W i n e r i e s / R e c i p e s / H i s t o r y o f I c e w i n e / W INE CO U N T RY G U I D E
Food &
Wine Trails December 2020
Summerhill P a t i o Op e n f o r the Winter
INSIDE w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia
W i n e ry S tay c at i o n pa g e 2
pat i o Dining pa g e 4
Winter Wine Tours pa g e 8
Plus: E s tat e Mulled Wine Pa g e 1 3
Oliver Plan your perfect staycation at Burrowing Owl Jenna Hickman
As the days get colder and winter settles in, the perfect evening arguably consists of sitting by a crackling fire, wrapped in a blanket, with a glass of delicious wine. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is just the winery to make that perfect evening a reality.
Burrowing Owl Guest House
With international travel at a standstill, the Guest House at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, located in Oliver, is the ideal place for a serene getaway this winter. With private views of the vineyard, a fireplace in each room, and just steps away from the wine shop and the estate restaurant, The Sonora Room, you’ll have everything you need within walking distance.
Safe Dining
If you’re looking for a memorable experience, but aren’t looking to stay the night, The Sonora Room should be at the top of your list. One of the first restaurants in the South Okanagan to require their staff to wear masks, The Sonora Room is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of their staff and guests. “Fall and winter are such exciting culinary seasons,” says Kerri McNolty, vice-president of marketing at Burrowing Owl. “All of the hearty flavours represented in our dishes pair so well with these robust reds that we’re known for.” Additionally, The Sonora Room features Burrowing Owl library wines that are no longer publicly available for sale.
Shop Online for Wine
For those unable to visit the winery, you can still enjoy delicious Burrowing Owl wine, delivered right to your door in BC, when you purchase through Burrowing Owl’s online wine shop.
Virtual Tastings
tastings and experiences,” says McNolty. “The bar has been raised, and it has really lit a fire under us to get creative.”
Burrowing Owl offers private or corporate virtual tastings, where the selected wine will be delivered to your home and an ambassador will guide you virtually through a personalized experience. But with this year coming to an end, the winery is already looking to the future.
Gifts Too!
“We’re looking forward to next year, as we’re continuing to find unique ways to deliver enhanced food and wine experiences with educational components,” says McNolty. “During COVID-19, we’ve learned there is a massive appetite for unique and virtual wine
Burrowing Owl is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, with wine tastings by appointment. The winery will be closed as of mid-December, with plans to reopen February 11 for Valentine’s Day weekend.
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If you’re looking for a gift for a wine lover this season, Burrowing Owl sends personalized gift cards, and will ensure they get to their recipients as quickly as possible. If you would like to order a gift card, please call 1.877.498.0620 extension 1.
Su mmerl a n d DIRTY LAUNDRY’S NEW RED HUSH TOO GOOD TO KEEP HUSH-HUSH Roslyne Buchanan
Dirty Laundry Vineyard listened as fans raved about their Hush Rosé and White Rosé. Then they went back to the cellar to nurture a family addition: Red Hush. Bursting with character, Red Hush presents a fruit-forward blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced directly from the warm, arid vineyards of the South Okanagan.
Authentic, Bold and Tons of Personality: Meet Red Hush
Equally as alluring as its siblings, Red Hush is a little more risqué to warm those winter months. Experience aromas of juicy red cherries and raspberry jam. Shift from nosing the wine to tasting it, and find love at first sip. Enjoy notes of red plum and chocolate-covered raisins with a subtle cedar hint. Winemaker Mason Spink and the rest of the Dirty Laundry team worked long and hard to birth this fantastic new family member this fall. Sit back, relax and take pleasure in a glass of Red Hush. Enhance your dining experience by pairing it with classic barbeque fare such as burgers, ribs or grilled veggies.
Wine Club Members First
The Red Hush is a release you won’t want to miss — and Wine Club members got first access starting in October. To snap some up, you’ll want to sprint to their wine shop, open noon to 4 pm, Thursday to Sunday. Or, use the wine locator at dirtylaundry.ca to find a retail store close to you. Be sure to keep current by following Dirty Laundry on social media: @DirtyLaundryVin on Twitter, @dirtylaundryvineyard on Instagram, and facebook.com/ dirtylaundryvineyard. Wine Club coordinator Lauren Selfridge notes, “First dibs on releases like Red Hush are a great reminder of Dirty Laundry’s Wine Club advantages.” With a variety of levels of membership available, all members receive free shipping anywhere in Canada on club shipments; a 10 per cent discount on all Dirty Laundry wines; a $15 gift card for club shipments picked up at the wine shop; a choice of wine with any shipment; and 10 per cent plus free shipping on merchandise and gifts added to a club shipment.
What's So Special About Red Hush?
The Hush family is full of award-winners. For example, the All Canadian Wine Championships awarded the 2019 Hush Rosé with a gold medal in the Rosé, Blush, and Blanc de Noir categories. Plus, Michael Pinkus (The Grape Guy) rated Hush as the top still rosé in his annual rosé report of more than 180 rosés from all over the world. Now that’s something to blush about when an award-winning wine and travel journalist, educator, podcaster and judge sings your praises.
Be Kind, Stay Safe
Life has been complicated this year with the impact of COVID-19 safety measures. The team at Dirty Laundry wish you the best of health, happiness and prosperity. Stay safe, be kind. Buy the wine that brings you joy.
Visit us
Thursday - Sunday 12pm to 4pm or order wine online! 250-494-8815 www.dirtylaundry.ca www.winetrails.ca
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k e l owna ADDING WARMTH TO THE SEASON AT SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY Roslyne Buchanan
Who said patios are for summer only? With years of experience in elevating your dining experience, Summerhill Pyramid Winery understands the importance of being conscientious and safe when dining out. The Summerhill team is committed to ensuring you have the opportunity to treat yourself while celebrating comfortably and safely. "An important step to ensure safe dining opportunities is to keep the patio open all winter," said Jeremy Luypen, Summerhill’s director of culinary & hospitality. “We're turning on the heaters and blocking the wind. Wear a cozy sweater and we'll make sure you’re comfortable.” Summerhill has instituted a full COVID-19 safety plan, which you can read on their website. The key elements you’ll notice as a visitor are the well-spaced tables at which guests face inward toward each other. There’s an added server table to exchange the drinks and food. Plus, barriers are installed in areas such as the host/hostess stand and the bar. Summerhill’s wonder and appreciation welcomes you, and their mantra resonates: “We are all connected and it is our sincerest hope that we can enhance your life through extraordinary organic pyramid-cellared wines, organic local cuisine, and all of our interactions together.”
Local’s Special Theme Nights Return
Back by popular demand is the weekly schedule of special offers as follows: Wednesday is Date Night/Pizza Night for dine-in or takeout service. Thursday is Fondue Night: picture gathering around the firepit to nibble on cheese fondue. This decadent and sumptuous special service pairs amazingly well with Summerhill’s aromatic white wines (sold in the restaurant at wine shop prices). On Friday and Saturday afternoons, partake in Sparkling High Tea. Add to the elegance by booking on the picturesque patio. Plus, there is a High Tea Travel Club. This special service is by reservation only. Savour the creations of pastry chef Tina Tang and the talented culinary team. Happy Hour is from 3 to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and for lunch only on Sunday. It is closed all day Monday, and for dinner on Sunday. Watch for the new menu about to be launched.
Prefer to Stay Home?
If you feel more comfortable staying home, Summerhill has your back. Their family dinners to go, frozen dinners and organic grocery service are available for curbside pickup when ordered from their website.
The Wine Shop Welcomes You Too
On Sundays, join winery sommelier Susan Watkins for an amazing sensory experience. Explore food and wine pairings while diving deeply into Summerhill's organic and biodynamic portfolio in an intimate, guided conversation. Watkins, formerly the wine director at Vancouver's fabulous fine dining restaurant The Mackenzie Room, is both knowledgeable and approachable. With a limit of eight people per session (and six maximum per group), this is an amazing opportunity to be inspired, whether you are curious about the fascinating world of wine, already an expert, or anywhere in between. Go to the website to learn more and to book your seat(s). Every Friday and Saturday this winter, the expensive Summerhill bottles are opened to offer Gray Label tastings of small-lot, premium wines, making the weekend a great time to visit. This tasting is complimentary with purchase
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of premium wine—otherwise, taste these rare, special vintages for $20 per person. Meanwhile, Summerhill’s socially distanced tasting room is open daily. No need to reserve—just drop in to taste Summerhill’s delicious organic wine. The tasting is complimentary with purchase, or $10 per person if you just want to take in the experience. Just in time for Christmas shopping, the Gallery Tasting Room has been transformed into the Fabulous Finds Pop-Up Artisan Shop & Art Gallery. In lieu of a craft
fair, which can't happen this year due to COVID-19, the organizers have arranged for a consignment store with a curated list of high-quality crafters and artists to take place at Summerhill. Summerhill is excited to provide this opportunity to shop local for the holidays and support the local economy. To stay in touch and be the first to know what extra surprises Summerhill has up its sleeve, be sure to check out summerhill.bc.ca and follow @summerhillwine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
CONTENTS
Find any edition of Wine Trails online at www.winetrails.ca
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FUN WINE GADGETS
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FOOD
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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE
WINE TRAILS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
INSIDE w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia
REAP THE ABUNDANCE
ACTIVITIES GALORE
INDIA IN THE OKANAGAN
AT S U M M E R H I L L
AT S P I R I T R I D G E
AT K I S M E T
PA G E 4
PA G E 1 1
PA G E 7
PLUS: FOOD AND DRINK RECIPES!
WINERIES
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WINE EVENTS
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FOOD
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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE
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WINE TRAILS J U LY | A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
INSIDE w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia
M T. B O U C H E R I E W H AT ' S O L D I S NEW AGAIN
PA G E 3
VOLCANIC HILLS
OKANAGAN SPIRITS
C E L E B R AT E S 1 0 YEARS
FA R M T O F L A S K
PA G E 1 5
PA G E 2 0
PLUS: FOOD AND DRINK RECIPES!
WINERIES
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WINE EVENTS
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FOOD
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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE
Food &
WINE TRAILS
WINERIES
Food &
WINERIES
Food &
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WINE EVENTS
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RESTAURANTS
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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE
WINE TRAILS
MARCH | APRIL 2020
INSIDE w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia
INTRODUCING
NEW CHAPTER
LAKESTONE BY MA CDON A L D COMMU N I T I ES
AT M T. B O U C H E R I E
PA G E 4
PA G E 8
R E J U V E N AT E YOUR SENSES AT R E D R O O S T E R
PA G E 1 4
PLUS: FOOD AND DRINK RECIPES!
INSIDE
G O O D V I B E S AT THE VIBRANT VINE PA G E 6
J U LY & A U G U S T 2 0 1 8
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C R E S C E N T H I L L W I N E R Y: AN HEIRLOOM GOING FORWARD PA G E 2 0
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DESTINY AWAITS AT K I S M E T E S TAT E W I N E R Y PA G E 3 6
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Food &
Wine Trails 2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6X2 Tel: (250) 763-3212 Fax: (250) 862-5275 winetrails@blackpress.ca
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. . ............. 2 Dirty Laundry Vineyward...................... 3 Summerhill Pyramid Winery.................. 4 Liquidity............................................... 6 Hainle Estate Vineyards. . ...................... 7 Cheers Okanagan Tours. . ...................... 8 Peachland Wine Shoppe....................... 9 From the Editor. . ................................ 10 Recipe: Turmeric Creme Brule............ 10 Hillside Estate Winery........................ 11 Oliver Twist Estate Winery.. ................ 12 Volcanic Hills Estate Winery............... 13 Icewines of BC.. .................................. 14 Road 13. . ............................................ 14 On the Cover..................................... 14 Cedar Creek Estate Winery................ 15
Amber Rae Bouchard, Roslyne Buchanan, Rebecca Dumas, Jenna Hickman, Kim Foreman-Rhindress and Faith Peters Photography
www.winetrails.ca
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oka na gan fal l s Wine 10,000 Years in the Making Kim Foreman-Rhindress
People who live in the South Okanagan choose this semi-arid location for its spectacular rugged terrain, its proximity to Skaha Lake, and the weather. But it’s what goes on beneath the ground that drew Liquidity winemaker Alison Moyes to this special place in 2015. “I believe Okanagan Falls is the north-south border of the Okanagan Valley as a result of a glacial dam that occurred here 10,000 years ago,” Moyes explained. “It is the narrowest part of the valley. When great blocks of ice broke off, they got buried, melted and created kettle holes.” (Kettling is a geological term for multiple
depressions that create rolling hills. These kettle holes are the defining geological characteristic of Okanagan Falls.) “This glacial action created two very different soil types between the north and south, and that is fascinating in how it affects our wine.”
Soil Types
Liquidity boasts two estate properties where two different soil types are represented. The textural and mineral differences in the soils create a unique terroir, but they
share a common property: excellent drainage. “Very fastdraining soil allows us to control how much moisture the vines receive,” Moyes said. “On our Allendale property there is a layer of sandy topsoil with smaller rocky particulate matter below. On the Lucy property there are surface boulders, which required lots of rock-picking over the years.”
Winds
It’s not all about what happens below the ground, as wind also plays a role in the growing season. “There is a bit of a wind tunnel here, which gives a drying effect on the vines. It prevents mildew but also has a cooling effect on the grapes,” Moyes explained. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can be sensitive to excessive heat, and the wind can help bring high temperatures down.
Organic Certification
Liquidity recently achieved organic certification, with 2020 being their first certified organic vintage. “This desert climate is more conducive to growing organic than other regions,” Moyes said. “Organic isn’t just about sustainability and being responsible to the land. We are also seeing jumps in the quality of the vines, which translates to quality in the glass.” 2020 is shaping up to be Liquidity’s best vintage yet. “We enjoyed a really perfect growing season across all varietals,” Moyes said. “It’s rare to get a great year for both the early-ripening and later-ripening grapes.” Scheduled to produce three Pinots this year—Estate, Reserve and a Single Vineyard— Liquidity is also producing a Riesling for the first time in several years. “Okanagan Falls is an extraordinary place to grow grapes and craft wine,” Moyes added. “The unique topography and climate offer distinctive wines defined by a line of minerality and tension not found anywhere else.”
Small Lot Pop Up Shop HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT LIQUIDITY Join us every Saturday from 11:00am - 4:00pm and explore a curated Pop-Up Shop at Liquidity. Reservations are required. Bubbly guaranteed!
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December 2020
Pea chl a n d HISTORY IS HONOURED AND IN THE MAKING AT HAINLE VINEYARDS Roslyne Buchanan
Through the diligence of its new owners, Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery’s proud legacy as BC’s eighth estate winery in 1971—as well as the birthplace of North American ice wine and Canada’s first certified organic winery in 1988— is being honoured and elevated. Hainle Winery’s historic attributes aligned with Bella Huang and her husband Tony’s values when they purchased it in 2017. The Huang family own property, including a winery, in China, and aspire to create a better image for Chinese products. Going organic is a central focus as part of Bella’s passion for nature, good food and good produce. When Bella learned the history of Hainle Winery as she was looking to acquire vineyard property in the Okanagan, its historic assets were the perfect fit. Work commenced immediately to restore Hainle Winery’s former glory, make it sustainable and leverage it to greater things.
New Winemaker, Revitalized Vineyards
The first order of business was to restore some love to the vines, which were planted by Walter Hainle and nurtured by Walter and his son Tilman, Hainle’s winemaker, until the winery was purchased by Walter Huber. The Huangs
brought in Anthony Buchanan, “highly esteemed as a natural winemaker,” who acted as a consultant and mentor their new winemaker, Scott Ingram. Scott’s wife, Colleen, was instrumental in reviving the vineyards, and this remains her pet project as she reinstates organic practices. This year a small crop was yielded, and as the vines are whipped back into shape, there will be more fruit produced.
Refreshed Tasting Room
While the building offered some old Germanic charm, some renovations were completed to clean up its look and freshen the design. Next year a reception centre is planned to be open in the vineyards, showcasing the fantastic views overlooking Okanagan Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park beyond. Until January, the wine shop is open Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm, for sales. Tastings are available Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm. Verify hours, shop for wine, book private tastings and learn about Hainle’s wine club at hainle.com.
Scott Ingram, winemaker, at Hainle Vineyards
Memory Lane Sales
Before January, board a time capsule down memory lane to explore back vintages that are being made available in case lot sales. Scott’s first vintages will launch in February to March and will continue to focus on classic coolclimate varietals such as aromatic reds, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. Until then, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the catalogue with red and white wines, ice wine and late harvest vintages from 1983, 1984, the 1990s and the 2000s.
Rediscover Hainle Vineyards Note for Sydney: If you use the photos with people in them please name them in the cutline
The Okanagan's most historic winery
New owner, Bella Huang, working in the vineyard Scott Ingram, winemaker, at Hainle Vineyards
Open Monday through Saturday 11am to 3pm for tastings & purchases
5355 Trepanier Bench Rd., Peachland www.winetrails.ca
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okana gan Embark on a Distinctly Different Wine Experience With Cheers! Okanagan Tours Amber Rae Bouchard
Tour differently. This exceptional family-owned tour company sets itself apart by offering experiences centred around authentic, off-beat, unforgettable discoveries in the Okanagan wine scene. Exceptional means offering fully-inclusive, family-friendly experiences; it also means going above and beyond with the little things. From handcrafted lunches catered to each guest's dietary preference to expertly curated surprises that delight and impress, going that extra mile speaks volumes to how shamelessly obsessed Cheers! Okanagan Tours is with guest satisfaction. The atmosphere and energy of a
Cheers! tour is unparalleled and allows their guests to let go, relax and truly immerse themselves in what it means to experience Okanagan wine!
Exceptional Guides Lead to Great Discoveries Most people believe one of the best parts about wine touring is having a designated driver. However, touring with Cheers! is so much more. Your guide is your authentic connoisseur, someone who alleviates the need for guesswork and enhances your experience with full service and flexibility, taking care to ensure there are no
unwelcome surprises! Cheers! brings these elements together to create a relaxed, informative atmosphere where wine is as enjoyable to drink as it is to learn about. A vineyard-to-bottle education in an authentic, unpretentious setting—this is what sets Cheers! apart. It’s true a little research off the beaten path pays off, and the guides at Cheers! are bursting with knowledge and insight into each pocket of the Okanagan. From the crisp aromatic whites of Northern Lake Country to the full-bodied reds of the desert South, rely on the Cheers! team to lead you to those hidden gems throughout the valley each and every time you visit. Each tour offers a new chance to learn more about the beauty of the land that showcases nine unique sub-appellations spread over 220 kilometres, with over 80 grape varieties. Because of this diversity, Cheers! values exceptional tour guides and storytellers with local expertise to showcase the uniqueness of each winery and its offerings. Learn where many of the best wineries are hidden, on the back roads and off the beaten path: places where you’ll find authentic vintners and learn how the Okanagan terroir shapes their vineyards and each of their vintages.
Setting Your Wine Experience Apart from the Rest Typically delivering behind-the-scenes tours and backdoor experiences, Cheers! has consistently set itself apart as a matchless tour company for five years running with a model of selfless commitment to their vision of becoming the most recognized tour brand in the Okanagan.
One look at the heaps of rave reviews that have vaulted Cheers! to the top of TripAdvisor’s tour and transportation brands demonstrates their endless passion. Introductions to amazing people, authentic encounters, extra personal touches and carefully chosen little surprises make you feel welcome, lavished and treated like royalty.
Winter Wine Tours
from
$169 Enjoy “Wine-101”. A down-to-earth system allowing you to quickly understand how to choose the right wine for you, 100% of the time, saving you time, money, and reputation.
www.cheersokanagantours.com
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December 2020
250-717-8452
info@CheersOkanaganTours.com
pea chl a n d Peachland Wine Shoppe Rebecca Dumas
Customizing Wine to Your Taste
If you’ve ever craved a specific wine and been unable to find it, why not simply make it? Peachland Wine Shoppe provides this opportunity. It’s the perfect place for both beginners and experienced at-home winemakers to customize the taste of their wine.
What is U-Brew Wine?
Sourced from distributors throughout the world (think of some of the best wine regions: Italy, France, California and New Zealand), Peachland Wine Shoppe offers specialized kits containing the juice of a particular grape. There are four different tiers to choose from, and each varies in quality and time needed for fermentation.
The Process
Ela Randelovic, microbiologist and owner of Peachland Wine Shoppe, is the perfect guide to walk you through the process. First-timers and experts alike will be inspired by Ela’s expertise and passion when it comes to all things wine—from the tasting profiles down to the intricacies of the chemical compounds. What kind of wine you want to make is your first decision. From there, you begin the process by adding yeast. Depending on your tier of wine, the overall process will take four to seven weeks. Ela is supportive and allows participants to engage in the process as much as they wish. Even though she has a degree in microbiology and continues to conduct wine experiments, she explains the process in a way that is easy to understand. After talking with Ela, anyone with the slightest curiosity will be enticed to produce their own wine.
Misconceptions About U-Brew Wine
There are a few misconceptions people commonly have about U-Brew wine. “One of the biggest ones,” Ela Randelovic remarked, “is that people think the initial grape juice is just grape juice like you’d buy from the grocery store. It’s not.” Instead, this specially sourced product comes from worldwide vineyards and can be personalized to an individual's unique taste. The range of modification varies, and one can create wines with different levels of sweetness and oakiness. Fruit and dessert wines are also available to ferment, as are port and ciders. Quality is another major misconception when it comes to brewing your own wine. In fact, the quality is superb and is often even higher than some wines from liquor stores, with significantly
fewer sulphites. Each brew consists of 30 bottles (half batches are also available), which brings the price to $5.50 to $8.20 per bottle of wine. By brewing your own, you leave not only with newfound knowledge and expertise, but with your own unique and personalized wine. Cheers to this!
Customizing and fermenting quality wines on premises by our friendly, knowledgeable staff. We also provide ubrew/uvin kits and supplies for DIY wine enthusiasts. https://peachlandwineshoppe.com/ Located in the Peachland Centre Mall 250-767-0067 www.winetrails.ca
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f rom the e d i t o r December 2020 Here we are on the verge of a new year. 2020 wasn’t exactly the stellar year we hoped for. Many wineries had to revamp their business model and increase their focus on online sales, and everyone had to incorporate the safety protocols around COVID-19. Restaurants attached to wineries had new rules, and outdoor patios were and continue to be the norm for the rest of 2020. One thing that has stayed the same throughout this unprecedented year is the creation of great wine by people with a passion for winemaking. Also unchanged, is the dedication of winery staff to work together to make the consumer experience memorable.
Darcy Nybo
Thank goodness being outdoors was a safe way to spend our summer. Many of us took deep breaths of fresh air as we sat on outdoor patios, sipped new vintages and tasted new recipes. While seating capacity, even outdoors, was limited, the wineries did their
Turmeric Crème Brûlée Recipe courtesy of Chef Castro, houseofboateng.ca Makes 10-12 ramekins 14 egg yolks 1L whipping cream 1 vanilla pod, scraped ¼ cup turmeric syrup ¾ cup sugar, plus additional for torching the top of the brûlée
Directions:
1. Combine cream, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan and bring to a boil. 2. Remove from heat, then add turmeric syrup. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. 3. Carefully separate egg whites from egg yolks. Whisk the warm cream, sugar and vanilla mixture into egg yolks slowly so the yolks don’t curdle, then strain. 4. Preheat the oven to 300°F. 5. Pour the custard into ramekins, then place the ramekins into a warm water bath. 6. Bake at 300°F for 50-60 minutes or until the crème brûlée is set but still trembling in the centre. 7. Remove the pan from the oven, but allow the brûlée to cool in the water bath. 8. Once cool, remove from the pan and refrigerate overnight or until completely cold. 9. Using a torch, melt 1 Tbsp sugar over each brûlée. 10. Let cool slightly and serve.
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RECIPE
best to accommodate everyone who wanted to visit. Reservations became the norm, even for wine tasting. The border was closed to travellers, and bars and restaurants were shut down for a time. Still, the wineries stood their ground. Online sales and curbside pickup became their new normal. Some wineries reported increases from three to ten times their normal amount of online wine sales. Marketing departments got busy offering gift baskets with vast price ranges and plenty of different wines and accessories. One thing is certain, BC’s winemakers and wine lovers are in it for the long haul. When this pandemic ends, our wine industry will be left with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. And when this is over, we can all sit back, relax and have a toast with our favourite wine.
pen ticton Taste the fruits of the Naramata Bench at Hillside Winery Jenna Hickman
Nestled on the hill, right off Naramata Road, Hillside Winery and its modern farmhouse are a landmark in the South Okanagan. Ever since rows of vineyards replaced rows of apricot trees in 1983, the winery has fostered a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The original vision of Hillside’s founder Vera Klokocka was to produce wine solely from Naramata grapes. With the help of winemaker Kathy Malone, that vision has now come to life. “We are one of the original wineries in the area, so people are familiar with our story and our wines,” said Jody Schwindt, Hillside’s sales and marketing manager. “What people probably don’t know is that we have made a strategic move to produce wine with 100 per cent Naramata-grown grapes.”
About the Terroir “The Naramata region has a special quality: its soil, geography and growing conditions are unique,” said Schwindt. “We really wanted to showcase our region and express Naramata fruit to its fullest.” In fact, in 2019, the Naramata Bench region was officially categorized as a sub-geographical indication (sub-GI), solidifying its place on the map in the international wine community.
100% Naramata Bench
Hillside started to transition their profile of wines to only contain Naramata fruit in 2008. Today their wines are 100 per cent from the Naramata Bench, and this move has been complemented with a recent brand and packaging refresh. With their elegant new labels, one can identify three tiers of Hillside wine, including their heritage and single vineyard series.
“With our new branding, we feel we have elevated our experience to match our wine,” said Schwindt.
Safety First
Sunday, noon until 5 pm. Tastings and dining at The Bistro are available Thursday to Sunday, 5 pm to 7:30 pm, by reservation only. The winery will close December 20, with plans to reopen in March 2021.
Hillside is adhering to all COVID-19 protocols and ensuring guests and staff are safely able to enjoy their experience. By moving to seated tastings and reservations only, the winery is able to distance guests, all while providing the same enjoyable wine. “Our intimate seated tasting has allowed us to take wine tasting to the next level and provide a more educational experience,” said Schwindt. “We’ve included an aroma kit with the tasting, so guests can really see how our terroir influences certain aromas, and therefore our wine.”
Order Online or Visit in Person
If you are unable to make it to the winery, Hillside has implemented free direct shipping for all wine orders, so you can taste in the comfort of your own home. If you’re planning on ordering before Christmas, Hillside recently released their 2008 Kerner ice wine. With only 42 cases, this fantastic dessert wine would make a beautiful gift for any wine lover. Hillside Winery is open Wednesday to
And raised.
Enjoy Hillside at home..
HAND-CRAFTED HAND-CRA R FTED WINE MADE EXCLUSIVELY FROM NARAMATA NARA R MATA GROWN GRAPES. GRA R PES.
www.winetrails.ca
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Woliver EST KELO W NA WINTER IS WARMER AT OLIVER TWIST Roslyne Buchanan
Oliver Twist Estate Winery is open all winter for wine tasting and sales. This quieter time allows more opportunity to chat with the team at this boutique, family-run winery. Through the tasting room windows, watch winemaking in progress and even smell the fermentation of vintage 2020! For November, Oliver Twist is open daily, 10 am to 5:30 pm. From December through March, they will be open noon to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday).
Boutique/Gift Store
Oliver Twist is a great place for holiday shopping with lots of fun, wine-related items for sale, including
curated gift baskets. The list goes on, from t-shirts, aprons, napkins, tea towels, cork purses, wine bags, blankets, aerators, fridge magnets, coasters and tumblers, to lots of local items like pottery, soaps and wine jellies. If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, you can still stock up to get a taste of the Okanagan delivered to your door. For orders of 12 or more bottles, Oliver Twist provides free shipping and packaging. Browse store.olivertwistwinery.com/.
Limited-Release 2017 Malbec Proprietor’s Reserve
Seize the moment and try the limited-release 2017 Malbec Proprietor’s Reserve in the tasting room. Only 56 cases of this wine were produced. Perfect for cooler weather, it will draw you with its deep, sexy purple hue into a luscious, complex nose of blackcurrant, blackberry, damson plum, raspberry, vanilla pod and clove, with hints of sage and toasty oak. On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers ripe, smooth tannins and fresh acidity with generous black cherry, blackcurrant, raisin and dark chocolate notes. Steep, terraced vineyards and old-world viticulture techniques produced this intense Malbec from the Gablemanns’ vineyards on the northeast side of Oliver. Oliver Twist has enjoyed a long relationship with this great grape-growing family. Serve this food-friendly wine with duck confit, lamb risotto, veal scallopini with mushrooms, tourtière, potato and porcini mushroom cakes with truffle sauce, or another special meal. Or don’t share at all: simply curl up with the wine and some quality dark chocolates.
PASSION – FAMILY – TERROIR – ART – SCIENCE
OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINER TE WINERY
Wine Shop & Tasting Bar Visit us! We’re Open All Winter Wine Tastings and Giftware Boutique 12 pm – 4 pm (Closed Mondays)
OLIVER TWIST E S TAT E
W I N E R Y
www.oliver twistwiner y.com 398 Lupine Lane, Oliver, BC 1.250.485.0227 OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND @olivertwistwinery
@OliverTwistWine
Oliver Twist Estate Winery
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December 2020
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Estate Mulled Wine
RECIPE
by Volcanic Hills
Volcanic Hills created a delicious mulled wine recipe for those chilly nights. It tastes great and your home will smell amazing!
Ingredients:
2 - 750-ml bottles of Volcanic Hills Estate Winery Lava Red, Gamay or Merlot 10 whole cloves 3 - 3-inch cinnamon sticks 2 star anise 1 whole nutmeg, cracked with the side of a knife into a few pieces 1/2 tsp coriander seeds 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns 1 clementine or tangerine, washed and cut into quarters (peel kept on) 1/3 cup brown sugar; more to taste 1/4 cup brandy 1-2 Tbsp Grand Marnier (optional; add to taste depending on the size of your orange) 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, toast the cloves, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, coriander and peppercorns, stirring occasionally, until aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the spices to a 6×6-inch piece of cheesecloth and set the pan aside to cool slightly. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie with butcher’s twine to make a sachet. 2. Add the wine, sugar and clementine to a saucepan along with the sachet. Heat the wine mixture uncovered over very low heat for 1 hour to infuse it with the spices. The mixture should steam, but take care to never let it boil.
3. Using a pair of tongs, gently and carefully squeeze the juice from the clementine or tangerine into the wine mixture. Remove any seeds that may be expelled from the orange into the wine. Discard the juiced citrus pieces and the sachet. 4. Stir the brandy, Grand Marnier (if using) and vanilla into the wine and taste. Add more sugar if needed to round out the flavours, but not so much that it tastes sweet. Serve warm in your favourite glass mug, or a thick-walled wine glass. Cheers! As an added bonus, they will give 15 per cent off on your two bottles of Gamay, Lava Red or Merlot for your mulled wine. Simply shop online and use the code MERRY&MULLED at the checkout. Offer good until January 2, 2021.
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oliver Syrah Shines in the South Okanagan at Road 13 Kim Foreman-Rhindress
Veteran winemaker Barclay Robinson had just accepted the job and signed the papers at Road 13 one week before the COVID-19 lockdown occurred. While the new safety protocols didn’t impact production, they have affected the way wine is sold, paving the way for more intimate tasting experiences as well as more direct-to-consumer purchasing avenues.
“2018 was an interesting growing year and has created a more elegant complexity than in previous years. It got off to a warm start, it was a dry year and there were fires in the Pacific Northwest,” Robinson said. “The fires didn’t affect the flavour, but they did block out the sun a fair bit, which yielded a beautiful acidity without as much alcohol.”
Darcy Nybo
that the grapes were harvested when air temperatures were below the magical -8°C. There also cannot be any artificial cooling to get the grapes to yield their sweet, frozen goodness. Winemakers cannot add sweetener of any kind to the wine either. There are only one or two dozen wineries in BC that are able to create this delicious dessert wine.
When temperatures drop below -8°C, most growers know that whatever is left on the tree, vine or garden is no longer useful—except for grapes. When the temperature hits that magical number, it’s all hands into the vineyard for grape picking. BC is well known around the world for its delicious and unique icewines. And because it relies on Mother Nature to cooperate, some years are better than others.
Road 13 is in the process of achieving organic certification and will be fully certified by the end of 2021. “It’s a formality,” Robinson said. “They have been farming organically here for years.” Already known for big, bold reds, Robinson is excited to talk about Road 13’s Syrah, which is exceptionally well suited to the South Okanagan soil and climate. “The Black Sage block on the east side grows southwest into the sun which yields jammy dark fruit flavours,” he explained, “while the evening shade from the mountain provides savoury and spicy notes.” With seven Syrah blocks, the region is well represented.
Icewines of BC
So Many Ways to Enjoy
How It All Began
Long ago, in the 18th century, a German winemaker didn’t get his grapes harvested in time. The temperatures plummeted and the grapes froze on the vine. After all his hard work he couldn’t bear to leave them there, so he harvested them and tried to make wine out of them. Much to his delight, and the delight of everyone who tasted his Eiswein, it was delicious! When asked about 2020, Robinson was excited. “The tonnage is lighter by 15 per cent, but the quality is outstanding. The growing season was warm and dry with a tricky mid-summer heatwave. But the wines are promising to be incredible! “The block tells you what it wants to be,” he mused. “Winemaking is an artistic interpretation of science and nature that gives you a product that is more than the sum of its parts.”
20th Century Icewine
In the 1960s, other wine regions started making their own icewines. Then, in 1974, the Okanagan’s Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery made Canada’s first icewine. It was a hit and the rest, as they say, is history.
VQA Certified
The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) has very strict rules when it comes to creating icewine. There must be documentation
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Should your tastes lean towards salty, try your icewine with a delicious black olive tapenade or an antipasto. Smoked salmon and duck confit also pair well. For a cool experience, try your icewine with a chilled watermelon soup. Whether you like your icewine on its own or paired with savoury, salty or spicy foods, you are sure to enjoy it.
ON TH E COVER
020 er 2
You may recognize our front cover for this special digital edition. It’s the patio at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
hill mer or Sum en f o oP ter Pat i Win the
pa t i o g Dinin 4 pa g e
Pairing icewines is fairly simple. Strong cheese, nuts and fruits pair wonderfully with this sweet treat. Go for a cheese that is naturally savoury and a little salty—try a nice blue cheese or a hard cheese. The stronger the flavour, the better it goes with icewine.
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Icewine is best when chilled, usually to 5°C. One of my favourite ways to enjoy icewine is in a two-ounce dark chocolate shot glass. Many wineries sell them in their shops, and you can also buy them at specialty stores and online. This is a sipping wine, much like a port or sherry, so a two-ounce pour is more than enough.
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The management and staff at Summerhill have been working hard to ensure you can enjoy their patio, their delicious food and their wines all year round. Safety protocols are all in place and you can come and relax knowing you will be well taken care of.
The two enjoying the patio on the front cover of this issue are Barbara Sculthorp and Daniel Rae.
Our photographer, Faith Peters, had a great time getting the right shot for this edition. She had this to say about working with the staff at Summerhill Pyramid Winery: “Barbara and Daniel told me about how they came to work here, how Summerhill has become like a home to them and how the staff are like family. They said everyone at Summerhill looks out for one another and truly cares about doing their jobs well. They also both spoke very highly of CEO, Ezra Cipes, and the passion he has for the success and growth of Summerhill. Most importantly, they said that since COVID-19, it has been comforting to work at a place that’s more than a job. It’s a second home, a refuge for them both.”
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December 2020
Kel own a Quality Offerings at CedarCreek Estate Winery Rebecca Dumas
During this year full of unknowns due to the global pandemic, CedarCreek Estate Winery rose to the challenge by introducing new ideas, practices and experiences to their winery. This has led to the announcement of exciting new offerings.
Organic Farming and Winemaking Although CedarCreek Estate Winery had already started the process of increasing organic methods on their properties, continuing to transition to organic farming and winemaking has been an even stronger focus this past year. Their progression to organic practices first began in 2017 at the Home Block Vineyard in Kelowna. They continued to incorporate this focus into their winemaking and achieved completion with an Ecocert organic certification in 2019.
The decision to convert their vineyards to organic was not one taken lightly. CedarCreek has since released 14 organic wines with great acclaim. Taylor Whelan, winemaker at CedarCreek, has noticed vast differences in the vineyards since going organic, including an increase in the number of wildflowers, insect pollinators and bird species, which are now regular sightings. With regards to the grapes, Whelan has observed stronger fruit concentration and deep pure colours since going organic. These improvements, as well as the increase in the quality of the wine, have been major motivators for the team members at CedarCreek. The winery continues its vision
of organic practices and is on the path to achieving 100 per cent organic by 2021.
New Experiences at the Winery
Innovations in their farming practices haven’t been the only changes at CedarCreek. With the onset of COVID-19 and continued restrictions, CedarCreek’s tasting room and Home Block Restaurant have also undergone transformations. Although visits will be different (with implemented health protocols and recommendations to make reservations), visitors will leave with an experience that they will always remember. While participating in a tasting, guests will be guided by a personal wine ambassador who will lead them through a full experience of CedarCreek’s award-winning wines. If one wishes to explore CedarCreek’s expertise with a larger focus on food, a choice of two, three or five courses is available in their Home Block Restaurant, perfectly paired with the vineyard's flawless wines.
Holiday Offers
CedarCreek provides exceptional experiences and hospitality on site, and you can bring the taste home (or gift to others) with their themed holiday bundles. With a few options to choose from, one can give the gift of new tastes with CedarCreek’s specially curated holiday packages. Each bundle consists of three wines, with the intention of creating a varied selection that the receiver may never have the opportunity to experience again. It’s a perfect gift for both casual wine appreciators and wine experts.
give the
GIFT OF WINE
www.winetrails.ca
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Merry Christmas Thank you for your continued support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families from all of us at Wine Trails Food &
