FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017
| A21
north shore news nsnews.com
Celebrate BC MAKE YOUR NEXT WINE TASTING A VIP EXPERIENCE At the height of summer, wine touring in the Okanagan can get pretty busy. But as the region evolves, so does the range of tasting options. A nominal tasting fee is now the norm, almost always refunded with a purchase. However, at a few wineries you can escape the crowds by spending a few dollars more for a truly VIP experience. As a rule, it’s well worth the extra cost. Here’s why: First of all you’ll learn a whole lot more about the journey from vineyard to glass. You’ll get to taste some premium or lesser known wines that likely aren’t available at the regular tasting counter, and you’ll often enjoy a private setting away from the bustle of the tasting room. Occasionally, you may get to taste with the winemaker or an owner. If you’re a B.C. aficionado, these VIP tastings make sense. Consider booking a tour in the morning, when both you and your palate are at your best. The Black Hills tasting experience is one of the best in the valley, with well-paired wines, good glass and small plates brought by savvy servers. A late afternoon shuttle serves
Osoyoos hotels for Sunset Happy Hour, daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through July and August. blackhillswinery.com Newly opened in a dazzling setting at former Greata Ranch, Fitzpatrick Family Estate offers a One of a Kind Sparkling Wine Tour, with visits to the vineyard, crush-pad, barrel room, caves and more. Offered only at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a maximum of 12 people, so book ahead. fitzwine.com The best way to experience state-of-the art Culmina is to book in to their Vineyard & Winery Tour, which includes a vineyard visit and walk through the winery before a sitdown tasting in the VIP room overlooking the Fermentation Hall. By appointment only, call 250-498-0789 to book. Maximum six people, 90 minutes. culmina.ca Quails Gate offers several choices. However, the Taste the Estate Tour is an allencompassing look at the vineyard and behind the scenes, concluding with a visit to the Stewart Family’s Private Library, overlooking the barrel room, and a tasting of three Reserve and Collector wines paired with small bites. Noon and 3:30 p.m. daily. quailsgate.com
THE VIEW OF LAKE OKANAGAN FROM FITZPATRICK FAMILY ESTATE.
In related news, Vanessa Vineyards will open a tasting room in the heart of its spectacular, rocky vineyard, on Aug. 12. As these excellent wines are hard to find, you’ll want to make a note to stop by. vanessavineyard.com Mission Hill’s exclusive Check Mate artisan winery project (in Oliver) is making some of the best Chardonnay in the country, which you can now taste at their pop-up tasting room, The Installation, designed by Tom Kundig (the celebrated architect behind the parent winery). Nominal tasting fee varies. Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations. checkmatewinery.com
PICK OF THE WEEK TINHORN CREEK 2BENCH WHITE 2016 (South Okanagan): Truly a flagship Okanagan blend with up-front floral, tropical and stone fruit notes preceded by a creamy palate with textured mouthfeel and a touch of wild herbs before a fresh, lingering finish. Great value at $20. Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications, including the North Shore News, and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com.
PHOTO TIM PAWSEY
TIM PAWSEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER