their produce from their own backyard: salad greens, mounds of brightly coloured squash, and crisp pears and apples, to name a few.

Enjoy the Bounty of the Okanagan

Visitors can celebrate the season’s bounty by enjoying the local farmer’s market, Osoyoos Market on Main, until midSeptember, and can dine at several of the local wineries throughout the fall. Long tables, library wines and guest chefs are just some of the extraordinary features of the fall wine festival dinners, with many wineries offering other unique experiences and intimate tastings throughout the fall. But, be warned—these events sell out quickly. So, if you have a favourite winery (or two), be sure to sign up now!

With more than 50 wineries between two wine regions (Oliver-Osoyoos and the Similkameen Valley) within a 20-minute drive of Osoyoos, travellers can tour many

vineyards during their visit, sampling many different wines and grape varietals. If wine isn’t your fancy, Osoyoos also has something for beer, cider and spirit aficionados.

Spirits and Wine

coffee found at Jojo’s Café on Main Street. And of course, with its abundance of apples, Osoyoos has several cideries nearby, like Orchard Hill Estate Cidery, Bordertown Cider & Winery, and The Maverick Cider Co., serving sips of the South Okanagan’s favourite fruit.

For example, Tumbleweed Spirits focuses on small-batch spirits. Their cherry moonshine is made with local South Okanagan cherries. Or, for the brave––their Fireweed Whiskey will surely knock your socks off.

With great fall festivals and events like the Half Corked Marathon, Pig Out, Cask and Keg, and Festival of the Grape, there is so much to do this season in Osoyoos and the South Okanagan.

There’s also North Basin Brewing Co., located in downtown Osoyoos and offering local suds like the “Cup o’ Jojo’s Breakfast Stout,” named after the infamous

Osoyoos desert wine country is waiting for you. Plan your trip to Osoyoos by visiting destinationosoyoos.com or download the travel guide at appscanada.ca/osoyoos.

Spectacular foliage, fun fall festivals, and unforgettable wine and culinary www.destinationosoyoos.com experiences are yours to discover in Osoyoos this season.

www.destinationosoyoos.com#osoyoosbc @DestinationOsoyoos

@osoyoosbc

Scan to Download the Official Osoyoos www.appscanada.ca/osoyoos Travel Guide www.winetrails.ca

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Okana gan Fal l s Tour Multiple Wineries at a Single Vineyard

Explore One of the Okanagan’s Most Distinguished Wine Regions at BC Wine Studio blake allen

Perched in the hills that overlook the tranquil waters of Vaseux Lake lies a little-known Okanagan treasure. This small expanse of rolling hills is one of only five places in all the Okanagan Valley to be declared a sub-appellation, a place whose unique geography produces wines of such character and quality it warrants distinction. And nestled among these hills amid a rolling sea of vines you’ll find BC Wine Studio, a truly different winery showcasing the very best of the wines from this very special corner of the Okanagan.

A New Wine Experience

BC Wine Studio began in 2012 when owner Stephen Carter sought to create a wine experience unlike anything else he’d seen in the Okanagan. The studio and crush pad house a considerable number of independently run boutique wineries from across the Okanagan, allowing guests to literally taste the entire valley from a single tasting room! Guests would be advised to specifically seek out the studio’s flagship label, Carter Wines: an award-winning portfolio of both red and white wines produced entirely from grapes grown exclusively on this historic estate, each one perfectly illustrating a distinguished flavour profile unique to the harvests of these rocky hills.

This exquisite series, along with its sister series Hawk’s Nest, which is made from Okanagan grapes grown outside the Okanagan Falls sub-appellation (a perfect comparison for those still doubting the impact locality has on their wines), is handcrafted by head winemaker Valerie Tremblay, who is also the head viticulturalist and cellar master for the Studio. Tremblay mastered winemaking right here in the Okanagan and takes great pride in working to develop an iconic Okanagan style of winemaking by leaning into and showcasing the common characteristics and flavour profiles of grapes grown in

the Okanagan Valley. To help ensure this, she employs a practice of bio-diversified agriculture, a practice with many similarities to organic farming, and seeks to maintain greater biodiversity in the vineyard so that the winery’s agricultural practices have a minimal impact on the local ecology.

Newly Renovated Tasting Room Open

portfolio can easily book an appointment by texting Val at (250) 689-7980.

2016 Carter Wines Pinot Noir

And just in time for the harvest, BC Wine Studio’s newly renovated tasting room is opening this fall! Those looking to do a tasting of the Studio’s considerably diverse wine

Even before Okanagan Falls was granted status as a sub-appellation, it was long rumoured to produce the Okanagan’s finest pinot noirs, and this particular vintage is a strong example of why this belief is still held by many.

Unmistakable flavours of cherries are softened by smooth hints of vanilla, with just a hint of raspberry rounding off the finish. A perfect pairing for that Thanksgiving dinner that’s just around the corner!

The Heart of Wine Country Hand crafted Award winning wines 2434 Oliver Ranch Rd Okanagan Falls, BC, V0H 1R2 Open May-Aug - 7 days a week 11am - 5pm

Sept onward - reservations only Tasting Room reservation strongly recommended

Due to bad cell phone reception, texting is better P/Text: 250-689-7980 or email us at info@carterwinecompany.com

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September/october 2021

N a ra mata

Forest Green Man Lavender Shop & Art Gallery

Our shop has moved to “downtown” Naramata, offering high-quality, hand-crafted lavender specialty products, as well as original artwork by Karolina Born.

Forest Green Man darcy nybo

Fragrant and calming purple lavender is at the heart of Forest Green Man Lavender Products, headed up by Karolina Born.

They offer a comprehensive selection of handmade, high-quality wellness and food items, all crafted from lavender grown in their own private gardens of approximately 400 plants. Karolina currently grows about six varieties of lavender, useful for different purposes. This guarantees that the components of every product she crafts are being put to optimal use.

Forest Green Man recently introduced a new line of rosewater products, including bath salts and soaps.

Located in downtown Naramata at 126 Robinson Avenue, Forest Green Man Lavender Products is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm, until the end of September. After that, check their website for alternate hours.

The store operates in a COVID-19-safe manner, is not very big and therefore kindly still asks the general public to wear a mask.

Peruse Forest Green Man’s lavender products at forestgreenman.com.

126 Robinson Avenue, Naramata Shop hours 11-4 Wed-Sun or by appointment

(250) 488 8365

www.forestgreenman.com forestgreenman.com www.karolinaborn.com karolinaborn.com www.winetrails.ca

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f rom the e di t o r september/october 2021 wines were barely making a dent in world sales, and Kelowna’s Paramount Theatre still showed movies. By 1991, many grape growers had been paid to rip out their vines, and over two thirds of the Okanagan’s vineyards were replanted.

There were a few grape growers and wine makers who still believed in the terroir of the area and their ability to grow grapes and create wines that could compete on the world stage. Sumac Ridge, Gray Monk and CedarCreek were all making quality wines with European grapes.

Darcy Nybo Welcome to the 30th anniversary edition of Food & Wine Trails.

Keeping a magazine viable is a huge undertaking, especially in today’s world, and we’ve gone through quite a few changes over the years.

Back in 1991, David Gamble founded British Columbia Wine Trails as a consumer magazine. Stories back then were about the growing new wine industry. The magazine was filled with stories about the Okanagan Valley and the people who were creating this brave new wine-making world.

Things were a lot different in 1991. Cars were square-bodied, Canadian-made

In the mid-1990s, Mission Hill was awarded the first major international wine award for a table wine in BC. That award woke up the world, and the BC wine industry took off from there.

In 2005, David Gamble retired, and BC Wine Trails was sold to its present owner, Black Press Group. Sommelier Dani Greene became the editor and had some very notable people write for the magazine, including Rhys Pender and Eric von Krosigk.

In 2008, Jennifer Schell took over as editor and the name was changed to Food & Wine Trails. Jennifer has since moved on and has written three cookbooks that have won numerous international awards.

In February of 2018, I was asked if I wanted to be the editor for Food & Wine Trails, and of course I jumped at the offer. I had some pretty amazing people to follow, but thanks to the great team already in place, the transition went fairly smoothly.

Bernard Avenue in 1991, looking up from the Sails.

Photo couresty of Kelowna Public Archives: KPA#5271 BC wineries and restaurants continue to treat their supporters to delicious food and wine that can hold its own on the world stage. From foraging chefs to organic and biodiverse vineyards, the options for food and wine lovers are almost endless.

I am honoured to be a part of this amazing industry and to have met so many dedicated people whose only goal is to please the palates of people around the world.

Cheers, and here’s to another 30 years!

An Okanagan Getaway from Your Everyday Our beautifully restored Lodge Guestrooms and year-round lake-front log Cottages are perfect for your Okanagan getaway. Enjoy all of our services and amenities as well as easy access to everything Naramata has to offer.

sandybeachresort.com | 250 496 5765 sandy_beach_lodge

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A N A F T E R N O O N AT

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WINERIES

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TINHORN CREEK

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REAP THE ABUNDANCE

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P e nt ict o n There’s a Wine for Everyone at Red Rooster Winery Jenna Hickman

Perched on the hill, off Naramata Road in Penticton, BC, overlooking Okanagan Lake, Red Rooster Winery is a wine lover’s haven.

Founded in 1990 by a European couple who settled in the area and built the winery with salvaged wood from the original Naramata train dock, Red Rooster has been a staple in the southern Okanagan for over three decades.

After releasing its first vintage in 1997, the winery has been receiving accolades ever since.

Whether you’re seated at a table on the patio, relaxing under a tree in the garden, or upstairs with refreshing air conditioning, you’ll have a spectacular view that almost rivals the wine.

Wine Tastings

Red Rooster Winery offers seated wine tastings seven days a week, from noon until 5 pm, with wine flights changing daily. Although the winery does its best to accommodate walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended to ensure there is a table available for you.

“We take a lot of pride in our wine tastings,” Burke Ganton, the assistant manager at Red Rooster Winery said. “Guests are more than welcome to simply sip their wine and take in the view, but for those wanting to learn, our staff love sharing their knowledge and helping people learn about our winery and our wine.”

There are three tastings you can choose from at Red Rooster: their Signature Tasting, their new Charcuterie Tasting, and their Black Glass Tasting.

The winery’s 45-minute guided Signature Tasting invites guests to taste four of Red Rooster’s Signature wines, all while taking in the picturesque view.

The Charcuterie Tasting for two is a new addition to the winery and has been a huge hit. In partnership with Joy Road Catering, Red Rooster has curated custom charcuterie boards teeming with local ingredients, that pair perfectly with your Red Rooster wine flight.

The Charcuterie Tasting isn’t the only new addition to Red Rooster’s tasting selection. The winery also added a blind tasting this year: the Black Glass Tasting. Those who opt for the blind tasting will be presented with four different wines, poured in completely blacked-out glasses. If you can correctly identify all four wines, you will win a free bottle of wine! What better prize could you want?

“Each tasting offers something completely different, while still presenting delicious wines for guests to try,” Ganton said. “With a group of friends, one can try the Signature Tasting, two can share the Charcuterie Tasting, and one can try the Black Glass Tasting. It really offers something for everyone.”

New Releases

While visiting the winery, guests can try some of Red Rooster’s new releases. The winery recently released their 2020 Viognier.

“2020 has been a remarkable year for Okanagan wine,” Ganton said. “Elaine, our winemaker, and our team are absolutely thrilled with how the Viognier turned out. It’s really good.”

Earlier this year, Red Rooster also released their 2020 Rosé, as well as their NV Brut (their first sparkling) and their Brut Rosé. The NV Brut is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, whereas the Rosé and Brut Rosé are both 100 per cent estate-grown Malbec.

Wine Club

To be the first to hear about Red Rooster’s new releases, you’ll want to join their wine club. You get to be the first to hear about and taste their new releases, and you and up to three guests will receive complimentary tastings at Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek

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Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, and Sandhill Wines.

Wine club members have exclusive access to the Wine Club Members Lounge and receive a 15 per cent discount on all Red Rooster wines, merchandise and accessories, as well as other amazing perks.

Visit Red Rooster online at redroosterwinery.com to learn more about the wine club.

New Look

Red Rooster visitors will also notice a few changes at the winery, including the fact that their once-sand-coloured exterior is now a crisp white. The refreshed exterior matches the winery’s new wine bottles and labels that are being rolled out this year.

Red Rooster Winery is open noon until 5 pm, seven days a week. For more information about Red Rooster Winery, please visit redroosterwinery.com or call 250-492-2424.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

Join us at Red Rooster this Fall for an intimate outdoor seated tasting where the views are only outmatched by the wines.

Experience our signature series, a true expression of the exceptional terroir of the Okanagan Valley.

Visit our website for more details and to reserve your spot on our sun soaked patio.

fl @RedRoosterWine 250-492-2424 | www.redroosterwinery.com 891 Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

VALUE

Redeem this voucher at Red Rooster Winery for a two for one seated tasting flight.

Compliments of: Promo Code: winetrails2021

fl @RedRoosterWine 250-492-2424 | www.redroosterwinery.com 891 Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC

www.winetrails.ca

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WPEenticton ST KELO W NA Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery: Approachable and Inviting david wylie

Sometimes people get intimidated when going wine tasting for the first time. The owners of Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery want to make people as comfortable as possible, whether it’s their first time or they’re frequent visitors.

“It’s not supposed to be intimidating. We have fun staff in the tasting room,” said Wilbert Borren, who owns the winery with his wife Joka. They offer unhurried tastings and even take the time to bring guests on a mini-tour when time allows.

Four Shadows is the first winery on Upper Bench Road leaving Penticton. It’s open for walkin tasters, as well as bookings.

A picnic and patio area offers expansive views of their 17-acre vineyard and Campbell Mountain.

Wines in Demand

Four Shadows quickly became known for their Rieslings and Rosés, which sold out last year.

R E CIP E

Red & Green Shakshuka

Recipe Courtesy of Salt Spring Kitchen Co.

This simple, hearty, and incredibly delicious breakfast is the best way to begin a weekend. Perfectly poached eggs in tomato sauce, tastily mopped up with sourdough bread—does it get any better? The Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread adds so much flavour and complexity to the tomato sauce in one simple addition. The sweetness balances the additional acidity from the cherry tomatoes and the bitterness from the greens. The bitter greens add a layer of texture and complexity to this dish, making it unique and extra-healthy. Soon it will be a weekend tradition!

Serves 4

2 stalks curly green kale

Ingredients

4 stalks Swiss chard

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 Tbsp fresh chopped dill

1 small onion, chopped

2 tsp paprika

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup Salt Spring Kitchen Co. Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread

1 tsp sea salt 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 eggs Salt and pepper to taste

Their classic Riesling is the top seller, and it’s liked by those new to wine as well as those with experienced palates.

The winery won medals this summer for their sparkling Riesling and their dry Riesling at the 2021 All Canadian Wine Championships.

Another standout wine from Four Shadows is the 2018 Merlot. This is what wine reviewer Leah Spooner had to say about it: “Enticing red liquorice, vanilla and baked blackberry aromas give an engaging introduction to this unfiltered Merlot. A core of ripe fruit that includes blackberry, black raspberry and purple plums fills the palate and is embraced by lifting acidity and a soft but sturdy tannin structure. Waves of savoury notes of cooked mushrooms, earth and nutmeg come in on a memorable finish. Drink or hold.”

Hours and Contact

The winery is open seven days a week, from 11 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday and 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. To order online or join Four Shadows’ wine club, visit fourshadowsvineyard.com.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the rack in the centre of the oven.

In a 12-inch frying pan that is ovenproof, add 2 Tbsp of olive oil and place over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the pepper is just starting to soften. Sprinkle with sea salt and stir until the vegetables start to sweat, one minute more. Add the minced garlic and tomatoes to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and their juices to start to release, stirring once or twice.

While the vegetables are cooking, remove the stalks from the leaves of both the kale and the Swiss chard. Thinly slice the Swiss chard stalks. Discard the kale stalks. Add the Swiss chard stalks to the frying pan, mixing to combine. Roughly chop the kale and Swiss chard leaves. Place the greens in a small mixing bowl and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Massage the oil into the greens until they are glossy and set aside.

Life, Vine & Wine Flow in Harmony.

Open Daily May thru October.

250 Upper Bench Road South, Penticton ~250-493-3625 www.fourshadowsvineyard.com

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Stir the tomato sauce well. The tomatoes will be soft and the mixture will be quite saucy and wet. Stir in the fresh dill, paprika and Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread, mixing well to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and, stirring constantly, bring the mixture just to a boil for one minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat. Stir in the greens until just combined. Make four small wells at equal distances apart in the tomato sauce. Crack an egg into each well and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12 minutes for soft-poached eggs and 15 minutes for firmer yolks.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to four days.

West Kel own a VOLCANIC HILLS LAUNCHES GIDDA FAMILY ESTATE LINE Roslyne Buchanan

Years in the making, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery is launching small-batch, single-vineyard, premium wines as a new Gidda Family Estate line, to be released to their wine club in September/October.

The family’s roots in the Okanagan run deep. Bobby Gidda’s grandfather Mehtab, a mango and vegetable farmer, moved from India to West Kelowna in 1958 and became an orchardist and grape grower. With his sons, he opened Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery in 2001. Flash forward to the third generation: Mehtab’s son Sarwan left Mt. Boucherie along with his own son Bobby, so Bobby and his siblings Amit and Christina could actualize the family vision to open Volcanic Hills in 2010.

Premium Tier One Block Series

Each homestead of Volcanic Hills’ four owners has been carefully cultivated, including varietals Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Gamay and Chardonnay. The smalllot wines, as exclusive as 60 cases depending on the vineyard block, debut as 2020 vintage. (Chardonnay is held for 18 months as a Blanc de Blanc release.)

Each property’s viticulture is finely dialed in to elicit the most refined attributes of the varietals. For example, the Pinot Noir was cropped at 2.3 tonnes per acre for superior fruit.

Daniel Bontorin, Volcanic Hills’ winery consultant and chief fermentation officer, ensures the optimum winemaking strategy to finesse the fruits’ true nature. All are partially barrel-fermented. The Rosé, for example, is 100 per cent single-vineyard Gamay.

“It tastes like bumbleberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side,” says Kathryn Fedoruk, the winery’s marketing manager. She calls it “Pooh Bear” Rosé because a family of bears developed such a fondness for the Gamay that Volcanic Hills had to pull the fruit a bit earlier to outsmart the bears nose for sweetness.

Fortified Cherry Wine as Homage

The Giddas’ Okanagan journey began as tree fruit farmers, and all of the homestead’s remaining Lapins cherry trees are being processed into Lapilli, a fortified cherry wine, as homage.

Volcanic Hills proprietor Bobby Gidda discusses the strict viticulture that sets the Gidda Family Estates One Block series apart from the rest.

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www.winetrails.ca

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create your own

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O'Rourke's

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Okanagan S

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Sip & Ancho

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The View W

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Forbidden S

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Summerhill

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Red Rooste

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Four Shado

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Faith Peters

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Spirits (Vernon) Peak Cellars

Spirits (Kelowna)

or Luxury Wine

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Spirits Distilling Co. Pyramid Winery

lls Estate Winery

er Winery

ows Vineyard & Winery

tudio

reira Estate Winery

eek Vineyards

Estate Winery

ate Winery

ail Estate Winery

es of est

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& Bakery

Wine ociety

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en Man roducts Osoyoos Kitchen Co.

www.winetrails.ca

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K e lowna The View Winery – Fall Harvests and New Releases kim rhindress

The fall is the most exciting time of year to visit The View Winery, as you are likely to witness winemaking happening right before your eyes.

At The View, everything from growing grapes to fermenting and bottling wines and ciders is done on site. Their tasting room is an extension of the cellar itself. More than just a wine shop, it offers an opportunity to see, smell and hear winemaking in progress.

Toward the end of summer, as the crowds typically subside, the cellar comes alive with action and the magic begins.

“We start with our sparkling wines in mid-September,” said Kristy French, The View’s winemaker. “And we don’t finish with the reds and ciders until mid- to late November.

Each varietal is on its own schedule, so we’re juggling from tank to tank and barrel to barrel as the harvest comes in.”

Guests to the winery in the fall season can enjoy a relatively relaxed tasting compared to the bustling summer months and come away with a truly memorable experience.

“We may not have time to stop and talk about it,” laughs Kristy, “but you will likely see us running about, with pumps and hoses. It’s not very glamorous, but it’s the ‘make it or break it’ time of year for us. It’s definitely exciting to see what the vines provide and what the new vintage will bring.”

New Releases

While the 2021 harvest comes into the cellar, the winery is proudly releasing its 2020 Pinot Gris and 2019 Pinotage Reserve.

The 2020 Pinot Gris is luscious and full-bodied, with a creamy mouthfeel and rich notes of stone fruit, lemon, and pear. $20.95 The 2019 Pinotage Reserve is elegant and rich, with supple tannins and bright notes of dark cherry, raspberry, and spice. $27.95 Learn more at theviewwinery.com.

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on th e cover We wanted to do something different for our 30th anniversary cover, so we looked around for somewhere with ties to the beginnings of the wine industry in BC. This led us to Brook & Barn, a historical wedding and event venue that hosts both ceremonies and receptions. It was established in 2018 by Nadene and Rob Casorso and their daughter Amanda Tian Seng.

You may recognize the last name, because the Casorso family is one of the founding INSIDE wine-making families in the Okanagan. Nadene and Rob’s great-grandparents, Rosa and Giovanni Casorzo (John Casorso), immigrated from Northern Italy to the Okanagan Valley in the 1880s. The family has been farming here under the same name ever since.

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They are the fourth generation to live and farm on this location. It’s also where we decided to shoot our cover, in the second Casorso home, known as The Bunkhouse.

One of the wines we have on the front cover is Sandhill’s Sovereign Opal.

This is a hybrid grape that is a cross-pollination of Golden Muscat and Maréchal Foch. The Casorso family has been exclusively growing these grapes since the early 1980s and has 12.5 acres planted on their farm in southeast Kelowna.

Other cover wines are Red Rooster’s Rosé, Tinhorn Creek’s Cabernet Franc, and Gray Monk’s Odyssey White Brut. All four wineries are owned by Andrew Peller Limited. All are delicious for special occasions and everyday enjoyment.

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kel own a TASTE BIODYNAMIC HARMONY AT SUMMERHILL Roslyne Buchanan

Summerhill Pyramid Winery views organically and biodynamically grown grapes as fundamental to its award-winning wines.

Sourced from its Okanagan Valley estate vineyards, the fruit is handled with love and respect, making wines that are allowed to ferment naturally. The wines are finished in Summerhill’s pyramid cellar, which is “built with precision sacred geometry and aligned to the stars to create a structure of stillness and harmony.”

Biodynamic Practices Are About Relationship Second-generation Summerhill CEO Ezra Cipes explains, “Many people think biodynamic winemaking is about astrology and magic potions. It’s really about farmers and their relationship to the farm, life and the universe.”

Each part is in harmony with the whole.

According to the Biodynamic Association, “biodynamics is a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food and nutrition.” Scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner urged farmers in the 1920s “to integrate scientific understanding with a recognition of spirit in nature.”

Summerhill embraces that approach to ensure the wine reflects that trajectory. “As we strive to live in harmony and bring value to the universe, our wines are a product of the journey,” says Ezra. “Our wines are a tangible piece of the journey we can share.”

South Kelowna Slopes

On the South Kelowna Slopes, Summerhill’s estate-grown biodynamic grapes become wines of provenance. They demonstrate distinctive character, unveiling a “sense of place and integrity to the protocols in growing the grapes and transforming them into wine.”

Winemaker Michael Alexander nurtures the process to extract the grapes’ true nature, reflecting how and where they were grown.

Estate Grown Biodynamic Expressions

The 2020 Estate Grown Biodynamic Chardonnay is complex, creamy and overall fruity, with luxurious notes of lemon, lime pith, red apple, ripe pear and a light oak toast.

Bright acidity refreshes the palate and leads to a long, lingering finish.

Rich, complex and refreshing, the 2019 Estate Grown Biodynamic Grüner Veltliner offers texture with notes of starfruit, celeriac and cracked peppercorn. Rare within BC and primarily grown in Austria, these were planted in 2013 by Ari Cipes at the Summerhill Estate.

The 2020 Estate Grown Biodynamic Pinot Noir is full, rich, full-on pure Pinot Noir with incredible mouthfeel and texture.

Our patio awaits you

Covered, socially distanced patio dining.

Open by reservation.

https://www.summerhill.bc.ca/

www.winetrails.ca

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Charcoal Grilled Lamb Kaftas with Yogurt Sauce

R E C IP E

Courtesy of Black Hills Estate Winery Created by Tapas Gordito’s Sous Chef Max Dallemore and Chef Jeff Van Geest Kaftas Ingredients 1 lb or ½ kg ground lamb 1 small onion, grated on a cheese grater 4 Tbsp chopped fresh mint 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper Kosher salt to taste 12 bamboo skewers, presoaked in water to prevent burning on the grill

Method Yogurt Sauce

Mix all ingredients and form into golf-ball-sized balls, flatten slightly and slide on to bamboo skewers.

1 clove of garlic chopped or microplaned

Set aside on a plate or tray while the grill heats up and you make the yogurt sauce.

Juice and zest of one lemon

KELOWNA

Serve on a platter with a drizzle of nice olive oil and the bowl of yogurt sauce.

Salt to taste

SUMMERLAND

P ENTIC TON

NAR AMATA

SKAHA BENCH

OLIVER

“Terrific People, Fantastic Wines, Great Memories!”

“Our exceptional tour guide Cal was truly only concerned that we had an excellent experience and enjoyed ourselves. He was very knowledgeable and a great story teller. Thank you Cheers and Cal for such great service and making this tour so memorable and fun.”

Rob & Linda, San Francisco, CA

250-717-8452

2016

2017

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Ranked Top 10% Worldwide on TripAdvisor® DO-IT-YOURSELF (VEHICLE & CHAUFFEUR) FROM $20 PER PERSON

CLASSIC TOP-TIER WINE TOURS. 3, 4, 5, & 6-VENUES FROM $174 PER PERSON

MODEST WINE TOURS. 3-VENUES PRIVATE FROM $139 PUBLIC FROM $99

PREMIUM TOP-TIER WINE TOURS. 2, 3, & 4-VENUES $449 TO $699 PER PERSON

September/october 2021

SIMILKAMEEN

LAKE COUNTRY

Grill kaftas until just cooked through.

¼ tsp ground cumin

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Combine all ingredients and place in a nice serving bowl.

250 ml Greek yogurt

O K A N A G A N FA L L S

W E S T K E LOW N A

Fire up the grill on high heat, preferably over charcoal (use lump charcoal instead of briquettes for a higher quality).

kel own a Okanagan Wine Festivals Society The Matchmaker Between Those Who Love Wine and Those Who Craft It! The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society (OWFS) is one of the largest not-for-profit wine industry festival and marketing organizations in Canada. They bring wine lovers and wine producers together to celebrate the timeless craft of winemaking.

OWFS began in 1980, during the infancy of the Okanagan Valley wine industry. Since then, they‘ve grown alongside the industry itself and now produce four seasonal festivals with over 100 events annually. Additionally, they produce the two major yearly wine award competitions in BC: the Best of Varietal Wine Awards in the spring and the BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards in the fall.

New and Exciting: The WINETHUSIAST Club

For the first time ever, the 40-year-old society has launched an innovative, varietalspecific wine club––the WINETHUSIAST Club!

“I wanted to create a new opportunity for our winery members to connect directly with wine-loving consumers,” said OWFS general manager Elan Morris. “What makes our wine club unique is that WINETHUSIASTs will be able to view ‘Varietal of the Month’ videos and learn about the wines included in the monthly wine packs prior to purchasing shipments.”

Morris continued, “These wine shipments will include wines from many different wineries. So, for those who just can’t get enough of their favourite varietal and want to learn the differences brand to brand, this club is for them.” From winethusiastclub.com, members will be able to: • learn from BC winemakers through educational “Varietal of the Month” videos that speak to what makes their wines unique and extraordinary;

• register to attend complimentary pre-event VIP wine tastings; • access discounts and giveaways from Okanagan Valley businesses; • learn about BC wine through Spotlight!, a curated collection of wine-related content including articles, podcasts and videos; • and more!

Committed to BC Wineries and Communities

Presented by Valley First, OWFS is a membership-based society that exists to directly connect consumers with OWFS members, tourism partners and Okanagan Valley communities via festivals, events, trade tastings, wine competitions, and the WINETHUSIAST Club. In 2019, they connected over 11,000 consumers to their members, sponsors, and Okanagan Valley communities.

• purchase optional monthly, varietalspecific wine shipments delivered to their door;

OWFS will celebrate its 41st Fall Wine Festival this year. Through the last 40 years, OWFS is proud to have stood beside wineries, partner businesses, and communities to promote and grow the BC wine industry. They join Food & Wine Trails in celebrating this magazine’s 30th anniversary!

• receive discounts to OWFS Signature Events

Connect with OWFS at thewinefestivals.com, by emailing info@thewinefestivals.com, or by calling 250-861-6654.

THE OKANAGAN WINE FESTIVALS SOCIETY’S NEW CLUB FOR WINE LOVERS

www.winetrails.ca

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k e lowna

Wine & UnWind

Okanagan Style

Explore the Okanagan by Both Land and Lake blake allen

From the pristine waters of Okanagan Lake to the renowned wineries that dot its hills, there’s always something to do here in the Okanagan Valley—so much so that it can sometimes be overwhelming just trying to pick your next adventure. Why make that difficult choice between a day at the beach and wine touring when the Kelowna-based tour company Sip & Anchor can offer you both?

Unique and Unforgettable Tours with Sip & Anchor

Purchased in 2019 by high school friends Lindsay Partington and Daniel Cooper, who were both lured to the Okanagan by its water and wine, Sip & Anchor is a touring company unlike any other. They boast top-of-the-line luxury tour vehicles as well as a pontoon party boat, allowing you to escape the highway and tour the valley by boat instead!

Wine Tour and BoaT CharTer

Just $205/person

They offer all kinds of unique wine tours catering to every kind of wine (and party) lover and covering all of the Okanagan’s wine regions, breweries and distilleries. Or, for those just looking to soak up that still lingering summer weather before winter comes, consider partying on the water with any of their many cruise options. They even offer a tropical twist with their one-of-a-kind Beach Club Tour that takes you for a relaxing cruise across the waters before dropping you off at a genuine beachside tiki bar along a remote and picturesque beach tucked far away from the crowds along the western shore.

Take the Signature Tour

However, for a truly unforgettable party experience, consider Sip & Anchor’s Signature Tour. It begins with winery-hopping among Kelowna’s most celebrated wineries and a lakeside lunch before moving on to a leisurely afternoon cruise along Okanagan Lake, soaking up the sun, playing in the waves and indulging in the Okanagan lifestyle.

You can embark upon these and even more adventures at sipandanchor.com.

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September/october 2021

kel own a Forbidden Spirits – Divinely Different Kim Rhindress

Tasting enthusiasts in Kelowna have discovered their new Eden at Forbidden Spirits Distillery.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Kelowna with an impressive view of the city, the 20-acre orchard is a world away from the neglected property that owners Blair and Kelly Wilson purchased in 2010.

“We wanted to retire,” Blair says with a chuckle. “As you can see, that didn’t last very long.”

With 300 producing apple trees on their land, the Wilsons knew they wanted to use them. They originally considered creating a cidery, but when Blair learned his apples could produce award-winning vodka, gin and brandy, destiny was determined.

Vodka, Brandy and Gin

Borrowing on hundreds of years of European craftmanship, Blair invested in a state-ofthe-art still from Germany.

“Most commercial vodkas are made from grains and distilled only two to six times,” he says, gesturing at the gleaming 28-foot-tall copper still behind him. “Our Rebel Vodka is distilled 25 times and our premium Forbidden Vodka is distilled 50 times, so in blind taste tests, we win every time.”

The first batch of Rebel Vodka was made in 2019, shortly before the contemporary 2,500-square-foot tasting room opened its doors and the product line quickly expanded to include Adam’s Apple Brandy and Eve’s Original Gin, infused with 10 local botanicals.

White Whisky

Reaching beyond its apple beginnings, Forbidden partnered with a local brewery to provide the mash for its now popular Wallace Hill White Whisky.

Traditional barrel-aged aficionados will be excited to learn they now have the option of creating their own aged whisky with Forbidden Spirits’ unique Mini-Barrel Program. Using American white oak with a #4 char inside, the custom-made, twobottle-sized whisky barrel can produce aged whisky in just three months instead of six years.

“With the additional surface area and contact of the whisky to the barrel, you will have perfectly aged whisky in just three months,” says Blair. “And, with a spigot on the barrel, you can taste the progress.”

Come Try Our New Espresso Martini!

And Food Too!

New to the tasting room this season is food service that provides 100 per cent local vegan food, ranging from a charcuterie board to wraps to flavoured popcorn.

“Tasting enthusiasts have become passionate fans of our products,” Blair says proudly.

“The espresso vodka martini and lavender lime slushies have been particularly popular this year.”

Enjoy the Outdoors

Adjoining the tasting room, Forbidden Spirits boasts a large patio that offers table service as well as an expansive picnic area with tables and umbrellas for outdoor selfserve tastings.

The distillery is open seven days a week with live music provided Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through September. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Visit forbiddenspirits.ca to book your tasting or to learn more.

A “fall from grace” never tasted so heavenly.

Live Music Every Weekend Until Sept 19!

Book Your Tasting Today

MONDAY THRU SUNDAY: OPEN 11 AM-6 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11 AM-9 PM – LIVE MUSIC 6-8 PM SUNDAY: 11 AM-6 PM – LIVE MUSIC 4-6 PM

4400 Wallace Hill Road, Kelowna, BC 250.764.6011

seeyousoon@forbiddenspirits.ca www.winetrails.ca

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oka na gan TOP-TIER TOURING: CHEERS! OKANAGAN TOURS roslyne buchanan

With so many tour companies to choose from, don’t book with just any of them. Make the most of your precious time by touring with the top-tier Cheers! Okanagan Tours.

Allen Burke, Cheers! Okanagan Tours’ owner, isn’t shy about his company’s aspirations to be firmly affixed as the top touring service. “Our mission is to deliver a ‘once-ina-lifetime’ class of experiences that strongly affect people with surprise, wonder and delight; to amaze and overwhelm people with joy while delivering uncommon, unusual and exceptional service.”

The Okanagan Valley offers over 270 wineries, so it can be overwhelming to narrow down which ones to visit. To ensure an unparalleled experience in which you get the opportunity to relax as you discover world-class vineyards and the diversity of local BC wines, a guided tour is the way to go.

Wine Tours and More

The focus for Food & Wine Trails is to share the best food and beverage experiences, so it’s important to note that Cheers!

Okanagan Tours’ repertoire is much broader than most. Its diverse menu includes do-ityourself, modest, classic, and premium top-tier wine and experience tours throughout the 200-kilometre-long Okanagan and neighbouring Similkameen valleys. Cheers! Okanagan Tours offers airport and ski shuttles; wedding, golf and group transportation; family-friendly and accessible tours; plus, specialty tours like bachelorette parties and boat excursions.

KELOWNA

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He worked as an international humanitarian and was brought to tears by the gratitude of the disadvantaged in emerging nations. He and his wife Lou adopted brother-sister twin Haitian orphans and raised them as global citizens along with their biological son.

Coincidentally, all three of their children share the same birthday, so Allen and Lou call them their triplets. The twins experienced their destiny coming full circle as they later

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Allen depicts himself as a little nutty and authentic. He has strived to achieve positive change and has found it rewarding to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. “I care” is Allen’s “why?”

O O SS O O YY O OO O SS

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P EACHL AND

About Cheers! Okanagan Tours’ Owners

O K A N A G A N FA L L S

W E S T K E LOW N A

Celebrating five successful years, Cheers! Okanagan Tours aspired from the beginning to become the most recognized

tour and transportation brand in the Okanagan, top-rated employer, and best-managed company in the Okanagan. Cheers! Okanagan Tours quickly climbed to top rankings on TripAdvisor®, and customer reviews speak to the many reasons for this, such as “excellent experience and value for the price,” “made learning about wine fun, interactive and memorable,” “exciting and engaging,” “incredibly knowledgeable and engaging guide,” “terrific people, fantastic wines, great memories,” and more glowing insights.

oka n a ga n volunteered in orphanages. For the family, decades of helping children overseas blend with newfound opportunities like Cops for Kids, Dreams Take Flight, and other initiatives assisting little hearts at home.

Inspiration for the Brand

Lou and Allen took a full-day tour with Provence Wine Tours just 30 minutes inland from the port of Marseille, France, around Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne.

Their guide Gaëtane Thurot exhibited the epitome of a great tour guide, delivering an exceptional level of service. Along with the other guests, they found her “nothingis-too-much-trouble attitude, passion and personality” made the tour exemplary.

Gaëtane’s personalized service and other special moments from this Provence wine tour helped set the benchmark for Cheers!

Okanagan Tours. Knowing how Gaëtane made such a lasting impression, Allen is obsessed with delivering extraordinary tour and transportation experiences. For Cheers!

Okanagan Tours, the privilege of earning each guest’s trust, commerce, testimony, and a lifetime of referrals is intensely fulfilling.

Consequently, constant improvement across the board is routine.

The team at Cheers! Okanagan Tours is carefully selected for witty, engaging personalities and a willingness to learn and teach. They are then painstakingly trained to deliver a fun, informative, down-to-earth system that enables guests to quickly understand the complexities of viticulture and winemaking. Consequently, you feel at ease, relaxed, confident and comfortable as you revel in an unforgettable experience.

Pride of Fleet, and No Hidden Fees

Guests’ and employee-partners’ safety and travelling comfort are taken seriously, to safeguard any possibility of distraction from the enjoyment of a great wine tour or transportation experience. You can simply relax and enjoy the day, knowing that safety and vehicle compliance are constantly on the agenda as Cheers! Okanagan Tours manages the fleet.

Check out cheersokanagantours.com for the many options available, knowing that once you book there’ll be no hidden fees to surprise you. You’ll be clearly communicated the total price up front in transparent, all-inclusive pricing, including your guide’s gratuity.

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K e lowna QB Gelato Has a Secret Surprise Kelowna’s favourite local gelato shop has a tasty secret.

Victor Laderoute and Kevin Bojda, creators of QB Gelato & Bakery, are food and drink event innovators on top of being super palate pleasers. Besides being the go-to gelato shop, QB offers delicious coffee, lunch options (pizza tiles/pizza al trancio), cooking classes, and now, Supper Club events!

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September/october 2021

Gelato Made the Old-World Way

Victor and Kevin learned their craft at Carpigiani Gelato University, located in Bologna, in the historic EmiliaRomagna region of northern Italy. You can taste the care that goes into their slow-churned, fine-tuned, smallbatch gelato and sorbet with a focus on local and fresh ingredients.

Supper Club Surprise

QB wanted to bring even more taste sensations to their customers; thus, the Supper Club was created. It is available only on select nights throughout the year with a menu and pairings that will astound you. QB works with local winemakers to match courses with exceptional wines at their table of Supper Clubbers.

QB’s gelato is out of this world and has an everevolving spectrum of flavour options. Victor is the gelato master, making everything by hand, and is literally a wizard of creativity. Kevin has a gift for pairing, matching gelato flavours to create a party in your mouth.

This style of dining experience is perfect for a growing community as it promotes meeting new people with similar interests. It’s fine dining that is approachable, hosted in a relaxed and unique setting.

Located in the Landmark District at 1884 Dayton Street in Kelowna since 2017, QB has won the Best of Kelowna: Gelato category for four years running.

Reservations Recommended

Keeping in line with local COVID-19 protocols, QB is stepping up with a full series of Supper Clubs, beginning in late September and running through to the beginning of December. They even have a vegan dinner week!

There are only eight seats available per night. Tickets will undoubtedly go fast, so book early. Visit their website at qbgelato.com to book your seats for a dinner experience like no other. You can also call them at 250-861-6622 or email hello@qbgelato.com.

l a ke cou n try O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars: In the Heart of the Okanagan jenna hickman

Tastings Experiences

O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, has it all. Come enjoy their great view, delicious food, live music, and most importantly, delectable wine.

“Our patio has such a wonderful, warm and welcoming atmosphere,” said Heather Courtney, Peak Cellars’ general manager. “Every other music night we have Shucked Oyster Co. join us, so guests can sip on a glass of wine and enjoy freshly shucked oysters, all while listening to local musicians. It’s wonderful.”

As an addition to their patio, the winery recently built a new pergola which can host up to 50 people for private events. Complete with lighting, fans and drop-down walls, visitors can expect to dine vineyard-side until the snow falls.

Harvest Dinner Series

Long before the snow falls, though, Peak Cellars will be hosting a harvest dinner series, which starts at the beginning of autumn and runs for about three to four weeks. Visit their website (peakcellars.com) or social media pages for the latest updates.

Peak Cellars will also be hosting a two-night Thanksgiving weekend package in their luxurious estate log home. With five bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and patio, and panoramic views of the lake and vineyard, guests will be able to fully relax and reset. The package also includes a chef-inspired dinner, using the beautiful fall produce the Okanagan has to offer.

Cottage Inn the Vines

This year, Peak Cellars is launching a second home on the property: their Cottage Inn the Vines. The three-bedroom cottage has a wide deck and a large, cozy fireplace, and is surrounded by Chardonnay vines.

Both the log home and the cottage are available for booking year-round. For more information on availability and rates, please visit the winery’s website.

New Releases

Two new releases from Peak Cellars that pair beautifully with the upcoming crisp fall days are their new Pinot Gris and their recently released Goldie Red. The new Pinot Gris, named Glacial Till, will be released over the September long weekend. This complex white wine is not your typical Pinot Gris.

Riesling Vertical with Canape $30 Peak Portfolio with cheese & charcuterie $35 Select Tasting - 4 wines of your choosing $10 Featured Tasting - 4 winemaker picks $5

“This new style of Pinot Gris comes with more body and texture and tells a broader story than your usual Pinot Gris,” said Courtney. “The grapes are grown in a part of the vineyard that has an abundance of glacial soils, which bring a unique, layered effect to the wine. It has this richness which is really exciting and different.”

The Goldie Red—named after Lake Country’s historic Goldie family—is a combination of Gamay backed with Pinot Noir, making it the perfect accompaniment to the upcoming cooler evenings.

Peak Cellars is located at 2290 Goldie Road in Lake Country, BC. For more information about the winery, or to book a tasting—which is recommended—visit peakcellars. com or call 250-766-9922.

2290 Goldie Road Lake Country peakcellars.com 250-766-9922 www.peakcellars.com www.winetrails.ca

27

ve rnon OKANAGAN SPIRITS EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU roslyne buchanan

BC’s original craft distillery, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, is thankful for the support received through the darkest of the COVID-19 times and is delighted to greet you in person once more.

Tyler Dyck, CEO of Okanagan Spirits and president of the Craft Distillers Guild of BC, said, “We are grateful for the support received through online sales and felt privileged to produce and donate hand sanitizer in the first months as we navigated our way through the pandemic as a community.”

Named Distillery of the Year and WorldClass Distillery with a total of nine gold, four silver and one bronze medal at the 2020 World Spirits Awards, Okanagan Spirits also gained some good will with its “Harness Your Superhero” hand sanitizer program.

“We’ve had people visit our distilleries in Vernon or Kelowna to say they hadn’t heard of us before and now wanted to support us through buying our local products for personal use and for gifts,” Tyler noted.

In-Person Experience the Best

“Okanagan Spirits staff are over the moon to be able to entertain and inform people in person about our many farm-to-bottle products,” Tyler said. “We’ve learned to do things differently through these months and are even more thoughtful and deliberate as we share the story of our brand.”

Roughly 30 to 40 per cent of the tastings and in-person experiences are pre-booked to enable staff to take it slower and give participants time to think about their questions.

On the other hand, Tyler explained, Okanagan Spirits remains welcoming to walk-in guests.

“We don’t want to take away that magic of discovery visitors experience in finding us on their travels.”

Knowing Where Your Drink Comes From

Just like recognizing the terroir of wine or where your food is grown, knowing where your drink comes from is becoming increasingly important to the consumer. Tyler acknowledged Okanagan Spirits’ partners, such as food and beverage establishments and retailers, for helping tell their story and for truly championing value-added, locally produced goods, which has further helped them through the challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions.

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September/october 2021

For more information visit okanaganspirits.com.

A Brief History of the BC Wine Industry Darcy Nybo

While Wine Trails has been around for 30 years now, the history of wine in BC goes back much further.

The Late 1800s

In the 1860s French Catholic missionaries brought wine production to British Columbia.

Father Charles Pandosy, a French Oblate priest, was the first to plant grape vines for sacramental wine. He planted Labrusca grapes, which are known for their “foxy” or musky smell.

As it turned out, the Okanagan area was perfect for grape growing, and over the next few years many tried their hand at becoming vintners.

1932: Domestic Wines and By-Products

If the surnames Ghezzi, Casorso, Capozzi and Bennett sound familiar, it’s because they were some of the founders of the wine industry in the Okanagan. In 1932, they started Domestic Wines and By-Products Co., making wine from all the extra apples growing in the Okanagan.

In 1935 they renamed their company to Calona Wines, and they began to use grapes to make their wines. Calona Wines still exists today and shares a building with Sandhill Wines. The Calona brand transitioned to the Conviction label and today Calona, Conviction and Sandhill are now all part of Andrew Peller Limited.

1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s

Wines continued to be made over the years, both from fruits and local grapes. Then, in the 1960s, French hybrid grapes, which were less susceptible to frost, were introduced into the Okanagan Valley. In 1975, a German grape researcher convinced the growers they could grow vinifera or European grapes.

In 1977, Harry McWatters arrived in the Okanagan. Harry is to this day considered the pioneer of the Okanagan’s modern wine history. He started Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in 1980 and See Ya Later Ranch in 1995. He passed away in 2019 and is deeply missed.

In 1978, Walter Hainle produced the area’s first ice wine. It wasn’t on purpose, though— it happened because of an early frost. The ice wine turned out to be so good and so popular that ice wine is now much sought-after in both the BC and Ontario winegrowing regions.

Then, in 1988, the BC government gave grape growers $8,100 an acre to pull out the Labrusca grapes and plant vinifera. And the rest, as they say, is history.

1990s

The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) was formed in 1991 to ensure the quality of wines and that they contain 100 per cent grapes.

Then, in 1994, Mission Hill Family Estate in West Kelowna won the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) Avery Trophy for Best Chardonnay in the World. Yes, you read that right, in the entire world. Quite a feat for an industry that was still quite young in British Columbia.

It was this highly sought-after award that made people stop and reconsider BC wines as being world-class.

Today

What started out as a priest making sacramental wine has turned into a billion-dollar industry. The BC wine industry contributes $2.8 billion each year to BC’s economy. There are now over 370 licensed wineries in BC, 280 of which are grape wineries.

The wines come from nine different growing regions: Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Thompson Valley, Shuswap, Lillooet and the Kootenays.

Harry McWatters: an Okanagan wine pioneer.

Kelowna Museum Archives Six men stand on the loading docks of Calona Wines.

Three boxes of Okay Port are stacked between them. Among them are Cap Capozzi (left) and W.A.C. Bennett, (third from left).

Within those regions, there are five sub-regions: Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench, Skaha Bench, and the Cowichan Valley.

There are approximately 10,000 acres of grapes planted on about 930 vineyards across BC. Of those, 49 per cent are for white wine and 51 per cent are for red wine.

The BC wine industry employs over 12,000 people and produces over 1.5 million cases of wine each year, much of it sold right here in Canada.

With over 160 years of history behind them, it’s no wonder BC wines are so enjoyable.

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s a lt s pr i n g I s lan d

Salt Spring Kitchen Co. The perfect accompaniment to every one of your meals jenna hickman

Melanie Mulherin is a virtuoso when it comes to flavour. From blueberry and basil to raspberry and habanero, to morita, espresso and chipotle hot sauce, her combinations are creative and, above all, delicious.

Mulherin started Salt Spring Kitchen Co. at Salt Spring Island’s renowned Saturday farmer’s market in 2012, and the rest, you can say, is history. Now, almost 10 years later, you can find Salt Spring Kitchen Co. products all across Canada.

Not Your Typical Spreads

Mulherin’s products are so much more than the typical spreads you might pair with your breakfast. From scenic and charming Salt Spring Island, she creates savoury, sweet and spicy jams, sauces, and chutneys. While you can certainly dress up your toast with her creations, you can also use them to make delicious cocktails and even substitutes for stock.

One of the best ways to use Salt Spring Kitchen Co. this fall is on a charcuterie board. As the nights start to get cooler, snuggle up and enjoy the last bit of summer while snacking on your favourite meats and cheeses. The candied jalapeños will add a sweet spice to your crackers!

You can find Salt Spring Kitchen Co. products in fine food stores across the country. You can also purchase online through saltspringkitchen.com.

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September/october 2021

ol iv er Sip Your Way into Fall at Black Hills Estate Winery jenna hickman

As the air becomes crisper, and the leaves start to turn from their lush green to vibrant red and golden yellow, Black Hills Estate Winery offers the perfect setting to take in the Okanagan’s picturesque landscape. Located at 4190 Black Sage Road in Oliver, BC, Black Hills Estate Winery is nestled amongst the vineyards, overlooking the southern Okanagan’s arid landscape.

With its striking architecture, Black Hills Estate Winery looks as good as its wine tastes. The region surrounding Black Sage Road arguably has the most favourable grape growing conditions in the country; therefore, it’s no wonder the winery has been awarded so many top accolades. Combine the unique terroir of the area with winemaker Ross Wise’s expertise, and you’re bound to come up with exceptional wine.

Sold-Out Whites

Black Hills’ wine certainly speaks for itself. It’s so popular that the winery is currently sold out of all their whites, except for their Chardonnay. The winery will be releasing more white wines in September.

“We’re so thankful to all the wine-lovers out there who are such big supporters of what we do,” says Black Hills’ estate manager Jesse Collins. “Our industry has been thrown many curveballs over the past two years, and it warms our hearts to have such a loyal following and such a great response to our new releases.”

Since Wise joined the Black Hills team in January 2019, the September releases are the first wines he crafted from start to finish.

The wines being released include: a Roussanne, a fuller-bodied white wine; a Viognier, which is floral and feminine; and their highly sought-after Syrah.

Additionally, Black Hills is releasing a new vintage of Alibi with a newly designed label.

As of September 1, wine club members will have first access to the new releases. A month later, on October 1, they will be released online to everyone else.

However, those visiting the winery––wine club member or not––will be able to purchase the new vintages as soon as they are initially released.

Nota Bene Vertical Tasting

Something else to look forward to is Black Hills Estate Winery’s Nota Bene Vertical Tasting planned for this fall. For the 21st anniversary of Nota Bene, Black Hills’ most illustrious wine, Wise has selected 10 of the wine’s standout vintages for guests to try.

“We want to tell the story of Black Hills by tying in pinnacle events with vintages of Nota Bene we know are showing very well right now,” Collins said. “We’ll be tasting 10 out of 21 vintages, and although it’s going to be really difficult narrowing it down by half, I know the final tasting is truly going to be spectacular.”

The Nota Bene Vertical Tasting is taking place on Friday, October 1. With only 50 seats available, and with wine club members getting first access, now, more than ever, is the time to join the wine club.

Join the Club

Wine club members are the first to hear about Black Hills’ releases, and they get access to limited wines. Wine club members also get VIP Cabana Portfolio Tasting for up to three guests annually, as well as complimentary wine tastings at Tinhorn Creek, Gray Monk, Red Rooster, and Sandhill, and get free shipping on all club releases and orders of 12 bottles or more. For a full list of the club membership benefits, visit www.blackhillswinery. com/Wine-Club.

Food Too!

While visiting the winery, take the opportunity to try Black Hills’ new food venture, Tapas Gordito. This is the first year Black Hills has partnered with renowned local chef Jeff Van Geest to create Spanish-inspired dishes. Sip on award-winning wine while sharing flavourful tapas such as grilled radishes with harissa, yogurt and mint, or a tasty selection of Spanish meats, cheeses and conservas.

The team at Tapas Gordito serve up snacks for anyone who is enjoying a seated wine tasting from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am until 5:30 pm, until Thanksgiving.

Black Hills Estate Winery is open seven days a week, with tastings starting at 11 am and ending with the last booking time of 5 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended. To book a tasting, or for more information about Black Hills Estate Winery, please visit blackhillswinery.com or call the tasting room at 250-498-0666.

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DISCOVER THE

WINE EXPERIENCE CENTRE AT BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY This fall, we will offer exceptional tasting experiences in our vineyard lounge.

Guests will be seated at tables spaced out to fully immerse yourself in our terroir while enjoying a flight of our hand-crafted wines. Please visit our website, blackhillswinery.com, to confirm hours of operation and book a seated tasting.

Can’t visit this fall? We will happily ship your wine order across Canada! Go to our website to sign-up for our newsletter to receive special offers on wine and excusive access to future events, or explore Wine Club perks.

250.498.0666 | 4190 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC

B L AC KH I LL SWI N E RY.CO M

@BLACKHILLSWINERY