BC Food & Wine trails spring 2017

WINERIES

/ W I N E E V E N T S / R E S TA U R A N T S / W I N E C O U N T RY G U I D E

Food &

WINE TRAILS w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a British Columbia MARCH | APRIL 2017

2 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 3

fe atur e Bradley Cooper is one of the Okanagan’s most recognizable wine country faces and one of our most informed and entertaining social media contributors. (See our Q & A with Brad on the inside back cover.)

Huge thanks again to superstar photographer Victor Poirier and Henrietta Poirier of Studio Red Star for photographing this beautiful portrait cover! Victor was also the photographer of our super cool ‘tattoo’ cover last fall and we are incredibly lucky to be able to share his work (we’re not worthy! we’re not worthy!) Their talented daughter Kate Poirier, also a photographer, managed the lighting for the shoot. Red Star is a production studio with a focus on video, photography and branded content (see ad below).

Thank you again to my niece Hannah Schell of Hannah Schell Makeup (website: hannahschell.com) for offering her impeccable services as makeup artist.

Special thanks to The Laurel Packinghouse and Shelley Weber for allowing us to useshoot the cover there. The Laurel was originally built in 1917 and is one of the Okanagan’s most beautifully preserved heritage sites. Operated by Kelowna Museums, the space is also home to the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum.

ON THE COVER… BRADLEY COOPER A favorite for booking events – from weddings to festivals -it is a special piece of our local history and provides a stunning backdrop of vintage brick and wood.

Contact Shelley for booking inquiries: sweber@kelownamuseums.ca (778) 478-0325 website: laurelpackinghouse.ca Also thanks to Scott Vigar at Factor Furniture for allowing us to use the gorgeous wooden chair on the cover.

4 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

Photographer Victor Poirier, photo by Kate Poirier

l-r Jennifer Schell, Audralee Daum, Henrietta Poirier, Kate Poirier & Brad Cooper

Factor Furniture THE GALLERY #102 - 1851 Kirschner Road www.factorfurniture.com | 778.484.1668

www.winetrails.ca

contents events

editor’s note

Flower Power .................................................................................................... 39

wine, beer & spirits Adega On 45th......................................37

Moraine..................................................25

Averill Creek ............................................6

Mt. Boucherie........................................18

Black Cloud............................................39

Naramata Bench Wineries Assoc..........23

Ciao Bella...............................................19

Nighthawk..............................................32

Clos Du Soleil.........................................38

Noble Adventures....................................6

Culmina..................................................33

OK Falls Winery Association..................29

Desert Hills.............................................37

Oliver Twist.............................................35

Dirty Laundry..........................................21

Quails’ Gate...........................................20

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa...................12

Quinta Ferreira.......................................34

Fairview Cellars......................................32

Recline Ridge...........................................7

Gehringer Brothers................................36

River Stone.............................................35

Hester Creek............................................2

Sandhill...................................................16

Hidden Chapel.......................................36

Spierhead...............................................14

Hillside Winery & Bistro.........................28

Summerhill.............................................40

Lake Breeze............................................26

Therapy..................................................24

Larch Hills.................................................7

Tourism Vernon.....................................8-9

Legend Distilling....................................25

Upper Bench Winery & Creamery.............22

Marichel..................................................23

Volcanic Hills..........................................18

Meyer Family Vineyards.........................31

Wild Goose............................................30

Hallelujah spring has sprung! Western Canada certainly received a whooping this winter, with record snow falls and endless cold and grey days, we could not be happier to receive the sunshine and promise of greener days ahead. If those sub-zero conditions had you worried for the safety of our vines, you can be rest assured that all reports are showing no damage. Those hardworking vineyards probably enjoyed their hibernation break under the snow.

Now is the time to start planning all of your wine country adventures for the next three green seasons ahead. Start making a list, because there is so much to do this year! Besides all of the wonderful festivals and dinner events planned throughout the Thompson-Okanagan, there are tours that you simply must do. Plan a trip north of Kelowna to visit Vernon’s wonderful array of food and drink destinations. Don’t stop there though –continue up to Shuswap wine country to visit the fantastic wineries offering unique varietals conducive to their higher elevation growing regions.

As you travel around eating, drinking and meeting all of the wonderful people in our food, drink and farm community, pleasure remember to shop local and eat local. Help our hard working industry continue to thrive by buying direct from them or from a local business that supports them. Cheers to another fabulous year in wine country!

– Jennifer Schell

restaurants & catering RauDZ Regional Table/micro bar.bites.......................................................... 3, 14 The Bench Market............................................................................................. 22 West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar........................................................................... 17

wine country services Armstrong Chamber of Commerce...... 13

Studio Red Star...................................4

BC VQA Info Centre........................22

Strictly Cellars....................................39

Destination Osoyoos.......................38

Wine Glass Writer............................17

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa................11 Factor Furniture.................................4

wine trails magazine

@ bcwinetrails

contributing writers & photographers Blake Allen, Roslyne Buchanan, Lesley Buxton, Elaine Davidson, Deanna Dunham, Sue Harper, Deborah Lampitt-McConnachie, Deanna Rainey, Henrietta Poirier, Victor Poirier, Tasha Riebe, Jennifer Schell, Joanna Schlosser, Abbey Westbury, Luke Whittall.

Food &

WINE TRAILS 2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6X2 Tel: (250) 763-3212 Fax: (250) 862-5275 E-mail: jennifer.schell@winetrails.ca

Published 4 times/year: March/April, May/ June, July/August and September/October by

Subscription rate Canada $22.00 per year (GST Incl.)

U.S. $26.00 U.S. per year International $26t.00 Can. per year

Publisher: Bruce McAuliffe Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Schell Creative: Kiana Haner-Wilk Circulation: Sue Kovacs

View the Food & Wine Trails’ website: www.winetrails.ca ISSN 1188 - 1348 Publications Mail Registration No. 10195

Food & Wine Trails articles, columns, pictures and illustrations are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any other publication without the expressed written consent of the Publisher. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of information received and printed in BC Food & Wine Trails, we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions, E&OE.

www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 5

i sl and / shu swap AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD: PERFECT PINOT ON VANCOUVER ISLAND IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO START YOUR SPRING WINE TASTING ON A LIGHT, CRISP NOTE, THE EMERGING REGION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND IS A DYNAMIC PLACE TO EXPLORE.

Andy Johnson

Compared to the Okanagan, the Island has a moderate to cool climate, ideal for growing Pinot Noir and white varietals such as Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. These grapes yield light-to-medium-bodied fruity reds and crisp whites with fresh acidity. The region also produces some exquisite sparkling wines.

Vancouver Island has been a hidden gem in the wine world, in particular the Cowichan Valley with 14 wineries. Established vineyards have spent 20-plus years researching and developing their craft while budding vintners have reinvigorated wineries around the valley with modern equipment and new tasting rooms. The summer of 2016 was a banner year for the Cowichan Valley with record numbers of visitors coming to discover the region’s vinitourism.

If anybody on Vancouver Island - and possibly all of BC - knows Pinot Noir, it’s Averill Creek Vineyard owner, Andy Johnston and his team: winemaker Daniel Dragert and vineyard manager Terry Trapnell.

Andy began cultivating his love of Pinot while learning about viticulture in France and New Zealand. In 2001, he planted 30 acres on the south side of the Cowichan Valley’s Mt. Prevost, which would become the only vineyard on Vancouver Island to sit on an acute slope of a mountain. Averill Creek’s terroir is akin to that of Burgundy, France, with vines growing in 30 feet of sand and gravel, providing exceptional conditions for viticulture.

Since his first vintage in 2004, Andy’s wines have garnered significant local and international attention. Most recently, Averill Creek 2012 Pinot Noir won a Bronze medal at the Global Pinot Noir Masters in England, while his new 2014 Somenos Pinot Noir is already generating serious buzz within the BC wine community. ~Tasha Riebe

E X PLOR E N EW T E R R ITORY

“The Okanagan’s premier wine, hike, bike, paddle and ski adventure tour company”

Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm

Toll Free: 1-800-868-5121 Local: 250-253-8379 byron@nobleadventures.net www.nobleadventures.net

Premium Local Wines, Vancouver Island

Tasting Room | Wine Shop | Picnic Area

Photo courtesy of Destination BC

6 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

NEW WINES SPRINGING UP AT LARCH HILLS WINERY Winemaker/proprietor Jack Manser did not have too much rest time over the winter.

He was busy replenishing many of his sold out labels to meet the demand of his customers.

The 2016 Rosé will be released shortly, after last year’s success, it sold out quickly. Jack says it was a huge hit with customers and judges, winning a Gold medal at the North West Wine Summit last year. A unique blend of Ortega and Lemberger, the new vintage is going to be another winner.

Jack is also bringing back a Semillon this year after a two-year hiatus due to customer demand. A formerly unfamiliar varietal for his customers, Jack says, “Once they try it, they like it”. He explains, “Compared to the other

German varieties that I make that are best when the are fresh and new, the Semillon gets better in time”.

Also new this year is the addition to Cabernet Sauvignon to his Grandview blend. This is a winemaker that listens to his customer’s needs, and he and wife Hazel are focused on providing a warm welcome with incredibly reasonably priced, delicious wines to share. On top of that, Larch Hills is the highest altitude winery in North America offering stunning views in the Shuswap – which is becoming one of BC’s favorite new destination wine routes.

SHUSWAP / AR MSTRO N G

~ Jennifer Schell

TAKING IT EASY IN THE SHUSWAP AT RECLINE RIDGE Graydon and Maureen Ratzlaff couldn’t be happier with the way their wines have been received by customers that make their way out to their wine shop in Tappen. “These are different wines,” Graydon concurs when comparing them to what some customers

Jack and Hazel Manser

might expect from a BC winery. Germanic varieties like Kerner, Bacchus, Siegerrebe, Zweigelt, and Blaufrankisch do very well here and deliver extremely consistent quality fruit with each vintage. If visitors are unaware of their collection of grape varieties, he is more than happy to show them every wine in his portfolio. “It’s a unique climate that does wonderful things.”

The focus here is on grape varieties that work well in the cooler, shorter growing season there. These vines have to be able to survive the winters but must also bud later to protect themselves from spring frosts. Stylistically, the whites are beautifully fragrant and fresh while the reds trend towards soft, fruity, and character-driven rather than weighty and tannic.

Winemaker Jaime Flemke, graduate of Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology program, has been immersed in the whole process from vineyard to glass. Her direct involvement in all aspects beginning with pruning gives her direct control over the quality of the fruit from well before the buds burst in the spring. It is a hands-on approach that works to maintain a serious attention to quality that can only be done in an artisanal winery. ~ Luke Whittall

Jack & Hazel Manser 110 Timms Road, Salmon Arm, BC 250-832-0155

ALBACORE TUNA POKE CHEF JAMES HOLMES, CRAFT CORNER KITCHEN PENTICTON, CRAFTCORNERKITCHEN.COM

Poke (pronounced Poh-key) is a raw fish dish that is so popular it is like the hamburger of Hawaii. It is super versatile, healthy and is on a serious food trend right now. Thanks to Chef Holmes for sharing this recipe to try at home. Serves 4 people 1/2 Albacore tuna loin (sushi grade-go to 1 Tbsp Sambal or Siracha sauce ½ cup local honey local fishmonger), cut into ½ inch cubes 2 green onions, sliced ½ medium watermelon, cut into ½ inch 1 Tbsp chili flakes cubes 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ red onion, sliced very thinly 1 Tbsp ginger, grated (plus more for 2 stalks of kale or 8 Brussels sprouts, serving) chopped finely Mixed sesame seeds for serving Sauce: Lemon zest for serving 1 cup soya sauce 1 cup rice vinegar Whisk sauce ingredients together, making sure it’s all incorporated well.

Add the tuna and mix for a few minutes. To serve: Divide tuna evenly onto four plates (save remaining sauce). Divide kale or Brussels sprouts, onion and watermelon onto plates. Top with lemon zest, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a grating of ginger.

Drizzle each plate with some reserved sauce and serve! www.winetrails.ca

Recline Ridge Hwy #1Winery West to Kamloops

Recline Ridge Winery

Recline Ridge Winery

Hwy #1 West to Kamloops

Exit Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at Tappen Valley Road

Exit Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at Tappen Valley Road

Hwy #1 West to Kamloops

recline ridge 2460 sKimiKin road

Hwy #1 to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

tappen Valley road

Hwy #1 to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

Hwy #1 to Kamloops

Exit Trans-Canada

Hwy. #1 Hwy #1 exit trans-canada at Tappen Valley at tappen Valley Roadroad

Hwy #1 to Vernon

Opening HOurs: Hwy #1

12pm – 5pm April – June 10am – 5pm July – August 12pm – 5pm September – October

By Appointment, November – March to Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna

S

avour the flavours of our unique, award-winning vintages, and experience the harmony of our wines and this peaceful setting in the beautiful Shuswap.

2640 Skimikin Rd., Tappen, B.C. Phone 250-835-2212 Visit our website at: www.reclineridgewinery.com

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 7

A C T I VAT E Y O U R G E TAWAY VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park ROBB THOMPSON

DESTINATION BC/ANDREW STRAIN

ROBB THOMPSON

Close your eyes and imagine a food lovers paradise surrounded by a natural wonderland of lakes and mountains. While an abundance of outdoor activities awaits you, Vernon also offers worldclass resorts, great shopping, championship golf courses, outstanding restaurants and a wide variety of locally made treats. The bounty is abundant year round with festivals for everyone.

Now open your eyes… you’re here!

1

1

DAVISON ORCHARDS

BRIAN SPROUT

4

3

4

5

CAMILLIA COURTS

DON WEIXL

5

TAMBELLINI DESIGN STUDIO

11

JAIME LAUREN

CAMILLIA COURTS

3

2

OKANAGAN SPIRITS

6

PLANET BEE

STEVE AUSTIN

12

CAMILLIA COURTS

CAMILLIA COURTS

VERNON TASTING TRAIL FOODIE HEAVEN

LOVE AT FIRST SIP 1 Scenic Sip, Lake Country Wineries—

1 Davison Orchards

Arrowleaf Cellars; Blind Tiger Vineyards; Ex Nihilo; Grey Monk Estate Winery; 50th Parallel Estate; Intrigue Wines

2 Planet Bee Honey Farm 3 Midtown Bistro 4 Ratio Coffee and Pastry

2 Honeymoon Meadery

5 Olive Us Olive Oil Vinegar & Tasting Room

3 Marten Craft Brewery

6 Vernon Farmers’ Markets

4 The BX Press Cidery & Orchard

7 Triple Island Cheese

5 Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

8 Terroir Cheese;

6 North Okanagan/Shuswap Wineries—

9 The Village Cheese Company 10 Lollipop Lane

Edge of the Earth Vineyards; OVINO Winery; Lavina Estate Winery

11 Curry Pot

7 Teassentials

12 Kawakuba

8 Davison Orchards—Apple Juice

Visit our website for more vacation ideas.

1.800.665.0795 | tourismvernon.com/foodie

VER N O N

SPRING PALATES AWAKEN ON VERNON’S TASTING TRAIL

ON MARCH 30TH, OKANAGAN SPIRITS WILL RELEASE ITS BRBN BOURBON-STYLE BC CORN WHISKEY. THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND YEAR FOR BRBN. LAST YEAR’S RELEASE SOLD OUT IN UNDER A WEEK. Producing a bourbon-style whiskey has not been simple. Tyler Dyke, CEO of Okanagan Spirits says they first had to figure out how to grow grain corn in BC. But four years ago, they produced their first crop in the Coldstream Valley. From each ton of grain, they get one barrel of bourbon-style whiskey, which matures for three years before it’s ready for bottling.

Dyke says his whiskies have a taste unique to the Okanagan. They tend to be more fruity – maybe because of the proximity of his grain crops to local orchards or the amount of fruit production in the distillery.

As he says, “It’s not an exact science.” He also finds his whiskies tend to age a bit more quickly “so they taste older when they’re younger.” The cellar room is not climate controlled and Dyke believes the hot/dry, cool/dry environment in which they’re aged puts more stress on the whiskies than if they were aged in a neutral environment.

So how does his bourbon-style whiskey differ from other styles? Dyke describes BRBN as lighter and more delicate by nature with honey tones compared to the dark chocolate tones of other whiskies.

While there is great excitement around the release of this year’s BRBN, whisky is not the only spirit produced by the distillery.

They distil a range of fruit liqueurs and brandies as well as the favourite drink of 19th century poets and painters, Absinthe.

Visitors can also choose between traditional grain-based or gluten-free gin and vodka.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is located at 5204-24th Street in Vernon. Tours and tastings are available Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sundays 11am - 5pm.

At the Marten Brewpub, Owners, Stephan and Pearl Marten are excited about starting a full canning line this spring. They debated

over bottles or cans but chose cans for their portability – a necessity for the active lifestyle so many people pursue in the Okanagan. The new canning line will allow Brewpub products to be available in local liquor stores, which is a huge step for the brewery. The Martens hope to be set up by March, with the cans available first in house, then in liquor stores in April or May. As well as cans, the Brewpub will be producing a limited number of 650 ml bottles for specialty brews.

Stephan Marten is enthusiastic about working with other local businesses. He is aging one of his beers in casks used previously by Okanagan Spirits. The result?

A sherry/porter. He says, “We are trying to

10 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

work with our friends who are local and see what kind of neat stuff we can come up with.”

When starting the business, Stephan and Pearl knew they wanted to showcase how their beer is made. They built the pub and the private function rooms around the brewery. At any one time, the Brewpub has eight of their own beers, five Flagship beers and three or four revolving seasonal beers. Visitors can indulge their taste buds with some great food and fine craft beer all the while seeing how things work.

Martens Brewpub is located at 2933a-30th Street in Vernon and is open Monday through Friday from 3 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon.

This page: l-r clockwise: Okanagan Spirits bourbon-style whiskey Marten’s Brewing’s craft beer tasting Martens Brewpub

www.winetrails.ca

VER N O N

SPRING IS ALL ABOUT ANTICIPATION, AND THERE’S PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN VERNON - CYCLING, HIKING, AND OF COURSE GOOD FOOD AND DRINK. THIS SPRING, VISITORS CAN INTRODUCE THEIR PALATES TO SOME EXCITING NEW TASTES ALONG VERNON’S TASTING TRAIL. fermented through the fall – is alcoholic.

BX Press is located at 4667 East Vernon Road in Vernon.

For a non-alcoholic tasting treat, Tea Desire in the Village Green Mall offers a range of loose teas sold by weight. The staff can help create a blend of black, green and fruit teas perfect for those iced tea afternoons in the hot Okanagan sun. Tea Desire buys only the highest quality teas with no artificial flavours or artificial preservatives.

The Friday indoor Farmers’s Market will close March 24th and move outdoors starting April 20th. Whether the market is indoors or outdoors, Terroir Cheese will be there.

Their GMO-free cheeses are produced from their own French Montbéliarde cows and are made using traditional European ways. For spring, Terroir Cheese is featuring

Visitors will have to wait until the May long weekend before they can sample the ciders from The BX Press Cidery and Orchard, but the new releases in both the Storytelling and Botanical series won’t disappoint. New for this spring in the Storytelling series is the Wrangler, a single varietal cider made from a heritage variety of Golden Russet apples.

Each cider in this series is named after a character from the stagecoach era, when the land now farmed by Dave and Missy Dobernigg was owned by Bernard’s Express and Stage Line. While enjoying flights of ciders on the orchard site patio, visitors are entertained with stories of the Prospector, the Hostler, the Bandit, the Crackwhip, the Dufferin, Ginny and now, the Wrangler.

The second set of ciders - the Botanical Series - are made from the farm’s apples infused with other BC fruits and a botanical.

The new addition to the Botanical Series this spring is a Cardamom Blackcurrent.

Both these spring releases were on the experimental list last year – only available locally – and were such a success they now have their own labels.

Also new this spring is a self-guided walking tour through a part of the orchard. While waiting for a tasting, guests can enjoy an afternoon walk in the beautiful Okanagan and, at the same time, learn a little about apple growing.

Missy believes educating people about the apples they grow is important. “People are distanced from where their food comes from. When you can buy apples year round in the grocery store, you lose touch with when they are actually ripe.”

BX Press grows nearly thirty varieties of cider apples. They make eleven ciders in total, seven in the Storytelling series and four in the Botanical series.

Tastings take about thirty minutes and visitors should remember that true cider – www.winetrails.ca

their Mount Ida, pasteurized, Brie-style cheese and its flavoured version made with marinated cherries from Okanagan Spirits. Yet another marriage between two local Okanagan products. You will also find Terroir’s best selling French Gruyere, two semi-hard cheeses, Jurassic and Cascadia, alongside a raw milk blue cheese, Continental Blue. Owner Leonard Marriot says the Continental Blue has a very smooth finish without the bite of some other Blue cheeses.

Two other cheese vendors are Bella Stella Cheese, producing certified organic cheeses inspired by traditional recipes from the Ticino (the Italian part of Switzerland) and Triple Island Cheese which specializes in Gouda and Maasdammer cheeses.

The Vernon Farmers’ Market is a perfect spot to find the many tempting tastes of the Okanagan. Locally grown produce, jams and preserves, honey and Frenchstyle crêpes, the market offers something for everyone. Set aside a Monday or Thursday from 8am to 1pm to visit the market at 3445-43 Ave in the Kal Tire Place parking lot. ~ Sue Harper

This page: l-r clockwise: The BX Press Cidery Bella Stella Cheese Tea tasting at Tea Desire

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 11

ECHO VALLEY RANCH AND SPA A RUSTIC & ROMANTIC GETAWAY If you like your getaways romantic and authentic, then Echo Valley Ranch and Spa will tick those boxes in more ways than you could imagine. Located northwest of Kamloops, and just five hours northeast of Vancouver, Echo Valley offers a traditional Western experience, with some authentic Asian culture to boot, all wrapped up in a rustic-butluxurious experience second to none.

Echo Valley is owned by British ex-pat Norm Dove and his Thai wife Nan, and offers traditional log-built architecture, activities like gold-panning, fly-fishing; trail rides and evening barbeques followed by campfire sing-a-longs. The authentic Eastern flavor comes through in the spa selections (Thai massage and beauty therapies are available alongside more Western-based offerings), or via the weekly Thai banquet followed by traditional Thai dancing.

The resort is nestled in Echo Valley, an idyllically remote location where four distinctly Canadian geographical areas come together: mountain, forest, valley and pasture. It is open April 1 to October 31 each year and has a capacity of 30-42 people. You can also ‘book the ranch’ for corporate retreats, weddings and family reunions. The standard and premium rooms, as well as the freestanding cabins, all have a rustic Western ambience, while the Royal Suite is Eastern in influence.

Echo Valley’s distinctive west-meets-east blend has gained them a dedicated following, and won them awards. The World Boutique Hotel Awards awarded them ‘Best Wellness Spa of the Americas’ in 2016, as well as the Americas ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ and ‘Best Relaxation Retreat’ in 2014. They have also made Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice list every year since 2012, and in 2013 won both ‘Best Service Hotel’ and ‘Best Boutique Hotel’.

Spending time at Echo Valley is a bit like going to visit friends. Everyone (owners, guests and workers) takes meals together, and these communal gatherings have always been a part of the Echo Valley experience, stemming from Norm and Nan’s ethos of ‘living together, working together and eating together’. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, and dinner is a three-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Todd Pruden, and accompanied by BC wines.

The resort also follows a ‘100 metre’ philosophy, where much as possible of the food served comes from the ranch itself. There are beef cows, pigs and chickens, plus a greenhouse and extensive summer garden – all organic.

The ‘living green’ ethos has always been important to the Doves. Echo Valley has been a gold star member of Green Tourism Canada for a number of years and Norm and Nan are committed to keeping their carbon footprint to a minimum, and embracing a ‘recycle, reuse and re-purpose’ philosophy. You can even charge your electric car on site. ~Deborah Lampitt-McConnachie

Heaven on Earth. Closer than you think.

Only 2.5 hours from Kamloops, 5 hours from Vancouver

evranch.com • info@evranch.com • 1.800.253.8831

12 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

ARMSTRONG/RECIPE

TOURING AROUND DELICIOUS ARMSTRONG

OKANAGAN NOIR CHOCOLATE SOZZLED CHERRY COOKIES This delicious recipe was created by Naramata blogger and Food & Wine Trails writer Elaine Davidson. It was inspired after a taste of the brand new line of artisan chocolate being created at Okanagan College’s Pastry and Culinary Arts Program! Want a taste? It is for sale in the cafeteria campus in Kelowna. Follow Elaine and her delicious musings on naramata-blend.com. Oh, and make these cookies! ~ Elaine Davidson

INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup firmly packed dark-brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract 12 ounces Okanagan Noir chocolate (or 70% cocoa dark chocolate), coarsely chopped 1 1/2 cups dried CC Orchards cherries, firmly packed (9 ounces) 1 cup Wild Goose Vineyards Dunkelfelder (or other fruit-forward red high quality red wine) icing sugar for dusting (optional) Further 1/2 cup of Okanagan Noir or other high-quality dark chocolate for drizzling over baked cookies (optional)

DIRECTIONS: The night before you want to make your cookies, macerate (soak) the 1 1/2 cups of dried cherries in one cup of red wine overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 3500 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Strain the cherries reserving the wine to drink! Chop the cherries into two or three pieces; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Add the flour

www.winetrails.ca

mixture, and beat on low speed, until just combined. Do not overbeat.

With a wooden spoon, fold in Okanagan Noir chocolate and cherries. Dough can be frozen at this point, wrapped well in plastic, up to 1 month; thaw completely before baking.

Form balls of dough, each about 1/4 cup; place balls on baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake until puffed and cracked, 9 to 11 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with icing sugar and drizzle melted Okanagan Noir over the icing sugar topped cookies for even more chocolaty flavour.

Attack!

From hiking to antique hunting, the Armstrong Spallumcheen area has something for everyone. The Village Cheese Company, located at 3475 Smith Drive in the town of Armstrong has over 30 different cheeses displayed in what they call the “jewelry box.” For spring, manager Kelly Baird recommends their white wine Havarti made with Gewürztraminer for its light, creamy, salty and sweet taste. To serve with red wines, she suggests smoked cheddar or smoked Gouda. The Village Cheese shop has their own smoke house – no liquid smoke for their cheese. Stop in on Mondays or Wednesdays to see fresh curds, popular for tourists and locals alike.

Wine and cheese make a perfect pair and this spring, Edge of the Earth Vineyard reverts from weekend to daily openings on March 20th. Owners Marni and Russ Niles will tempt palates with what Russ calls everyone’s favourite – the Marechal Foch as well as Edge of the Earth’s signature white, Argus. While the popular 2016 Ortega has sold out, the 2017 will be available in April. Their wines can be purchased at the farm (4758 Gulch Road) and at the Vernon Outdoor Farmer’s Market.

For something completely different, Fieldstone Organics carries certified organic, nonGMO grains, legumes and seeds. All their grains are BC grown. A focus for Fieldstone and of increasing interest to customers is their ancient grains – Einkorn, Emmer, Khorasan and Spelt. Like all Fieldstone products the ancient grains are not processed. While the staff at Fieldstone believes processing whole grains reduces nutritional value, they recognize that certain recipes demand flakes or flour. Customers can purchase grinders designed specifically for this purpose. Visit Fieldstone Organics at 4851 Schubert Road.

There’s plenty more to see in the Armstrong area. Visit www.aschamber.com for more ideas. ~ Sue Harper

Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce

Visit Us In Armstrong & Spallumcheen

2017 Food & Wine Events Come Enjoy A Taste Of Art In Armstrong - Late July

Fruits and vegetables in season late April to late October.

Cheese, wine, chocolate and grains available year round.

Farmers’ Market OUTDOORS April – October

INDOORS

November – March

Save the Date Cheese…

It’s a Natural!

November 4th

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 13

kelowna

DAYS OF WINE AND RAUDZ

OUR DAYS TO ENJOY “WINE AND ROSES” AREN’T LONG CAUTIONS ERNEST DOWSON’S POEM. IN THAT SPIRIT, RAUDZ REGIONAL TABLE COMPLEMENTS ITS EXCEPTIONAL LOCAL FARM-TO-TABLE CUISINE WITH A FOCUS ON WINE, CURATED BY TWO WELLEDUCATED PALATES: GENERAL MANAGER WES HUNTER AND CO-OWNER AUDREY SURRAO.

Surrao has listed Okanagan wines in her restaurants for over 15 years, and is well-known for her passionate support of the industry. She continues to participate as a wine judge in numerous competitions, notably BC Best of Varietal Wine Competition and Oregon’s Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition. Prior to joining the RauDZ Creative Concepts team, Hunter managed notable restaurants, developing award-winning wine and beverage programs to help put his restaurants on the culinary map. Both graduates of the industry respected WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification program,

they’re committed to finding you your next favourite Okanagan wine.

RauDZ commitment to 100% Okanagan wine is evident in the by-the-glass and bottle list. The recently launched Cellar List highlights amazing vintages from around the world and exceptional bottles from BC including Quails’ Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 and Checkmate Winery “Capture” Chardonnay 2013. These local cellar wines hold their own against wines from the Old World. Big and small, niche and well-known wineries and grape varietals are featured such as harder to pronounce and less popular varietals to discover like Zweigelt or Albarino and Trebbiano.

Challenge your wine palate over at micro, once monthly, at Liquid Sundays – 5 plates, 10 wines. Chef Chris Braun and Sommelier Hunter collaborate in a wine-paired dinner with the twist of two wines per course. Sometimes, it’s Okanagan versus Old World, and other times, two BC wines paired with the dish.

Including taxes and gratuities, the all-inclusive tickets are $110. To stay informed about all the latest specials, follow @raudz and @microkelowna on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or check out their websites. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Audrey Surrao

Winner

Pino

of 20

t No i rem r C u ier’ v s Aw e e 2 014 ard

16 P

for B

est BC W

ine

Pinot Noir Cuvee 2014

Winner of 2016 Premier’s Award for Best BC Wine

Come up for a tasting or to linger over a glass of one of our award winning wines while enjoying the scenic views from our picnic patio. Ask us about booking a special event and joining our wine club.

SpierHead is open from 11 am until 5:30 pm on weekends in April and daily starting on May 1st.

3950 Spiers Rd., Kelowna 250.763.7777 info@spierheadwinery.com spierheadwinery.com 14 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

kelowna

NEXT LEVEL EXPERIENCE AT SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY ASK FOLKS TOURING THE OKANAGAN WHICH WINERIES ARE ON THEIR ITINERARY AND SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY IS RECURRENTLY TOP OF MIND. GIVEN SUMMERHILL’S COMMITMENT AS AN ORGANIC AND BIODYNAMIC OPERATION WITH AWARD-WINNING WINES AND STUNNING SETTING, IT IS CANADA’S MOST VISITED WINERY.

(L-R) Scott - builder; Steve - proprietor; Maytawee Transformation Manager; CEO Ezra reviewing the exciting new plans for expansion Ezra Cipes, CEO, says, “We welcome many visitors from all over the world every day and want to honour each one. To fulfil that pledge, we’re elated this season to expand our facilities, programs, and staff.”

Summerhill will grow from one to three tasting rooms with a reception gallery to greet arrivals and to direct guests to tasting rooms, tour locations, restaurant, special event spaces and other facilities.

“Improving the flow and creating intuitive passageways makes it more enjoyable for everyone,” explains Cipes.

An exciting addition is a grab-and-go Food Bar section of the Sunset Organic Bistro – known for highlighting the best regional ingredients sourced from Summerhill’s own biodynamic gardens, wildlife preserves, and network of organic farmers.

“Our dining room serves relaxed, wine paired lunches and dinners,” says Cipes.

“The Food Bar and picnic seating will provide a quicker, more casual experience prepared by executive winery chef Alex www.winetrails.ca

Lavroff and our kitchen team. Visitors can gather provisions and wine, pay at the cashier, and head to outdoor tables to picnic at their own leisure. That area has the most incredible view on the property.”

Summerhill’s culinary staff is pumped to craft highly portable, farm-to-table options, increasing their flexibility to feed guests without a reservation. In visiting, you can decide ahead whether you’d prefer a picnic or traditional restaurant meal.

The main tasting room and gift shop will be transformed for optimum convenience.

For a truly distinctive tasting, the Robert Bateman Chieftain Gallery curated by Cori Derrickson, granddaughter of Tribal Chief Makwala of the Okanagan Nation, will be enlarged to encompass the reception hall, and tasting stations will be added to the existing gallery room. Here guests can sample wine while viewing First Nations fine art and crafts, and works by renowned nature artist Robert Bateman. The third public tasting room, for those wanting to

focus on outdoor views, is in a covered patio across from the main building.

The tour program, too, is revamped and expanded. The Pyramid Experience, accommodating up to 40 people four times per day, will include visits to the vineyard and wine cellar, and will now conclude with a wine tasting inside the pyramid. A twice daily Terroir Tour for up to 12 people will begin with sparkling wine sabering and a walk through the vineyard to discuss biodynamic grape growing and the terroir of the Okanagan Valley before concluding with a private, seated premium wine tasting in the gardens.

For events and special occasions such as weddings, Summerhill offers remarkable photography opportunities, a ceremony site with a private room for the bridal party to prepare, plus a large banquet room.

After touring the expansion initiatives, we found proprietor Stephen Cipes reviewing plans in the tasting room. Always the gracious host, he asked, “Did you enjoy

the pyramid? It’s about finding balance, bringing out the best and welcoming others to experience our connection to land and community.” Father, son, the entire Cipes family and Summerhill team are dedicated to making the most of the land and sharing the adventure meaningfully.

Who can resist a visit without a tasting from Summerhill’s award-winning and responsibly grown organic and biodynamic wines? Showing amazing restraint, I tasted just two expressions of Cabernet Franc: Cipes Blanc de Franc 2011, a superb and unique sparkling produced in the traditional Champagne method, and 2011 Knollvine Farm Cabernet Franc, a wellbalanced, dark berry and subtle spice expression. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 15

kelowna

A TASTE OF ITALY… WITH A LOCAL TWIST AT SANDHILL WINES

ITALIANS HAVE BEEN GROWING SANGIOVESE (SAN-JO-VAY-SAY) SINCE THE EARLY 1400S’. WORLD-RENOWNED WINES FROM CENTRAL ITALY (CHIANTI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO, AND CARMIGNANO —TO NAME A FEW) HAVE SANGIOVESE TO THANK FOR THEIR BRIGHT ACIDITY, RIPE FRUIT AND LEATHERY FLAVOURS. This Italian stallion is typically rich in tannins, bursting with flavour, and begging to be served with a pasta Bolognese. There are approximately 192,000 acres of Sangiovese planted around the world and although most of it can be found in Italy, it turns out there are three glorious acres of these luscious vines plated right here in our very own backyard.

Like most innovative ideas, it started out as an experiment.

Sandhill’s master winemaker, Howard Soon, wanted to put British Columbia’s award winning grape growing to the test.

He knew that Sandhill Estate Vineyard was a one-of-a-kind microclimate. This piece of vineyard paradise, located just outside of Oliver, regularly registers temperatures near 40ºC and this heat is only intensified by the rocky cliffs and granite that surround it. It turns out that all that sunshine combined with coarse sandy soils (in some places up to 300 feet deep) and a gentle west-facing slope made for one Sangiovesegrowing sweet spot for a successful, two-row test plant in 1995. Then in 1999, 3.7 acres of Sangiovese and 3.4 acres of Barbera was planted.

Over the next 20 plus years vineyard managers Robert Goltz and Richard Cleave have meticulously cared for these vines, managing the extremely rigorous vegetation and crop growth and ensuring premium fruit is delivered to the winery.

Once the fruit hits the crush pad, Soon is then challenged

by Sangiovese’s large berry size and a thin skin. This Small Lot winemaking process is a labour of love but also an incredible opportunity for this master winemaker to explore and experiment. For Soon, it is all about patience and persistence.

Out of struggle comes art and Sandhill’s Small Lot Sangiovese is absolutely no exception. This award-winning, Italian wine is full of concentrated flavours and distinct character. It is floral on the front, balanced on the palate and pairs beautifully with creamy chicken dishes, Osso Buco, and tomato based sauces.

This Italian darling from the desert of British Columbia is a true experience from start to finish and something you’ll want to get your hands on. Given there are only 18 barrels made each year, you might want to do that pronto! ~ Joanna Schlosser

FUN FACT: SANGIOVESE MEANS “BLOOD OF JOVE”

Howard Soon

kelowna’s urban winery

BC V QA OK ANAGAN VALLEY • BC VQA SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY

Discover the difference that a single vineyard can make.

Visit Sandhill Winery in the heart of downtown Kelowna.

1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC • 250-979-4211 www.sandhillwines.ca • Follow us @sandhillwines

16 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

Sandhill Winery is located beside one of Kelowna’s best kept secrets, Calona Vineyards Winery Boutique. Both stores offer wine tastings of a large selection of wines, including awardwinning Sandhill single vineyard wines and many rare Small Lots …all of which you can taste year round. Located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, at BC’s oldest winery location, our Urban Winery is a ‘must stop’ on your Okanagan wine route!

www.winetrails.ca

kelowna

WINE GLASS WRITER IS MAKING ITS MARK BY LEAVING NO MARK

DESIGNED TO HELP YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR WINE GLASS AT AN EVENT, THIS COOL INVENTION LETS YOU SCRIBE YOUR NAME IN A BOLD AND BRILLIANT COLOUR THAT WIPES CLEAN INSTANTLY WITH A SOAPY SPONGE. JUST SAY NO TO UNCLAIMED FULL GLASSES OF WINE.

Founded in 2010 by Jeannine Fradelizio, the world’s original wine writer pen is now in the hands of creative customers who are discovering dozens of new uses for this useful writer around the house, says Jeannine’s Okanagan-based daughter Renée Stewart.

“Wine Glass Writers are being used for marking canning jars, for enhancing shabby chic open shelving displays of containers for things like flour and sugar, to marking place settings at events directly on plate chargers, for putting to-do lists on bathroom mirrors and a million other uses,” says Renée.

The family-run business with an all-women staff is selling the Wine Glass Writer pens in seven different countries with a strong presence in British Columbia wine country.

The Wall Street Journal Wine Accessories of the Year winning product is a washable, non-toxic marker that writes on glass and glazed ceramics was created as a solution to a common problem. “People forget where they left their wine glass or which wine charm they chose, but they don’t forget their name,” says Renée.

A special limited edition spring jewels collection sold in a three-pack is available now along with their original metallic three-pack and gift box editions and can be found locally at Garden Works, The Peoples Craft House, Tea and Weaves and at these wineries: 8th Generation, Summer Gate, Dirty Laundry, CedarCreek, Summerhill, 50th Parallel, Little Engine, St Hubertus, Intrigue, Gray Monk, Meyer Family Vineyards, Noble Ridge, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Noble Ridge, Road 13 and Church & State among other locations.

Follow Wine Glass Writer on social media @wineglasswriter on all platforms and use #wineglasswriter for a chance to be featured. ~ Elaine Davidson

PRESTIGE BEACH HOUSE’S SECRET HIDEAWAY: CACHÉ LOUNGE Every cool city has got one, a lounge where only those ‘in the know’ go. In Kelowna, right downtown across from City Park in the Prestige Beach House, all of the locals know about the West Coast Grill and Oyster Bar. The restaurant features a fabulous oyster bar in a beautiful West Coast designed room. But here is the secret: down the hall from the restaurant is a gorgeous, upscale bar operated by one of the hottest bartenders in town: mixologist, Harry Dosanj.

After dinner, why not stay out for a big city night with cocktails and music. Live music fills the cush, booth-lined room at Caché Thursday - Saturday nights making the Prestige a perfect, one stop evening.

The creative cocktail list is divine but the bar also houses a great wine and beer listperfect to sip while snacking on a cheese & charcuterie board with friends.

Music lineup includes: the super hot Anna Jacyszyn Trio, singer songwriter Niki Martinus, Jazz & pop chanteuse Kinga & piano acoustic duo Tricia & Ibriam.

Thursday night is Ladies Night at Caché: 6 pm to midnight $5 glasses of house wine, draft beer and high balls, $10 charcuterie platters and $5 specialty dessert. ~ Jennifer Schell www.winetrails.ca

Ink stays on until you wash it off

NEVER LOSE YOUR GLASS AGAIN! www.wineglasswriter.com MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 17

we st kelowna A SPARKLING ADDITION THIS YEAR AT VOLCANIC HILLS ESTATE WINERY Located in the heart of the Westside Wine Trail, an area known as the home of some of the oldest and most reputable wineries in the region, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery is wellknown for its award-winning wines and winemaking philosophy of minimal interference. It’s also recognized for building strong connection with its customers. This family-run estate prides itself on being accessible to all: it’s wheelchair friendly, and welcomes children. “We have toys for both kids and adults,” says president, Bobby Gidda.

The winery places a great deal of value on educating their customers in a relaxed and engaging manner. They offer tours by appointment and spring is the perfect time, according to Bobby, for a real “one-on-one” personal experience before the summer rush.

This is a great opportunity for wine lovers to spend time with the experts. It’s also a chance to learn about the winery’s latest endeavors such as their new Sparkling Gewürztraminer.

Produced in a small batch of about 100 cases, this wine is due for release in late June or July. Though it has yet to be named, it’s already causing a lot of excitement.

The estate boasts a 4,000-square-foot wine shop designed especially to set customers at ease. Here customers can learn all about the advantages of belonging to the winery’s exceptional wine club: Priority access to new releases, members only exclusive access to small lot and library wines, free shipping on 12 bottle shipments, special invitations to social and educational events at the winery, and discounts on all new release wines.

The winery also boasts a spacious bar, ideal for sampling award winning favorites, such as their Pinot Gris, Rosé, Gewürztraminer, Gamay Noir, Magma Red or Lava blends.

Bobbi & Preeti Gidda ~ Lesley Buxton

MT. BOUCHERIE INTRODUCES NEW GAMAY ON A SNOWY FEBRUARY DAY, MT. BOUCHERIES’ CRAIG MCCULLOCH AND PETER CONTOS ARE FULL OF GOOD NEWS FOR THE UPCOMING SPRING. MCCULLOCH, VICE PRESIDENT AND CEO, SAYS THEIR EXTREMELY POPULAR GAMAY NOIR, WHICH HAS BEEN ABSENT FROM THE MARKET RECENTLY, WILL BE RELEASED AT THE END OF MARCH. “It’s fabulous,” he says simply. “There are floral, slightly earthy tones with red berries, red plums and a long finish of vanilla and soft tannins.”

All the Gamay grapes come from their 75 acres in the Similkameen Valley. McCulloch says the Gamay is a great introduction to red wines for young and new wine drinkers.

Contos, sales and marketing manager, says the 2016 Rosé will be released for the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival. 2015 was the first year they created a Rosé and the response was overwhelming. TThe Rosé is made with Zweigelt grapes from their West Kelowna vineyard. Enjoy a crisp, dry wine with notes of strawberry and great minerality.

Mt. Boucheries’ flagship wine is their 2013 Summit Winemakers Reserve, released in fall 2016. This blend consists of 35% Cabernet Franc grapes, 35% Merlot, 22%

Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Malbec.

McCulloch credits winemaker Jim Faulkner for producing this exceptional vintage with its’ complex characters.

Late spring is the perfect time to fill a picnic basket and take a drive to Mt. Boucherie, where you’ll find their picnic area with splendid Okanagan Lake views. The patio is licensed and is home to a pergola and an outdoor tasting bar.

Drop by on May 6th during the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival for complimentary tastings and food, featuring live music in the afternoon.

There’s something new in the air at Mt. Boucherie, and a visit to their quaint wine shop is an ideal place to discover all there is to offer. Wine tastings are $3 for four tastings and two reserve wines for $6.

They are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. ~ Deanna Rainey

HERITAGE. STEWARDSHIP. DISTINCTION. Discover our legacy Come to the Mountain. We offer daily wine tastings from our extensive portfolio.

Bring your picnic and enjoy the vineyard and lake views from the patio.

OPEN YEAR ROUND OPEN YEAR ROUND MAY OCT 10 am to 6topm MAY - OCT 10 am 6 pm NOV - APR 11 11 amam to 5topm NOV - APR 5 pm

829 DOUGLAS ROAD WEST KELOWNA, BC 250-769-8803

MTB-Wine Booklet admtboucheriewine 5.25x4.75.indd 2

18 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

MTB-Wine Booklet ad 5.25x4.75.indd 2

2016-12-15 3:08 PM mtboucheriewinery.com

www.winetrails.ca

A LITTLE CORNER OF we st kelowna NAPOLI IN WEST KELOWNA: CIAO BELLA WINERY

The Fiume Family: l-r Antonio, Sharon, Roberto, Olivia in front with winery dog, Bella.

HIGH ALONG THE WEST KELOWNA FARM LOOP, AN IDYLLIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE DOTTED WITH FRUIT STANDS AND OVERLOOKING OKANAGAN LAKE, SITS A LITTLE PIECE OF ITALY NESTLED BETWEEN PICTURESQUE FARMS. CIAO BELLA WINERY IS YOUNG BUT ITS ROOTS ARE DEEP, SPANNING BOTH OCEANS AND CONTINENTS.

The winery is the hard earned dream of the Fiume family, Roberto and Sharon along with kids Antonio and Olivia, who began the commercial cultivation of their first grapes in 2014 with the help of the expert viticulturalist Dr. Alan Marks and the guidance of the celebrated winemaker Jim Faulkner. The property is deeply rooted in the wine growing history of the Okanagan Valley, and is home to stubby, thick-trunked vines that are more than 60 years old, the oldest in West Kelowna! On a sunny day, one can sit back with a picnic in the garden, and take in the vineyard while enjoying a game of backgammon in the warm lake breeze that wafts up the mountain.

But the winery is rooted in more than just the viticultural history of the Valley, it is also rooted in the family’s own Italian heritage.

The labels pay tribute to Roberto’s family, who came to Canada from Napoli. An old, dapper portrait of Nonno (Grandpa) Luigi adorns the Pinot Grigio while the photo of a young Nonna (Grandma) Melina atop a red vespa marks the Rosatto (Rosé). It’s a winery which celebrates the importance of family, but as is the Italian way the Fiumes welcome everyone who comes through their doors into their famiglia.

And this hard work and dedication has already been well rewarded, as their first vintage received five major wine awards. The

2014 Pinot Rosé received Silver at both the BC and National Wine Awards. But it was the Pinot Nero that really captured the industry’s attention, taking home two medals at the All Canadian Wine Championships and National Wine Awards while receiving the “Best of Varietal” at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. The family has already opened its doors for spring hours (12 – 4, Thurs to Sat), and will return to Summer hours on the May Long Weekend. So with the warm weather upon us, why not come out and visit the old country, it’s just up the road!

2014 PINOT GRIGIO - $16.95

Again, this wine is made Italian-style, dry and fruit forward with a crisp finish. The nose offers lovely apple notes with citrus and the finish is surprisingly rich and buttery.

2015 PINOT ROSÉ - $19.95

Fun, refreshing and fruit forward, this delightful wine awakens your palate with hints of succulent watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, rhubarb, kiwi and wild cherry.

2014 PINOT NERO - $24.95

A beautiful ruby colour invites a nose of lovely strawberries followed by a rich, smooth palate with loads of depth and a lingering, earthy finish. John Schreiner gave this wine 90 points and perfectly described it as “a very pretty wine”. ~ Blake Allen

Winner of ‘Best Of Varietal’ for our Pinot Noir at the 2016 Okanagan Wine Festivals.

Open From February 2nd • 12-4pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday Summer Hours Begin May Long Weekend Closed Spring Break

3252 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna, BC

778.754.3443 www.ciaobellawinery.com www.winetrails.ca

A Taste of Italy

In the Okanagan MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 19

QUAILS’ GATE SPRING CELEBRATIONS

we st kelowna

QUAILS’ GATE ESTATE WINERY

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT OKANAGAN MOMENT

AND OLD VINES RESTAURANT ARE CELEBRATING THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING WITH WEEKS OF EXCITING DON’T-MISS FESTIVITIES.

In March, enjoy Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring the sultry sounds of Anna Jacyszyn and Loni Moger. The breathtaking lake view is the perfect backdrop for this special meal, available from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Also in March, Old Vines chefs will showcase a Sunday night evening roast with two sides and a dessert, and a family or minimum of four can dine for only $100. Reservations are a must!

Monday through Friday during March, visit Old Vines Restaurant for their popular Business Lunch, a three course meal for just $25. They guarantee you’ll be done in an hour or your meal on them! And Wednesdays see the arrival of communal Long Table Dinners, exploring different themes or regions around the world. Three family-style courses are only $49 per person.

Special celebrations abound during May’s Spring Okanagan Wine Festival. Enjoy nightly four-course meals while taking in

the awe-inspiring surrounding vineyards and lake views, and sample newly released 2016 wines for $70. Available May 4th to 14th, 2017.

A unique afternoon in the vineyards is being offered up to guests attending the Viticulture Class and Vineyard Picnic on May 7th. Take a peek into Quails’ Gate’s history, explore estate vineyards and learn to tend the vines. You’ll end the afternoon with a sumptuous picnic lunch in the vineyard. $45 for wine club members and $55 for non-members.

Don’t miss the Ravishing Rosé Soiree with special guest DJ Shakes. Sample canapés from award-winning chefs at Old Vines Restaurant whilst you sip on newly released 2016 Quails Gate Rosé, and get your first taste of the 2016 Collector Series Lucy’s Block Rosé from prolific winemaker Nikki Callaway.

Quails’ Gate, in West Kelowna, is truly one of the most special spots in the valley. Be sure to book your events online well in advance, at quailsgate.com. ~ Deanna Rainey

Open Year-Round Tours | Tastings | Winery Events | Vineyard Dinners | Restaurant | Private Dining | Accommodation

3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna | 1-800-420-9463 | QuailsGate.com

RAISE A GLASS TO WINE COUNTRY PIONEER: ADOLF FRIEDRICH KRUGER OCTOBER 5, 1931 – NOVEMBER 20, 2016 We are sad to announce the passing of the much loved Adolf Friedrich “Fritz” Kruger on November 20th, 2016 at the age of 85 years. Patriarch of Wild Goose Vineyards in Okanagan Falls, Adolf was a pioneer of the local wine industry and was instrumental in creating farmgate status for wineries – a crucial moment in wine country history.

Born in Kehrberg, Germany on October 5, 1931, Adolf spent much of his childhood growing up during the war years. After the war and having fled East Germany, he and his brother immigrated to Canada in 1951 settling in Winnipeg, where he met his wife Susanna and had two sons, Hagen and Roland. After studying English and yacht design, Adolf moved his entire family to Vancouver in 1964. At age 52 Adolf, who was semi retired, visited long time friend Nick Broderson who owned a vineyard in Kaleden and after that visit, a dream was born!

Adolf and his sons purchased a 10 acre parcel of land in Okanagan Falls and in 1984 Wild Goose Vineyards was established. In the mid to late 80’s as free trade began to cast a dark cloud over the BC wine industry, Adolf did not sit idle, but began to lobby government for a number of years to change winery licensing and in 1990 Wild Goose Winery was licensed as BC’s first Farmgate winery to grow, produce and bottle on site!

Adolf played a large roll in the formation of the BC Wine Institute, wine standards, and the VQA program that declared 100% BC content in wine.Adolf was inducted into the BC Wine Museum and won the BC Wine Industry Founders Award in 2006.

20 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

Adolf grew Wild Goose and helped the BC wine industry grow from 17 wineries in BC in 1990 to over 300 across the province today, and a remarkable 10,000+ acres of vineyard planted province wide. In his later years he was always active around the winery as “Mr. Fix It”, welcoming customers in the tasting room or entertaining guests on the deck of the Smoke and Oak bistro.

Adolf not only helped grow the BC wine industry, but his family grew as well. Adolf cherished social gatherings with the entire family, always enjoying food, a laugh, and a glass of Wild Goose wine! Please raise a beer and a schnapps to a pioneer, builder, intellect, father, loving and caring family man. ~The Kruger Family

www.winetrails.ca

sum mer l and

DIRTY LAUNDRY: BRINGING JOY TO WINE IT’S SAID THAT “LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE” AND CLEARLY THE FUN LOVING, IF SOMEWHAT NAUGHTY, THEME AT DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED. FROM THE “CLOTHESLINE” YOU GLIMPSE HANGING TO MARK THE ENTRY OF THIS SUMMERLAND WINERY TO THE LABELS ON THE WINE THAT YOU’LL BE PURCHASING TO TAKE HOME, NO OPPORTUNITY IS MISSED TO SET THE TONE FOR AN ENTERTAINING VISIT. THE THEME IS BASED ON LOCAL LORE THAT A CHINESE LAUNDRY HERE IN THE EARLY 1900S HAD A BORDELLO ON THE SECOND FLOOR. HENCE, YOU’LL FIND RISQUÉ MOTIFS MIXED WITH LAUNDRY REFERENCES. JUST GO WITH THE FLOW AND SMILE BECAUSE THE “NOT-SO-SECRET” IS THE SAME ATTENTION TO DETAIL GOES INTO WINEMAKING AS EVIDENCED IN AWARDS AND TRIPADVISOR ACCOLADES. Adding to that award-winning portfolio, winemaker Mason Spink announced the early March release of a brand-new wine – Sauvignon Blanc, he describes as a “well-balanced, food friendly wine with lots of refreshing acidity”.

Perfect for the patio reopening for the season – as early as March if the weather cooperates.

Either way, the wine shop is open from noon to 4 pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and in April seven days a week.

Bringing a wider grin is news that the scenic patio has been expanded creating more space for tasting and bar-style seating. This new area is covered and heated so sure to be a big hit when the weather is still cool in the spring. Back on tap for 2017 are the “Laundry Suds” craft beers available by the glass and in flights in the covered outside tasting bar. Brewed by Bridge Brewing in North Vancouver especially for Dirty Laundry, the lineup includes Dirty Blond Kolsch, Brunette IPA, Full House Pale Ale, and Red Head Wheat Ale. It’s not too early to snap up tickets for the Roch Lobster Lunches back by popular demand to be held every Friday in July and August.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance so snag yours now while dates are available. To keep up-to-date on events, consider becoming a Dirty Laundry VIP “Friends with Benefits”.

It’s free to join and its emails offer advance information and discounts throughout the year.

Through the Bordello Wine Club, there are a variety of membership levels offered: Peek-aBoo, Voyeur, Blush, Boudoir, and Madam. See dirtylaundry.ca for details.

As Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Visit soon. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 21

penticton “OPEN YEAR ROUND, WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO OUR LOCAL CUSTOMERS,” SAYS UPPER BENCH PROPRIETOR AND HEAD CHEESEMAKER SHANA MILLER. “They stop in and buy wine and cheese from us in the off-season, put up with the crowds in summer, recommend us to their family and friends and join our Curds & Corks wine and cheese club.”

“They have been with us since the beginning (2011) and are an important

CHEERS TO UPPER BENCH WINERY & CREAMERY’S LOCAL FOLLOWING part of the amazing community we are building,” Shana adds.

With more than 10,000 visitors to Upper Bench’s beautiful tasting room and vineyard view patio in 2016 and vintages quickly selling out, word has spread and the winery and creamery’s loyal locals are now part of an international following.

Proprietor and winemaker Gavin Miller says there are a limited number of cases of Estate Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (2013) left.

“Our Pinot Blanc is already all spoken for in the Vancouver market and we sold out of two vintages of Riesling in one year in 2016.

EXPERIENCE

UPPER BENCH

THIS SPRING

We have just bottled the 2016 Riesling and its just as delicious and very dry, with only nine grams of sugar per litre.” Gavin says Upper Bench will also once again have a Rosé on offer and an on-trend Zweigelt (an Austrian grape) in addition their beautiful line-up of reds and whites.

Shana is working some magic in the creamery as well with some new offerings that will be available to Curds & Corks members such as an aged Farmer’s and a Belper Knolle. Sign up for the winery’s newsletter at Upperbench.ca to keep up-todate and avoid “sold out” disappointment. ~ Elaine Davidson

Gavin Miller

THE BENCH – GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY If you ask a local where to get a great breakfast, lunch, snack or coffee, The Bench Market will be at the top of the list.

In-the-know locals frequent this eclectic spot because of its friendly staff, great Breakfast at The Bench Market food and delicious drinks.

Perennial favourites and classics such as the best bennies in town, beautifully crafted paninis, interesting salads and flavourful soups will always be part of the menu – but to keep it fresh and on trend, owner Stewart Glynes has come up with a couple of new choices this spring.

“Our new power cereal is made with oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, pecans, almonds and maple syrup, topped with banana and can be served with coconut, almond, soy or dairy milk, either steamed or chilled,” says Stewart. “It’s a healthy in-house created cereal that has great flavour. We have also added a gluten-free pancake stack, topped with fresh seasonal fruit and served with real maple syrup.”

Spring also brings new weekend brunch features and new drink options, all made with fresh, local seasonal ingredients.

The Bench Market is good for the community, too. The Glynes help by donating a dollar to a local charity for every soup-and-half-sandwich combo they sell from January to April.

Raising more than $1,600 last year, they hope to top that this year for their four local beneficiaries: the Penticton Soupateria, Penticton Boys and Girls Club, South Okanagan Victims Assistance Society (SOVAS) and the Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank. ~ Elaine Davidson

BC VQA WINE INFO CENTRE • PENTICTON

• Over 800 BC Wines • Local Cheeses, Wine Accessories And Glassware.

• Daily Tastings

Keeping it local, making it fresh!

Open 7am-5pm Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 368 Vancouver Ave. Penticton 250-492-2222 www.thebenchmarket.com 22 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

See us in our temporary location in front of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

250-490-2006 www.pentictonwineinfo.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9am-6pm

CORNER OF ALBERNI ST. & ECKHARDT AVE. PENTICTON www.winetrails.ca

nar a m ata SPRING WINE EVENTS WITH THE NARAMATA BENCH WINERIES ASSOCIATION As spring arrives, wineries dust off tasting rooms and patios to greet visitors with the latest wine releases. In addition to rolling out welcome mats, members of the Naramata Bench Wineries Association (NBWA) hit the road to take their wine to the people. March 4th marks the 5th Vertical & Vintages at Apex Mountain Resort, where winter activities are rewarded with après wine tasting, appetizers and live music. The NBWA is delighted to be invited back by Vancouver City College, March 9th, to “Flourish” – a food and wine tasting event to raise scholarship and bursary funds for VCC students. Along with delectable food creations from high profile VCC Culinary alumni chefs, a selection of NBWA wineries offer tastes of latest releases - online: vcc.ca/gala. April 11th, NBWA wines complement dishes

by Vancouver Island chefs in Victoria at “Colour Your Palate.” This event is a culinary competition with a colourful twist. All proceeds support high quality visual and performing arts training for young children regardless of their financial means. Check it out online: artsreach.ca/colour-your-palate “It is part of the NBWA mandate is to give to our own community and the communities we visit,” says Tina Baird, NBWA. “The charitable component is a commitment we make for each event.” For example, it is the fourth year to join Ocean Wise at the Four Seasons Hotel, April 28th, in Vancouver for “Wine for Waves.” This annual Spring Wine Release Gala features Vancouver and Naramata chefs’ fresh new seafood creations with wines from NBWA wineries, and all the proceeds supporting Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program. Online: vanaqua.org/wineforwaves For the Victoria and Vancouver events, trade tastings are held in the afternoon. Looking forward, ticket sales begin in April for the NBWA’s annual harvest celebration event, the perennially sold-out Tailgate Party on September 9th, at D’Angelo Estate Winery. For details on all tasting, dining and event activities, check naramatabench.com frequently and click links to the wineries’ individual websites. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

New Releases! 2014 Lone Wolf Syrah + 2016 Viognier www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 23

Go Camping BC Guide 2015 - Ad Proof nar a m ata THE PERFECT CURE AT THERAPY VINEYARDS DO YOU NEED THERAPY? BOOK A SESSION NOW AT THERAPY VINEYARDS LOCATED AT THE VERY END OF THE BEAUTIFUL NARAMATA BENCH. They have the perfect remedy in the form of four fabulous new releases all guaranteed to put a smile on your face. These new wines, the Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and the Pinot Gris are all single vineyard, made in keeping with Therapy’s philosophy of creating outstanding local wines that are influenced by the unique signature of their growing environment. Therapy Wines are grown on some of the oldest vines in the area and the evidence is clear in the subtle character of each glass enjoyed.

The 2016 Gewürztraminer is an all-natural wine made with indigenous yeast. It has an orange-hue, as the grape skins are left on for nine days then punched out to bring out the flavours and textures. Highly aromatic, it’s taste is reminiscent of rose petals, ginger, and tropical fruit. It has a great mouth feel with enough acidity to tie it together. A great accompaniment to Thai food.

The grapes used to make the 2016 Riesling are from the old vines at Schweinle, just north of Naramata. Like the Gewürztraminer, the Riesling is made with indigenous yeast. It tastes of golden honeycomb, flint, and fresh ripe pineapple. It has a complex feel with a nice, bright acidity. Try it with Indian food. It’s guaranteed to enhance those fabulous flavours.

The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc was created with grapes from a vineyard Sutherland Road Therapy Vineyards Ad on • Go Camping BC Guide 2015 in Naramata. This single vineyard approach gives the wine a crisp veracious character that The therapeutic view from the Therapy Guesthouse 1/4 Page: (w)mineralogy x 3.5”on(h) Proof 4 • Jan 23/15 hints at flavours such as basil, dill and citrus and ends4.65” with a vivid the•finish.

Match this wine with a plate of oysters for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Unlike other single vineyard wines, these wines are affordable. The most expensive is Therapy’s 2016 Pinot Gris gets it character from the distinctive terroir of their Tada property Gewürztraminer at $20.99, the other three are $19.99. The wines make their public debut in Summerland. This wine tastes of lovely ripe stone fruit and green apples. The finish is the first week of March so might want to mark that on your calendar. These wines are fruity and dry. It is one of those wonderful wines that goes with everything, from a quiet bound create a sensation moment with a good book to a delicious Mediterranean meal. ~ Lesley Buxton

• Stunning Views • Award-Winning Wine • Vineyard View Rooms • Hot Tub & BBQ • Sig’s Grille at Therapy

Open 10-6 Daily

940 Debeck Road, Naramata, BC • www.therapyvineyards.com 940 Debeck Road, Naramata, BC • www.therapyvineyards.com 24 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

nar a m ata I AM LEGEND Legend Distilling extracts the essence of British Columbia and serves it up in beautifully crafted gin, vodka and liqueurs.

Local fruit, grains and botanicals are used in their premium spirits, which make magical cocktails served in a stunning setting overlooking Okanagan Lake.

Dawn and Doug Lennies’ craft distillery and lounge has truly become legendary on the Naramata Bench in the few short years they have been giving wine aficionados a hip alternative.

Farm to glass has recently met up with farm to fork. Legend Distilling in Naramata is now home to Knotweed Restaurant and it’s a perfect marriage. Both Knotweed and Legend share concepts and philosophies on community, supporting and buying local and sustainable and crafting incredible food and drink.

“I love to cook with local ingredients and the menu changes as often as nightly to weekly depending on what our suppliers have on hand,” says Knotweed chef /owner Mike Sonier.

“We are really excited about a new introduction this spring,” says Dawn.

“Amaro, a bitter or digestif that is served as an after dinner drink is in the works.

Made from herbs and botanicals it’s very popular in Europe. Every little town in Italy

MORAINE ESTATE WINERY - THE ART AND SCIENCE OF WINEMAKING: GROWS GREAT GRAPES AND SWEATS THE SMALL STUFF TO MAKE OUTSTANDING WINES AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

has a distillery that makes a local Amaro and it is fun to bring this tradition to the Okanagan with our own spin on it.”

Dawn says Legend is also in the midst of adding to its distillery equipment, expanding parking, adding to its kitchen, introducing weekend brunch and babying its barreled whiskey which will be unveiled in 2018.

Live Music Wednesdays, Whiskey and Rib Thursdays, a monthly Winemakers Dinner, painting workshops, pop-up markets and cooking classes are some of the events featured at Legend throughout the year. Check Legenddistilling.com to get plugged in. You too could be legend. ~ Elaine Davidson

From vine to the bottle, every step in the art and science of making great wine at Moraine Estate Winery is as hands-on as it gets. The end game is always quality.

The award-winning wines start with fruit produced in a special place. The familyowned winery and vineyards are perched on a shelf above a striking clay cliff overlooking Okanagan Lake. This terroir is responsible for the exceptional grapes grown on their two glacially formed vineyards, Anastasia and Sophia, named after the daughter’s of proprietors Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov.

Trapping the Okanagan sun, tempered by the lake, the carefully thinned vineyards’ grapes get maximum hang time to fully develop their sugars and flavours.

With premium grapes to work with, Moraine then controls every step of the process carefully using a light and respectful touch to make their fresh, elegant, fruit-driven wines.

“An example of our attention to quality is our German de-stemmer which gently removes the grapes from the stems like a human hand would without breaking the skins,” says Oleg.

“We are only one of four wineries in Canada to use this special machine.”

Recent awards, to add a growing collection, include best Pinot Noir in the British Columbia Wine Best of Varietals Awards for their 2014 vintage and a Platinum at the Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition for their 2015 Riesling described by judges as, “A glorious take on Riesling not only for its up-front peachy fruit but also its persistence in the finish. It also has an underlying complexity rare for the breed.”

The family-run business means wine shop visitors have a warm customer experience, Oleg says. “Even our employees are like family to us and we treat our customers as guests.” The icing on the cake, Moraine’s outstanding wines are affordably priced. ~ Elaine Davidson

O P E N D A I LY 1 0 A M - 6 P M M AY T H R O U G H O C T O B E R

ESTATE WINERY

T: 250 460 1836

www.morainewinery.com

www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 25

nar a m ata

SPRING BRINGS NEW WINE & FOOD TO LAKE BREEZE WINERY

THERE’S SURELY NO BETTER WAY TO USHER IN THE NEW WINE SEASON

AND

CELEBRATE

THE

RETURN OF THE WARM SPRING SUN AS IT BREAKS WINTER’S COLD GRASP THAN TO VENTURE OUT TO LAKE BREEZE WINERY.

www.winetrails.ca

Tucked away just off Naramata’s main road along a dusty small town road dotted with farms, you’ll see the encompassing view of Okanagan Lake and feel the warm breeze for which the winery is named before the winery itself. It’s the kind of welcome one only receives in the Okanagan.

The early spring season is always an exciting time to visit the wineries, as the season brings with it the release of all the newest vintages and usually a new surprise or two. The doors at Lake Breeze will open for the season on April 14th and for those familiar with this historic winery (one of the first five in Naramata) expect the return of all your favourites, including the renowned Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, ready to be enjoyed under the sun at The Patio Restaurant.

And as the winery is to Naramata, so too is the Patio Restaurant to Lake Breeze.

Lined with gardens and built, like the winery itself, to resemble a Tuscan villa (although the more trained eye may catch a fading glimpse of the original South African influence). Chef Mark Ashton uses organic produce sourced right on site from the winery’s own garden, and from the surrounding local farms to be used for

seasonally inspired meals. In keeping with this mentality, the Patio Restaurant places a great degree of importance on sustainability and supporting the local agriculturalists.

The meat is ethically sourced from BC farms and the winery itself is a participant in the Ocean Wise program and is committed to using sustainably harvested seafood.

The atmosphere here is casual, and quaint. Reservations are only taken for large groups (eight or more), otherwise patrons are welcome to seat themselves and peruse the menu. The main courses are usually the top recommendations of most visitors, but the appetizers and sandwiches are not to be passed by for those only looking for a snack. Charcuterie boards and local cheeses are on hand and everything is designed to be paired with a specific wine. While in the past The Patio has focused exclusively on contemporary Mediterranean dishes the menu has been revamped this year to introduce an Asian twist! As I mentioned earlier, the spring season will usually bring a pleasant surprise or two.

The best part about spring in the Okanagan is the escape from the house and the opportunity to explore and play in the

sun once again. While the winding drive through Naramata and out to Lake Breeze is more than an enjoyable experience itself, to truly usher in what is sure to be one of the Valley’s finest season’s yet one really ought to grab a seat at the patio, enjoy a fine meal with a crisp wine, and experience the lake’s breeze for themselves.

2016 PINOT GRIS This perennial favourite is entirely Naramata grown, which is reflected in its rich, fruitful body grounded in the region’s distinctive earthy tones. Look for the gentle aroma of peaches and pear escaping from the glass and just a light hint of spice to the palate, a classic note for this beloved varietal.

2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC A classic rendition on this popular varietal, expect the quintessentially crisp, citric note of grapefruit encased in a light fruitful body and balanced with a soft acidity on the finish. ~ Blake Allen

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 27

nar a m ata IT’S SPRING AT HILLSIDE AND HAPPY DANCING IS ENCOURAGED

HOW LUCKY ARE YOU IF YOU ARE IN THE OKANAGAN AND CAN TAKE THE DRIVE ALONG NARAMATA ROAD, ROUND THE BEND AND GET YOUR FIRST GLIMPSE OF HILLSIDE’S ICONIC TIMBER-FRAME BUILDING WITH ITS

The wine shop opens for the season March 10th, while the Bistro reopens March 22nd (Wed –Sun), where both executive chef Brent Pillon and winemaker Kathy Malone, return to work their magic with local ingredients.

“Hillside’s wine program this year continues to focus on showcasing handcrafted, small-lot wine that is made exclusively of Naramata Bench grapes,” says Jody Schwindt, sales & marketing manager. “Similarly, the Bistro showcases fresh and contemporary cuisine that celebrates the bounty of local ingredients.

We provide our visitors with more than just a great bottle of wine…we offer the ultimate wine and food experience and a unique sense of place.”

Indeed, few places on Naramata Bench can boast a 32-year history, 100% Naramata Bench wine and stunning lake, garden and vineyard views. “It’s an idyllic place to pause and savour all this enchanting region has to offer,” Schwindt adds.

Chosen for their long history in winemaking and their award-winning wine, Hillside was one of 70 British Columbia wineries showcased at the prestigious Vancouver International Wine Festival. “As Canada was the theme country marking our 150th birthday, we saw this as an opportunity to show the world, through terroir and vintage diversity, that the wines of British Columbia have come of age,” says winemaker Kathy.

Upcoming events include Pinot & Pearls, May 6th where fresh oysters will be paired with the winery’s award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Meet and mingle with winemaker Kathy on May 13th, for the Roll Out The Barrel event.

STUNNING 23-METRE HIGH TOWER. IT’S SPRING AND HILLSIDE’S GARDENS ARE YELLOW, PURPLE AND BLUE WITH FLOWERING BULBS AND THEIR VINEYARDS FLUSHED WITH THE FIRST HINTS OF GREEN.

~ Elaine Davidson

~ Hillary Schell Follow her on instagram @weirddoods

Visit us:

HILLSIDEWINERY.CA

SHARE. LIKE. TWEET #HILLSIZE #LOCOVIN

/HILLSIDEWINES @HILLSIDEWINES @HILLSIDEWINERY

1350 Naramata Road | Penticton, BC | 250.493.6274 | info@hillsidewinery.ca

28 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

The Heart of Wine Country wraps around the Okanagan Falls area stretching from Skaha Lake to Vaseux Lake. The area is famed for some of Canada’s top wine production with the highest quality wines in the valley. What has largely been kept a secret only sought out by those wine lovers in the know, these hidden gems of small wineries offer a taste of some of the finest wines, wonderful people and the heart of the Okanagan wine experience. Call each winery for wineshop hours.

Yorkton Ave

ke Rd

3

Skaha La

Crescent Hill

3 Crescent Hill Winery 205 Spruce Road, Penticton 250.492.7842 www.crescenthillwinery.com

Lak

1 Blasted Church

ehil

l Rd

Kaleden

Topshelf 14 Winery

Junction

4

k ee Cr

Krāzē Legz

Rd

Side

M cLean Cr e e k

East Rd Christie Memorial Park

Synchromesh Wines

Maple

13

St

6 Meyer Family

Keogan Park

Vineyards

Su

ndale

Stag’s Hollow

Alle

ay yW

Rd

alle nV

ke La

Wild Goose Vineyards

15 12

5

Rd

Liquidity

2 Blue Mountain

Vineyard & Cellars

8

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery nch

Ra Rd

Green

OLIVER

ver

Oli

See Ya Later Ranch 11 Lake Rd

Nighthawk Vineyards

PENTICTON

1

Holiday Beach Resort Motel

Okanagan Falls Provincial Park

2017 EVENTS

Rd

Kenyon Park

ve. hA 0t

OKANAGAN FALLS

n

www.winetrails.ca

SKAHA LAKE

ee Gr

15 Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2145 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.8919 www.wildgoosewinery.com

Rd

n ea cL M

3A

ns

rso

Pa

e Av

14 Topshelf Winery 236 Linden Ave., Kaleden 778.515.0099 www.topshelfwine.ca

OKANAGAN FALLS

97

HWY

en

13 Synchromesh Wines 4220 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.535.1558 www.synchromeshwines.ca

Estate Winery

nd

12 Stag’s Hollow Winery 2237 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.6162 www.stagshollowwinery.com

r

10 Painted Rock

Li

11 See Ya Later Ranch 2575 Green Lake Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8267 www.sylranch.com

eD

East Side Rd

Okanagan Hwy

10 Painted Rock Estate Winery 400 Smythe Dr., Penticton 250.493.6809 www.paintedrock.ca

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

SKAHA LAKE

8 Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2320 Oliver Ranch Rd. ,OK Falls 250.497.7945 www.nobleridge.com 9 Pentâge Winery 4551 Valley View Road, Penticton 250 493 4008 www.pentage.com

9

Pentâge Winery

yth

5 Liquidity Vineyards 4720 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 778.515.5550 www.liquiditywines.com

7 Nighthawk Winery 2735 Green Lake Road, OK Falls 250-497-8874 www.nighthawnvineyards.com

8

Sm

4 Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery 141 Fir Ave., Kaleden 250.497.6957 www.krazelegz.com

Crescent Hill Winery

Rd

PENTICTON

Lakeside Rd

2 Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars 2385 Allendale Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8244 www.bluemountainwinery.com

6 Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd., OK Falls 250.497.8553 www.MFVwines.com

Valleyview Rd

1 Blasted Church Vineyards 378 Parsons Rd., OK Falls 250.497.1125 www.blastedchurch.com

VASEUX LAKE

7

www.ofwa.ca #SipOKFalls For the latest information on all happenings in the heart of wine country, contact us: www.ofwa.ca e: info@ofwa.ca

Saturday April 29th: Spring Social!

Tickets on sale soon for an evening of wine, food & music. Mingle with all 15 member winemakers while they showcase their new spring releases. Check our website for more details!

Friday July 7th: Party in the Park at Kenyon Park in Okanagan Falls.

Tickets on sale soon for our 6th annual Party in the Park at Kenyon Park in beautiful Okanagan Falls, check our website for more detail!

Saturday, Nov 18th & Sunday, Nov 19th: Holiday Cheer Open House A weekend of Holiday Cheer, come visit our 15 member wineries and celebrate the Holiday Season with special gift, food and wine pairings!

Check our website for more details to come!

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 29

ok anag an fall s WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS & THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE OKANAGAN: FRUIT, SUN, EARTH & FAMILY THE REMARKABLE GROWING SEASON OF 2016 WITH AN EXTENDED WARM FALL WILL BE REMEMBERED BY THE KRUGER FAMILY AS BITTERSWEET. THE AMAZING VINTAGE WAS OVERSHADOWED BY THE PASSING OF WILD GOOSE’S FOUNDER AND BRITISH COLUMBIA WINE PIONEER ADOLF KRUGER IN NOVEMBER. HE WAS A TRAILBLAZER OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA WINE INDUSTRY AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN OPENING ONE OF BC’S FIRST “FARMGATE” WINERIES, WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS IN JUNE OF 1990.

“Last year was a tough year for us,” says Roland Kruger, Wild Goose general manager.

“My father was very influential in the wine industry and leaves quite a footprint behind.

We had an amazing send off and celebration of his life, but now it is time to move forward on the roadway that we paved. His work will live on through our vines.”

“We are working diligently to get the 2016 vintage into the bottle, having sold out of so many of our wines and our customers can’t wait for the new releases,” says Leslie Matheson, marketing manager. Included in the new releases will be the return of Wild Goose Rosé, a customer favourite for many years.

“We also have a very special red wine, Dunkelfelder, which, to my knowledge, you won’t find anywhere else in the Okanagan Valley,” says Leslie. “It is a grape usually used to darken Bordeaux blend style wines, but winemaker Hagen (Kruger) liked it so much that he decided to make it a single varietal bottling. The Dunkelfelder spent 12 months in American oak and is produced in limited quantities.”

Leslie also says she has a waiting list of orders to fill with Wild Goose’s flagship and internationally acclaimed Autumn Gold, a “secret blend” of Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc. “Spicy and aromatic, it’s a perfect patio sipping wine that has grown into one of BC’s most popular varietal blends.” Wild Goose also produces a number of single vineyard wines, including the Mystic River wines and Stoney Slope Riesling, produced from 30-plus-year-old vines.

Wild Goose’s popular Smoke & Oak Bistro (opening May 3rd) is welcoming a new Red Seal certified chef, David Seminoff, who will be offering up a menu inspired by the smoke and barbecue flavours of the Southern US, all brought together with wonderful local ingredients.

Fresh from having the honour of being part of the British Columbia contingent at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, Wild Goose Vineyards has a lot to look forward to in 2017, including many special events, such as concerts, winemaker’s dinners and numerous Vintner Club events. Check online at wildgoosewinery.com for dates. ~ Elaine Davidson

“

The Kruger family

My father was very influential in the wine industry and leaves quite a footprint behind.

”

Wines that touch the four corners of the Okanagan:

Fruit Earth Sun Family

2145 Sun Valley Way

Join pm our Vintner’s Club for Okanagan Falls, BC Tasting Room Hours: April 1—Mid October—Daily—10:00 am—5:00 250.497.8919 discounts and special promotions The Smoke & Oak Bistro: Opening May 3rd wildgoosewinery.com

info@wildgoosewinery.com

30 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

ok anag an fall s SPEND SOME QUALITY FAMILY TIME WITH SOME QUALITY WINES- MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS It’s that exciting time of the year when those nasty winter winds finally begin to fade away and the warm, early season sun draws us out to play. And for those

just itching to get out into the spring weather Meyer Family Vineyards is inviting the entire family out to the winery to play in the expanded picnicking garden and patio,

Photo: Henry Georgi

and will officially open its doors for the new season on April 1st.

The winery itself is also an idyllic setting for every member of the family. The patio, ringed by a quaint flower dotted garden, looks out over an expansive bocce green, perfect for children and dogs alike to romp around in the warming sun. And on those particularly gorgeous days the Okanagan is so well known for, there’s no reason to hide inside when Meyer Family offers specially tailored outdoor Cabana Tastings (Cabana Tastings, it should be noted, do need to be booked ahead of time).

Of course, no patio is complete without a lunch. And just in time for the new season Meyer Family has greatly expanded upon their lunch offerings, introducing among other offerings the entirely locally sourced Wine Crush Market line. And in addition to the wine there’s also Bull’s Head, the iconic boutique soda from Québec available for the kids, along with Howling Moon Cider from Oliver and local craft beer for the adults. And for the designated drivers,

the patio now offers iced coffee from the Fernwood Coffee Company in Victoria, BC. And of course, for the ever-picky family dog that turns their nose up at any fine wine, just ask at the bar for a special treat or two. It goes without saying that the most welcoming of wineries to any family, local or visiting, is a family-run winery.

Check out these two new single vineyard releases out this spring!

2015 REIMER VINEYARD PINOT NOIR

Very approachable at a young age, with bright red fruit and savoury notes on the nose. The palate shows cinnamon spice, tart cranberry, herb garden and hints of licorice. Balanced and consistent, with soft, rounded tannins and a smooth finish.

2015 MCLEAN CREEK ROAD PINOT NOIR

A more muscular wine, with a savoury, slightly funky nose and deeper fruit flavour profile of plum and black cherry, some blueberry spice and mocha notes. Mediumbodied with velvety tannins, well structured for long-term cellaring. ~ Blake Allen

Highly recommended & best value wines tasted in Decanter Magazine’s “The Best Pinot Noirs in the World (outside Burgundy)” 2013 McLean Creek Road Pinot Noir “crafting single vineyard wines of excellence"

Tasting Room OPEN DAILY 10AM to 5PM | 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls | T 250.497.8553

Join our “Pinot for Me” wine club ~ next shipment October 10th www.MFVwines.com www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 31

FOLLOW THE FLOCK TO NIGHTHAWK VINEYARDS

ok fall s / oliver

TAKE IT FROM A LOCAL, THE BEST PLACES IN THE OKANAGAN ARE OFTEN FOUND JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND OFF THE MAIN ROAD, AND NIGHTHAWK VINEYARDS IS NO EXCEPTION TO THAT RULE OF THUMB. Nighthawk Vineyards

A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE OF SAUVIGNON BLANC SOON TO BE RELEASED AT FAIRVIEW CELLARS “That’s what winemaking really is,” says Fairview Cellars owner Bill Eggert pointing to a table of glasses. Each contains samples of wine from the cellar.

Sauvignon Blanc is the first wine to be examined today and even though the finished bottle of wine will only have a single varietal’s name on the label, there is still a huge amount of thought and consideration that goes into crafting the wine from various components.

Today’s sampling involves Sauvignon Blanc from a stainless-steel tank, a barrel, and Semillon from a barrel. The tank portion was brilliantly aromatic with intense fresh grass, lime, and Asian pears and was briskly acidic. The barreled sample was less aromatic but had rounder flavours of ripe golden apples and straw. The Semillon showed the oak aromas the most but was equally brisk as the tank sample. Each will be a key ingredient in the final wine that will give it balance and complexity.

Sauvignon Blanc is not new to Fairview Cellars. Bill’s first vintage of the varietal was in 2005 and the 2016 component samples on the table are from his 12th Sauvignon Blanc vintage.

Sauvignon Blanc often generates a lot of excitement for what a new vintage can offer. The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc appears to be extremely aromatic. “It’s the year,” says Bill, even though he hesitates to say that it’s the year every year. “Everything must still be in balance.”

Fairview’s 2016 Sauvignon Blanc will be out shortly and ready for sipping or pairing with your favourite seafood dishes. ~Luke Whittall

Located in the sleepy village of Okanagan Falls, this quaint boutique winery is only ten minutes up the mountain, with a stunning view of the emerald waters of Green Lake.

As one would expect this rugged location to entail, the winery beautifully melds into its surrounding scenery. With vineyards lined by thick ponderosa forests and picnic grounds which offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountain valley. A weary traveller can unwind in this natural serenity with a bottle of fine wine and a charcuterie board of local cheeses, jellies, and locally sourced preserves.

Nighthawk Vineyards opens its doors for the season this Easter weekend and while the winery itself is young, its reputation has already far exceeded its age. The family run and harvested vineyard produces an array of high quality single varietals from small lots. And just last year, the Bibby family’s hard work was well rewarded when their Chardonnay won a Bronze at the Best of British Columbia awards, and their Syrah received both a Bronze at the Pacific Northwest Wine Festival in Oregon and Gold at the prestigious Best of Varietal Awards at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.

And as the evening light fills the valley and you make your way home, remember to look up for a glimpse of the winery’s namesake birds descending from the mountains into the vineyard. The nighthawks will spend the evenings as guardians of the vineyard, and play their small part in ensuring high quality growing conditions...and some of the valley’s finest wines. The locals here know just where to find the Okanagan’s best places. ~ Blake Allen

FAIRVIEW CELLARS From the Heart For the Heart

Natural Beauty. Distinctive Elegance.

Exceptional Hand Crafted Wines…

Open Daily 11am-5pm

By appointment only between November 15th through April 1st.

fairviewcellars.com Just off Old Golf Course Rd. 989 Cellar Rd., Oliver, BC

Bill Eggert

250-498-2211

32 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

Tasting Room Open Daily 10am-5pm visit us at www.nighthawkvineyards.com 2735 Green Lake Road, Okanagan Falls, B.C. 250.497.8874 or 250.300.9161 www.winetrails.ca

GET IT FIRST – THE NEW VINTAGE OF HYPOTHESIS IS ON THE WAY AT CULMINA ESTATE WINERY This year, Culmina Estate Winery will be releasing their highly anticipated 2013 vintage of Hypothesis, their flagship Bordeaux style blend. The 2013 vintage will be their third release of this superbly crafted wine from the Golden Mile Bench south of Oliver. In keeping with owners Don and Elaine Triggs’ philosophy on quality, this vintage

has been held back until it is ready. “We’re feeling like it’s getting really close,” explains daughter Sara Triggs. “We wanted to hold it back until we’re sure it’s ready.” The consensus between everyone at the Culmina is that it will be ready by the fall.

Hypothesis is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with the components of the 2013 vintage differing slightly from the previous vintages. Whereas the 2012 vintage leaned heavily on Merlot, and the 2011 on Cabernet Franc, the 2013 features nearly equal amounts of each grape variety in the blend. The fairer weather for

www.winetrails.ca

the 2013 vintage (compared to the 2012 vintage) means that the wine will have “even more generosity in terms of ripeness,” according to Sara. Moreover, because of the age of the vines and similar winemaking, people can expect even more quality with the new release. On this, the critics are nearly unanimous in agreement Wine Align critics: Michael Godel, has already awarded it 93 points, David Lawrason 92 points, and John Szabo 91 points.

Though it will not be released publicly until the fall, Hypothesis 2013 is being made available in March through an innovative En Primeur program. Culmina will be selling full cases of 2013 Hypothesis at an introductory case price of $39 per bottle (in contrast to the fall release price of $46). The introductory pricing will be valid for only a short period of time in March, and will only apply to full case purchases. All wines purchased in the program will then be delivered in the fall to coincide with the wine’s official release.

On Saturday, April 22nd Culmina will also be hosting a special event called “Decora: An Exploration in Riesling”,

oliver

(l-r) The Triggs family: Sarah, Elaine and Don featuring four vintages of Decora. Sourced from Culmina’s high-altitude vineyard called Margaret’s Bench, the master class will explore Culmina’s cool climate Riesling expression and will be followed by a canapé reception showcasing Culmina’s other new spring releases. Tickets are $50 and available at Culmina.ca. ~ Luke Whittall

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 33

oliver SPRING FORWARD TO 10 YEARS OF QUINTA FERREIRA John and Maria Ferreira fulfilled their shared lifelong dream in establishing it and their family is engaged in key roles in Quinta Ferreira’s success. Son Michael is winemaker, daughter Nicole oversees sales and marketing in the Lower Mainland, and daughter Christina heads marketing and communications. As resident artist, Carmen Tome is found in the Wine Shop offering tastings and sales. Winery greeters include canine family Duke, Rex and Daisy.

Christina recalls that first day, “Our tasting room wasn’t quite ready so we had a table set-up among the tanks and sold wine out of the cases. It was a few weeks later we were able to open our tasting room.” Located in Oliver on the Black Sage Bench, known for exceptional conditions to produce high quality grapes, Quinta Ferreira immediately attracted a loyal following of locals and visitors alike. Quinta Ferreira’s awards confirm such excellent grapes allow the production of fabulous wines. Featured are varietals Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Malbec and recently, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot.

To celebrate, there’ll be events, wine sales and features all year long. Kicking off 10th anniversary festivities is the ever popular Bifanas, Wine & Live Music event, May 7th from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm – or until the bifanas run out.

It features live music, the traditional Portuguese sandwich of pork in a bun, salad and a glass of wine for $20. Buy tickets at the winery or through the Facebook events post.

Be sure to follow facebook.com/QuintaFerreira and @ QuintaFerreira on Twitter and Instagram to stay tuned to all the celebrations. The Wine Club, too, plans anniversary surprises. Check out its many benefits on quintaferreira.com ~Roslyne Buchanan

OPENING THE DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING THE OKANAGAN SPRING WINE FESTIVAL IN 2007, FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED Michael Ferreira

QUINTA FERREIRA

ESTATE WINERY CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY THIS SEASON.

Tiny winery dog, Daisy

34 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

PARTIES & CONTEST GALORE THIS YEAR AT OLIVER TWIST WINERY

oliver THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT RIVER STONE ESTATE WINERY THE PARTY IS JUST GETTING STARTED AT OLIVER TWIST

Owner and winemaker Gina Harfman and new wine shop manager Tammie Betts are anticipating excellent turnouts on the many special days that they have planned throughout the coming year.

Oliver Twist will host a Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 11th. There will be wine specials, tasty treats, and contests galore to go along with the normally beautiful spring Okanagan weather. It is rare for wineries to be hosting events on this scale so early in the year but there is a reason for that. “We have always had a lot of local support,” says Gina. “Having events outside of the busy tourist season is a great way to say thank you to our many loyal customers who live in the Okanagan.”

On Saturday, May 13th, Oliver Twist will host a cheesemaking course with Naomi Fournier, the Modern Milkmaid of Birdsong Farm in Enderby. It will be a two-hour session that will focus on making cheeses that pair with the wines of Oliver Twist. Tickets are $75 and will include a glass of wine while making your cheese. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about what makes cheese and wine go so well together! Seating is limited so contact the winery directly.

The 4th Annual “Show, Shine … and Wine?” will be on Saturday, July 8th. Expect the best shiny hot rods surrounded by live music, food, and wine. There may even be a secret brand new wine released to help celebrate the occasion!

There will be more events happening throughout the year so visit their website olivertwist. ca or follow them on social media to learn about events as soon as they are announced.

2015 Patio Passion (new release) Aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberry candy, and apples. This wine is beautifully bright, balanced, and refreshing and perfect for any patio, or passion. ~ Luke Whittall

River Stone Estate Winery owners Ted and Lorraine Kane have taken time over the winter, as most winery owners do, to evaluate the previous year’s vintage and make plans for the next one. Assistant Manager Julie Planiden reports that the 2016 season was extremely busy.

Growing demands for their wines has resulted in all of their whites, the Malbec Rosé, and some of the red wines selling out before the end of the season. The vineyard was even used as a location for a filming a movie at the peak of the busy season.

Early assessments of the 2016 vintage are extremely promising. The spring was early at River Stone with bud break occurring around April 10, two weeks earlier than normal but only a couple of days earlier than 2015. The growing season was long and following a long harvest, the winter chill between seasons was notably cold. Ted says that the vines seem to have come through very well so far. Because the winter freeze set in slowly, the vines had a chance to protect themselves and go dormant properly.

There will be new products released this spring along with some amazing events. One notable release is a Gewürztraminer, which is only their third vintage produced from this grape variety. Previous vintages have sold well and quickly so if you are a fan of this variety in BC, put this one on your list. Look for it in the spring followed by a brand-new wine unlike anything that they have ever produced and may even be unique in the Okanagan. (Hint: It will sparkle.) The winery will also host a cooking class with chef Chris Van Hooydonk on Thursday, May 11th. With space only for 25 guests, this event will sell out quickly.

Contact the winery directly for tickets. ~Luke Whittall

Savour the Journey...

250-498-0043 RIVERSTONE@EASTLINK.CA 143 BUCHANAN DR, OLIVER BC

RIVERSTONEESTATEWINERY.CA FACEBOOK: RIVERSTONEESTATEWINERY INSTAGRAM: @DRINKRIVERSTONE TWITTER: @DRINKRIVERSTONE olivertwistwinery.com Tasting Room Open Year Round 398 Lupine Lane (Just off Road 9), Oliver, BC 250-485-0227 www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 35

HAPPY VINTAGES AT GEHRINGER PLEASANT SURPRISES AWAIT YOU THIS SPRING BROTHERS FOR OWNER AND WINEMAKER AT HIDDEN CHAPEL

oliver

The winter winds have finally subsided and as the snow thaws, the spring season always seems to bring with it a few new surprises. Such is the case this year at Hidden Chapel Winery who will be unveiling, in addition to their new vintages, their first Sparkling Rosé this year! The predominately Syrah-based bubbly, a distinctive take on this classical style, is effervescent with hints of strawberries and cranberries. Not to mention perfectly timed for popping the cork and celebrating the season’s return!

Those still unfamiliar with the winery are especially encouraged to visit this favourite hub of locals and songbirds alike, tucked away in the north of Oliver behind an idyllic garden just off of the highway.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the winery’s namesake chapel, hidden in a small stand of pine trees which lines the property. And while you’re basking in the sun, exploring the grounds and sipping wine, be sure to hop online and check the winery’s website for a list of their upcoming events, many of which will be accompanying the season’s warm weather.

But for even more surprises, including 1 or 2 complimentary bottles of wine in every case, consider joining the Hidden Chapel Cellar Club! The two-tier club only asks members to purchase either a single case of wine to be shipped in April (with the freedom to choose either all whites, all reds, or mixed), or two cases of wine to be shipped, one each in April and October. In addition to some complementary bottles, membership also includes 15% off cases of wine in the wineshop, invitations to special events, and free shipping across British Columbia and Alberta. This way, one doesn’t even have to wait for the spring season to receive some welcomed surprises from the Hidden Chapel. ~Blake Allen

WALTER GEHRINGER, THE 2016 VINTAGE WAS ONE THAT WILL PRODUCE AMAZING

Walter Gehringer

AROMATIC WINES. THE EHRENFELSER, GEWÜRZTRAMINERSCHÖNBURGER, AND SAUVIGNON BLANC ALL EXEMPLIFY THIS. In the vineyards, the 2016 vintage was similar to the 2015, but was slightly earlier in its start. Late spring and early summer saw days with high temperatures followed by days with lower temperatures. “Even with the ups and downs,” explains Walter, “the momentum of the fruit didn’t slow down.” By the end of July, they were back on track with the 30-year average for heat units to that point. In his extensive experience with vintages in BC, 2016 was totally unique for Walter. In recent years, 2014 was a good vintage and 2015 had more texture with lower overall yields.

2016 will be a very fruit-forward vintage that will see a slightly larger volume of wine, but still producing wines of excellent quality and delicious bouquet.

2016 also saw Gehringer’s wines receive a total of 8 new Platinum Awards from the Platinum Judging, conducted by Wine Press Northwest magazine, where eligibility to enter is to have won a Gold medal at any of about 40 competitions worldwide.

This included two Double-Platinum awards for the 2015 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay and the 2015 Gewürztraminer-Schönburger, awards which are only given to a wine when the judges unanimously agree that a wine stands out as the best of the best in a category. If you are keeping score of their awards, this brings the total over 17 years to 64 medals, which further cements their position as the Platinum King of that competition.

EHRENFELSER 2016 Aromas of green apples, flowers, white peaches, and tangerines. The palate is a fruit salad of peaches and flowers, with a brisk mineral finish. ~Luke Whittall

21 Unique Wines Tasted Daily

EL

E B R AT I N

31

G

C

On the Golden Mile Bench Ye a r s

Sales Representation: Lower Mainland Vancouver Island

Tasting is Believing!

1-877-856-0614

Okanagan Valley, Interior 1-250-809-2293 Northern BC 1-250-267-4641 Southern Alberta 403-850-5838 Northern Alberta 780-945-1434

876 Rd 8, Oliver, B.C. Phone 250-498-3537 Toll free: 1-800-784-6304 www.gehringerwines.ca

876 Road 8, Oliver B.C. Tel. 250-498-3537 www.gehringerwines.ca

Open Daily April through October Off Season: 250-490-6000 for Appointment 482 Pinehill Rd., Oliver BC 250-490-6000

www.hiddenchapelwinery.com

The most Platinum Awards in the Pacific Northwest Winemaker of the Year Award 36 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca

oliver /0soyo o s THE RETURN OF OLD AND NEW FAVOURITES TO DESERT HILLS The desert hills which line the town of Oliver come alive in the spring with sage and flowers. This changing of the season brings with it the return of songbirds to the desert’s hills, and the release of the much anticipated 2016 vintage to Desert Hills Winery. Built atop a low ridge on Oliver’s Black Sage Road, and looking out over the valley below.

Desert Hills has grown quite literally out of its very namesake through the hard work and vision of the Toor brothers – Randy, Jessie, and Dave.

As was always envisioned by the Toor brothers, the wines reflect the unique terroir of Oliver’s sandy soil. And their hard work and dedication has been rewarded with many awards over the years and accolades from locals and visitors alike. The new season promises to bring one of their finest vintages yet, particularly for the ever-popular Gamay Noir; along with the long-awaited return of the Sauvignon Blanc.

2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC

Not your typical Sauvignon Blanc. While aspects of this wine could be compared to a New Zealand style, in the form of its pleasant citric body and mild acidity, this varietal displays distinctive notes unique to the desert terroir of Oliver in which it grew. Expect a pleasant herbal aroma of grass clippings and the distinctive hint of apple which follows on the palate.

2016 GAMAY NOIR

This rich, fruit forward red meets the nose with a soft but prominent aroma of spice. Followed on the palate with prominent hints of dark fruits, especially black cherry, then all of which is wrapped in subtle earthy tones. It is surely one of the finest vintages of this popular wine yet, and easily the most lush and fruitful. Don’t be afraid to cellar for 5 to 8 years to really elevate the profile of this wine. ~Blake Allen

Anthony Buchanan

TWO NEW WINES AT ADEGA ON 45TH Team Adega has announced that two new wines will be making their debut this spring! Their first-ever Riesling is scheduled for bottling in April so visitors to the winery can look for this special new wine around the beginning of the Spring Wine Festival.

Racyne Mader Only 300 cases of the Riesling were made for this first 2016 vintage. The second wine is a single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, which will fit right in with the winery’s portfolio of bold red wines like Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

Coming from the stunning 2014 vintage, this Cabernet Sauvignon has been resting in bottle for a number of months. Both wines were made entirely from estate grapes grown in the vineyards that surround the winery.

Family owned and operated, the Adega team has grown over this past year. Racyne Mader has now returned to her job as wine shop manager after taking a year off following the birth of her daughter Ellie. Recognizing that wine lovers continue to tour through the winter season, Racyne kept the wine shop open four days per week for the first time in their history. Starting at the beginning of March, the wine shop will return to regular hours from 10am to 5pm 7 days a week.

The patio will again be bustling throughout the summer. Offering picnic tables, a pergola for shade, a selection of food and, of course beautiful wines, Adega’s patio is one of the Okanagan’s warmest and most comfortable. It is also closely surrounded by vineyards and features a wide panoramic view of the lake and the town of Osoyoos making it a positively enveloping and immersive wine country experience. ~Luke Whittall

CHECK OUT OUR NEW RELEASES Check Out AND EXPERIENCE Our New OUR NEW WINE Releases SHOP!

Family and Tradition ... Timeless.

Open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed January and February unless otherwise posted.

Highway 3 (Osoyoos) turn on 45th St., East Osoyoos, BC

250 495 6243 www.adegaon45.com

www.winetrails.ca

2 Time RecipienT of The LieuTenanT GoveRnoR’s awaRd foR exceLLence in winemakinG, winneR of canada’s BesT Red & 2 Time winneR oveRaLL BesT wine!

Wine Shop Open April – Oct., 10am – 5:30 pm, 7 days/wk Desert Hills Estate Winery | 4078 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC | Phone: 250-498-6664 | www.deserthills.ca MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 37

similkameen/osoyoos SPRING FUN & PICNICS IN THE SUN AT CLOS DU SOLEIL Sunshine and fun times kick off this year’s wine season at Clos du Soleil. What Winemaker Michael Clark used to be a well-kept secret has now and his son Owen become a signature destination in the Similkameen Valley. With the spectacular views and intimate atmosphere, it’s no wonder visitors like to while away the hours in the tranquil surroundings, sampling the award-winning wines.

This year, guests can enjoy an enhanced tasting room experience as they kick back with a picnic at the vineyard.

Picnic tables, parasols, and pleasant conversation are all part of a European paysan wine experience where quality wine is the beginning of good times and summer memories.

And there is no need to pack a lunch; picnic baskets filled with local goodies can be purchased at the tasting room. The licensed picnic area welcomes adults and children where families can eat, drink, and play traditional family games.

The good people at Clos du Soleil are feeling especially honoured this year, as not one, but three of their wines made Gismondi on Wine’s 2016 list of “Top Ten BC Wines.”

To celebrate the good news and great wines, Clos du Soleil is hosting a special Spring Celebration Open House on Saturday, May 13th. Hors-d’oeuvres, winery tours and the unique opportunity to taste vintage wines from their exclusive library will be available to guests throughout that day.

For busy oenophiles who can’t find the time to travel, but want to access the high quality, small production wines, Clos du Soleil’s online store provides easy purchase options and speedy delivery direct to your home or office. Visit the website at closdusoleil.ca to find out more about the delivery service, and sign up for the newsletter to stay tuned for the special spring celebration events.

The tasting room will open from April 15th, seven days per week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. ~ Henrietta Poirer

38 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

Old world elegance ... New world edge.

Wineshop Opens April 15th Daily 10am to 5pm Winery Direct Sales Available Online

www.closdusoleil.ca

2568 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC 250-499-2831 wine@closdusoleil.ca

www.winetrails.ca

ON THE COVER… INTERVIEW WITH BRADLEY COOPER BRADLEY COOPER IS AN OKANAGAN WINEMAKER AND ALSO HALF OF DAUM COOPER WINERY SERVICES (DCWS) LTD., MANAGED BY WIFE/PARTNER AUDRALEE DAUM. THEY ARE ALSO PROPRIETORS OF BLACK CLOUD PINOT NOIR PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY SMALL LOT WINES FEATURING PINOT NOIR (BLACKCLOUD.CA) AND MEMBERS OF THE GARAGISTE NORTH WINE FESTIVALS (CELEBRATING THE UNDER 2000 CASE BC

DCWS offers consulting services to new and established wineries with a range of issues including production, marketing and planning. Brad provides his winemaking expertise for DCWS clients and Audralee manages the business end.

Brad has also been the winemaker at Serendipity Winery in Naramata since vintage 2014. He celebrated his 21st vintage last fall.

Fun Fact: Brad is also founder of the Okanagan Burger Tour. Follow this group of burger lovers around the valley on Facebook as they sample the burger creations at local eateries. Follow Brad’s informative and hilarious wine country reflections and antidotes on twitter as the ‘Bradinator’.

ARTISAN WINE PRODUCERS: GARAGISTENORTH.COM).

MEET BRAD: Describe the moment you knew you wanted to become a winemaker.

A few years into my cellar rat phase, I was challenged by a local winemaker to answer the question, “Do you want to be a winemaker?”. We were having a casual end-of-day kind of conversation during which he had noted that my palate was showing promise and so he asked the question. I started to answer with prevarication, making some half-hearted and evasive comments about ideas I had about creating a niche for a traveling winery custodian when he stopped me mid-sentence to repeat, “Do you want to be a winemaker?”. I paused and thought for a moment and said, “Yes, I do.” And it began.

If you were a bottle of wine what would you be? Write yourself tasting notes.

Brad is a bottle of rosé. He exhibits refreshing fresh fruit and floral notes but a sip or two reveals spice, a little structure and a lingering complexity that suggests something more elaborate. In fact, what grape was used to make this rosé? This rosé is flexible and accommodating, enjoy it with a variety of foods and without fanfare, year round.

What do you love most about what you do?

Two things: the people in this business aren’t cut from the same cloth. It’s such a new industry here, most people have history and backgrounds of incredible variety and diversity that brings talent and excitement.

It’s great to work with them. And the other thing is the blend of science and art that inhabits every part of wine production on a daily basis. It’s a yin and yang kind of thing.

Describe the Pinot Noir passion- why the love and obsession?

Other hobbies/talents/party tricks?

I run, hike, snowshoe, ski, mountain bike and recycle. I can recall obscure historic dates and events. One of my distal thumb joints is decidedly double jointed. Favourite thing I ever read in a public washroom stall: Expression without forethought is the territory of fools. My church is the mountains, I don’t go often enough.

What are the top three skills you need as a winemaker?

I’m going to say stamina, engaged curiosity and unjustifiable confidence. In reverse: at some point you have to trust your abilities even though you know there are shortcomings in your list of skills. You have to be able to take charge and make the call. If you can’t, you’re a skilled tech but not a ‘decider’ to quote the amusing George W. Bush. Next, your curiosity must be sustained. It’s what keeps you fresh and validates the experiments and trials that must happen to always be improving

your game. Finally, you have to have the beans to get the job done. Young or old, you have to be able to work harvest and then stay mentally and physically vibrant to answer the bell all year long. You don’t have to be a perfect athlete, but know you will be tested.

MARKETPLACE WINE ACCESSORIES Strictly Cellars & Accessories Wine Care Specialists •Wine Cellars from 50 to 500 bottles • Wine Racking & Cooling Systems • Wine Accessories & Glassware graphic design • environmental graphics • interpretive display 250-448-7225 or 1-866-396-7225

PO Box 638, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 www.magpye.ca www.strictlycellars.com tel 250.494.8991 cell 250.488.0087

WINERY

toll free 1.877.770.8901

I don’t think I wear the obsessive badge too well. I’m more about focus and attention to detail. I think Pinot Noir and its Pinot cousins will continue to take a lead role in the Okanagan and in BC overall. It’s suited and somewhat adaptable to the various growing areas. It doesn’t do well with formula winemaking. Instead, it shines when you can spare some TLC. In its best form, it walks a tightrope between lean austerity and spectral fruit.

WWW.BLACKCLOUD.CA www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 39

“You can’t improve on the flavour of pure nature.”

– Stephen Cipes, Founder/Proprietor

Join us to create a more delicious future.

Join us for a complimentary tasting, and stay for a meal in our Sunset Organic Bistro.

Order online to have our delicious wine shipped to your door!

WWW.SUMMERHILL.BC.CA ORGANIC • BIODYNAMIC • 100% BC

sum mer l and

www.winetrails.ca

MARCH | APRIL 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails • 42

43 • BC Food & Wine Trails • MARCH | APRIL 2017

www.winetrails.ca