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.