Wine Trails July / August

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF THE OKANAGAN AT TINHORN CREEK

JENNA HICKMAN

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley has been one of the best-kept secrets of the global wine industry. However, the era when the region was a great secret to Canadians is coming to an end. The region is now known on the international stage for world-class calibre wine.

THREE DECADES OF WINE

Leading the charge since 1993, Tinhorn Creek has been making its mark for almost three decades. Perched on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC, 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.

“The Okanagan is fantastic because you have wine professionals from all over the world in one place sharing their knowledge,” says Leandro Nosal, head winemaker at Tinhorn Creek. “It’s an exciting place to be crafting wine because there is so much versatility and room for creativity. Within the Okanagan, I think the Golden Mile Bench has one of the most interesting terroirs, and I strive to showcase that uniqueness in our wines.”

NEW RELEASES

Nosal and his team have been busy. In May, they released their 2021 Gewürztraminer, 2021 Rosé and 2021 Pinot Gris, and bottled their 2020 Reserve Syrah as well as their 2021 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. In August, the winery will bottle their 2021 Viognier and 2021 Pinot Noir.

“I’m very excited about our 2020 reserve wines,” said Nosal. “2020 was a fantastic growing season that produced pristine and well-balanced fruits. The 2020 Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc will definitely be wines you want to enjoy. In my opinion, 2020 was our best vintage year to date.”

Whether you’re sipping your wine on their sunlit covered patio overlooking the valley, seated below in front of the demonstration vineyard, or picnicking in the amphitheatre,

taking in the impressive views, there’s something for everyone to experience at Tinhorn Creek.

THE LIBRARY LOUNGE EXPERIENCE

Held in an intimate setting above the winery’s cellar, surrounded by Tinhorn’s collection of cellared library bottles, the Library Lounge Experience immerses guests 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 will embark on a scenic and educational walk around the beautiful estate property. They’ll be taken through the vineyards and barrel cellars to learn about Tinhorn Creek’s history. After touring the winery grounds, guests will be treated to a carefully selected wine flight, so they can transfer the knowledge they learned on the tour to the wine itself. This fully immersive experience is the best way to learn about the entire wine-making process, from growing the grapes to barreling. You’ll want to bring your thirst and your questions for this experience!

MIRADORO RESTAURANT

Visitors can now elevate their wine experience further by opting to add food pairings to their wine flight provided by Miradoro Restaurant. Discover how awardwinning executive chef Jeff Van Geest’s Mediterraneanstyle cuisine pairs beautifully with Tinhorn Creek’s wine, enhancing the flavours of the wine and the food. The winery highly recommends booking food pairings in advance.

Miradoro is dedicated to sourcing local products wherever possible, tying into Tinhorn Creek’s continued leadership in sustainable practices.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW?

Back in May, during the preparation for new vineyard plots at the westernmost point of the estate, the winery discovered large boulders buried deep in the dirt. These were repurposed to form a large rock wall at the top of the property, just before the entrance to the Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail. The wall offers an excellent backdrop for photos, or even a backrest after conquering the Golden Mile Trail hike.

In June, the vineyard team worked hard to finish planting new Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc vines. Be sure to check them out on your next visit!

The Tinhorn Creek Tasting Room is open seven days a week from 10 am until 7 pm, and Miradoro is open daily from 11:30 am to 9 pm. The winery strongly encourages reservations, but will do their best to accommodate walk-ins.

For more information about Tinhorn Creek, their wine club, or booking a wine flight experience, please contact 1-888-505-5537 or visit tinhorn.com.

WINE TRAILS

Dynamic sister duo Kirstin Wakal and Natasha (Tasha) Campbell have worked hard over the past seven years to grow their vineyards, build a wine tasting space, and create fabulous wines at The Gallery Winery.

Tasha draws her inspiration from the vineyards she tends. All of The Gallery’s wine labels feature her art. In addition, she makes hearts out of grape vines, and The Gallery even sells T-shirts featuring the hearts. While the winery is located in the heart of West Kelowna’s city core, the acreage feels removed from the busy-ness, a little island of farmland lovingly cared for by its owners.

Kirstin and Tasha’s parents purchased the land in 1980, when the Westside was a small community. It was always their mother’s dream that the family would one day all live on the land together. Her dream came true, and after living on the land for a number of years, the sisters decided to plant a small vineyard in 2015.

The Gallery is filled with creative artistic expression, from the paintings on the walls to the artwork on the bottles. Even the T-shirts they wear (and sell) are sewn on the acreage by Kirstin and hand-painted by Tasha.

The Gallery’s tasting room opened in March, and the sisters are happy to see that people are finding them. While they may be new, they have a selection of several vintages with varietals that include Riesling, Ehrenfelser, Muscat Orange, and one of the most northern plantings of Malbec in the world. New releases for 2021 are coming this summer, along with their first bubbly, a traditional-method sparkling they call “Inspiration,” made from their whites. The Gallery is located at 2233 Witt Road in West Kelowna, with fabulous lake and mountain views. Their summer hours are noon to 5 pm, Friday to Monday. Private group sessions are available by appointment. Visit them online at https://www.thegallerywinery.com.

Honey Mead Mojito

½ tsp. coarse sugar

½ oz. lime juice

4 mint leaves

2 basil leaves

2 ½ oz. Urban Distilleries Honey Mead

Soda water to taste

Mint leaves and lime wheel, for garnish

In a glass, combine sugar, lime juice, mint and basil, and muddle. Add ice and mead. Top up with soda water and stir. Garnish with mint and lime.

RECIPE COURTESY OF SHAKERS COCKTAIL LOUNGE AT URBAN DISTILLERIES & WINERY

Boozy Watermelon Skewers

RECIPE COURTESY OF SHAKERS COCKTAIL LOUNGE AT URBAN DISTILLERIES & WINERY

1 watermelon

1 cucumber

2 oz. extra virgin olive oil

½ oz. Urban Distilleries Spirit Bear Gin

Feta cheese and mint, for garnish

Cut watermelon into cubes. Purée a couple of the watermelon cubes (1 oz.) and set aside.

Cut cucumber into strips. Place cucumber and watermelon cubes on skewers.

In a jar, shake watermelon purée, oil and gin for dressing.

Place skewers on a plate or board and drizzle with dressing.

Sprinkle with crumbled feta and thinly sliced mint.

Photo by

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Sauvignon Blanc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pinot Noir

STUNNING NEW PACKAGING

With its first vintage in 1992, Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s Cipes Brut received rave reviews internationally.

“Most New Yorkers, it is safe to say, have never drunk holiday toasts with a sparkling wine from British Columbia. And many, it is safer to say, will usher in 1993 with Champagne and other bubblies inferior to Cipes Brut from Canada.” — Howard Goldberg, The New York Times, December 30, 1992

Canada’s most-awarded wine, Cipes Brut is made in the traditional method from organic Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, then aged 18 months on the lees. The fruit is primary, with extended lees aging adding depth, richness and subtle notes of brioche and biscuit.

Count on Cipes Brut for superb quality and consistency, bringing pride to Canadians for over 30 years. It’s the ideal gift because it’s organic and represents the brilliance of the Okanagan terroir.

Tasting notes indicate Honeycrisp apple, white flowers, and lime zest on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with juicy green apple, pear, lemon meringue and a hint of toasted brioche. Often served to salute life’s special occasions, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with sushi, fresh seafood, grilled chicken, tapas, or fruit and cheese.

NEW DESIGN TO THANK A CHAMPION

Summerhill celebrates its 35th harvest this year by unveiling a gorgeous modern design for Cipes Brut. David W. Townsend and Town Hall Brands designed the new packaging in a way that helps tell the wine’s story and reflects Summerhill’s unique attributes, such as cellaring its wines in a precision sacred geometry pyramid.

The new labels are made from 100 per cent post-consumer fibre, in step with Summerhill’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Riesling

Cabernet Sauvignon

Gewürztraminer

Viognier Rose

Sauvignon Blanc

Malbec

Auxerrois Merlot

Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Grigio

Viognier Rose

Gewürztraminer

Auxerrois Merlot

Pinot Grigio

Syrah

Cabernet Franc

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Noir

Chardonnay

Pinot Gris

Malbec Syrah

Pinotage

PinotBlanc

Chardonnay

PinotGris

Pinotage

Established in 1991, Summerhill is Canada's first Demeter biodynamic vineyard, as well as the country’s foremost producer of sparkling wine.

Their website states: “Our winemaking philosophy is that organic and biodynamic provides the royal road to producing exceptionally beautiful, authentic, terroir-based wine that will connect you with the beautiful Okanagan Valley.”

For purchasing information and more on the award-winning Cipes line, see summerhill.bc.ca.

PENTICTON

TASTE THE OKANAGAN AT RED ROOSTER WINERY

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 released its first vintage in 1997. Since then, Red Rooster has continued to impress wine lovers across Canada.

In June, the winery released their 2021 Rosé, and in July, their 2020 Semillon was newly released after two years of aging.

“Our 2020 Semillon is really different and interesting, in that we have bottle-aged this white on purpose,” says Elaine Vickers, Red Rooster’s winemaker. “It’s lemony with a refreshing acidity to it, while maintaining structure and character from aging. It’s the perfect crisp and fresh summer sipper.”

EXPERIENCE RED ROOSTER

This summer, Red Rooster offers several experiences: their Signature Experience, Frosé & Friesling Experience, and Winemakers Experience.

The Signature Experience, a seated educational option, will awaken your senses and educate you on the various senses involved in wine tasting. Guests will be hosted on Red Rooster’s expansive covered patio and will be invited to try a selection of the winery’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 this summer. Made from Red Rooster’s delicious Rosé and Riesling wines, these wine slushies will pair perfectly with the balmy weather and views of Okanagan Lake from Red Rooster’s grassy lawn.

Red Rooster’s Winemakers Experience is unparalleled. It’s an opportunity to spend a few hours with the Red Rooster winemaking team and learn the ins and outs of what goes into creating award-winning wine. Starting in July, the winery will be offering this exclusive tour, but guests are encouraged to book ahead now to secure a spot. The one-and-a-half-hour experience will take guests on a guided tour of Red Rooster’s cellars, and will discuss blending, barrel aging, fermenting, and questions such as “What does ‘sur lie’ mean?” or “What is carbonic maceration?” Rest assured that you will leave with new knowledge.

The hands-on Winemakers Experience will take place on the following Thursdays: July 7, 14 and 28, and August 4, 11 and 25. Each week focuses on a different theme, such as the difference between Syrah and Shiraz, or why Pinot Noir is known as the “heartbreak grape.” Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or taking your first sips, there is something for everyone to take away.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Stay tuned for the Okanagan Comedy Festival, scheduled for August 24–28. Red Rooster is scheduled to be a host venue for this laughter-filled annual event. 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 1-888-510-5537. To stay up to date on new releases and events, follow Red Rooster on Instagram at @redroosterwine.

JENNA HICKMAN

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FOUR SHADOWS’ VETERAN TEAM ENHANCES YOUR TASTING ROOM EXPERIENCE

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Family-owned and operated Four Shadows Vineyard and Winery is proud to deliver a comprehensive tasting experience in its casual and comfortable setting. This year, all of Four Shadows’ staff have joined owners Joka and Wilbert Borren for multiple seasons, except for one new extended family addition from overseas. The small group are well versed in the history and products of the winery and the region. Most of the winery’s years of operation were during the pandemic, as the tasting room first opened in 2019.

“Our entire team looks forward to welcoming guests to this extension of our home. We’ll present a focus on our wine, our story, and the attributes of the region, with safety a continuing priority,” Joka said.

FAMILY CRAFTED

With their four sons, the Borrens designed and renovated the tasting room, which is just minutes from downtown Penticton. You can see the personal touches of a family working together spilling over to the patio tucked behind the tasting room at the bottom of Four Shadows’ vineyard.

You can often watch vineyard crew and winery owners working as you look out over where the grapes, that are now your wine, grew.

Experienced staff will guide you through your tasting and help you stock up on your favourites. Make sure you get enough to take home, as these small-lot wines like Riesling and Rosé sell out quickly.

For hours and further information, see fourshadowsvineyard.com.

Summer is upon us, and what a great summer it’s going to be. Despite a rather wet beginning to the season, our vineyards are growing and the new wines they produce are hitting the market.

Below are some things to watch for as you visit BC wineries in the summer of 2022.

STILL POPULAR AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

I know it’s summer, and you might believe red wines are only for the cooler months. However, there’s no better time to stock up than now.

Merlot is making a big comeback, and you can find such a wide variety of Merlot throughout BC. Every region, every winery, because of its terroir and the winemakers’ skills, creates its own unique wine profile. As everyone has their own tastes, you should be able to find one just right for

you. And if you want to drink a nice Merlot in the middle of the summer, go for it. You are the boss of you!

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

More and more wineries are looking for ways to sustainably grow their grapes and create their marvelous wines. Sustainable practices focus on how the land is treated. One of the ways our grape growers do that is to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers by focusing on natural ways to reduce the number of pests in the vineyard. Some wineries do this by having sheep roam the fields to keep grass and weeds short and add a little fertilizer to the land. Others may plant hedges or trees along the edges of vineyards. This attracts birds, which in turn eat the insects that may otherwise get into the vineyard (and the wineries can protect the crop from the birds with netting). Other practices include installing drip irrigation to save water. Being organic is part of having a sustainable working vineyard and winery.

NEW WINERIES

While the pandemic kept most of us at home, some people spent their time planting grapes, learning the industry and creating some pretty fabulous wines. You can find them all across BC. These wineries have been quietly honing their craft and are now ready to have you come and discover them!

I’ve been more than pleasantly surprised at some of the newcomers out there. But don’t just take my word for it. Ask around, find out who’s new in the area and give one or two of them a try.

NEW VARIETALS

Although at times it’s hard to believe BC could grow even more unique grape varietals, it keeps happening. I

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remember over a decade ago when I discovered a winery that made Pinotage. I was thrilled and proud to call that tasty vintage BC-grown and told all my friends about it. Now, you can find several wineries that create their own Pinotage.

Our BC wine industry is still fairly young, and there are hundreds of varietals we’ve yet to try and grow. You may hear about an Italian red called Nebbiolo or the German red called Blaufränkisch. You may also find some Rosé wines out there made from thicker-skinned grapes. All you have to do is ask at the winery and they’ll be more than happy to tell you what’s new in their wine world.

NEW PACKAGING

It wasn’t long ago that wine drinkers were aghast at the thought of twist-top wine. However, once they became educated about the cost of cork, and its environmental impact, twist tops became commonplace for drink me soon wines.

Now there’s wine in a can. These wines are made to drink while young (the wine, not you) and make it easy to transport your beverage of choice wherever you go. Most cans are 250 ml (a little over 8 oz) and have a price point around $8. They are perfect to bring home as a souvenir for friends, or to quickly pack for a nice day out with a picnic. And they fit better in a cooler than a bottle does. You also have your choice of whites, reds, sparkling and rosés. A word to the wise: although they are in a can; we still recommend you drink them from a nice glass. It adds to the experience, no matter what the wine is contained in.

YOURS TO DISCOVER

Don’t be shy when you go wine tasting. Ask the wineries if there’s anything new, be it grapes, vintages, packaging or practices. They’ll be happy to tell you their stories. Happy tasting, everyone!

Darcy Nybo

CANADA’S WARMEST WELCOME: A SUMMER OF FOOD, WINE, AND FUN AWAITS YOU

BLAKE ALLEN

Summer has arrived in Osoyoos, here in the Okanagan Valley, and it’s brought with it an array of delicious food, world-class wines, and fun activities in that famously warm Okanagan sun—all of which are waiting to greet you here in Canada’s Warmest Welcome!

There’s surely no better way to celebrate summer in the Okanagan than with a party, and Osoyoos has one for almost everyone. In fact, the summer season here is jam-packed with unique and unforgettable festivals and events.

HORSES AND MUSIC

There’s the Osoyoos Horse Barrel Races at Desert Park (Fridays at 7 pm, July 8 and 22 and August 5 and 19). This is an exciting high-speed rodeo event that’s sure to thrill all members of the family. Unwind at the end of the day with a free concert, lakeside, courtesy of the Music in the Park series held every weekend during the summer season at Gyro Park (Saturday, July 2 and Fridays July 8 to September 2). All shows begin at 6:30 pm.

STAR PARTY

Even nature joins in the celebrations down here, with the Mount Kobau Star Party taking place every night from 9 pm until 5:30 am from August 20 to 28 under a truly breathtaking night sky lit bright by a ceiling of stars.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Quite famously, Osoyoos has the earliest fruit in Canada, which means the summer season is also the harvest season in this agriculturally rich region. Fortunately for visitors, the town likes to share this bounty, and guests can visit the Osoyoos Farmers’ Market every Saturday at Town Hall Square from 9 am to 1 pm. Or, if the sun’s starting to go down, head on over to Gyro Park and visit the Osoyoos Night Market, just one of the town’s newest attractions this year. It’s held every Tuesday from 5 pm to 8 pm in the summer.

VINEYARDS, WINERIES, CIDERIES AND SPIRITS

Amongst the region's agricultural bounty is its internationally renowned wine country. With more than 50 wineries between two celebrated wine regions (Oliver-Osoyoos and the Similkameen Valley), all within a 20-minute drive of Osoyoos, travellers can hit the scenic backroads and tour multiple vineyards during their visit, sampling many different wines and grape varietals.

If you’re not in a rush, why not pop open a bottle and settle in for a special event at one of the region’s many wineries? Information about big-ticket concerts and outdoor markets at various vineyards as well as the District Wine Village can be found online through the Destination Osoyoos calendar of events.

And if you’re looking to cool off with something other than wine, you won’t have to venture far. With its abundance of apples, Osoyoos is home to several cideries, such as Orchard Hill Estate Cidery, Bordertown Cider & Winery, and Maverick Cider Co. Spirit aficionados will want to visit Tumbleweed Spirits, whose beer and cocktail lounge is now open for the season, while beer drinkers will want to make sure they stop by North Basin Brewing Co. to wet their whistle.

FARM TO TABLE

With all this warm weather and agricultural bounty, it’ll come as no surprise that Osoyoos is also a leading culinary destination in Canada, and home to many farm-to-table restaurants. Renowned chefs use the best of the South Okanagan and Similkameen harvests, as well as produce from their own backyards, to create a diverse and savoury array of international and Indigenous cuisines. And with both pop-up food trucks and winery restaurants now open for the season as well, you might just stumble upon the perfect pairing for that new favourite drink you’ve just discovered.

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL

Ultimately, though, it’s nature that provides the greatest attraction of all in Osoyoos: the warm weather, sandy beaches and long summer evenings. No trip to Osoyoos is complete without jumping headfirst into Canada’s warmest lake for a cooling dip and making the most of lake life with some boating or stand-up paddle boarding.

Once you’ve dried off, consider hitting the links on any of the town’s multiple internationally renowned golf courses. Immerse yourself in nature in Canada’s only desert with an Indigenous cultural tour at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, or a desert trail walk at the Osoyoos Desert Centre, whose newly renovated Desert Boardwalk Trail is now open!

With its vibrant desert scenery and verdant vineyard vistas, along with its celebrated wine and cuisine, and seemingly endless outdoor adventures to partake in, the summer season is truly one of the most exciting times to be greeted by Canada’s Warmest Welcome.

Plan your trip to Osoyoos by visiting destinationosoyoos.com or download the travel guide at appscanada.ca/osoyoos.

CREATE YOUR CELEBRATIONS AT KISMET ESTATE WINERY

Take control of your special celebrations at Kismet Estate Winery’s dreamy vineyard venue. Imagine your wedding or special event celebrated in the photogenic ambience of lush vineyards that open onto Mirror Lake’s serenity.

Kismet’s venue has a capacity of up to 200 and provides a landscape you can use as a canvas to create your memorable occasion. Bring in your favourite event coordinator or plan it yourself.

While Kismet only offers the space, and not event coordination, you can organize catering from their onsite Masala Bistro restaurant. Create an Indian-focused feast with some Western cuisine options. Or, if you prefer, select another catering choice.

CORRESPONDING IMMERSIVE TASTING PACKAGE

Couples are loving the option of having Kismet put together tasting packages, where guests are entertained in an immersive tasting experience that can be staged as a pre- or post-reception.

For example, after your ceremony, when you are having photography done, your guests can be led through a tasting of Kismet wines and tours of the vineyard and winemaking facility. The tasting package makes your event memorable to your guests while facilitating the opportunity to transform your ceremonial set-up to a long-table celebratory gathering.

HOLI FESTIVAL CELEBRATES COLOURS OF LIFE

Kismet is excited to announce the return of such signature events as the Holi Festival, held in July. This fun and lively affair celebrates the colours of life and is a nod to the passing of the seasons. Guests arrive in white and are prepared to leave with their attire brimming with a kaleidoscope of vivid shades. Tickets include refreshments, live music, and the countdown to a joyful frolic when attendees throw packages of coloured powder and water at each other.

For this festival and other special events, Wine Club membership offers benefits such as early notification and discounts, plus access to restricted release wines. Why not explore the two flexible Wine Club options? The Connection Club and the Devotion Club feature distinct benefits based on your preferences.

VISIT KISMET’S TASTING ROOM AND MASALA BISTRO

Kismet’s iconic wines are perennial award-winners. The Dhaliwal brothers’ fruit had previously won awards for other South Okanagan wineries, and after 20 years of growing the highest-quality grapes to sell to others, they launched their own winery with Kismet.

First-come, first-served protocols are in effect at Kismet's Tasting Room, although club members and groups can be accommodated with advance bookings.

Make time for their Masala Bistro, which remains popular for its exotic Indianfocused flavours paired with Kismet wine and beautiful Black Sage Bench views. Visit kismetestatewinery.com for more details on the venue, wine releases, the Tasting Room, and the Masala Bistro.

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

JENNA

HICKMAN

With beach weather in full swing, the Okanagan Valley is buzzing with locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the wonderful weather the region is known for. However, nothing says Okanagan like BC wine. With numerous micro-terroirs, the Okanagan is the ideal region for producing a plethora of wine varietals. Showcasing the best of those varietals is Black Hills Estate Winery.

NEW RELEASES

The winery has a lot planned for the summer, from its famous Nota Bene Release Party to the release of some exciting new wines. In June, Black Hills released their renowned 2020 Nota Bene, and in July, they will release their magnum and double magnum (1.5L and 3L respectively) Nota Bene bottles. Latin for “take note,” Nota Bene is a bold Bordeaux-style blend that is perfect for sharing with friends on long summer nights.

Expertly blended, the wine evokes intense and ripe fruit aromas of plum, raspberry and black cherry. On the palate, notes of crunchy red currants, milk chocolate and clove spice blend seamlessly and balance the ripeness and richness of the fruit.

Under the skillful leadership of winemaker Ross Wise MW, the team continues to produce a wine of exceptional taste and quality. This wine has outstanding aging potential and will continue to drink well for years to come.

Another exciting release will be Black Hills’ first Sparkling Brut. The traditional-method sparkling has spent 40 months on lees and will make the perfect accompaniment to any celebration, or any summer evening.

Another first for Black Hills will be the release of their Sangiovese. Bottling in August, this will be the first time Black Hills has produced a Sangiovese, and with a small production, the wine is sure to sell out quickly. To guarantee a taste of this inaugural release, join Black Hills’ Wine Club.

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.

The VIP Cabana Portfolio Flight is debatably the most luxurious way to enjoy delicious wine. Seated by Black Hills’ stunning water feature, under the shade of a large cabana overlooking the vineyards, guests will get to sip on a selection of Black Hills’ most prestigious wines, all while taking in the spectacular view. This elevated experience is sure to transport you to paradise.

THE RETURN OF THE NOTA BENE RELEASE PARTY

Earlier in June, the winery welcomed back their infamous Nota Bene Release Party. After two years of no in-person events, Black Hills was thrilled to say “cheers” once again with guests as everyone enjoyed the festivities. These included live music from headliner Whitehorse, a Canadian indie band, and delicious food pairings from Miradoro Restaurant. To be the first to hear about future events, join Black Hills’ Wine Club.

SUMMER CONCERTS

Returning to the Wine Experience Centre this summer to perform on select dates is gypsy jazz and swing musician, Aaron Loewen. A local of the Okanagan Valley, Loewen is thrilled to provide some soul-southing sounds for guests enjoying a flight of wine on Black Hills’ patio. Currently, Loewen is scheduled to perform from 3 pm until 6 pm on July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12 and August 26. The winery strongly recommends booking ahead to reserve your seat.

COME VISIT

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 various experiences Black Hills offers, you can email tastingexperience@ blackhillswinery.com or call 1-888-510-5537. To stay up to date on future announcements and summer events, follow Black Hills Estate Winery on Instagram at @ blackhillswinery or visit blackhillswinery.com.