Food & Wine Trails September/October 2022

JENNA HICKMAN

Leading the charge since 1993, Tinhorn Creek has been making its mark on the Canadian wine scene for almost three decades. Located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC, a designated Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) sub-geographic indicator, Tinhorn Creek offers panoramic valley views that span all the way to Osoyoos Lake. From inside the tasting room or outside on the covered patio, visitors can gaze upon the picturesque landscape that makes the southern Okanagan region truly unique.

Whether you’re sipping your wine on their covered sunlit patio overlooking the valley, seated in the demonstration vineyard, or picnicking in the amphitheatre, there’s something for everyone to experience at Tinhorn Creek.

TINHORN’S WINE EXPERIENCES

One of the most exciting new programs at Tinhorn Creek is the Library Lounge Experience, which was introduced in May. Held in an intimate setting above the winery’s cellar, surrounded by Tinhorn’s collection of cellared library bottles, guests will be immersed in the nearly 30-year-old history of Tinhorn Creek. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a flight of wines focusing on a particular vintage or wine varietal while learning about the aging potential of wine.

During Tinhorn Creek’s Guided Vineyard Tour, guests embark on a scenic and educational walk around the beautiful estate property. After touring the vineyards, barrel cellar and winery grounds, guests will be treated to a carefully selected wine flight, applying the knowledge they learned on the tour to the wines. This fully immersive experience is the best way to learn about the entire winemaking process, from growing vines to barreling grapes. You’ll want to bring your thirst and your questions for this experience. This unique and comprehensive experience will be available until the end of October. Visitors can now elevate their wine experience further by opting to add food pairings to their wine flight. A delectable charcuterie board or perhaps a sampling of savoury cheeses make for phenomenal choices.

AWARDS

While visiting the winery, make sure to either try a glass or pick up a bottle of Tinhorn Creek’s most recent award winners. This year, at the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, Tinhorn Creek took home three gold

medals, for their 2018 Blanc de Blanc, 2021 Pinot Gris and 2019 Oldfield Reserve Syrah.

NEW RELEASE

Soon to be released is Tinhorn Creek’s Barrel Lot No. 3, a Chardonnay made in an oxidative style.

“The Barrel Lot collection of wines is grown in our Hidden Terrace Vineyard. They are small-batch wines that showcase the artistic expression of our winemaking team,” said Tinhorn’s head winemaker Leandro Nosal. “The Barrel Lot No. 3 is made with natural yeast and aged 24 months in neutral French oak, giving it a more nutty—almost walnut—flavour.”

With less than 100 cases made, you’ll want to pick yours up sooner rather than later. To stay posted on its anticipated release date, be sure to subscribe to Tinhorn Creek’s e-newsletter.

SAVE THE DATES

Additionally, and perhaps most exciting of all, is Tinhorn Creek’s first wine club event in over two years. On September 10, the winery will be hosting their Paella Picnic. With live music, wines to taste, and a few different paella stations, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Spain. This is an exclusive wine club member event.

Miradoro will be starting their Fall Short Table Dinners starting mid-October. The short table dinners will be every Tuesday at 6:30 pm and will run until December. Call Miradoro to reserve your seats.

IN THE VINEYARD

The vineyard team at Tinhorn Creek is thrilled to be diving into this year’s harvest.

“The 2022 season should be quite exceptional,” says Andrew Moon, vineyard manager and viticulturist for Tinhorn Creek. “In the next couple of weeks, we should see flavour formation well before brix, which will always lead to an outstanding vintage.”

The team will be pulling vines out of their Diamondback Vineyard this fall to replace some white varieties with more climate-suited red varietals. Moon says the new plantings will include Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The groundwork and trellising will be completed after harvest, with the new vines being planted in the spring. The team is very excited to optimize this vineyard site for these best-suited varietals.

The Tinhorn Creek Tasting Room is open seven days a week from 10 am until 7 pm in September and 10 am until 5 pm in October. Miradoro is open daily for lunch and dinner. The winery strongly encourages reservations; however, they will do their best to accommodate walk-ins. For more information about Tinhorn Creek, the wine club, and upcoming events, or to book a wine flight experience, please contact 888-505-5537 or visit tinhorn.com.

SUMMERHILL’S STORY OF LOVE, LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Join Summerhill Pyramid Winery in celebrating 35 years as a family-owned-and-operated estate winery. It is one of the few wineries in BC that has remained in the same family, with the next generation actively engaged. Established by Stephen and Wendy Cipes in 1987, its vision is to live in harmony with the earth and create wine naturally and organically to share with the world.

When the Okanagan Valley was still an unknown wine region, the Cipes recognized that the terroir offered singularly brilliant conditions to make the finest, world-class sparkling and still wines.

Summerhill was named for the visionary school in England, where the curriculum was tailored to each individual child and allowed space to grow organically. Likewise, Summerhill’s winemaking philosophy nurtures organic and biodynamic grapes to grow harmoniously with the earth, facilitating a conduit for authentic, expressive, terroir-driven wines.

TRAILBLAZING LEADERSHIP

Stephen shared his business acumen, gleaned from his successful real estate career in New York, to help propel the Okanagan wine industry forward. The Cipes family was active in developing the BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance).

Summerhill initially focused on making traditional-method sparkling wine, the most expensive in the valley at that point. Through the international spotlight of write-ups and glowing wine reviews for its sparkling wines in notable sources such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Summerhill created the region’s first destination wine tourist attraction.

The Summerhill Pyramid, a precise example of sacred geometry where the wines are cellared after bottling, is integral to the process. Just as the word “py-ra-mid” means “fire in the middle,” there is fire in hearts and souls of all of Summerhill's team.

Says Stephen, “I welcome you, with my heart, to open your heart to this unique experience.”

In the '90s, Summerhill became the first organic winery leading the charge on permaculture and sustainability. It continues its trailblazing ways as it is still the only biodynamic winery in BC, and one of just three in Canada.

Photo Credit: Kevin Trowbridge

Darcy Nybo

you call it, it’s a beautiful time of year to do some serious wine touring. There are several distinctive wine regions in BC: the Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, Kootenays, Lillooet, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Similkameen Valley, Thompson Valley, and Vancouver Island. Whichever area you choose, the terroir of each region shines through in all their wines. And to make it more appealing, all these regions are beautiful in their own way. Regardless of which area you decide to visit, know that you are in for a treat. Things tend to slow down a little in the fall as we get used to shorter days and cooler temperatures. Gone are the days of 30+°C. Instead, most areas stay a balmy 18 to 25°C. Taking a break in September and October to explore BC’s wine regions also means lower accommodation costs.

If you haven’t been wine tasting in the past few years, you’ll notice a few things have changed. There are fewer people allowed in the tasting areas, and many wineries, big and small, take reservations for tasting times. This equates to more one-on-on service for you and your group.

Let’s not forget the views! There is such diversity in our wine growing regions you could be awash in a lush green valley in the Gulf Islands or Vancouver Island or experiencing all the brilliant colours of fall in the more arid areas.

Fall is also harvest season. Depending on the previous month’s weather, harvesting in the vineyards starts in mid to late August and runs through to October. There’s something special about standing above a large vat of grapes being crushed while sipping on a previous vintage. You and I might not notice it, but each harvest, winemakers are presented with slightly different flavour profiles of their grapes, depending on the previous months’ temperatures and the amount of rainfall. Then they meticulously decide how to treat these grapes and get to work and make magic happen in wine cellars all across BC.

Let’s not forget that our wine growing regions also grow some mighty tasty produce. That equates to delicious meals served at the dozens of fine restaurants attached to wineries. From fresh seafood to foraged morsels, you are in for a taste treat.

Wine touring in the fall should be a relaxing time for your group. Don’t rush it. Stay awhile and enjoy the wine, the food and the views. Reservations are recommended for dining and tasting, and you can also book with a wine tour company and let them do the driving. Many will look after tasting fees and reservations and all you have to do is sit back, relax and anticipate what awaits you at your next destination.

The cover of this issue of Wine Trails features the talent and delicious foods served up at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry at Spirit Ridge. It makes your mouth water just looking at it! The resort is located above gently sloping vineyards, with stunning views of Osoyoos Lake and the Okanagan Range, part of the Cascade Mountain Range.

In the photo, Chef Murray McDonald (centre) and Sous Chef Ian Bohun serve a guest at the cozy private chefs’ table dining space.

With a menu described as modern vineyard cuisine inspired by our Indigenous roots, the table is filled with signature dishes including fried bannock with an assortment of spreads including a roasted corn and hot pepper succotash, corn bread with berry wojape, confit duck leg with white bean cassoulet, duck fat potatoes and fresh salad greens. The dishes are paired with a delicious bottle of Nk’Mip wine from the south Okanagan.

Roslyne Buchanan, Jenna Hickman with cover photography by David McIlvride, Spatual Media + Communications

A GEM IN KELOWNA’S DOWNTOWN CORE, SANDHILL WINES IS WELL WORTH THE VISIT

In the heart of beautiful downtown Kelowna, Sandhill Wines is the urban winery destination you’ve been looking for.

The first urban winery in British Columbia, Sandhill prides itself on not only producing award-winning wine but being accessible for everyone. Connecting with the local community is of the utmost importance to the winery, and their well-established relationships with both downtown businesses and residents alike are a testament to that.

Located at 1125 Richter Street, Sandhill provides visitors with the option of stopping for a tasting before heading out to dinner.

With the majority of the central Okanagan wineries being tucked to the north in Lake Country, perched on the hill in East Kelowna, or across the bridge in West Kelowna, Sandhill sets itself apart by being walking distance from downtown Kelowna’s Waterfront Boardwalk.

Whether you’re sipping in the tasting room or saying cheers on the patio, there’s a spot for everyone at Sandhill. Sandhill offers two wine experiences: their Small Lots Portfolio Tasting and their White Label Portfolio Tasting.

If you’re not in the mood for a wine flight, the winery will be offering wine by the glass on the patio until the end of September (weather permitting), starting at $10 per glass. Plus, if you’re feeling peckish, the winery has curated wine and cheese boards, or you can create your own snack board to accompany your flight or glass of wine.

For additional details, call the winery’s Wine Country Concierge at 888-505-5537.

NEW RELEASES

While at the winery, visitors can try Sandhill’s newest releases: their 2021 White Label Rosé, their Small Lot Sangiovese Rosé and their 2019 Harvest Series Co-Fermented Red.

With the White Label Rosé selling out quicker each year, make sure you stop by the winery to pick up yours today.

New to the portfolio in 2021, Sandhill’s Small Lot Sangiovese Rosé is a delicate, dry, Rosato/Italianstyle rosé made from 100 per cent Sangiovese grapes. An unusual planting in Canadian vineyards, Sandhill has seen the Sangiovese grape thrive in their Estate Vineyard Block C9 since 1999. A slightly copper colour, this rosé is medium-bodied and dry, with flavours of Rainier cherries, ripe pears, and white peaches. It’s no wonder the varietal took home the silver medal at the 2022 All Canadian Wine Championships. Visit the winery to try the new release in Sandhill’s Small Lots Portfolio Tasting and pick up a bottle—or two!

In August, Sandhill released their new 2019 Harvest Series Co-Fermented Red. The Harvest Series showcases their highest-quality wines from each vintage. Both the Small Lot Sangiovese Rosé and the Harvest Series Co-Fermented Red are exclusively available either at the Estate or to Wine Club members.

WINE CLUB

To ensure you never miss a release, join Sandhill’s Wine Club. Wine Club members receive six bottles quarterly (one shipment each season), comprised of three wines from the signature White Label and Small Lots collections, chosen by Sandhill’s winemaking team. Alternatively, you can join Sandhill’s Small Lots Wine Club. The first Okanagan winery to start single-varietal wine, these varietals are the epitome of what Sandhill has to offer. Each shipment includes unique varietals that are bottled in extremely low quantities from Sandhill’s Small Lots Single Vineyard Program. Varietals that are rare to Canada, such as Petit Verdot, Barbera and Sangiovese, are all part of this remarkable program. Like the first club, members of the Small Lots Wine Club also receive a quarterly shipment of six bottles comprised of three varietals.

A MODERN EVENT SPACE

If you’re looking for a unique and spectacular event venue, look no further than Sandhill Wines. Designed to mimic its urban setting, Sandhill’s industrial-inspired modern architecture is the perfect canvas for any event. The 8,000-square-foot venue can host up to 200 people, and with its high ceilings and skylights, the space never feels too crowded. There is also an additional private Viewing Room and Barrel Cellar, where more intimate events can be hosted.

Sandhill Wines is open seven days a week, 11 am until 5 pm. For more information about venue bookings, the Wine Club, or tasting experiences, visit SandhillWines.ca.

JENNA

www.mywinecountry.com

www.sandhillwines.ca

Tucked away off of Naramata Road in Penticton, BC, Red Rooster Winery is an oasis within the Southern Okanagan. With a spacious green lawn spanning the estate

property, a covered patio space with ample shade, and unspoiled views of Okanagan Lake, Red Rooster offers an experience you will remember.

A staple in the Okanagan’s wine industry for over three decades, the winery was founded in 1990 and released its first vintage in 1997. Since then, Red Rooster has continued to impress wine lovers across Canada.

HARVEST

According to Red Rooster’s winemaker Elaine Vickers, this year’s harvest is later than last year’s. However, this year’s timing is more typical—last year the harvest was early due to the extreme heat that blanketed the Okanagan. Vickers says this means the sugars in the grapes should be more balanced compared to last year. The team is eager to start picking grapes; first Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for Red Rooster’s delectable sparkling wine, then Semillon, with the rest to follow within the next few weeks.

NEW RELEASES

In the near future, Red Rooster will be releasing two new wines: their 2021 Sur Lie Chardonnay, and their first-ever Petit Verdot. The Sur Lie will be the first unrefined and unfiltered version of this wine for Red Rooster, which will cause the wine to appear cloudier.

The Petit Verdot will be a 2020 vintage, and Vickers anticipates it to sell out quickly. Originating from Bordeaux, France, Petit Verdot grapes are often used in blending Bordeaux-style red blends. As a bold, fullbodied, high-tannin red, Petit Verdot produces a standout wine on its own.

EXPERIENCE RED ROOSTER

This fall, Red Rooster will be offering their popular Signature Wine Experience and Frosé & Friesling Experience.

For the Signature Wine Experience, guests will be educated on the various senses involved in tasting wine and will walk away with heightened senses and a new appreciation for wine. Hosted on Red Rooster’s expansive covered patio, guests will be invited to try a selection of

Red Rooster’s red and white releases. Each varietal will be paired with samples of sweet, salty, spicy and sour tastes and smells, each highlighting how wine adapts to different flavour profiles. Repeat tasters, worry not—the wines within the flight rotate weekly.

The Frosé & Friesling Experience is the ultimate way to stay cool and refreshed! Made from Red Rooster’s delicious Rosé and Riesling wines, these wine slushies will pair perfectly with the warm fall weather and views of Okanagan Lake from the winery’s grassy lawn.

If you’re feeling a tad hungry, you can order some small bites to pair with your wine, such as a moreish charcuterie board, classic meatballs, or truffle popcorn from Cocktails & Canapes.

To reserve a fall wine experience at Red Rooster, visit redroosterwinery.com/tours-and-experiences/ to book.

WINE CLUB

To ensure you have an opportunity to try the new releases, join Red Rooster’s Wine Club. Not only will you be the first to hear about and taste their new releases, but you and up to three guests will receive complimentary tastings at Red Rooster, Black Hill Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, and Sandhill Wines. Wine Club members also receive a 15 per cent discount on all Red Rooster wines, merchandise and accessories, as well as other amazing perks.

Visit redroosterwinery.com to learn more about the Wine Club.

COME VISIT

Red Rooster Winery is open seven days a week from noon until 5 pm. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure a table is available for you, but the winery will do its best to accommodate walk-ins. For more information about Red Rooster Winery, please visit redroosterwinery. com or call 1-888-505-5537. To stay up to date on new releases and events, follow Red Rooster on Instagram at @redroosterwine.

JENNA HICKMAN

BE YO ND EXPECTAT IO NS

RedRoosterre-invented!Introducingtheuseofconcretetanks,boldwinemaking techniquesandanexpandedportfolio,ournewwineswillteaseyourtastebuds,all fromthesplendorofoursun-soakedpatiowithendlessviewsofLakeOkanagan.

LocatedontheNaramataBench,RedRoosterWineryisjustminutesfromdowntown Pentictonandtheperfectlocationtocontemplateyournewfavouritewine.Surlie Chardonnay,CarbonicMerlot-Malbec,orPinot3?

yisjustminutesfromdowntown Surlie

Joinusthisseasonandenjoyyourseatedwineflightalongside delectablefoodpairings.

Visitusonlineorcall1-888-505-5537 toreserveyourseattoday. www.redroosterwinery.com

Vodka until it is a smooth paste

Finely chop dill, reserve some dill fonds for garnish

In a bowl, combine and whip egg yolks, cornichon paste, mayonnaise, dill, salt and pepper to taste

Spoon mixture into piping bag and pipe into egg white halves

Chop remaining cornichon for garnish with dill fonds

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Maldon salt (optional)

Awaken your senses at Forest Green Man Lavender in Naramata and become awestruck by its versatility.

This lavender is as resilient as it is lovely. Many of the plants had a rough start due to last year’s heat dome coupled with the cold weather over Christmas. Yet, Forest Green Man successfully restored decent growth to most plants to keep supplies stocked.

The dollhouse shop features handmade, high-quality lavender products for your bath and kitchen. Inside you’ll find traditional French table linens, decorative house and garden items, and Karolina Born‘s original landscape paintings. There are also other treasures such as lavender chocolate, tea blends, bubble baths and rosewater products. Forest Green Man Lavender is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm, at 126 Robinson Avenue in Naramata. Learn more at forestgreenman.com.

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Naramata’s Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort is family-friendly, offering “yesterday's charm, today's luxury.” Bordering 400 feet of sandy beach, it aspires to create golden memories on Okanagan Lake’s pristine shores. The charm of a 1940s log lodge and lakefront cottages, all beautifully restored to modern standards, promotes a perfect getaway. Unwind as you sunbathe, read, build sandcastles or take in water activities. No motorboats nor pets enable more tranquility. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, two floodlit tennis courts, shuffleboard, ping-pong, bocce, basketball courts, safe children’s play areas, guest laundry, ice machine, air conditioning and Wi-Fi Internet throughout the resort, Tesla charging stations, and complimentary-use canoes and rowboat. Relax in the lounge area, watch television for the latest in sports or news, or share your stories gathering around the fieldstone fireplace on the log lodge’s main floor.

Six guest rooms, designated adults-only, are on the upper floor of the log lodge, featuring screened verandas overlooking the lake. Rooms have a queen, a king or two

twin beds based on availability, a mini refrigerator, coffee station, and ensuite bathroom with hairdryer, guest robes and towels. Lodge guests enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast and use of all resort amenities.

The 13 spacious and stylish lakeview log cottages are fully winterized. Based on a maximum of four adults or a family of six, including children of all ages, each has two bedrooms, one with a queen bed, the second with two twin beds. Plus, the sofa converts to a queen bed. Each cottage comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen, gas fireplace, BBQ on the spacious lakeview deck, and bathroom with hairdryer. Playpens are available upon request.

Savour morning coffee or BBQ dinner on the deck, and marvel at the sunset. Appreciate BC wine, cider, craft beer or spirits while watching your children play. With no televisions or phones, and access to all resort amenities, it’s a perfect to unplug and reconnect with loved ones.

SMALL WEDDINGS AND GROUP EVENTS POSSIBLE

The setting is ideal for weddings, retreats, corporate and other group events. Contact Sandy Beach managers Suzanne and Chris to explore further. They are the folks that guests rave about making them feel so at home. Says Sandy Beach’s Duff Corcoran, “We’re proud to have local experts Suzanne and Chris here to make guests feel welcome and assist in making stays memorable.”

AROUND THE VILLAGE OF NARAMATA

Bring your bicycle to experience the many trails such as the KVR and Three Blind Mice. In the village, you can rent a stand-up paddle board at Sun and SUP.

Says Duff, “At Sandy Beach, we are proud to be part of Naramata and are community-driven. We encourage guests to explore our eclectic and fantastic local shops, restaurants and wineries.”

Returning guests are a source of pride, and Sandy Beach strives to be the place for family memories where, as you leave, you’ll be booking “same time next year.”

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us,” notes an anonymous quote. In such spirit, Osoyoos beckons you with Canada’s warmest welcome to explore each season in this dynamic region.

Osoyoos is nestled within grasslands, highlands and mountains, and hosts the warmest lake in Canada—ensuring diverse activities year-round. In fall, you can still hit the links and beaches on the same day, plus partake in culinary adventures. Amid a backdrop of fall foliage, live your best life.

WORK UP AN APPETITE WITH OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

The mild fall weather sets the stage for diverse outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect time for SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), kayaking, fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking and more. Or visit the Osoyoos Desert Centre, rich with fall wildlife, to learn about this microclimate.

EXPLORE INDIGENOUS WAYS

Rooted deeply in Indigenous culture and history, Osoyoos traces its name from sẁiẁs (pronounced “soo-yoos”), meaning “narrowing of the waters” in nsyilxcən, the language of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation. Fall is the best time to view Spotted Lake, known to the Syilx people as kłlilx’w, a sacred site and revered place of healing for centuries. The belief is each of the different circles holds distinctive medicinal and healing properties. From the Highway 3 West pullout, observe Spotted Lake and respect that entry beyond the gate isn’t permitted into this sacred site.

At the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, immerse yourself in the past, present and future of the Osoyoos Indian Band. This state-of-the-art interpretive centre is an architectural marvel, sensitively constructed into the hillside. Extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits create fun, interactive learning with handson displays, education stations and two multi-media theatre experiences. Learn about desert ecology and wildlife along with Osoyoos Indian Band history.

You can even get a close look at a rattlesnake or sign up for a hike/rappelling excursion in the desert. Browse Coyote’s Gifts for unique Indigenous crafts, jewelry and giftware mementos.

Don’t miss Nk’Mip Cellars, distinguished as the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America and known for its international award-winning wines. A modern initiative, Nk’Mip Cellars is a bold expression of Indigenous culture and a strong reflection of a commitment to authenticity and deep respect for the colourful past.

ON THE WINE, CIDER, BEER AND SPIRITS TRAIL

Tasting room crowds lessen in September/October, yet wineries are action-packed: it’s harvest time! Witness grapes plucked from the vines and delivered to winery crush pads with sweet aromas and rich colours hinting at flavours you’ll sip later. In the South Okanagan, fruit is abundant, including the wide variety of apples at their peak for the season of cider. Discover the delicious variations at Orchard Hill Estate Cidery, Bordertown Cider & Winery, and Maverick Cider Co., to name a few locations. Smack-dab in the centre of Osoyoos, craft beer is flowing at North Basin Brewing Co. Taste their mainstays and seasonal creations while supporting another local business by ordering or bringing in food to pair with your beer. Food trucks are regularly on site, and you’ll find local snacks from suppliers such as The Lake Village Bakery or Oliver Eats.

Osoyoos’ own Tumbleweed Spirits Craft Distillery keeps spirits warm with fall favourites like Buckie’s Apple Pie Moonshine and Fireweed Whisky. Linger over craft cocktails and bites in Tumbleweed’s cocktail lounge.

FROM SIPS AND SNACKS TO CULINARY HOTSPOTS

Fruit stands and farmers’ markets offer an abundance of fresh and preserved produce and other goodies. Crisp apples, lush pears, brightly coloured squash and freshly baked pies are fine examples of the fall finds.

The talented chefs of this region love to leverage the best of fall’s bounty, so peruse the restaurants’ daily specials and fresh sheets. With this same philosophy of culinary celebration, check out the many harvest and wine club dinners available.

FALL EVENTS FOR YOUR CHECKLIST

While quenching your thirst on the wine, cider, beer and spirits trail, consider special events and live music planned by individual venues and collectively, including:

• Osoyoos Farmers’ Market (Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm until October 1, Town Hall Square)

• Horse Barrel Racing (select Thursdays until October 6, Desert Park Equine Facility and Racetrack)

• Osoyoos Dragon Boat Flag Race (September 17, Safari Beach Resort)

• The first-ever Osoyoos Pride Arts Festival (September 24, Gyro Park)

• Fall Festival Weekend (September 30–October 2), bringing together breweries, wineries, distilleries, artisans, musicians and eateries for three days of family-friendly fun. Featured are the kickoff party with a live performance by The Trews (September 30, District Wine Village); Cask & Keg, a celebration of BC beer, cider and spirits (October 1, Oliver Community Park); and Festival of the Grape, with its worldrenowned Grape Stomp Competition (October 2, Oliver Community Park).

• All Hallow’s Festival (October 30, Gyro Park)

See destinationosoyoos.com for all the details.

Destination Osoyoos / @osoyoosbc and Lionel Trudel

Destination Osoyoos / @osoyoosbc

Destination Osoyoos / @osoyoosbc

AWARDS AFFIRM KISMET ESTATE WINERY’S QUALITY

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

From the beginning, the Dhaliwal brothers of Kismet Estate Winery have set out to grow fruit of the highest quality. Awards such as those recently bestowed upon Kismet’s wines, and those given to other wineries using their grapes in the past, affirm the achievement of their goals.

After growing wine grapes in the Okanagan Valley for more than two decades and earning respect for producing some of the best in the valley, the Dhaliwals opened Kismet to nurture their fruit through the winemaking process.

TOP 10 SMALL WINERIES IN CANADA

At the recent WineAlign 2022 National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC), Kismet’s wines earned four Gold, three Silver and five Bronze medals, placing it at number five for small wineries in all of Canada. This also elevated Kismet into the top 25 wineries in Canada overall, and into the top 10 BC wineries.

NWAC 2022 GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS Golds were achieved in both red and white categories as follows: 2020 Karma (in the Red Blends category); 2020 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne Reserve (White Blends); 2021 Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio); and 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Cabernet Franc). Kismet 2021 Family Select Syrah, 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc received Silver medals. Plus, Bronze medals were awarded to 2020 Moscato Frizzante, 2019 Moksha, 2020 Mantra, 2021 Saféd and 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

MORE MEDALS

Judges at the 2022 All-Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) also ensured Kismet toted impressive medals home. Gold medals were awarded to 2021 Pinot Grigio and 2020 Mantra Bordeaux Blend; Silver to 2021 Lotus, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Syrah; and Bronze to 2019 Moksha.

In the 2021 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards, Kismet shone brightly, achieving Platinum for 2018 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Gold for 2017 Malbec Reserve, and Silver for 2019 Karma and 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

The competitions are a testament to the depth of Kismet’s portfolio. Whether you prefer sparkling, white or red wines, you’ll find something outstanding to enjoy.

You’ll find the cuisine equally appealing at Kismet’s Masala Bistro. With a backdrop of Black Sage Bench views, experience exotic Indian-focused flavours paired with those exquisite wines.

The Tasting Room applies first-come, first-served protocols, with Wine Club members and groups accommodated in advance bookings.

Learn more about the Wine Club membership advantages at kismetestatewinery.com. Here you’ll also find details on how to plan a special event on Kismet’s gorgeous property, plus information on Kismet’s events and latest wine releases.

JENNA HICKMAN

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

The region surrounding Black Sage Road arguably has the most favourable grape-growing conditions in the country. Marry the unique terroir of the area with the expertise of Ross Wise, winemaker and Master of Wine, and you’ve created an exceptional combination. It’s no wonder the winery has been awarded so many top accolades.

AWARDS

Recently, the winery took home five gold medals and one platinum award at the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. The gold medals were awarded to Black Hills’ 2020 Per Se, 2020 Chardonnay, 2020 Roussanne, 2020 Addendum and 2021 Alibi, with their 2020 Ipso Facto taking home a platinum award.

NEW RELEASES

Recently, Black Hills released their 2021 Alibi and their 2020 Addendum. In September their 2019 Syrah will be released as well as their 2021 Viognier. Fans of the Per Se will have to wait until October.

Two exciting new releases to look forward to in the near future are the winery’s first Sangiovese, and their nonvintage Carménère.

“Our team is working on producing some small batches of interesting reds outside our normal portfolio,” says Ross.

“The Sangiovese is all wild fermentation and aged in neutral French oak. It’s what I’d call hands-off winemaking, as there are no additional additives. It will bring out the true flavour of the vineyard and the terroir of the Black Sage Bench.” Bottled this past August, the Sangiovese will be aged for a year before its anticipated release.

The new non-vintage Carménère is scheduled to be bottled in 2023 and will be well worth the wait. A mix of three different Carménère vintages, this bold red will take the wine club favourite and bring it to new and different heights. This will be a limited-production wine that will only be available at the Estate. Keep checking Black Hills’ social media for release details.

While visiting Black Hills Estate Winery, try their Portfolio or Red Wine Flight, which are offered seven days a week. Included in the flights will be Black Hills’ new 2019 Syrah and 2021 Viognier.

JOIN THE WINE CLUB

In addition to being the first to know about upcoming events, wine club members also gain exclusive access to some of the winery’s most anticipated releases. Members also receive free shipping on all club releases and orders of 12 bottles or more. Additionally, they receive new-release wine discounts for 30 days after each wine’s release, and VIP Cabana Portfolio Wine Flights for up to three guests annually. For a full list of wine club membership benefits, visit blackhillswinery.com/WineClub.

ENJOY

The VIP Cabana Portfolio Flight is debatably the most luxurious way to enjoy delicious wine. Under the shade of a large cabana overlooking the vineyards, guests will get to sip on a selection of Black Hills’ most coveted wines, all while taking in the spectacular view. This elevated experience is sure to be transporting.

Black Hills Estate Winery is located at 4190 Black Sage Road in Oliver, BC and offers wine flights seven days a week from 11 am until 5 pm. To reserve your seated wine flight, or for more information on the experiences Black Hills offers, you can email tastingexperience@ blackhillswinery.com or call 888-505-5537. To stay up to date on future announcements and summer events, follow Black Hills Estate Winery on Instagram at @ blackhillswinery or visit blackhillswinery.com.