Food & Wine Trails September 2023

While tasting wines is at the top of the list of things to do at wineries, many of our BC wineries offer more than wine.

SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY: KELOWNA

Located in Kelowna, this winery is world-renowned for its pyramid, built right on the property. The pyramid has interior lighting and a 432 Hz meditation sound 24/7. You can also dine there with many of the ingredients in their dishes grown right on site. summerhill.bc.ca.

THE GALLERY WINERY: WEST KELOWNA

Perched above Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna, this funky winery has award-winning wines, and some other fabulous goodies for you to take home.

Like art? Take your time and enjoy the art created by co-owner Tasha Campbell. All the labels on their wines are of Tasha’s creation. You’ll also find a gorgeous gallery of artwork by Tasha. Her other creations are art cards, paper and cloth wine bags, and entangled hearts wall sculptures (available from prunings in the spring). She also illustrated a children’s book called A Girl Called Goose.

Sister and co-owner, Kirstin Wakal grows beautiful flowers available for purchase in season. She also grows fruits and veggies that she makes into “Made with Love” preserves. The sisters collaborate on their T-shirts. Kirstin sews them from 100% Canadian Cotton and Tasha creates the entangled hearts design on the front. thegallerywinery.com.

DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD: SUMMERLAND

If you need souvenirs of your Okanagan wine-tasting experience besides great wine, Dirty Laundry has an entire store full of fun things you can buy for yourself or bring home as gifts.

They have Dirty Laundry T-shirts, socks, hats, toques, mugs, corkscrews, and even candles! As a bonus, you can get take-out or eat on their patio. dirtylaundry.ca.

UPPER BENCH WINERY AND CREAMERY: PENTICTON

Delicious wines and cheese are made onsite and ready for you to pair up with each other.

They handcraft cheeses including artisanal washed, bloomy, natural rinds, lactic, and blue cheese, all designed to pair with specific wines.

How could it be better? Easy, add in some delicious Neapolitan-style pizza topped with Upper Bench cheese. upperbench.ca.

BARTIER BROTHERS: OLIVER

Located on Ryegrass Road just outside of Oliver, this winery offers wine and what some call wine-adjacent libations to enjoy. Aside from reds, whites, and rosés, they also make Piquette. This light and tasty, lowalcohol beverage is made from a second press of grapes, so very little goes to waste. bartierbros.com.

PLATINUM BENCH ESTATE WINERY: OLIVER

A good bottle of wine and freshly baked bread, what more could you ask for? At Platinum Bench Estate Winery you can have both. Master baker Fiona gets up early in the morning to create her delicious array of freshly baked bread, made to go with the wines her husband makes. platinumbench.com.

HARKER ORGANICS: CAWSTON/KEREMEOS

Harker’s has been a staple in the Similkameen for decades. Aside from delicious fruit wines and ciders (Rustic Roots Winery) they also have a great organic fruit stand. Their crab-apple pie preserves are always a hit.

They also have a wide selection of jams including (but not limited to) blackberry chocolate mint and apricot colada as well as peach carrot marmalade.

There’s an entire line of wine jellies as well as hot apricot mustard and even duck eggs.

They also carry one of my favourites for cooking: farmersdotter organic garlic scape salt. harkersorganicsrusticroots.com

KRAUSEBERRY FARMS: LANGLEY

This farm on 248th St. in Langley is well known for its delicious fruit wines. They also have a bakery, a market, a waffle bar, pie, custard pie in a jar, farm garden boxes, BBQ and hot sauces, berry powders, berry juice, chocolate bark, dressings, ice cream, pickles and, well the list goes on and on.

Most of these products are made right on site so you know they are fresh! A great way to spend the day with friends and/or family. krauseberryfarms.com.

LONE WILLOW: OLIVER

Here’s a bit of a twist. The folks at Lone Willow make wine and beer jellies for many BC wineries. They also make hot sauces and cocktail syrups. You can shop online at

Original art work by local acclaimed artist Wayne Klippert

MAGGIE JACKSON

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Ve Oh Lay Acres offers the kind of farm where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. Its easy-going persona extends a warm welcome to families. The inviting picnic area and tasting room feature games kids and adults can enjoy. Owners Maddison and Laurent Violet purchased the 11-acre property in 2021, and diligently cultivated the orchard and grounds while nurturing poultry, meats, and livestock. They planted the vineyard with varieties not found in the region.

PETTING ZOO TOO!

For a small fee, you can tour the Petting Farm, which is open with the tasting room, March through October. Meet Olive, the farm’s general manager pig, and Lemon Beret, the Social Media Manager duck. Delight in the alpacas, sheep, pigs, ducks, chickens and even ostriches, affectionately known as Betty and Veronica.

What began as a humble goat duo grew into over 150 charming, diverse animals. They earn their keep as the animals tend to fields, crops, vines, and orchards for weed control, soil enrichment, pest control and more.

LOVE AND MEAD APLENTY

Taking her first Wine and Spirit Education Trust course in 2016, winemaker Maddison found herself in Langley’s Chaberton Estate Winery tasting room shortly after. She fell in love with the vineyard and then travelled to New Zealand and Australia to learn winemaking. In 2019 she was awarded “IWSC and WSET Future 50 Under 40.” She returned to Chaberton for another harvest where she worked with her now husband, Laurent. “We bonded over a love of wine and sarcasm,” she said.

Laurent spent his entire life in the industry from grape planting to bottling. His great-great-great grandfather Simon and brother Pallade made an apéritif known as Byrrh in 1866!

Fast forward to Laurent discovering a passion for mead (honey wine) with his wife Maddison and together they established Ve Oh Lay Acres. With his welding/fabricating background, Laurent crafted the cellar and features like its waterfall bar. Grab a seat, sip mead and eat snacks from the winery’s kitchen soothed by the refreshing water feature. Chef Terry Port, Elite Chef Events, offers a small and delightful menu.

Ve Oh Lay Acres Archer, made from honey, cherries, blackberries, and plum received a gold medal (92 points) while Impulsive, Capricious and Melodramatic, blueberry

honey wine achieved a bronze (88 points) from Wine Align 2023 National Wine Awards.

WINE FLIGHTS AND MORE

Striving to bring fun back to drinking, Ve Oh Lay rotates selections of wine by the glass, flights and a limited selection of wine fusions—contemporary wine cocktails. Settle in as Ve Oh Lay declares “Wine is better with friends. And we’re the best place to find friends.” Snag a bottle or two and local goodies to enjoy later. Use code: winetrails10 for a 10 percent discount online or in person. veohlayacres.com.

FALL FLAVOURS OF MEAD RELEASED AT FESTINA LENTE ROSLYNE

As leaves take on autumn colours and shadows lengthen, Festina Lente Estate Winery releases new flavours of mead that pair beautifully with fall foods. Now is the time to stock up from the Langley tasting room or online with selections such as Pumpkin, Cranberry, and Winter Spiced.

Imagine your Thanksgiving holiday ham, beef roast, butternut squash or buttery mashed potatoes served with Pumpkin Mead, or roast turkey with Cranberry Mead. Yes, please! How about a light festive spritzer anchored by cranberry. On those cooler evenings, sit by the fire with a Winter Spiced Mead. Or perhaps pair it as an alternative to Chai with your East Indian feast.

“MAKE HASTE SLOWLY”

Bill and Teresa Townsley named their five-acre hobby farm estate winery Festina Lente, which means make haste slowly.

It is appropriate for their bee to bottle on the farm approach. Building a life as beekeepers and winemakers, they explored the historic path of mead or honey wines. Using modern winemaking processes, they discovered mead is not as sweet as you might think and Festina Lente’s some 35 different varieties of mead are dry, off-dry, and semi-sweet. Along the way, they came to realize sugar was not in the diet of ancient folks as it is in modern cultures.

Their work, while physically demanding caring for the bees, growing what they can on their farm and sourcing from nearby farms, has been rewarding. Festina Lente has expanded five times in its eight years of business and its mead has captured the admiration of notable wine critics such as Anthony Gismondi and Bob Bell (Wines of Canada).

FESTIVALS AND GIFT GIVING

Festina Lente recently celebrated their successes at the highly successful Australian Cultural Festival, a first for Metro Vancouver. It showcased Aussie food, music, art, and cultural education. With over 1,400 in attendance, they plan on returning next year. But first, you’ll find them at Cornucopia, Whistler’s Celebration of Food and Drink and Vancouver’s Christmas Glow Festival in Langley in November.

As the season of giving approaches, keep in mind Festina Lente is well known for its affordable and consumable gift baskets, perfect for gift giving. Creative packages such as Date Night In include wine and snacks. There’s also Wine and Charcuterie, perfect for friends and colleagues. And if you can’t drink the wine right away, it’s good to know that

among its many benefits, mead lasts longer. You can age a bottle for at least 50 years and when you do open it, it remains good for about three weeks.

WINE CLUB

To confirm your access to small-batch limited edition honey wines of exceptional quality, consider the Wine Club at Festina Lente. See festinalente.ca/wine-club for all the benefits of membership.

BUCHANAN

SUMMERHILL SAYS “FIRES SCHMIRES!”

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is ready to refresh you with the most delicate and sumptuous organic wines produced in this world as influenced by the Summerhill Pyramid and 432-hz music.

Free tastings are offered for fall because we know you will want to buy them if you try them. Enjoy the free Pyramid Experience and free harvest tastings of freshly squeezed juice.

Visit their website to see films on the unique growing conditions of the northernmost desert-like viticulture region in the world. Watch their film about the French Traditional Method of making sparkling wine and a film on the properties of the Summerhill Pyramid, second only to The Great Pyramid of Egypt for precision and alignment!

GREAT FOOD TOO!

Discover local, organic meals at affordable prices to enjoy on Summerhill’s spectacular patio or to go. Reservations aren’t required.

Wine Club Members never pay full price! Proprietor Stephen Cipes says, “Join and be a PLANET HERO for as little as $25 a month. Be a fellow steward of our precious planet that needs the love of us all consuming only local and organic more than ever before. Mi Casa es Su Casa!”

Enjoy the famous vegan calamari, now only $12 and/or the delicious mushroom ravioli in homegrown squash gravy, only $15. Savour luscious wild fish from our exclusive fisherwoman and local humanely slaughtered, organically fed beef and poultry dishes. All are made with love and ultimate care like Summerhill’s famous world award-winning wines. Thursdays are family nights with homemade breads dipped in truly exotic cheese fondue at family pricing with happy hour pricing on all beverages.

Come and be at home, in Summerhill’s Model of Man and Nature, Canada’s largest organic eatery, Summerhill’s Imagine Al Fresco Dining. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Says Cipes, “Leave wanting to return soon, or we’ll apologize from our hearts and buy you a yummy dessert to go.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAGGIE JACKSON

Cooler temperatures don’t mean things slow down in the Okanagan. It’s time to have fun, hit the farmers’ markets and celebrate the season.

OKANAGAN VALLEY

There are dozens of wine-type celebrations in September and October in the Okanagan, from winemaker dinners to Après Crush fall wine festivals. Check them out at thewinefestivals.com.

KELOWNA

Like music? Then this one is a must. It’s almost time for Breakout West: Canadian Music Festival & Conference. Get out your calendar and mark October 11-15, 2023, as busy. Musicians, industry professionals, fans, and delegates descend on Kelowna for a four-day music industry conference, a three-night showcase festival at various downtown Kelowna venues, and the Western Canadian Music Awards.

The event features over 50 of Western Canada’s best emerging and established artists as well as international acts. More info at breakoutwest.ca.

WEST KELOWNA

Saturday nights just got a whole lot better. Grizzli Winery has Cinema in the Vineyards from now until October 28. Watch a great movie, sip some wine and enjoy the cool fall air—more info at grizzliwinery.com.

There are still plenty of dinners in the vineyard, yoga with mimosas, jazz/blues music, live music at wineries, farmer’s markets in September and October and more! Visit visitwestside.com/events-calendar.

PEACHLAND

It’s harvest season, so take advantage of it. The Farmers and Crafters Market in Peachland is every Sunday until September 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Park. For these and other fun things to do in Peachland peachland.ca/community-events.

SUMMERLAND

Check out downtown Summerland for their Sunday Market until September 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aside from great produce and hand-crafted delights, there’s live music. Check out their schedule for more information at summerlandsundaymarket.ca.

PENTICTON

It’s time for Penti-Con, Canada’s version of Comic Con, one of the biggest fan expos of the year. Join the fun on October 21 and 22 at this pop culture event featuring two days of entertainment, ranging from cosplay to arts and crafts. Boasting board games and video games, this festival has what it takes to keep everyone smiling. There are interactive gaming attractions, cosplay contests and masquerades, informative panels and much more. Info at thepenti-con.org. Geeking out since 2017.

OLIVER

Don’t miss out on Wine Capital Weekend, September 22 to 24. It’s best to get your tickets in advance as this event attracts over 6,000 visitors. You may even want to enter the Beer Olympics and the Amazing Oliver Race. More info events.visitoliver.com/winecapital-weekend.

Oliver has lots to do in the fall, from dinners in the vineyard to open mic and trivia nights. Go to events.visitoliver.com for more info.

OSOYOOS

The Osoyoos Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday until October 7 at Town Hall Square, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. There’s live music from local and/or visiting musicians. You’ll find over 40 approved vendors as you stroll through the market. More info at destinationosoyoos.com

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

IMAGINE AL FRESCO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIC LOCAL DINING.

Darcy Nybo

Well, it’s been quite the summer and here in BC most of us are really looking forward to the fall. Cooler temperatures and rain are what’s needed now. The wildfires have impacted so many lives in so many ways, it’s almost too much to fathom. One thing that stands out through all of this, is community. They say it takes a village, and in BC communities have come forward to help in any way they can. Some people lost their lives, others lost their homes, and others lost their businesses. People from communities near to and far from affected areas are giving and doing what they can to help rebuild and bring life back to some sense of normalcy. A huge task considering the swath of destruction caused by these fires.

Tourism is one of BC's largest employers, and wineries are part of that draw. With the provincial state of emergency, visitors were asked to leave to provide space for displaced people to shelter. Unfortunately, that meant hundreds of businesses had their season cut short.

Wineries across BC were already in a precarious position. Last winter’s freezing temperatures killed an estimated 39 to 56 percent of all grape vines meaning less grapes, less wine production and less income.

You may be surprised to learn that the majority of the wineries in BC are small operations. Of the approximately 450 BC wineries, about 10 percent are classified as commercial. That leaves 400 wineries that rely heavily on regional and national sales.

You can help by going to your favourite winery and grabbing a couple of bottles of your favourite vino. If you can’t get there, go online and see if they offer delivery. Wine clubs are a great way to get a case or two of what you want at a discounted price. You also get first dibs on new releases and updates on what’s being offered in the future.

Many wineries sell more than wine. They have art, clothing, wine paraphernalia, preserves, sauces, and so much more. Come and visit them and see just how much they have to offer. If you can’t visit, you can go online and pick out exactly what you want for now and for the winter ahead. Heck, you can even get some early holiday shopping done!

The bottom line is that the people of BC will, in some way, shape or form, survive and thrive. We are BC strong.

Stay safe everyone and have a fabulous fall!

An Okanaga n Get away fr om Your Eve ryd ay

BRBN Hot Toddy

2 fl oz BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky

¾ fl oz Amaro Classico

½ fl oz Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

1 fl oz Fresh Lemon

Top with hot water

Cinnamon Stick for Garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Bourbon-style whisky and Amaro Classico make a solid base to start out this winter favourite. Add ingredients to your favourite glass, Top with hot water and stir. Garnish with cinnamon and dried oranges for a photo finish!

RECIPE COURTESY OF OKANAGAN SPIRITS

WANDERING THROUGH WINERIES IN THE WINTER

DAVID WYLIE

While wine touring is a recognized summer pastime in the South Okanagan, Penticton is a perfect year-round destination for wine lovers.

Many wineries in the area stay open during late fall and throughout the winter.

Visiting vineyards when a carpet of fresh snow sparkles on the ground is a peaceful experience. Few people are present and a quiet settles in as the vines slumber. If that sounds tempting, here are nine wineries in the Penticton area, including those along the scenic Naramata Bench, to warm your visit during the chillier months.

Three Sisters is known for its friendly service, beautiful art, and breathtaking views. The winery’s tasting bar in Penticton is open in the fall, with limited hours in the winter. This year, Three Sisters has produced two firsts for the winery: a White Zinfandel Bench Rosé and a reducedalcohol Chardonnay Luminé.

Ruby Blues Winery, a funky small boutique winery in Naramata, is open year-round—but it does offer limited hours at its tasting room when visitors are infrequent. They have a hippy vibe, complete with a throwback VW van outside. Tasting fees are waived with any wine or merchandise purchase.

Red Rooster is perched high in the hills above Okanagan Lake on the Naramata Bench. It’s open year-round to visitors looking to try their award-winning wines while enjoying spectacular views of the lake and rolling hills.

TIME Family of Wines is behind the labels Chronos, the McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars. Open yearround, the urban winery, Chronos Tasting Room, and OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar are located in a historic movie theatre in downtown Penticton. All their wines are made using Okanagan grapes.

Township 7 Vineyards is located at the start of the Naramata Bench. They produce premium red, white, and sparkling wines with grapes grown at carefully selected sites. Reservations are strongly recommended and the winery does close for a couple of weeks in January.

Upper Bench is known for its minimalist winemaking techniques. Located on a 9.5-acre estate on the Naramata Bench, the winery is known for big, bold reds and crisp, dry whites. Visit their wine shop off-season. They also produce hand-crafted artisanal cheeses.

GREAT FOOD TOO!

If you don’t mind travelling a short distance to find more wineries to see in the fall and winter, there are options in both directions on Highway 97.

Dirty Laundry Vineyard in Summerland has a big personality. Its name throws back to the 1800s, referring to a historic area establishment that offered laundry services downstairs, and alcohol (as well as other entertainment) upstairs. The winery has a fun and unique atmosphere, as well as award-winning vintages. Burrowing Owl is an Earth-friendly winery located in the fragile desert ecosystem in Oliver. Their oath is “to do no harm” and they work with nature in their practices. The balance they’ve achieved shows in the wines they produce. Their wine shop will be open until midDecember.

District Wine Village is perfect for those who want to try several different wines without driving from place to place. Located in Oliver, the wine village brings together 13 wineries, a brewery, an eatery, and a distillery in a single destination. They’re open all winter with an ice rink to enjoy starting Nov. 1.

While all of these wineries will be open to varying degrees year-round, it’s a good idea to call before you visit to ensure you’re not disappointed. It’s also worth booking tastings in the off-season to make sure there’s space. Keep in mind that patios, restaurants, and tasting bars may be closed in the off-season.

Those visiting the South Okanagan in the deep winter may even catch a glimpse of the Icewine harvest, when wineries pick frozen marble-like grapes as temperatures dip to -8 C and below, then crush them right away to extract their sweet juices.

Start your Penticton vacation and wine adventure at the Penticton Visitor Information Centre (888 Westminster Ave. W) to get wine tour maps, dining recommendations, and a selection of Penticton souvenirs. Before you get here, be sure to check out visitpenticton.com to plan your trip.

Make Penticton the hub of your South Okanagan wine-touring vacation this fall. Penticton is perfectly and centrally located to access over 80 wineries and 3 incredible wine areas: Naramata Bench, Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive and Skaha Lake Okanagan Falls’ Heart of Wine Country.

For information on wineries, wine tour companies, where to stay, the incredible selection of local dining options, upcoming festivals and events, and everything else there is to explore in Penticton, be sure to visit www.visitpenticton.com. Or stop by the Penticton Visitor Information Centre at 888 Westminster Avenue West when you arrive.

Road 13 Vineyards in Oliver points out, “On our road, there are no shortcuts.” It is all about farming to protect the land and keeping the cycle of farming in this manner for generations to come to make honest wines. While the work is hard, the philosophy is simple: Taking care of the dirt means it’ll take care of the roots, and thus, produce the best fruit possible.

The secret is in the soil and Road 13 farms it organically. Says Winemaker Barclay Robinson, “Respecting the land and farming organically is our way of ensuring we will be successful here for decades to come. This kind of farming also produces outstanding fruit.”

DIG INTO WINEMAKING AT ROAD 13

Robinson has a background as a Sommelier, which influences his way of making wine. He believes in making approachable, easy-drinking wines. Therefore, in the vineyard, he picks grapes with just the right mix of balance and brightness to deliver “true, honest-togoodness wines” season after season.

When he took the winemaking helm of Road 13 in 2020, he came from the Niagara Peninsula where he had made wine and honed his craft for 10 years. Before that, he spent over 10 years as a sommelier which has provided him an edge in blending and refining his wines from berry to bottle. His approach is about time and tradition. Given some of the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in North America are planted there, and they produce less fruit than younger vines, to respect that means bottling with tradition to elicit complex, concentrated flavours.

THE JOHN OLIVER EXPERIENCE

This special tasting is a tip of the hat to hardworking British Columbia Premier, politician and farmer John Oliver (1856 to 1927), who helped develop the Okanagan Valley’s produce industry and for whom the town of Oliver is named.

This experience, $65 per person, showcases Road 13’s new John Oliver Selection paired with a mouthwatering charcuterie board of local delicacies reflecting the Valley’s farming legacy. These wines are the result of heroic levels of hard work, dedication, and good dirt. It is a demonstration of Road 13’s passion for making great wines, reflecting its unique terroir and its commitment to quality. Through this rare opportunity, you’ll see how the wines are crafted from vine to bottle with a tour of the land and a tasting of some of Road 13's finest creations.

MORE TASTING AND EXPERIENCES

Road 13 invites you to make the most of your visit by joining them for a tasting or tour. Through these tastings and experiences, select a personalized opportunity to taste Road 13 wines, and enjoy vineyard views. Sip on the prized portfolio through options like the Winemaker’s Selection, Vineyard Patio, and Road (13) to Reds. Check for current hours on the website. “Pull up a chair, fill up your glass, and let’s talk about what makes this valley great.”

The Vineyard Patio experience is a relaxing and enjoyable time on the patio where you taste two wines by the glass carefully selected to showcase the Road 13 winemaking style and South Okanagan terroir. Winemaker’s Selection Experience presents four distinct wines, each one a reflection of the passion, dedication, and terroir. Road (13) to Reds Experience is designed with the big bold red lover in mind and introduces a tasting of five of its favourite red wines, accompanied by a selection of artisan crackers.

LATEST ACCOLADES

In the National Wine Awards of Canada 2023 (WineAlign), which is Canada’s largest and most respected competition involving 100 percent grown and produced Canadian wine, Road 13 soared to sixth place in the Top 25 Wineries in Canada, and ranked third in the Top 10 Wineries in BC. Placement is based on the number of medals received in the various wine categories with judges comprised of a select group of Canadian wine writers, educators, sommeliers and two international judges.

No matter the tasting, curated wine experience or visit to purchase wine, “A road worth travelling,” awaits you at Road 13 in the heart of the South Okanagan.

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

bottled with pra ctice and p a ti en ce.

A tale of perseverance and hard work.

OLIVER

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Located in southeast Oliver, the CheckMate Artisanal Winery building is set in the heart of a historic estate vineyard and exhibits a striking contrast of contemporary architecture and breathtaking views.

Choose from two intimate, guided wine-tasting options, where wine ambassadors guide you through some of the finest and most exclusive Chardonnay and Merlot in Canada.

The Scholar’s Mate Experience, $40 per person, presents four of the award-winning CheckMate Chardonnays and Merlots. Savour a seated tasting in the stunning hospitality lounge as you are guided through the curated wine selection. Learn about the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced and the winemaking philosophy behind each bottle.

The Grandmaster’s Table, $75 per person, includes a winery tour followed by a seated tasting featuring an exclusive and unique-to-you flight of CheckMate library Chardonnay and Merlot expertly paired with a cheese and charcuterie plate.

Wine membership entitles members to complimentary experiences in the Tasting Lounge or on the Wine Club Members’ Exclusive Veranda.

Reservations are recommended. Book online at checkmatewinery.com. Visit or call 250707-2299.

ARCHITECTURE

Seattle architect Tom Kundig designed CheckMate Artisanal Winery. As described on olsonkundig.com, “Envisioned as a signature object set into the hillside, CheckMate Winery balances bold architectural gestures with deference to the surrounding environment. The clean, sharp lines of the building are visually distinct from others in the region and create an elegant contrast to the gentle slopes and curves of the landscape.” Built on the footprint of the existing facility, the bold new structure mimics a chessboard graphically with a black and white skin, which cleverly “creates degrees of opacity” and helps reduce solar heat gain to assist in summer cooling.

The entry is framed by symmetrical water features with a bronze entry door opening to a curving bronze bar and a custom wooden screen. The intimate tasting room affords views of the production areas below. Beyond, an exterior tasting room with floor-to-ceiling windows cantilevers dramatically across the landscape providing an everchanging canvas of vistas.

This striking, innovative design captured a 2023 International Architecture Award organized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design. CheckMate’s architecture is a masterpiece best appreciated in person.

WINEMAKING

CheckMate focuses on two varietals, Merlot and Chardonnay, each an expression of their soils and mesoclimate from five different vineyard sites. The locations include Dekleva Vineyard, southwest of Oliver – perhaps the oldest Chardonnay plantings in Canada; Jagged Rock Vineyard, Black Sage Bench; Border Vista Vineyard, 30 feet from the BC-Washington border, Osoyoos; Sunset Vineyard, Black Sage Bench; and Combret Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench. All vines are tended gently by hand. All the canopy management, leaf-pulling and cluster-thinnings are manual to ensure precision.

The vinification of the five vineyards is consistent in highlighting the unique expression of terroir. Grape clusters arrive in small picking containers for inspection and hand sorting before the whole bunches are gently pressed. The wines go through wild fermentation to allow the naturally occurring stains of indigenous yeasts to battle for supremacy creating layers of texture and nuance.

Malolactic fermentation gradually softens the wines during extended oak cellaring. Adding texture and mouthfeel, each undergoes a prescribed regimen of bâtonnage: periodic stirring of lees in the barrel. Finally, the finished wine goes to the bottle, unrefined and unfiltered to maintain the most complete expression.

As the facilities transformed and the vineyards were rehabilitated, von Mandl Family Estates remained true to the goal: “To make new world Chardonnay and Merlot with old world elegance in North America.”

NEW WINEMAKER AND GENERAL MANAGER

This summer, Spencer Kelly was recruited as winemaker and general manager at CheckMate Artisanal Winery.

“It is with great confidence that we welcome Spencer,” noted Philip McGahan, winemaker emeritus. “Born and raised in the Okanagan (Kaleden), Spencer understands the region intuitively and respects the standards we have set for our next world.”

Previously Kelly was based in Napa Valley as a winemaker at Eisele Vineyard, which is part of Francois Pinault’s prestigious Artemis Domaines, known for iconic brands like Kering, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.

As news of CheckMate’s success reached him in California and after more than a decade away perfecting his skills of creating the finest vintages from distinguished vineyards, the opportunity called him home to the Okanagan Valley. checkmatewinery.com.

SPLASH OF COLOUR, FLAVOUR IN OSOYOOS

As vivid rows of vineyards change colours, wineries in the area hustle to harvest and process their fruit. Grapes are picked from vines and crushed. The air is rich with the smell of fermentation. Big summer crowds thin out for a more intimate experience at local wineries.

Beautiful fall hues linger longer in Osoyoos thanks to its unique desert climate. Local fruit stands are filled with an abundance of fresh and preserved produce and other goodies, including crisp apples, juicy pears, and a cornucopia of colourful squash.

Osoyoos is a leading culinary destination in Canada. Chefs slice and dice the best of the bounty from the South Okanagan and Similkameen to use in appies, entrees, and desserts. Check out daily specials at local restaurants.

Mild fall weather and sparkling Osoyoos Lake—Canada’s warmest—make fall a lovely time for outdoor adventures, including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking and other sports and activities.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Enjoy an abundance of autumn experiences for wine enthusiasts and foodies, including:

• Wine Capital Weekend, which runs Sept. 22-24, starts with a Kick-Off Party at the District Wine Village in Oliver. The weekend of fun includes the iconic Grape Stomp Competition at the highly anticipated Festival of the Grape. It attracts more than 6,000 people.

• Pride Arts Festival takes place at Gyro Park in Osoyoos on Sept. 24. The park will be filled with local musicians, dancers, speakers and performers, as well as visual art exhibitions under tents throughout the park.

• All Hallows Festival on Oct. 28-29 is a family-friendly Halloween harvest-style event at Gyro Park. The event includes dance performances, live music, fire performances, aerial acrobatics shows—as well as food, drinks, and vendors.

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

Our cover this month is of Maddison and Laurent Violet as they ready their land for their winery and meadery, Ve Oh Lay Acres in Summerland. This husband-and-wife team shares a passion for creating delicious wines and meads. There’s an incredible amount of work that goes into creating a dream. This moment shows their joy just before they opened Ve Oh Lay. We appreciate them sharing a snapshot of what it looks like to change dreams into reality.

On another note, these great folks took in people during the McDougall Creek Fires and fed them. With hearts that big, they are sure to succeed!

KELOWNA AND THE CENTRAL OKANAGAN WELCOME YOU TO HARVEST TIME

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

The people of Kelowna and the Central Okanagan look forward to welcoming you this fall. After the recent wildfires, they are excited about harvest season. It’s a wonderful time to visit with an array of celebrations such as festivals and fairs, winery dinners, and crush pad action.

British Columbia’s birthplace of winemaking, Kelowna’s locally produced wines continue to reap national and international awards with acclaim for crisp whites, complex reds, and a growing number of organic wines. With over 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive, wineries collaborate to form five unique wine trails.

Sign up for the #exploreKelowna Wine Trails Pass and check in as you visit wineries, then redeem points for wine-themed prizes. Go to tourismkelowna.com/passes/wine-trails/ for details and wine touring ideas to help you plan.

LAKESHORE

WINE ROUTE

Travel along the lakeshore. Ann Sperling brings 25 years of international winemaking home to her family’s heritage hillside setting at Sperling Vineyards.

Tantalus Vineyards is a state-of-the-art LEED winery presenting a historic vineyard with stunning lake views.

At St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery, the original winery and sections of the vineyard planted in 1928 burned to the ground in the 2003 wildfire. Dedicated St. Hubertus owners Andy and Leo replanted and rebuilt.

CedarCreek Estate Winery is one of BC’s first eight wineries and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

SIP SOUTH EAST KELOWNA

Tour farmlands including gardens, orchards and vineyards. With a setting as vibrant as its labels, The Vibrant Vine has beautifully crafted wines, amazing 3D art, and musical events year-round.

Meadow Vista Honey Wines is driven by passionate eco-foodies to produce wines of “nature in a glass” while helping the honey bees.

Priest Creek Family Estate Winery brings enthusiasm with a lovely picnic area and beautiful mountain vistas as the newest winery in Southeast Kelowna.

At Spearhead Winery linger over its award-winning wines on its scenic picnic perch nestled among lush vineyards.

Set in a vintage apple packing house, The View Winery & Ward’s Cidery features aromatic, fresh, crisp whites, fruit-forward spicy reds and handcrafted apple cider.

LAKE COUNTRY’S SCENIC SIP

Travel north of Kelowna along backroads of farmland, ranches, and lakeside vistas.

Ancient Hill Estate Winery has an enchanting European style and a nouveau-rustic tasting room where “wood is king and the wine noble – made entirely from estategrown grapes”.

Another family-owned and operated winery, Arrowleaf Cellars offers a luminous, contemporary tasting room.

Ex Nihilo refined its approach to create a true articulation of its vineyards.

Gray Monk Estate Winery was founded by the Heiss family as BC’s oldest family-owned winery. Find Canada’s earliest Pinot Gris vineyards, a bustling wine boutique, banquet facility and Lookout Restaurant.

Intrigue Wines extends a casual approach in a boutique estate winery with award-winning wines.

Peak Cellars features a sleek, modern tasting room and the Garden Bistro to showcase its bright and exciting wines.

50th Parallel Estate is an exemplary destination winery with world-renowned Pinot Noir. The 61-acre estate boasts rare granite soils and panoramic lake views from its tasting room and restaurant.

DOWNTOWN KELOWNA

In the heart of downtown Kelowna, Sandhill Estate Winery features award-winning, single-vineyard wines in a distinct setting as the only urban winery in the area.

WESTSIDE WINE TRAIL

Explore further afield across the bridge in West Kelowna. The award-winning building at Grizzli Winery’s estate property boasts one of Canada’s largest and most elegant tasting rooms and state-of-the-art wine production facilities.

With roots dating back to 1968, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery proudly farms some of the oldest estate vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys and showcases its wine in a stunning new tasting room, market and dining lounge.

At the foot of a once-active volcano, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery leverages the volcanic soil, which is pure gold to produce exceptional wines.

Considered one of Canada’s foremost, family-owned and operated estate wine producers, Quails’ Gate Winery crafts exquisite wines and offers memorable wine and dining experiences for guests.

The bell tolls for you from the stunning carillon and setting of Mission Hill Family Estate. The dramatic architecture offers scenic lake views, lush grounds, and the seasonal Terrace Restaurant.

SUPPORT REMOTELY

Even if you can’t visit in person, you can still support the wineries: Buy wine online and ship to your door; join a wine club; offer social media love, or leave a positive review on Google.