Food & Wine Trails December 2021 by BC Food & Wine Trails Magazine

WINERIES / DISTILLERIES / RECIPES / WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

Food &

WINE TRAILS DECEMBER 2021

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

BRIGHTEN UP AT T I N H O R N PA G E 3

FONDUE FUN AT T H E V I E W PA G E 7

W I N T E R AT PEAK CELLARS PA G E 1 4

10 YEARS AT B L A C K H I L L S PA G E 1 5

The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence. Tinhorn Creek, located on the Golden Mile Bench of Oliver, has a long history of exceptional guest experiences. This winter, we will offer tasting flights of our award-winning wines in our spacious tasting room and our exclusive Crush Club Lounge. 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 WINTER? 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 you purchase one seated tasting. (Value $15) Call To Reserve: 250.498.3743 | Valid up until February 28, 2022 @TinhornCreek | www.tinhorn.com | 1.888.484.6467 | 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver, BC

DECEMBER 2021

OL IV ER BRIGHTEN UP THE WINTER SEASON AT TINHORN CREEK JENNA HICKMAN

Spend a cozy afternoon taking in the scenic view of the snow-covered Southern Okanagan while sipping on a glass of heart-warming reserve Cabernet Franc and sharing a scrumptious charcuterie board, at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. Perched on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, Tinhorn Creek offers 180-degree views of the heart of the Okanagan’s (arguably Canada’s) wine-making country. With row upon row of snow-capped vineyards, the picturesque scene is right out of a Hallmark movie. Established in 1993, Tinhorn Creek is a staple in the Okanagan’s winery repertoire. For almost three decades, the winery focused on growing the best grapes and producing exceptional wine, all while respecting the land and maintaining sustainable practices. You can be sure that a visit to Tinhorn Creek will not only have you tasting delicious wines, but it will also have you smiling while you do.

BLACK GLASS AND CLASSIC STEMWARE TASTINGS If you want to taste something a little different during your visit, you can try Tinhorn Creek’s Black Glass Tasting. The Black Glass Tasting includes four wines, each hidden inside black, opaque glassware. If you’re able to correctly guess two out of the four wines, your tasting fee will be waved.

If guessing games aren’t quite up your alley, Tinhorn Creek also offers a classic stemware tasting where the winery teammates educate guests on the specific stemware most appropriate for each varietal. If you’re feeling a little peckish, the winery offers a delectable charcuterie board, showcasing the best local ingredients the Okanagan has to offer.

CRUSH CLUB

For those looking for a more intimate experience, you can join the winery's Crush Club and have your tasting in the Crush Club lounge. Not only do wine club members get access to the lounge and exclusive access to some of the Estate’s releases, but wine club members get complimentary wine tastings at Tinhorn Creek, Black Hills, Gray Monk, Red Rooster, and Sandhill, and free shipping on all club releases and orders of 12 bottles or more. For a full list of the club membership benefits, visittinhorn.com/ club

NEW RELEASES During your tasting, you might even be lucky enough to try the winery’s newest release, their 2019 Varietal Cabernet Franc. The latest varietal is fresh and elegant, showcasing robust flavours from the Southern Okanagan. The 2019 vintage has ripe, red fruit on the nose, with a sprinkling of black pepper. Tinhorn Creek’s newest release is a fantastic wine to sip while snuggled up next to the fire. Visit the winery to pick up a bottle before they’re all gone.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

While you’re visiting the winery, do a little holiday shopping. Tinhorn Creek has everything the wine lovers in your life could possibly dream of. From stemware and decanters to locally crafted candles, to Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer and Merlot flavoured wine jellies, the winery has something for everybody’s holiday stocking.

HOURS AND INFO

Tinhorn Creek is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in December, and 11 am until 4 p.m. in January. For more information about the winery, the wine club, to book a wine tasting, or inquire about the upcoming summer concert series, please contact 1-888-484-6467 or visit tinhorn.com and book a tasting through My Wine Country.

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OLIVER HOLIDAY READY AT QUINTA FERREIRA ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Prepare for holiday entertaining or gift giving by snapping up Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery’s mixed case. This 12-bottle compilation discounted at $250 offers options in food pairing or selecting a favourite wine for your gift recipient. The Home Essential Variety Package includes three each of Viognier, Oaked Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.

Ship a case to that special someone or consider Quinta Ferreira Wine Club membership. It’s one of Canada’s best regarded and most highly coveted wine clubs. Connoisseurs and collectors appreciate exclusive access to small lots unavailable to the general public and enjoy access to library vintages on request, small lots, and in-store perks.

OTHER INSPIRATIONS

For corporate gifts, ask about discounts. Plus, Wine Shop gift items and Carmen Tomé’s art inspire giving. Follow @QuintaFerreira on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

SAVOUR NEW RELEASES Winemaker Michael Ferreira’s true to the fruit releases include:

Cabernet Franc: Blackberry and black cherry notes. Chestnut, chocolate, light cedar and sweet vanilla flavours. Hard candy long finish. Perfect on its own or with soft cheeses and cured meats. Malbec: Smooth dark cherry and blackberry notes. Layers of sweet vanilla and spicy oak flavours. Raspberry and smooth tannins on the long finish. Drink on its own or with soft cheeses and cured meats. Syrah: Intense black peppercorn, aromas of violets, blackberry fruit, raspberry jam, and black cherry. Spicy and toasty notes of chocolate, vanilla, coffee and hazelnut. Soft, well-rounded tannins. Drink now with grilled meats and it’ll only improve with age. Viognier: Intense aromas of white peach, tropical fruit and spices. Hints of coconut and vanilla, and buttery/ spicy finish. Cheeses, poultry, or seafood pair well. Chardonnay: Soft apple notes with ripe melon, pear and peach flavours. Vanilla, caramel, coconut and hazelnut tones. Enjoy with seafood, cheeses or on its own now and over the next two years.

F R O M T HE EDITOR DECEMBER 2021 flavours like blackberry and plum, it pairs well with darn near everything, but especially dark chocolate. A hint of black pepper adds a certain warmth to it as you sip and ponder what fun you’ll get into when the snow flies.

Dessert wines are my usual go-to after

Darcy Nybo WINTER WINES

It’s been one heck of a year for BC wine growers and producers. From fires to floods, droughts to windstorms, Mother Nature has been chaotic to say the least. That hasn’t stopped BC’s steadfast wineries. In fact, they released some fabulous vintages just in time for the winter wine season. It’s not only reds that are turning heads this season—whites and rosés are still high on wish lists for the holiday season. Here is a small list of some of my favourites.

Viognier is a great wine to pair with

https://www.quintaferreira.com/

pastas with creamy sauces, as well as seafood. There’s a hint of peach or apricot to this wine, and a smidge of ginger. I love the creamy softness of a good Viognier any time, but there’s something about sipping it on its own in front of a roaring fire that makes the colder months more bearable for this sun-lover.

BC Shiraz/Syrah is known the world over as a winner. With deep red fruit 4

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a long day with the dark night arriving before the workday is done. BC has a plethora of dessert wines to suit almost every palate. They come in red and white, and some could even pass for a rosé. Whichever you choose, they are all delicious! Serve yours after a tasty meal or sip it on its own as you stare up at the clear, cold, starry night.

Icewines (not to be confused with dessert wines) got their start back in the 1700s in Germany. In order to be a true icewine (not a fortified dessert wine) the grapes must freeze on the vine for at least six hours at a sustained temperature of at -8°C or lower. The result is a sweet wine that begs to be sipped and savoured.

Sparkling wines are great for celebrating the holidays. BC is fast becoming known for its great bubbly, and more and more wineries are creating fabulous vintages awash in effervescence. I can honestly say I’ve never tasted a BC sparkling wine that didn’t make me smile. There’s something magical about winter wine touring in the snow. Many BC wineries are open for tasting during the winter months. This gives you a great opportunity to find your favourite winter wine to enjoy for the rest of the season. As always, go with a designated driver, or find a wine tour company that provides tours year-round. Whichever you choose, know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of unique winter wines just waiting for you to discover.

CON TEN TS Tinhorn Creek �� 3 Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery �� 4 From the Editor �� 4 Destination Osoyoos �� 6 The View Winery �� 7 Red Rooster Winery �� 8 Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery �� 10 On the Cover �� 10 Okanagan Spirits �� 11 Summerhill Estate Winery �� 12 Recipe: Mulled Wine �� 13 O'Rourke Peak Cellars �� 14 Black Hills Estate Winery �� 15

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WINERIES / DISTILLERIES / FOOD AND DRINK RECIPES / WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

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PA G E 2 3

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OS OYOOS WINTER IN DESTINATION OSOYOOS IS A WARM HUG ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

A jewel in the South Okanagan, Osoyoos invites you to Canada's desert and the warmest welcome in any season. While things slow down a bit in winter, the friendly, quiet and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great time to visit and experience the region like a local. Snow-blanketed vineyards and cozy tasting rooms at wineries offer magical settings to try local vintages, and perhaps check off your list of holiday shopping while you sip. Osoyoos is surrounded by dozens of wineries, and you’ll find amazing craft breweries, cideries and distilleries, too. Tumbleweed Spirits offers local craft spirits and inventive cocktails. And try a craft beer flight or pint at the new

North Basin Brewing Co. on Main Street, where you can bring your own food from a local restaurant to enjoy in the taproom or on the heated patio. With tantalizing restaurants, bakeries and pubs offering casual comfort food to upscale cuisine in Osoyoos, you can savour the season.

EXPLORE THE WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter activities are abundant, advises Kelley Glazer, executive director for Destination Osoyoos. “Enjoy hiking, cycling and lakeside trails, or head uphill to find fresh powder for snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing.

“Baldy Mountain Resort, known as a locals’ mountain, is a hidden treasure where plentiful powder rests seasonally upon the hill. Ski or snowboard through the perfectly spaced glades or on Baldy’s groomed runs as you gaze at the beautiful backdrop of endless mountain peaks ahead.” In Baldy’s rustic lodge, refuel in the main floor cafeteria or ascend to the lounge for table service where you can enjoy hearty ski fare paired with selections of local libations. Near town, wander the local trails or take a walk on the beach for tranquility in the winter.

BOUTIQUE SHOPPING

Osoyoos is home to many unique and locally owned shops, so you’re bound to find something special for a loved one (or yourself) at one of the local boutiques. Even the hardware store, with its eclectic collection, has a cult following. Check out galleries for local art. Then, stop at a cozy cafe or bakery for a sweet treat and a hot drink to help warm you up. Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, open Monday to Thursday, to experience the state-of-the-art interpretive centre and peruse its Coyote’s Gift Shop. Close by is Nk’Mip Cellars, the first Indigenous-owned and -operated winery in North America.

WIND DOWN AND STAY A WHILE

After your adventures of hiking, shopping or skiing, it’s great to wind down with a tasting experience sure to please all palates. Find your rejuvenation this winter at Osoyoos hotels, motels and resorts. Stay for a weekend or a week, with weekly winter hotel rates starting at just $300. On closer review, why not snuggle in for the season?

@winebcdotocom

Take it slow this season and enjoy cozy tasting rooms, snow-blanketed vineyards and plenty of www.destinationosoyoos.com time for rejuvenation. Click to plan your Osoyoos wine country getaway this winter. 6

DECEMBER 2021

#osoyoosbc

https://www.destinationosoyoos.com/where-to-wine-taste-this-winter-in-osoyoos/

@DestinationOsoyoos

@osoyoosbc

PEN TICTON WINTER BRINGS FONDUE FUN TO THE VIEW KIM RHINDRESS

There is a wine or cider for every occasion and a sip for every season. While some wineries are forced to close to the public after the summer crowds subside, at the View Winery and Wards Cider in Kelowna, winter just means a change of pace. The tasting room and shop remain open seven days a week.

“It’s one of the luxuries that comes with being so close to an urban centre,” said View Winery President Jennifer TurtonMolgat. “There are always people in the city looking for experiences to enjoy and we love to oblige.”

SLIP & SIP, LIVE MUSIC, YOGA AND MORE Slip & Sip is your open invitation to explore their orchard and vineyard in all its winter beauty. It is a self-guided tour followed by a wine-paired cheese and chocolate fondue in The View’s tasting room with all its rustic charm. (Book ahead. Snowshoes available.) If you like your fondue paired with live music, The View presents Fondue Fridays 5-7 pm throughout January and February. The View will be hosting yoga classes with Buddha Beats in the barrel room among the new vintage reds and there are plans for grapevine weaving workshops with master sculptor Annabelle Stanley. “Winter is an alluring time to visit any winery,” added Turton-Molgat. “The vibe is laid back and tastings tend to be more relaxed.”

With a tasting area adjoining the cellar, visitors at The View might catch a glimpse of the wine and cider makers at work.

Expect even more special events in the spring to celebrate what the season of rebirth and renewal brings.

The vintage building, which is home to The View and Wards, has been in the family for five generations and is about to turn 100 years old.

Visit The View online at theviewwinery. com.

This holiday season gift an experience!

Slip & Sip Winter inter Winery Tour

Enjoy a picturesque snowshoe or stroll through The View’s orchards and vines followed by a decadent cheese and chocolate, wine paired fondue. $30.00/person. Gift Certificates available www.theviewwinery.com The View Winery and Vineyard Open year round. 2287 Ward Rd., Kelowna, BC WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

WPEEST W NA NTKELO ICT O N THERE’S A WINE FOR EVERYONE AT RED ROOSTER JENNA HICKMAN

Located on Naramata Bench Road in the Southern Okanagan, Red Rooster Winery offers spectacular views that make you feel like you’re on a European getaway.

AN OKANAGAN LANDMARK

Matching the freshly fallen snow, the white painted estate is as much of a landmark due to its longstanding presence, as it is a hallmark of the winemaking industry. Established in 1990 by a European couple who settled in the area, the estate was built with salvaged wood from the original Naramata train dock. Seven years later, Red Rooster’s first vintage was released, and ever since, the winery has been representing the Okanagan on a national level. In August 2019, Elaine Vickers joined as the head winemaker at Red Rooster. With a master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Victoria, and a graduate degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide in Australia, Vickers is a force to be reckoned with. Her extensive viniculture knowledge, particularly in the Okanagan region, translates to producing exceptional and innovative wines.

NEW WINES

To ring in the winter season, Vickers is releasing a portfolio of new and exciting wines that showcase some of the new winemaking styles she’s been trying. “We are working to be more sustainable in our fruit growing and winemaking,” says Vickers. “We’re experimenting more with natural fermentation, and creating some new, really bold wines.” "One of the new releases is their reimagined Chardonnay, a Sur Lie – which in French translates to “on the lees”. Wines that are aged “sur lie” are kept in contact with the “dead” yeast cells. This process creates a greater sensation of roundness, and a smoother mouthfeel." Vickers is also releasing a Pinot blend that she’s calling P3. The wine is aptly named for the three pinot varietals that it’s comprised of: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and a Pinot Gris, partially fermented and aged in concrete tanks. The three varietals can sometimes be seen on the same vine growing together. The P3 is bright and citrusy, with a creamy mouthfeel and structure. “You can actually see clusters of different colour grapes representing each of the varietals on the vine,” says Vickers. “The grapes are more related than people realize, so why not make a wine with all three of them? It makes sense that they would taste great together.” Another addition to the Red Rooster portfolio is their Carbonic MerlotMalbec. Carbonic maceration is most often applied to light to medium bodied red wines to soften their tannins. Instead of fermenting the wine with added yeast, carbonic maceration ferments the wine from the inside of the grapes to the outside. To do this, Vickers added whole cluster Malbec grapes to the bottom of the tank and placed the Merlot grapes on top. The Merlot in-turn protects the Malbec grapes from the oxygen, and when the Merlot is finished fermenting it is pressed

DECEMBER 2021

off leaving the Malbec grapes purely carbonically fermented. The finished product is a velvety wine, with notes of dark berries and spice. Also, released earlier this year were a partially oak fermented and aged Gewürztraminer, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Viognier that was in part fermented naturally and aged on skins. Also in the works for Vickers is a pure varietal Petit Verdot. Look for it late next summer.

WINE CLUB AND TASTINGS

"To stay up to date on all Red Rooster’s latest releases, and have first access to newly released varietals, join Red Rooster’s Wine Club. In addition to being the first to know about releases, wine club members receive complimentary in-house tastings for yourself and three guests at Red Roster, Tinhorn Creek, Black Hills, Gray Monk and Sandhill, and 15 per cent discount on Red Rooster wines and merchandise." Stop by the winery to enjoy Red Rooster’s signature wine flight, where you can taste the carefully curated wines that make up Red Rooster’s collection. Red Rooster Winery is open noon until five, seven days a week. For more information about the wine club, the signature tastings, or the winery, please visit redroosterwinery.com or call 250-492-2424.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Join us at Red Rooster this winter to experience our signature series of wine; a true expression of the exceptional terroir of the Okanagan Valley. Visit our website for more details and to reserve your spot in our cozy tasting room nestled on the Naramata Bench.

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

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WPEEST W NA NTKELO ICT O N YOU HAD ME AT MERLOT HAMISH MELROSE

Following on from their recent success at the All Canadian Wine Championships, Wilbert and Joka Borren of Four Shadows Winery are celebrating again. This time it’s their fabulous Merlot collection making the headlines. Working with consulting winemaker Pascal Madevon, the Four Shadows 2019 Merlot collection was awarded gold medals in the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada and the coveted BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. These accolades are only the most recent flurry of awards, securing their status as one of the Naramata Bench’s hidden gems and an absolute must for any wine enthusiast. Wilbert is particularly excited about the very limitedrelease Gold Medal 2019 Reserve Merlot and has hand-selected the two best barrels of the vintage. With Christmas around the corner, Four Shadows will be showcasing their outstanding Merlots with a vertical tasting gift pack including their 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages. These gift packs will be available from their online store. As Four Shadows continues to increase their production, we can expect to see some wonderful new wines, including their mouth-watering new 2020 Zweigelt. With only 100 cases produced, this refreshingly light and elegantly spicy red won’t be around for long. This minimal-intervention, spontaneousfermentation Zweigelt has delicately juicy blackberry and raspberry notes leading to smooth violet and cassis flavours in the finish. It’s an excellent accompaniment to lighter pork and poultry dishes. This is an ideal wine for a four-season barbecuer and it pairs perfectly with bratwurst and sauerkraut.

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Life, Vine & Wine Flow in Harmony. Open for on-line orders 250 Upper Bench Road South, Penticton 250-493-3625

https://fourshadowsvineyard.com/

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ON TH E COV ER Robert and Bernice Louie were gracious enough to let us shoot this cover at their Tee Pee at Indigenous Winery in West Kelowna. Our photographer, Faith Peters, was thrilled with how everything turned out. The weather was perfect, and Robert and Bernice were so photogenic, it was hard to choose which photo to use for the cover.

We got a special treat during this shoot, as Bernice had a special recipe for mulled wine and brought a freshly made batch with her to the photoshoot. There’s something INSIDE about the cooler seasons and fresh crisp air that makes mulled wine taste all the better when sipping it outside. It was delicious! You can find the recipe inside this issue of Wine Trails. We hope you enjoy it. UP HTEN N BRIG R NHO AT T I E 3 PA G

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E R AT WINT LLARS CE PEAK 14 PA G E

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PEN TICTON SPIRITS OF THE SEASON AT OKANAGAN SPIRITS ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

As holiday giving swings into season, an exciting array of tasty adult gifts awaits at Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery (BC’s Christmas Distillery GiftHouse). The selection starts with the spirited Holiday Advent Calendar, which offers 12 days of delights in sought-after craft spirits including the exclusive Laird of Fintry. “Our Advent Calendar is super fun in providing a bit of cheer for adults at workday’s end,” notes Tyler Dyck, CEO of Okanagan Spirits and president of the Craft Distillers Guild of BC. “My sister Melissa is really the Christmas elf behind many of our creative gifting options.”

STOCKING STUFFERS TO PREMIUM PACKAGES

From stocking stuffer cocktail kits and gift cards to an impressive range of spirit and whisky gift sets and tasting experiences, Okanagan Spirits clearly has all of your holiday shopping needs covered. Whether it’s singlebottle sales of some of the most exquisite liqueurs, gins, whiskies and vodkas on the planet, or perfectly curated multi-bottle gift packs, there is pretty much something for everybody at this post-Prohibition-era emporium of all things farm-to-flask. New for this holiday season is the release of the highly anticipated Green Label Laird of Fintry single-malt whisky. This “southern cousin” to the original Laird is finished in Reserva de la Familia extra-añejo tequila casks. It’s guaranteed to deliver a ray of warm tropical sunshine into even the chilliest of your winter nights.

TOP TIER

And for those impossible-to-please people on your gift list, why not turn up the indulgence meter and spoil them with a membership to the family distillery’s exclusive Barrel Room Whisky Club, ensuring them each of the distillery’s

annual vintage single-malt releases along with a whole host of other goodies? Or better yet, for that really special someone, surprise them with their very own privatelabel, custom-cask whisky release. This one-of-a-kind 30-litre custom-cask whisky experience not only gives

them the gift of creating their very own signature whisky, but it also ensures holiday bragging rights. They will be the only one on the planet with this custom creation of their own specifically crafted double-wood bourbon, rye or single-malt whisky! Visit Okanagan Spirits in Vernon or Kelowna today or browse okanaganspirits.com online for all the tasty treasures.

What will be under your tree this year?

OkanaganSpirits.com WWW.WINETRAILS.CA

K E LOWNA SUMMERHILL’S EXTRAORDINARY ORGANIC HOLIDAY DINING ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

As the holiday season inspires social gatherings, Summerhill Pyramid Winery presents culinary specials created to connect people, food and wine.

JACK FROST HIGH TEA

Add sparkle to your weekend with Summerhill’s Sparkling High Tea, offered every Friday and Saturday with booking times at 12 noon, 1 or 2 pm.

A complimentary glass of Cipes Brut kicks off festivities. Indulge in the new Jack Frost menu of assorted organic savory bites, house-made scones and croissants with seasonal preserves and clotted cream plus assorted mini pastries. Served with artisanal TWG Tea, from a Singaporean luxury teahouse.

quiche, estate garden shakshuka, wagyu steak and egg pizza, and trout gravlax.

Prepaid reservations for parties of two to six are $49 per person. If you have a child under 12 joining you, use promotional code "KIDS" for $10 off. Or use "KIDS2" for two. For more than two children, contact the restaurant.

Savour dinner at Summerhill’s Sunday Night Roast. Without doing all the work, enjoy family time while you feast on roast beef, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.

If you have any other dietary restrictions or allergies, please call the restaurant after booking to discuss how it can best accommodate you.

SUMMERHILL SUNDAY BRUNCH

Gather for Summerhill’s Sunday Brunch where a welcome glass of sparkling wine or a mocktail and coffee or tea starts your feast. Enjoy a tower of pastries for the table and select one of five a-la-carte items included. Choose from entrees: eggs benedict, leek and wild mushroom

Local. Organic. Comfortable.

Visit our website for local’s specials and reservations:

www.summerhill.bc.ca 12

DECEMBER 2021

Prepaid reservation, parties of two to six, $49.95 per person.

SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST

Prepaid reservation, parties of two to six, $28.95 per person.

CHEESE FONDUE NIGHT

It’s Cheese Fondue Night, 5 to 9 pm, every Thursday. Summerhill’s fondue blends Swiss and Quebec cheese, supplied from local cheesemonger Perseval & Young, with mushrooms and a hint of truffle. Served with pretzels, dried bread, grilled pears, cauliflower and sausage with add-ons available. Prepaid reservation, parties of two to six, $27.95 per person. To book: summerhill.bc.ca/Bistro

Mulled Wine

RE CI P E

COURTESY OF BERNICE LOUIE INDIGENOUS WORLD WINERY 2 bottles of Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin Red Blend 500 ml water 5 cm chunk of ginger 4 apples, chopped 2 lemons, zest and juice 1 litre bottle ginger ale 4 cinnamon sticks Put all ingredients into a large pot. Bring to a boil on medium heat. Turn down and let simmer for one to four hours. The longer you leave it, the more intense the infusion will be, and the lower the alcohol content. Pour into mugs, garnish with a chunk of apple and a cinnamon stick and serve.

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LA KE COU NT RY

Holiday Specials

CELEBRATE WINTER AT PEAK CELLARS JENNA HICKMAN

The snow blankets the valley, and the clouds settle in. Welcome to the Okanagan winter. While some people might not look forward to the season, Peak Cellars is offering cozy experiences for everyone to enjoy. Overlooking Okanagan Lake in Lake Country, Peak Cellars is the perfect place to bring a little spark to your weekday evenings.

PASTA, DATE NIGHT AND HAPPY HOUR

Every Tuesday night, the winery hosts their Pasta Night, where guests can enjoy a threecourse dinner for only $44. Choose between a soup and salad to start, and then from a variety of seasonal entrees, finishing the meal with a delicious dessert. For those looking to spice up their date nights, Peak Cellars is your new host. Every Thursday, you and your significant other can enjoy a three-course set menu for $90. To find out what the kitchen is rustling up each week, visit Peak Cellars’ Instagram page at @PeakCellars. If you can’t make it on Tuesday or Thursday, Peak Cellars has a daily happy hour from 3 to 5 pm. Enjoy $5 off pizzas, or choose from three to four tapas features, and of course daily wine specials.

SHUTTLE SERVICE

This winter, you don’t have to worry about navigating the snowy roads or assigning a designated driver when visiting Peak Cellars. Peak Cellars has partnered with Vivid Tours to offer a shuttle service for the McKinley Landing & Tower Ranch neighbourhoods starting in December. For more information about the shuttle service, please contact the winery.

TASTE THE SEASON

As the holidays are quickly approaching, Peak Cellars has the perfect stocking stuffer for the wine-lover in your life. For $20 off the original price, you can purchase a gift certificate for a seated Wine and Cheese Experience for two, or the elevated Peak Portfolio experience. Whichever you select, you can be sure the experience will be one to remember.

Fill your stockings with Holiday Vouchers for Wine & Cheese paired tastings for two or our Peak Portfolio Experience for two Taste some of our fantastic wines with our team of Wine Educators Join us for Happy Hour, daily from 3:00-5:00pm Enjoy Pasta Night every Tuesday from 4:00-6:30pm Fill your cellar with our Award Winning Wine Packs and Black Friday Specials

2290 Goldie Road Lake Country peakcellars.com 250-766-9922 www.peakcellars.com 14

DECEMBER 2021

Peak Cellars has also just launched a new tasting experience – their Award Tasting. Guests will get to taste four of the winery’s award-winning wines, while learning about the awards themselves, and why it is such an honor to receive such accolades. The tasting also comes with a ticket for the winery’s Barrel Auction. The auction gives people a chance to win a stunning, refinished wine barrel, with proceeds going towards the Lake Country Food Bank, and the Salvation Army. You can purchase one ticket for $5, or five tickets for $25. The winner will be drawn live on Instagram at 5 pm on December 23rd. Call the winery at 250-766-9922 or visit peakcellars.com for more details. Peak Cellars is located at 2290 Goldie Road, Lake Country, BC. The Tasting Room is open from 11 am until 6 pm, and the Garden Bistro is open from Sunday to Thursday from noon until 6 pm, and noon until 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

OL IV ER BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY INVITES YOU TO RAISE A GLASS TO 10 YEARS OF WINE TASTINGS JENNA HICKMAN

With its industrial architecture and sleek design, the striking architecture of Black Hills Estate Winery’s Wine Experience Centre has been a landmark in the Southern Okanagan for a decade. Surrounded by Black Hills’ vineyards, and offering panoramic views of the valley, the Wine Experience Centre provides guests with the quintessential winery experience.

Black Hills Estate Winery is open seven days a week, with tastings starting at 11 a.m. and finishing at 4:00 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended; however, the winery will do its best to accommodate walk-ins. To book a tasting, or for more information about Black Hills Estate Winery, please visit blackhillswinery.com or call the tasting room at 250498-0666.

Constructed to reflect the linear quality of the vineyards, the Wine Experience Centre deftly balances between modest sophistication and aweinspiring grandeur, just like Black Hills’ wines.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Now, 10 years after the building was first opened, the winery is inviting its guests to come celebrate. “It’s quite surreal to be in our tenth season,” says Black Hills General Manager Jesse Collins. “Prior to 2012, we were doing appointment-only tastings, and were having to turn people away. People were starting to recognize the Okanagan for its wine, and not just a destination for camping, boating and ice cream. We wanted to be a part of that excitement. When we opened our Wine Experience Centre, no one was really doing seated wine tastings in the Okanagan. We were a part of that pivotal switch in our industry.” To see the Black Hills’ Wine Experience Centre for yourself, visit the winery for a seated, educational wine tasting, or look out for one of their upcoming open houses!

NEW RELEASES

While you’re there, you might be lucky and get to try their new wine releases like the 2020 Alibi, the 2020 Viognier, and the 2019 Per Se. The first vintage of Alibi was released in 2003, and ever since it has been a Black Hills’ favourite. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the 2020 Alibi is creamy with a subtle spice. This year, the winery has freshened the look of the Alibi label to reflect its flavour, leaving behind the bright yellow and red and replacing it with a more sophisticated ivory-coloured label with black cursive and touches of gold. The 2020 Viognier is juicy and full bodied, with notes of dandelion, chamomile, and white peach on the nose. Teeming with flavours of nectarine, preserved lemon and Japanese pears, this warm and inviting wine will take you back to long, golden summer evenings. Only made when the growing year is exceptional, the 2019 Per Se is the fourth Per Se vintage since Black Hills started producing the wine in 2013. A blend of 76 per cent Cabernet Franc and 24 per sent Merlot, the Per Se has a palate comprising of deep red fruit, with delicate hints of sage, star anise and toasted vanilla. Unlike the first two Per Se vintages, the 2019 vintage is available to everyone and not only Black Hills’ wine club members, making it the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life.

WINE CLUB

To make sure you’re the first to find out about Black Hills’ new releases, join the Black Hills wine club. Not only do wine club members get exclusive access to some of the Estate’s releases, but wine club members get complimentary wine tastings at Tinhorn Creek, Gray Monk, Red Rooster, and Sandhill, free shipping on all club releases on orders of 12 bottles or more, VIP Cabana Portfolio Tastings for up to three guests annually, and possibly the most exciting of all, members can book a stay at the luxurious Black Hills Wine Lodge. For a full list of the club membership benefits, visit blackhillswinery.com/Wine-Club.

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DISCOVER THE

WINE EXPERIENCE CENTRE AT BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY Join us this winter for a guided experience in our scenic tasting lounge. Immerse yourself in the Black Sage terroir while enjoying a flight of our award-winning wines. Please visit blackhillswinery.com to confirm hours of operation and book a seated tasting. Can’t visit this winter? We will happily ship your wine across Canada. To receive special offers on wine, exclusive access to future events, or to learn more about Wine Club perks, go to our website and sign up for our newsletter.

250.498.0666 | 4190 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC

DECEMBER 2021

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

@BLACKHILLSWINERY