Food & Wine Trails BC - May June 2017 Issue by BC Food & Wine Trails Magazine

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 M AY | J U N E 2 0 1 7

nar a m ata COCK-A-DOODLE DOO! IT’S THE YEAR OF THE (RED) ROOSTER RED

ROOSTER

WINERY

CELEBRATING BOTH THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER WITH THE LAUNCH OF THEIR GORGEOUS NEW LABELS. WINE

LOVERS

THE

KNOW

HAVE BEEN FLOCKING TO THE GORGEOUS

NARAMATA

BASED

WINERY FOR TWO DECADES. Their landmark winery building is literally a beacon on the Bench, offering visitors a complete wine country celebration that includes food, wine, art and well, everything a chicken lover could ever ask for. This winery does love to have fun but at the same time takes its job of excellent winemaking and superior hospitality very seriously with a long lineup of awards to crow about. The tasting room experience at Red Rooster is unique and the team here continues to offer guests something special and different. Estate manager Katherine MacKenzie says, “In addition to our tasting room flights we will be adding to your tasting experience this year by offering some new options. The Cheese Head Pairing and Vino & Cocoa. Our in-house expert will walk you through the perfect pairing of selected fine cheeses or indulge in our most popular tasting yet, sample premium gourmet chocolates paired with our award winning wines.” Really, what could be better?

Award-winning senior winemaker Karen Gillis has flown south – all the way to New Zealand to participate in a harvest this year. MacKenzie says, “Junior winemaker Riley Hollenbach is protecting the flock while she is away. Riley started at Red Rooster in 2009 and quickly became a valuable understudy of Karen. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier, Nova Scotia, in microbiology and botany, coupled with his years of experience working alongside his father, a veteran grape grower in the BC industry.” Appropriately named, The Pecking Room Patio restaurant opens June 1st for the season with local chef Darin Paterson of Bogners Restaurant at the helm. Chef Darin will be creating some new celebration specials with an Asian inspired menu in keeping with the Year of the Rooster.

Delicious dishes like steamed bao buns and fresh Asian inspired salads will be on offer along with other delights to peck at. Mark your calendars! In celebration of their 20th year anniversary, the brood at this coop is hosting a Year of the Rooster party at the winery on June 24th. Join the festivities from 6pm until 10pm for an evening of wine and food overlooking the stunning views of Okanagan Lake. This event promises to go out with a bang. Call 250-492-2424 or email info@ redroosterwinery.com for more information. Check out their new website to stay tuned for news throughout the season: redroosterwinery. com ~ Jennifer Schell

WHAT DOES THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER MEAN? The Rooster is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac (and similar zodiacal systems) related to the Chinese calendar. The description of the Rooster’s particular personality aligns perfectly with that of the winery: “Roosters are always active, amusing, and popular within a crowd. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful. Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm on any occasion.”

www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

SPRING FRITTATA

o soyo o s The Farinha and Nunes families at Adega on 45th in Osoyoos are rolling out the new vintages fast and furiously. As the season is just getting started, they are currently releasing new vintages of both whites and reds. The Cabernet Sauvignon, the newest wine in the portfolio, was released early in the spring. The 2014 Merlot is also now available and will be followed shortly by the 2014 Cabernet Franc, a wine that has consistently garnered praise from critics and fans of that grape variety in BC. Along with the Cabernet Sauvignon, there will be another brand-new wine to grace Adega’s portfolio. A bright and crisp Riesling will now take the place of the Chardonnay, which is no longer part of the property. Though they do not often draw attention to this fact, Adega only uses fruit from its own vineyards and opts not to purchase from other growers or even lease vineyards from others. This ensures that their fruit quality matches their high standards to make the best wine they can. The 2016 Riesling is the first vintage of this new single-variety wine.

ADEGA ON 45TH ROLLS OUT NEW VINTAGES The month of June will again see the biggest annual tradition at Adega – the annual Customer Appreciation Day that will take place on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th. This year’s event will feature a day of amazing food, festivities, and live music on the patio provided by local acoustic band August Accord. And of course, you can also sit back with a glass or

Every cook should know how to create a frittata. Much lighter than a pastry-lined quiche, they are also much easier and much faster to whip up in a pinch. Super flexible with ingredients, frittatas make for a fabulous catchall for leftovers in the fridge. Vary the cheese, herbs, meats or seafood and veggies, and serve for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner – only rule that must be followed in my book is to use a cast iron pan. Cold frittatas are also wonderful to pack for your winery picnic. ~ Jennifer Schell

two of wine and enjoy their warm, southfacing patio. Members of the wine club, “The A-List”, can also pick up their cases at the same time. Not an A-List member? Joining is easy and they will help you sign up at the wine shop. ~ Luke Whittall

Ingredients: 8 farm fresh eggs ½ cup milk salt & pepper 1/2 Tbsp olive oil 8-10 spears thin asparagus ½ cup onion, chopped ½ cup back bacon, chopped ½ cup goat cheese ¼ cup feta cheese 2 Tbsp fresh tarragon, leaves removed from stem Sprinkle of Maldon sea salt Optional: sprinkle of chile flakes Cast iron pan Preheat oven to 350˚Celsius. Heat cast iron pan on medium heat, add olive oil then asparagus, sauté 2 minutes per side or until crisp-tender. Remove and add onion and bacon. Sauté until onion is tender and bacon cooked. Add eggs, milk, tarragon and salt and pepper to large bowl and whisk until just combined (note: if you whip too much air into the eggs, the frittata will expand in the oven and then deflate and become heavy instead of airy). Pour egg mixture into pan, add cheese and stir to incorporate with onion and cheese. Line up asparagus and push down into egg mixture. Cook on stovetop for 3-4 minutes, or until the egg begins to pull from sides, then pop into oven for 12-15 minutes or until centre is set. Remove from oven, cool and cut into wedges, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt and serve. Bon appétit!

Meet a BC Egg Farmer

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

Scott Janzen is a third-generation egg farmer from Abbotsford, BC. As a young man, he moved away from the farming life but he came back to it once he had a family and knew that a farm was a great place to raise his kids. Today, he produces two types of eggs for the people of BC. Learn more by visiting BC Egg’s website at bcegg.com

250 495 6243 www.adegaon45.com

4•

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

contents events

editor’s note

Pinot Noir Festival ............................................................................................ 15 Garagiste North ............................................................................................... 47

wine, beer & spirits Adega On 45th........................................4

Moraine..................................................24

Averill Creek ..........................................44

Mt. Boucherie........................................32

BC Egg Farmers.......................................4

Nagging Doubt......................................47

Black Hills.................................................9

Naramata Bench Wineries Assoc..........20

Burrowing Owl.......................................10

Nighthawk..............................................18

Buy The Sea...........................................26

Noble Adventures..................................46

CedarCreek............................................36

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

Ciao Bella...............................................31

Oliver Twist.............................................11

Clos Du Soleil...........................................7

Quails’ Gate...........................................33

Corceletttes..............................................7

Quinta Ferreira.......................................12

DeLong Studio.......................................26

Recline Ridge.........................................46

Desert Hills.............................................10

Red Rooster.............................................2

Dirty Laundry..........................................29

River Stone.............................................12

Ex Nihilo.................................................43

Sandy Beach..........................................23

Forest Green Man Lavender..................20

Sandhill...................................................35

Gehringer Brothers................................11

Spierhead...............................................37

Gray Monk.............................................42

Stag’s Hollow..........................................18

Hester Creek..........................................13

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

Hidden Chapel.......................................14

Therapy..................................................21

Hillside Winery & Bistro.........................23

The Cove................................................30

Kraze Legs..............................................19

The Scenic Sip.......................................41

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

The View................................................37

Larch Hills...............................................46

Tinhorn Creek..........................................8

Legend Distilling....................................24

Volcanic Hills..........................................32

Lunessence.............................................27

Westside Wine Trail...............................30

Marichel..................................................22

Wild Goose............................................17

Meyer Family Vineyards.........................19 Monte Creek..........................................45

restaurants & catering Delta Grand, Oak and Cru........................................................................... 38-39 RauDZ Regional Table/micro bar.bites.............................................................. 34 Terrafina at Hester Creek................................................................................... 13 The Bench Market............................................................................................. 25 West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar........................................................................... 33

wine country services BC Penticton VQA Info Centre.......26 Studio Red Star...................................6 Strictly Cellars....................................47 Wine Glass Writer............................22

It’s spring wine release time! The new vintages of beautiful 2016 wines are now available. Make sure to stock up on your favorites for those many sunny patio days ahead and join a wine club or two to ensure you don’t miss out on small lot releases. Festivals and events are also being announced for the year, so put on your partty pants and get ready to live it up. Do get your calendars out to save the dates for upcoming events like the Pinot Noir Celebration on August 19th – website: bcpinotnoir.ca. Garagiste North Wine Festivals has three events planned throughout the province this year. This unique festival celebrates the under 2000 case, small producers and provides a special taste of wine country. April 22nd they are in Vancouver, July 29th in Parksville and August 27th in Penticton - website: garagistenorth.com There are lots of new wineries to visit on your tours this year– and eateries. In particular, you will want to visit the brand new Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ. The result of the partnering of RauDZ Regional Table and Terrafina Restaurant, this delicious amalgamation of talents is going to create the newest destination restaurant in the Okanagan. I want to thank my amazing team of writers for again contributing their words to the magazine. The symphony of voices they provide, each with a unique style and vision, make this a community magazine written with passion. Cheers to another wonderful year in wine country! Don’t forget to shop direct and support your local farmers markets- we have some wonderful recipes inside for you to make using local ingredients.

– Jennifer Schell 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

Publisher: Karen Hill Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Schell Creative: Kiana Haner-Wilk Circulation: Sue Kovacs

Subscription rate Canada $22.00 per year (GST Incl.) U.S. $26.00 U.S. per year International $26t.00 Can. per year 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

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

ON THE COVER Thank you again to fabulous photographer Victor Poirier and Henrietta Poirier of Studio Red Star for shooting this gorgeous cover. Studio Red Star is a production studio based in Kelowna with a focus on video, photography and branded content (see ad below). Our handsome cover model this issue is winemaker Grant Elio Biggs from Kitsch Wines in East Kelowna (see our Q & A with Grant on the inside back cover). Thanks to the Kitsch family for allowing us to photograph Grant in his second home, the garage of their stunning home that is also the acting wine cellar and tasting room surrounded by their estate vineyard. Kitsch Wines tasting room is located at 3330 Neid Road and besides offering excellent wines, it has a to die for view of Kelowna to enjoy. The Kitsch family’s Okanagan roots go back to 1910, with winery proprietors Ria and Trent Kitsch being the fourth generation. Keep up to date on this growing winery on their website kitschwines.ca.

Henrietta Poirier, Grant Elio Biggs & Jennifer Schell

6•

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

CHARACTER AND MAGIC AT CORCELETTES ESTATE WINERY Corcelettes Estates Winery sits in the elbow of the Similkameen Valley across from the imposing face of K Mountain. The vistas are endless. The winery is named in honor of winemaker Charlie Baessler’s family farm in Switzerland, not far from the Castle of Grandson. An 11-foot Menhir, an ancient monolith stone, stood on the farm, so there’s a symmetry to the fact that he and his wife, Jesce, and their 16-month old twin girls, Arya and Evelyn –along with their dog Schaze, now make their home and living amongst the dark rocks of the Similkameen. This winery is about family and this included their extended family—the staff. Upbeat and charismatic, the team is brimming with knowledge. Soon they’ll be getting another addition, a herd of Katahdin Dorper sheep to help create a sustainable viticulture. Here they believe that making good wine begins in the vineyard. Corcelettes’s wines are gaining recognition. The Petit Verdot, a single varietal created with two-barrel production, and Jesce’s favorite, which began its journey into the world in unison with the birth of the twins, is impressing even the sternest of critics. The new Cabernet Merlot, a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot grapes— all 100% estate grown; a delicious wine tasting of dark fruit, chalky and intense, with hints of black cherry, dark chocolate, and a slate minerality. It pairs beautifully with pizza, chocolate and BBQ.

CLOS DU SOLEIL: A DYNAMIC WINE EXPERIENCE

Jesce & Charlie with winery dog Schaze

Beginning Canada Day, Corcelettes’s new tasting room will be open. It’s spacious with phenomenal views— just the right place to relax and enjoy wine. Plans are also in progress for a food service. Plus, wine club members are being treated to their own private golf experience. It’s the perfect oasis but don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself. ~ Lesley Buxton

Clos du Soleil winery located on Upper Bench Road, just minutes away from Keremeos, has a reputation for making outstanding single vineyard Bordeaux-style wines that combine the very best of oldworld elegance and new-world edge. Their secret? Their unique farming philosophy. This boutique winery features a certified organic vineyard managed using the principals of biodynamics. Biodynamic viticulture is an energetic form of land management that embraces the concept of harmony and encourages a balanced relationship with every creature that inhabits the farm’s ecosystem, including the vineyard workers. This ethical approach is not only wonderful for the environment but it ensures that the soil on this vineyard is teeming with life. And at Clos du Soleil, they understand this is the key to making extraordinary wines. A visit here is an immersive experience. Guests are free to explore, wander the vineyards, chat, and ask the staff about the vineyard’s innovative practices. Everyone here is always eager to share their expertise. There’s no need to rush. Have a picnic on the lawn. There’s plenty of shade. The winery provides pre-packed, locally produced lunches that are just perfect with a glass of wine. Relax and soak up the ambience, let the kids roam. There’s no need to worry. One of the fabulous benefits of this holistic style of farming is that there are no restricted areas.

similk a meen The immersion experience continues inside the tasting room as well. Here guests can hang out with tasting room manager, Amanda Elyzen, who provides a wealth of information. Enjoy a tasting while learning how handcrafted artisanal wines are made. Afterwards take a trip into the barrel room. Guests are encouraged to view the cellar work in progress (and tours may be booked in advance). This is the kind of place that encourages curiosity. Winemaker Michael Clark makes himself available to talk about his craft. After all, they understand that great wine is much more than just fermented juice; it’s about attention to detail, process, and a respect for the land. And at Clos du Soleil this philosophy is evident in every sip of their sophisticated and delicious wine. ~ Lesley Buxton

Old world elegance ... New world edge. Visit the dynamic team at Corcelettes that offer an authentic, decadent wine experience. Taste the difference.

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

Exceptionally Well Grown Wines S I M I L K A M E E N VA L L E Y

Wine Shop Open Daily, May - Oct, 10:30am - 5:30pm 2582 Upper Bench Rd., Keremeos, BC 250 499-5595 www.CorcelettesWine.ca Info@CorcelettesWine.ca www.winetrails.ca

www.closdusoleil.ca

2568 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC 250-499-2831 wine@closdusoleil.ca MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

TINHORN CREEK VINEYARDS EVOLUTION

oliver

LIKE FRESH FOLIAGE IN THE VINEYARDS, TINHORN CREEK TURNS A NEW LEAF ON ITS LABELS.

The design remains true to the brand’s depth just as bud break builds on the strength of the vine’s past. Tinhorn Creek’s namesake is the historical mining site in the southern Okanagan that overlooks the winery on its Golden Mile Bench location. Founded by the Oldfield family, the Oldfield Reserve artisan-style premium wines are crafted to reflect both place and time of the estate vineyards. Spring releases will debut the refreshed label. As spring launches, snatch up your tickets for the 2017 Canadian Concert Series held in the summer. Tinhorn Creek’s amphitheatre is a one-of-a-kind venue to enjoy live entertainment and perhaps dance the night away under the stars at its strategic hillside perch between the winery and award-winning Miradoro Restaurant. The stellar lineup of musical artists gracing the stage this year are The Boom Booms, May 27th; Julian Taylor Band, June 24th; John Welsh Band, July 22nd; and the Mounties, August 26th. Additional events

8•

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

entice you to Tinhorn Creek such as Golden Mile Bench Vineyards Hikes with wine tastings, May 7th and August 18th; and Yoga in the Vineyard on Saturday mornings throughout June, July and August. The ever-popular Starlit Supper returns July 27th where guests experience a multi-course alfresco dinner by Miradoro Restaurant paired with Tinhorn Creek wines as the moon rises over the mountains. Any time is great to check into Miradoro’s spectacular setting to treat yourself to the Mediterranean-influenced cuisine by executive chef Jeff Van Geest. Elevating the region’s finest and freshest local ingredients, Miradoro is a five-time Vancouver Magazine gold award winner for Best Winery/Vineyard Dining. Miradoro’s modern design is integrated seamlessly into the natural landscape to complement the traditional look of the winery and barrel cellar and provide breathtaking vineyard and valley views to accompany the delectable menu. Weekly communal

Lionel Trudel Photography table dinners are featured every Tuesday evening, April and May. This season’s first Guest Chef Dinner is May 5th as Chef Jeff invites Chef Jefferson Alvarez of Vancouver’s Cacao as partner in Miradoro’s kitchen to create a multi-course dinner paired with Tinhorn Creek wines, Cannery Brewing beers and Dubh Glas Distillery craft spirits. Added to Miradoro’s accolades and the many gold medals for Tinhorn Creek’s wines, it was the first Canadian winery to offset its carbon footprint to become Canada’s first Carbon Neutral Winery

within the Climate Smart program and it was designated Canada’s Safest Employer 2016 (Hospitality). CEO Sandra Oldfield was also recognized by the Women’s Executive Network for her trailblazing and trendsetting leadership and named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Top 100 Women. For all the details, visit tinhorn.com ~ Roslyne Buchanan

www.winetrails.ca

oliver BLACK HILLS ESTATE WINERY: AN EXCEPTIONAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE IT’S THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT SETS THIS WINERY APART. UNIQUE TOUCHES, LIKE THE WAY GUESTS ARRIVING FOR A TASTING ARE GREETED WITH A GLASS OF THEIR DELICIOUS ALIBI. THIS CRISP, REFRESHING VINTAGE IS THE PERFECT WAY TO SAY HELLO, ESPECIALLY ON A HOT OKANAGAN DAY. All have either their Level Three Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) or the International Sommelier Guild certification. But wine isn’t their only expertise. These friendly experts are a wealth of information regarding everything from the history of this dynamic region to its climate, and soil, so feel free to chat with them. They love to share. The winery offers two wine tasting experiences. The Intro which features three premium wines, two whites and one red, and the Portfolio tasting of six premium wines, three white wines and three reds. Both are superb but I highly recommend the Portfolio tasting. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for the complexities of each wine on offer. The whites are poured first. Each in a specific Riedel crystal glass designed

The most significant distinction is that the wine tasting room is known as the Wine Experience Centre. Here the emphasis is not on selling wine but rather on crafting a personal and informative wine experience, centered around the needs of the guest. Even the length of the tasting is up to them. Here it’s not how long it takes, it’s how long the guest wants it to take. After all, this is the kind of place where one dreams of lingering: the views of the Golden Mile Bench are stunningly beautiful. The Wine Experience Centre has the look of a stylish café. Instead of the expected bar service, guests are treated to oneon-one seated table service from an experienced wine educator—or as they’re sometimes known, a wine evangelist. These experts are la crème-de-la-crème.

SUNSET

HAPPY HOUR

D AILY IN JU LY & AU GUS T

4-7 PM

explicitly for that varietal. This gives the taster the opportunity to go back and forth between wines. This approach makes it easier to contemplate one’s decisions. It also leaves the taster time to make notes in the provided booklet. Guests are given fresh glasses with the reds. This simple gesture gives the experience the grace of a traditional Japanese tea service. The winery goes one step further with their Wine Club members, who are treated to free private Cabana tastings, that takes

place next to the winery’s water feature. This is a genuine VIP experience and just one of the many perks members receive. This gorgeous winery has a loyal following so booking a tasting is recommended during peak season. But, don’t worry if you forget, the folks at Black Hills always have time for more guests. ~ Lesley Buxton

ENJOY 2 FOR 1 WINE TASTINGS HOUSE MUSIC EVERY DAY WITH FEATURE APPEARANCES BY OUR DJ PIZZAS AND CHARCUTERIE BOARDS FROM THE VINEYARD KITCHEN DISCOUNTED SHUTTLE SERVICES FROM OSOYOOS HOTELS WITTY WINE BANTER WITH EDUCATOR MICHAEL BIGATTINI

www.blackhillswinery.com | 250.498.0666 www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

oliver Renowned for its loyal commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, the celebrated wines of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, all of which are estate grown, are quite literally an ode to the fruits of the Sonora Desert on which this historic establishment has dug its roots. But this celebration of the local harvest is not limited only to the wine shop, as Burrowing Owl’s aptly named on-sight restaurant The Sonora Room also draws from this same desert’s harvests in order to create unforgettable, and seasonally distinct culinary treasures. Just about everything on the summer menu is sourced from South Okanagan farms the closest of which, Le Petit Clos, is just up the road from the winery. This private farm has been providing The Sonora Room exclusively with fresh produce for eight years, and has built a close relationship with the winery in this time. But it isn’t just the legumes that The Sonora Room is sourcing from local farms, the desert’s bounty in Oliver also has a few surprises to it. Like the Arctic char, which the head chef proudly boasts is superior to any fish that could be caught in polar waters, is raised on an Ocean Wise Certified hatchery just off Road 17. This summer will see ostrich as the newest addition to the menu,

OSTRICH, CHAR, AND OTHER FRUITS OF THE DESERT SERVED AT BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY

(l-r) marketing manager Trish Hahn, owner/president Randy Toor, and office manager Shawna Dunkley

DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF DESERT HILLS

Chef Lee Humphries on the Sonora Room Deck produced by Okanagan Ostrich Farm and raised in Kaleden. The Sonora Room is open from 11:30 to 9, but the best way to enjoy the desert’s bounty is at a table on the patio just as the sun sets over a vista of vineyards and desert landscapes below. The server can point to the very farm that your meal arrived from this morning while you sample a flight of Burrowing Owl’s past vintages, deciding on which year’s Merlot will pair best with ostrich… the 2010 of course! ~Blake Allen

The Black Sage Bench is celebrated both nationally and internationally as a wine growing region, distinguished by the unique terroir of the valley’s desert hills. And there are few wineries in this renowned little town that capture the character of this region quite like the aptly named Desert Hills Winery. The picturesque wine shop, baroque but in a uniquely small town way, sits atop its namesake with a vista that spans a sea of grapes running down to the meandering Okanagan River, and sleepy town of Oliver built upon the far shore. On a typically warm summer evening guests can sit back on the patio and take in the sights of the desert with charcuterie and wine. The winery has staked a name for itself in the community and abroad with its line of beloved favourites like the Syrah, with its bold hints of spice and berries. The Gamay which is soft, with an accent of black

cherry and the Viognier, a citric white that’s balanced with a subtle minerality that’s characteristic of this growing region. And this summer brings with it the return of an old favourite that’s been gone for the last few seasons – the Sauvignon Blanc. For those who fall in love with the desert hills and its wines, and it’s easy to do, you’ll want to ask about the wine club. Not only because membership grants you access to any wine desired and a library that goes back to 2001, but because this is the only way to get your hands on celebrated small lot harvests such as the Zinfandel, the Petit Verdot, and few more of the treasures waiting to be discovered at Desert Hills this summer. 2016 Sauvignon Blanc This wine has a citric body with hints of apples, accompanied by a pleasant herbal aroma. ~ Blake Allen

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

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 10 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

AWARDS AND A NEW ROSÉ AT GEHRINGER BROTHERS on the Golden Mile Bench won three of their four double gold awards. According to Walter Gehringer, the research that was conducted by PARC (Pacific Agricultural Research Centre) using Merlot from various regions showed that wine made from grapes grown on the Golden Mile Bench was distinctly identifiable. In this competition, Gehringer’s 2016 Auxerrois, 2016 Gewürztraminer-Schönburger, and 2016 Rosé Cabernet Franc are all labeled with the new Golden Mile Bench VQA designation and each of these wines won a double gold medal. It is a promising start to the medal tally for Gehringer and also for the Golden Mile Bench. Along with Gehringer’s Chardonnay (which took a bronze), five other wines from other wineries on the Golden Mile Bench received awards at the same competition. Walter Gehringer The newest wine for Gehringer Brothers is the Rosé Cabernet Franc. Sporting a new splash of colour across the label, this Rosé is a where the total number of platinum awards crisp and refreshingly dry wine with an (64) is nearly double that of the next winner. The awards that they received from the unexpected complexity on the palate. With recent Cascadia Wine Competition are the aromas and flavours of cherries, crushed first to indicate that the special location of velvet, and rhubarb, this wine will hold your their vineyard merits some special attention. attention for a long time as you relax in the Wines made from grapes grown exclusively spring and summer sun. ~ Luke Whittall

oliver

Gehringer Brothers’ wines have a long track record of winning top awards, which are all proudly displayed in the bright wine shop. They are also the reigning “King of the Platinum” at Wine Press Northwest,

If you have visited Oliver Twist’s wine shop previously, you may notice changes to the décor. In keeping with the nostalgia theme on their labels, winemaker and owner Gina Harfman has been updating the wine shop with antiques and a beautiful new rustic stained bar top. With lots to look at in the wine shop, there are also lots of activities planned for the spring and early summer. On May13th, they will be hosting a cheesemaking course lead by Naomi Fournier, the “Modern Day Milkmaid” from Birdsong Farms in Enderby. The two-hour session will focus on making and pairing wine with cheese. There is extremely limited number of places available so contact the winery right away if you would like to attend this unique experience. The 4th annual Show, Shine... and Wine? will take place this year on Saturday, July 8th. Emceed by the Okanagan Wolfman

and the event will ttfeature live music from the Timbre Wolves, food trucks, and artisanal vendors. Along with all of the classic cars, there will also be a pinup girl competition. The event runs from 12 noon to 5pm and is free admission. Classic car owners can register their vehicles online at the winery’s website. There are many new wine vintages to look out for this spring, including the 2016 Kerner, the 2016 Boogie Woogie, and the 2016 Rockabilly Red. Tank samples of all of these wines displayed beautiful balance and complex flavours. The one that has Gina smiling the most this year is the 2016 Viognier. A tank sample reveals huge aromas of peaches, flowers, lime zest, and mangos. Once bottled, it will clearly be a showstopper. Check Oliver Twist’s website for more details about the upcoming wines and events. ~ Luke Whittall

21 Unique Wines Tasted Daily

On the Golden Mile Bench

On the Golden Mile Bench CC

E B R AT I N G

RA EE BB R A TT II NN

L EEL

21 Unique Wines Tasted Daily C

Winemaker Gina Mitchell in the cellar

OLIVER TWIST GETS INTO GEAR

Years Years

Years

Sales Representation: Lower Mainland Vancouver Island 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.winetrails.ca

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

olivertwistwinery.com Tasting Room Open Year Round 398 Lupine Lane (Just off Road 9), Oliver, BC 250-485-0227 MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

oliver CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF QUINTA FERREIRA “Music to my ears” is what fans of Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery say about the family-owned and operated winery still going strong after 10 years. Live music will punctuate the celebrations along with great wine, art, cuisine, and special promotions throughout the season. The tasting room opens daily, 10 am to 6 pm, on May 1st. Anniversary festivities kick off with the annual Bifanas, Wine & Live Music, on May 7th, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm – or until the bifanas run out. The event features the traditional Portuguese sandwich of pork in a bun, salad, a glass of wine, and of course, live music this time by local country musician Donna the Vineyard Girl. Buy your $20 tickets in advance

online at quintaferreira.com or by phoning 250.498.4756 or at the door. For the 10th Anniversary wine features for May and June, you’ll find the 2014 Chardonnay and 2012 Mistura Tinto offered at $120 a case, which is 50% off! A festive and well-balanced 2015 Sauvignon Blanc that’s crisp and savoury with tropical fruit, peach, melon and floral notes will be released May 1st. Watch for release dates on new vintages throughout the summer as well as other wine specials. The Sunday Series of Live Music throughout the summer launches July 2nd, 1 to 4 pm, with Aaron Loewen Music, a gypsy jazz/ swing guitarist from Summerland. You’ll find Quinta Ferreira at local food and wine events around the valley including Pig Out in Oliver, and as the last winery stop on the Half-Corked Marathon. Stay tuned to all the festivities by following them on facebook.com/QuintaFerreira and @QuintaFerreira on Twitter and Instagram. Anniversary surprises also await the wine club members. Check out the club’s many benefits on their website. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Last stop on the Half Corked Marathon at Quinta Ferreira

Winemaker Ted Kane Owner and winemaker Ted Kane and assistant general manager Julie Planiden at River Stone have reason to celebrate and, as of this season, they now have a new sparkling wine to celebrate with! For the first time, River Stone will release a very unique sparkling wine made from Merlot. The grapes were pressed immediately so that the juice received very little colour. The Sparkling White Merlot NV is a slightly offdry, Provençal-style rosé with the added bonus of bubbles. It is packaged in a beautiful bottle with a crown cap and available for $22.90. With a total production of only 140 cases, this wine will be a special treat for those who are able to visit the wine shop as well as for members of the River Stone Wine Club. It is a perfect spring wine and River Stone’s patio is the perfect setting for a spring picnic. Being positioned on a south-facing slope in the middle of the

SPRING PICNICS WITH A NEW SPARKLING WINE AT RIVER STONE WINERY valley means that when the sun is up, it warms the patio. Being surrounded by grape vines while picnicking is also a beautiful bonus. There is plenty of room with patio chairs and tables available and a beautiful view at every time of day. There is also wine by the bottle or by the glass. The 2013 vintage of their red blend, Corner Stone was released earlier in the spring. This is the 5th vintage of their signature wine to be released and is the first to contain Petit Verdot in the blend along with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. With each new vintage, Corner Stone is fast becoming a favourite among collectors looking for serious ageworthy BC wines. ~ Luke Whittall

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

RIVERSTONEESTATEWINERY.CA FACEBOOK: RIVERSTONEESTATEWINERY INSTAGRAM: @DRINKRIVERSTONE TWITTER: @DRINKRIVERSTONE

WWW.QUINTAFERREIRA.COM 250.498.4756 12 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

oliver

TASTE THE FUTURE OF HESTER CREEK WITH TERRAFINA BY RAUDZ THERE’S

RICH

HISTORY

WINEMAKING HERE IN OLIVER, THE WINE CAPITAL OF CANADA. THERE ARE OLD VINES WITH ROOTS IN THESE SLOPING DESERT HILLS THAT GO BACK MORE THAN 50 YEARS.

Terrafina by RauDZ bring a number of new and creative seasonal twists to this classic establishment’s famous Tuscan-inspired menu, with a focus on locally sourced, seasonally inspired ingredients. It is exactly this kind of a philosophy which both celebrates and showcases local agriculture that brought RauDZ Creative Concepts to Hester Creek Winery, and makes this the perfect partnership. The winery has long been

Terrafina at Hester Creek by RaUDZ And the town’s celebrated Golden Mile Bench was the first official sub-region listed in British Columbia, an official recognition of the regions distinctive micro-climate essential for growing some of the Okanagan’s most beloved grapes. It is in this unique appellation, atop a sage lined bench overlooking the valley below, that historic Hester Creek Winery first sunk its roots almost 50 years ago. Turning off Highway 97, it’s just a short and picturesque drive up Road 8 to this iconic vineyard where the traveller is first greeted at the gates by a green vista of vines, disappearing over the horizon. This 110-acre sea of grapes has been cultivated since 1968 and guides guests to a palatial tasting room offering what they call a “true wine experience”. But while Hester Creek wears its long history with pride it also offers new surprises with every season, the most noticeable this year being the new partnering of its celebrated restaurant Terrafina with the renowned RauDZ Creative Concepts (who also operate the award-winning and everpopular RauDZ Regional Table and micro bar bites in Kelowna). This season will see www.winetrails.ca

active in the community providing financial support for the ‘Farm to Table’ school lunch programme at Oliver Elementary School, and encourages the town’s youth to further explore future possibilities in local agriculture. The benefit of having been around so long is knowing that a commitment to sustainability means more than just supporting locals now, it’s also about supporting the next generation that will keep the agricultural traditions of this little town alive. The Judge A soft herbal nose that’s met on the palate with black pepper, cherry, and caramel, leaves only a subtle lingering of plum on the finish. The final product of extensive barrel aging deep in the cellar, this bold and richly complex red is a blend of entirely estate grown grapes. Pair with a leg of lamb or aged cheeses. ~ Blake Allen

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

oliver HIDDEN CHAPEL WINERY SPARKLES Deborah Wilde, co-owner of Hidden Chapel Winery has wanted to make a sparkling wine for a few years. Her business partner, Rudy Tomazic resisted. The spring release of Hidden Chapel’s new sparkling rosé, Made of Honour proves the woman always wins. And Rudy agrees, it was a great idea. Based on their ever-popular rosé, Blushing Bride, Made of Honour – a blend of mainly Syrah with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier – tastes of summer berries and a hint of cinnamon. Not just for special occasions, sparkling rosé is a great sipper on a hot summer’s day and proves a versatile wine for picnics and barbeques. Back by popular demand and in larger quantities than last year is Amazing Grace. This 100% off-dry Riesling has a wonderful nose, with notes of citrus and hints of green apple on the palate. Amazing Grace was named in loving memory of Deborah’s sister, Grace and of family and friends, taken too soon by cancer. Not only will you enjoy the balance of natural sugar and acidity in this wine, but when you buy a bottle, you will be supporting a great cause. A donation from the sale of each

JOHN SCHREINER LAUNCHES NEW WINE BOOK: ICON bottle of this perfect summer wine will be made to cancer research. All the chapel-themed wines you’ll taste in the shop attest to the blessings that abound in the South Okanagan. Summer temperatures hovering around 30 degrees, long daylight hours and semiarid conditions are the perfect recipe for producing fruit with exceptional flavor. Don’t forget your hat and sunnies when visiting Hidden Chapel. You’ll want to set aside some extra time after your tasting to enjoy the serenity of the garden and to visit the small white chapel set amongst the pines. The tasting room, wine shop and chapel are open daily from 10:00 – 5:00. ~ Sue Harper

Published by TouchWood Editions

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

www.hiddenchapelwinery.com

14 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

British Columbia’s wineries are crafting world-class products. In celebration of this hard-earned triumph, John Schreiner has, for the first time in the history of BC’s wine industry, selected the highest-calibre wines—the icons—from 100 of BC’s most accomplished wineries, and has gathered his observations in a compendium that illuminates his passion and unique contribution to BC’s wine region. Featuring vertical tasting notes in which Schreiner compares a variety of vintages of one signature wine, detailed histories and stories from these outstanding producers, and more than 45 full-colour images by Christopher K. Stenburg showcasing the unparalleled beauty of BC’s wine country, Icon is a must-have book for any serious collector of BC wine.

John Schreiner is a prolific and seasoned wine writer. Beginning with regular wine columns in the Financial Post and the Vancouver Sun in 1974, he published his first book, The World of Canadian Wines, in 1984 and has since written fourteen books on Canada’s and British Columbia’s wines and wine culture. He is a celebrated member of both national and regional wine communities across Canada, and has judged in wine competitions in North America and abroad. He lives in Vancouver, where he maintains his own expansive wine collection.

www.winetrails.ca

CELEBRATE GREAT WINE & FOOD AT THE BC PINOT NOIR CELEBRATION WHEN YOU COMBINE 34 OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S TOP PINOT NOIR PRODUCERS, A SELECTION OF WESTERN CANADA’S TOP CHEFS AND AN ICONIC OKANAGAN VENUE, THE RESULT IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING WINE EVENTS IN THE PROVINCE - THE BC PINOT NOIR CELEBRATION.

The BC Pinot Noir Celebration (BCPNC) was conceived in 2013 when a collection of passionate Pinot Noir producers across the province got together (over a pint or two of beer, of course) with a vision to create an event for an intimate group of winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers. The idea was simply to get together for a casual evening to enjoy great wine and incredible food, and open the dialogue about Pinot Noir in BC, how it compares to benchmarks around the world, and where the varietal is headed. Now in its fourth year, BCPNC has expanded to not only be a must-attend event for Pinot-philes and foodies, but also for leading sommeliers and wine writers. In addition to the talented Pinot producers, a key draw has been the exceptional keynote speakers including renowned wine critics Karen MacNeil (The Wine Bible) and Steven Spurrier (Decanter). This year, BCPNC has once again attracted one of the world’s most influential wine writers with Master of Wine Richard Hemming as the keynote speaker. Richard is an awardwinning wine writer and educator who is a

primary contributor to JancisRobinson.com among other influential wine publications. He will share stories of his experience with the heartbreak grape and also his discovery of the wines of British Columbia in general as he will get to experience our beautiful wine region for the first time just before the Celebration. The 2017 event will take place on Saturday, August 19th at Linden Gardens in Kaleden and features a sparkling wine reception, salon-style tasting, breakout educational session and live music from renowned local artists Jack and Jill. Guests will also enjoy a delectable cocktail-style dinner with culinary creations by some of Western Canada’s top Chefs including Cameron Smith and Dana Ewart (Joy Road Catering), Alex Sielmann (Frog City Café), Matt Batey (The Nash) & Mike Bernardo (Vij’s Restaurant). Tickets are available now at BCPinotNoir.ca and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #BCPN2017 and #PinotInsider for the latest event details! ~ Lindsay Kelm

Pinot Noir Festival (l-r) Pinot producers David Paterson (Tantalus Vineyards) JAK Meyer (Meyer Family Vineyards), Luke Smith (Howling Bluff Estate Winery)

www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

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

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

n ea cL M

e Av

rso

Junction

k ee Cr

Krāzē Legz

R Side

M cLean Cr e e k

East d

Kenyon Park

Christie Memorial Park

6 Meyer Family

Keogan Park

Vineyards

ay yW alle nV

n ee Gr

Wild Goose Vineyards Stag’s Hollow

le Rd

nda

Alle

15 12

Liquidity

2 Blue Mountain

Vineyard & Cellars

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery ver nch

Ra Rd

Green

OLIVER

Oli

See Ya Later Ranch 11 Lake Rd

Nighthawk Vineyards

PENTICTON

Synchromesh Wines

Maple

ve. hA 0t

Holiday Beach Resort Motel

Okanagan Falls Provincial Park

2017 EVENTS

SKAHA LAKE

OKANAGAN FALLS

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

16 •

OKANAGAN FALLS

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

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

Estate Winery

HWY

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

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

10 Painted Rock

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

Pentâge Winery

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

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

Crescent Hill Winery

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

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

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

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! www.winetrails.ca

ok anag an fall s

WILD GOOSE MAKES A SPLASH AT WINE COMPETITION

WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS 2016 PINOT GRIS WON TOP HONORS AT THE FIFTH ANNUAL CASCADIA WINE COMPETITION IN HOOD RIVER, OREGON. THE PINOT GRIS EARNED BEST WHITE WINE AND BEST OF SHOW ON ITS WAY TO TOPPING THE FIELD OF 948 WINES FROM WASHINGTON, Award-winning winemaking crew (l-r) cellar hand, Tanya Booth, winemaker Nik Kruger & sr. winemaker Hagen Kruger “We received word of our eight gold medals at the Cascadia Wine Competition one at a time by email,” says Leslie Matheson, Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery marketing manager. “I kept refreshing my email and once we were at five we realized we had more golds than swimmer Michael Phelps at his last Olympics! By the end of the day we tied his 2008 gold haul. I think we had a lot more fun training than he did.” Among the eight golds were three best of class awards and four double gold medals, a list that included the 2015 Red Horizon Meritage, a Right Bank Bordeaux style blend, as well as the 2016 God’s Mountain Riesling, Gewürztraminer 2016, Rosé 2016, Mystic River Gewürztraminer 2016, Riesling 2016 and Autumn Gold 2016.

“It’s very humbling, and it makes me very proud,” says winemaker Hagen Kruger. “It was truly a team effort, from the vineyards right through to putting the wines into the bottle. This was also the last vintage my father ever experienced and a great tribute to him! We could not be happier.” There is no better place to toast these wonderful wines than at Wild Goose’s patio with its expansive views of OK Fall’s landscapes and rolling vineyards. The popular Smoke & Oak Bistro with its new chef David Simenoff, will entice you with its cooking aromas to stay for a meal. He is offering up a menu inspired by the smoky flavours of the Southern US, all tied together through the freshness of local ingredients. Vineyard cuttings and wine barrels are used to smoke the meats in

OREGON, BRITISH COLUMBIA AND IDAHO. an authentic competition worthy smoker, imported directly from Tennessee. Wild Goose kicks off the season with the sold-out Winemaker’s BBQ on May 12th featuring a four-year vertical tasting of Red Horizon. The 2017 Vineyard Stage Concert Series launches with Grammy-nominated, singer, songwriter, harmonica player and drummer Randy McAllister on July 29th. Nearly Neil’s tribute celebrating the vibrant and exciting times of Neil Diamond’s early days is next up August 26th and the 4th Annual Beale Street Festival, a tribute to the annual Memphis Blues Festival, rounds out the series September 30th. Tickets include seating, a Smoke & Oak Bistro buffet meal along with a glass of wine. ~ Elaine Davidson

“

It’s very humbling, and it makes me very proud.

”

Upcoming Summer Events Visit wildgoosewinery.com for more information and to purchase tickets

The new vintage has arrived Visit us in the tasting room, on-line or call for your chance to tastes wines that touch the four corners of the Okanagan; Sun, Earth, Fruit & Family

Tasting Room Hours: Daily 10:00 – 5:00 pm The Smoke & Oak Bistro opens May 3rd , Wed- Sun, 12 noon - 7:00 pm Reservations are recommended www.winetrails.ca

Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, harmonica player, drummer and legend of East Texas Blues/Roots: Randy McAllister. One of America’s true blues/roots originals, and most versatile bluesman in Texas. Don't miss your opportunity to hear him live! Saturday, July 29th, 6:00 pm $75 + fees & GST Buffet dinner Nearly Neil's tribute to Neil Diamond, Saturday, August 26th, 6:00 pm $75 + fees & GST Buffet Dinner

Hot off the press! Best in Show - Pinot Gris 2016 Total of 8 Gold Medals Cascadia Wine Competition, OR

Watch for exciting news about our Vintner's Club Join now!

2145 Sun Valley Way Okanagan Falls 250.497.8919 wildgoosewinery.com

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

A SEASON OF DISCOVERIES AWAIT AT NIGHTHAWK VINEYARDS

ok anag an fall s

STAG’S HOLLOW TAKES TOP HONOURS FOR ALBARIÑO

STAG’S HOLLOW OWNERS LINDA PRUEGGER AND LARRY GERELUS ARE PROUD OF THEIR RECENT WIN AT THE 5TH CASCADIA WINE COMPETITION.

Winery dogs (l-r) Pinot & Sully Their 2016 Albariño received a prestigious double gold / Best of Class award beating out other wineries with a longer history making wine from that grape variety. Innovative winemaker Dwight Sick took extra care in the vineyard with this particular vintage of Albariño to encourage complexity and balance in the finished wine. He had the grapes picked in multiple passes to ensure quality fruit. 90% of the grapes were fermented in stainless steel while 10% were fermented in French oak puncheons. The resulting wine is beautifully refreshing with a strong structure and complexity that shows that it clearly deserves its double gold status. The 2016 Syrah - Grenache Rosé offers a beautiful Provençal-style of rosé with an “Okanagan edge” to it. Indeed, the lovely,

soft strawberry fruitiness of this wine is distinctly Okanagan while the brilliant colour screams Provence. “It’s been a couple of years since we’ve done this wine,” says Dwight, who only makes rosé wines from batches that are dedicated to producing that style of wine rather than simply bleed off tanks of red wine. The amount of wine remains small however and the 125 cases that he has produced will be available almost exclusively in the wine shop. With its own award from Cascadia (a gold medal), this wine will be a very special treat for those who make the trip to visit Stag’s Hollow. ~ Luke Whittall

It’s that time of the year when the light hints of raspberries, black currents, nighthawks return to their nests in the hills and dark chocolate. above Okanagan Falls, where they’ll spend Those already familiar with Nighthawk their days like all of us basking in the warm Vineyards will know the artwork of summer sun, while their nights are spent celebrated local artist Alex Fong, a close dutifully watching over the vines at friend of the winery owners whose work is Nighthawk Vineyards. Summer is a season featured on all of their bottles. This summer of rediscovery here in the Okanagan, and Alex has released a new painting, “Fly”, much like these beautiful birds we too that will be featured on the 2016 Pinot Noir return to familiar locales this time of year, to Rosé bottle. The image is striking, capturing be met with a handful of pleasant surprises. a nighthawk mid-flight, with the vineyard Such is the case at Nighthawk Vineyards, beneath. Like all great art, it’s impossible to a cozy little mountain winery built along truly appreciate until you’ve seen it yourself the shores of Green Lake, a mere five so take flight to this picturesque winery to minute drive outside Okanagan Falls. make a few more discoveries of your own. ~ Blake Allen This boutique farmgate winery is about to welcome its newest releases; the 2016 Late Harvest “Special Select” Gewürztraminer which was the treasured result of a family harvest at minus 12 degrees on December 18th, and the signature 2015 Cabernet Franc which has been aging in French oak barrels for the past 18 months. A distinct rendition on a classic varietal…the Cabernet Franc is soft and aromatic on the palate, with fragrant aromas and The newest Nighthawk Vineyards label designed by celebrated local artist Alex Fong

Always innovative, with a spirit to be unique, we are growing grapes and making wines found nowhere else in the Okanagan.

New Spring Releases: D 2016 Albariño D 2016 Syrah Grenache Rose D 2016 Tragically Vidal

DROP BYTHETASTING ROOM FOR ATASTING

Join Our Wine Club … it’s FREE!

Discover all the benefits of our Wineclub online or ask us.

We tweet - talk to us! @stagshollow @simplypinot @shwineshop 2237 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC 250 497 6162 stagshollowwinery.com

18 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

Tasting Room Open 7 Days a Week, 10 AM - 5 PM Tours Welcome 2735 Green Lake Road • Okanagan Falls (by See Ya Later) nighthawkvineyards.com • 250.497.8874 www.winetrails.ca

MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS IS CRUSHING IT FOCUS AND QUALITY ARE

KRAZE LEGZ WINERY– SMALL LOT WINES IN KALEDEN

GARNERING AWARDS, LOYALTY AND INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION. At the base of the dramatic Peach Cliff Bluff on McLean Creek Road lies 16 acres of sun-drenched grapes with another four acres of fruit basking in the equally unique microclimate of the Naramata Bench’s Old Main Road. These carefully tended vines are crafted into single vineyard wines in the traditional French Burgundy style and are winning accolades and garnering international attention. Most recently, Meyer Family Vineyards was ranked fifth overall winery in Canada and third in the country for the small winery category in the 2016 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. Meyer’s 2013 McLean Pinot was featured in a recent edition of the UK’s Decanter Magazine, entitled, “The best Pinot Noirs in the world, outside of Burgundy,” where it was top 30 of 80 wines selected. Meyer also has the distinction of being the only Canadian wine carried by the 169 locations of the London-based Marks & Spencer. “The third party endorsements and awards are a pretty significant validation to our approach to making wine,” says JAK Meyer. “We made two key decisions early on and that focus has paid off. We specialize in a couple of varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (along with a small amount of Gewürztraminer and Riesling), know them well and do it right to produce 6,000 to 8,000 cases of high quality wines. We take a hands-off natural approach to

JAK & Janice Meyer in the vineyard pruning winemaking using organic practices in the vineyard.” Meyer’s extremely popular wine club offers members access to some exclusive wines while receiving 10% off with the convenience of having their wine shipped right to their doors. Those lucky enough to pay Meyer Family Vineyards a visit can see first-hand what a beautifully tended vineyard looks like. Visitors will be wowed by the dramatic setting and enjoy a visit to the tasting room, patio, expansive lawns and sheltered garden overlooking the vines and can extend their visit by enjoying a lovely lunch of charcuterie, cheeses and other light fare where wine, cider and beer is available by the glass. For those looking for a more in-depth and intimate tasting experience hosted by one of the two sommeliers on staff, a reasonablypriced $25 private Cabana Tasting of onehour will offer more of the Meyer Family Vineyards story. Guests will sample the estate’s premier and library wines. Book ahead by email at Kami@MFVwines.com or by phoning 778-515-8053. ~ Elaine Davidson

Sue and Gerry Thygesen, owners of Kraze Legz Winery, have been busy dedicating all their time to the new releases of their SKAHA Vineyard series. The Kaleden vineyard overlooks Skaha Lake and features a unique steep sloped substrate of fossilized sandstone and shale. To complete the expression of terroir, SKAHA Vineyards all estate grown varietals, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are harvested by hand, whole cluster pressed and ferments all started with wild yeasts. You’ll see that unique terroir surface in the underlying minerality expressed in all their wines. The Thygesens look forward to the spring and say, “It’s a truly fun time of the year with not one disappointed visitor to the tasting

Winery dog Maggie

ok anag an fall s k aleden room - they are all a-buzz for the new releases and bear smiling faces because there are actual bottles of their favourites to purchase.” Now into their eighth vintage of hand crafting wines, the three stellar white wines may be surpassed by their 2016 Rosé, made from 100% Merlot. A beautiful light pink hue sets up your palate with crisp and refreshing notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a juicy watermelon finish. The 2016 Pinot Blanc elegantly showcases crisp Okanagan stone fruits, apple, pear and a lively lemon mineral finish; the 2016 unoaked Chardonnay sings a fruit forward song with hints of honeysuckle, pineapple, a kiwi-lime finish; the 2016 Mystique is a small lot blend of 60% Pinot Blanc and 40% Chardonnay that provides juicy, concentrated notes of apple-pear, stone fruits, cantaloupe and pineapple. SKAHA Vineyards will also be releasing the much-anticipated 2014 Cabernet Franc and the second of two releases of the very limited 2014 SKAHA Rogue (fortified). Gerry and Sue invite you to the comforts of their tasting room. The wine shop will be open April 29th from 10 am to 6 pm, for the season, featuring the new release estate grown small-lot wines that are known to sell out before summer’s end. ~ Deanna Dunham

#5 Winery in Canada #3 Winery in BC National Wine Awards of Canada 2016

Meyer Family Reunion & Spring Release Party Saturday May 20th | Tickets on sale now! New release wines, BBQ dinner, live music in the vineyard www.MeyerFamilyReunion2017.eventbrite.ca

Tasting room open daily 10AM to 5PM (Apr 1st-Oct31st) Wine lounge open daily 11AM to 5PM (starting May 1st) 4287 McLean Creek Road, Okanagan Falls wineshop@MFVwines.com | T 250.497.8553 www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

nar a m ata THE ENCHANTING NARAMATA BENCH WINERIES ASSOCIATION The Naramata Bench Wineries Association (NBWA) is comprised of collaborating wineries as enchanting as the region they call home. Visit the NBWA tasting rooms between Penticton and Naramata along a 15-km pastoral route framed by the Okanagan Lake, vineyards, farms and craggy hillsides. Here in one of Canada’s premiere grape-growing region, find the renowned wines of NBWA members and their enthusiasm to share their knowledge of the area and its unique culture. These are the characters responsible for “A Story In Every Bottle!”. During Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, join participating NBWA winemakers, May 13th, for Roll Out The Barrels. Winemakers will give you a behind-the-scenes experience to taste upcoming new wines and interesting blends before they reach the bottle as they roll out their barrels. Check the NBWA website for participating wineries and their specific times.

Tailgate Party Fun!

Complementing the regular wine clubs presented individually by Naramata wineries, collectively the NBWA offers the Best of the Bench Wine Club. Through it, you’ll receive a mixed case twice annually, at winery pricing, of hand selected Naramata Bench wines – many which are limited production and not widely available. Learn more at www.naramatabench.com and email your questions to wineclub@ naramatabench.com The NBWA is proud to join in Canada’s 150th Anniversary Celebration as part of its theme for its annual Tailgate Party, September 9th, hosted at D’Angelo Estate Winery. Tickets are available early May, so to avoid the disappointment of missing the perennially sold-out harvest celebration, buy yours now. For details on wineries’ tastings, dining and activities, check their website frequently and click links to the wineries’ individual websites. Follow Naramata wines on Instagram and Facebook and @naramatawines on Twitter. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

SENSORY OVERLOAD…IN THE NICEST POSSIBLE WAY Naramata’s Forest Green Man Lavender offers stunning vistas with an incredible lake view all steeped in the breathe-deeply, clean, calming and distinctive perfume of hundreds of lavender plants. The photogenic setting, farm offerings, and relaxing atmosphere are reason enough for a visit. The clincher… the friendly local Naramatian vibe of its proprietors, Doug Mathias and Karolina Born-Tschuemperlin. “This is a happy place,” Karolina says. “It’s a soft, sweet place with the rolling hills and scent and it just seems to make people feel good. I love to see their smiles as they come around the corner and see the view for the first time when the fields are in bloom. It’s like we live in the Shire from the Hobbit.” The farm has been growing lavender since 2000. With more than 2,500 lavender plants in the gently sloping fields punctuated by

a stunning lake view, Forest Green Man features a shop in its barn filled with highquality lavender bath and kitchen products all made from natural ingredients. An art gallery featuring many of Karolina’s own paintings is located up the barn stairs. Made-on-site creations include handmade soaps, essential oils distilled in a beautiful copper still, bath salts, lotion, linen water and sachets, all made with fragrant lavender that grows hip high prior to harvest. Lavender bunches and bulk dried lavender flowers are also available. For the kitchen, Karolina makes white lavender tea, flavoured sugar and Herbs de Provence. The charming shop also sells jelly, vinegar and a lavender-infused honey among many other culinary treasures perfect to remember your visit by or to offer as gifts. ~ Elaine Davidson

Forest Green Man Lavender Farm • Lavender Farm & Retail Shop • Farm stay vacation rentals • Fruits & vegetables in season Shop Hours: 11am - 5pm

620 Boothe Rd., Naramata

Open Wed-Sun. in the shoulder season and every day in July/Aug

250-488-8365 or 250-496-4304

www.forestgreenman.com 20 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

Go Camping BC Guide 2015 - Ad Proof

nar a m ata

Winemaker Steve Latch | Photo: Garth Eichel

LOOKING FOR SOME THERAPY, A RELIEF FROM THE STRESSES OF DAILY LIFE? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THERAPY VINEYARDS. SET ON THE BEAUTIFUL NARAMATA BENCH, THIS WINERY HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO HEAL FROM THE DAILY GRIND. The location is simply stunning, with the colour of this wine is like trying to views that are reminiscent of Tuscany and describe the light on a perfect summer’s Provence but unique to the Okanagan: the day —at times there are flashes of peach, shimmering blue of the lake, the grapevines at others, gold. It tastes of summer stone that slope down the hills, and Summerland’s fruit and apricots. The finish is both dry and iconic Giant’s Head Mountain. It’s exactly fruity. It’s made for sipping on the deck or what the doctor ordered, a place to unwind enjoying with a summer salad. and chill with a glass of 2016 Pinot Gris or The 2015 Syrah, in contrast, is bold. This 2015 Syrah. After all, no other place In wine originates in Oliver, in a vineyard between Road Canada is so suited to both making wine positioned Therapy Vineyards Adthe• Black Go Sage Camping BC Guide 2015 and the Golden Mile. Every sip of this wine jam. The finish is flawless and dry. It’s the and enjoying it. 1/4 Page: (w) x 3.5” (h) •where Proofideal 4 •accompaniment Jan 23/15to a Friday night tastes4.65” of the sunbathed vineyards Therapy’s Pinot Gris is a delicious expression it originates. This wine has punch, a fullBBQ, pulled pork tacos, or a fabulous of this sundrenched landscape. This single vineyard wine has all the qualities that Pinot bodied nose. Rich and dense, it smacks Cuban pork sandwich. Gris is renowned for. It’s a perfect reflection of dark fruit and mocha. There’s also a Therapy’s wines taste of their heritage, of its origins: the unique terroir of the Tada delectable, smoky hint of bacon. Mid- the distinctive geography of this region vineyard in Summerland. Trying to describe palate it tastes of homemade blackberry and its endless summers. If you aren’t

Prescribe yourself a rest at the Therapy Guesthouse this year! lucky enough to live in the Okanagan, don’t despair, simply open one of these great wines and you will be magically transported. ~ 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 www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

THIS PEN IS FOR SURE MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD- WINE GLASS WRITER

nar a m ata Designed to help you keep other people’s mitts off your precious glass of wine at an event, this mighty invention lets you scribe your name in a trendy colour that wipes clean instantly with a soapy sponge. The Wall Street Journal Wine Accessories of the Year winning product makes for a small, affordable gift with a big impact. “Adding a three-pack to a bottle of wine ups the ante,” says Wine Glass Writer’s Renee Stewart of Summerland. “The wine vanishes at dinner but your host can use the pens for a million things long afterwards.” Minimalists love them. Carry this small pen in your bag to the grocery store to mark

Renee & mom Jeannine enjoying Okanagan wine life

your mason jars with the contents of your bulk foods purchases. Some stores will even let you bring your jars, weigh them, fill them and weigh them again eliminating all packaging. “You can feel good about where the pens are manufactured as well,” says Renee. To qualify to sell our products through Crate and Barrel a stringent third party social audit inspection was done on our Chinese facility to ensure its environmentally safe and that workers receive a living wage and no children are employed.” A special spring jewels collection sold in a three-pack is available now along with the original metallic three-pack and gift box editions and can be found in the Okanagan at Garden Works, Trellis and Vine Crafthouse, Legend Distilling, 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, Road 13, Calona Vineyards Estate Wines and Sandhill Wines 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

Ink stays on until you wash it off

NEVER LOSE YOUR GLASS AGAIN! www.wineglasswriter.com

New Releases: 2014 Lone Wolf Syrah + 2016 Viognier

22 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

SANDY BEACH LODGE FINDS THE SWEET SPOT BETWEEN RUSTIC AND LUXURIOUS Picture a magical place, complete with swimming, tennis and barbecues. Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort is a destination for family, friends and dreams of a simple life. Think of the lazy dip of a canoe paddle on the clearest of lakes, watching the sun set with a glass of wine for company until

a bright carpet of stars appear and the silence of the night settles in. This bewitching place is located in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country. Sandy Beach Lodge has been welcoming visitors looking for a Canadian lake getaway since the 1940s. A restored,

lakefront resort, Sandy Beach features six charming B&B guestrooms with screened in verandahs, locally sourced breakfast fare and resort grounds with 13 well appointed and fully equipped cottages. The main lodge offers an indoor venue that can host an intimate group of up to 40 guests, or an outdoor lakeside event for up to 75. Guests make the most of the sandy beach namesake, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis courts, table tennis, canoes, rowboats and lawn games interrupted only by a visit from the local ice cream truck. Steeped in Naramata history, Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort is heading into a responsible future with the addition of two Tesla charging stations in time for spring. Rustic luxury near cycling on the Kettle Valley Railway trails, wine touring and local cuisine, this resort is the perfect spot to un-plug from life and reconnect with those important to you in a beautiful, natural setting. ~ Elaine Davidson

BC VQA WINE INFO CENTRE • PENTICTON

NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN!

nar a m ata HILLSIDE WINERY: GRAPES INTO WINE -- A SKILL, CRAFT OR ART?

Hillside Winery winemaker Kathy Malone Take this age-old question to Hillside Winery’s award-winning Bistro with some delicious share plates whipped up by Chef Brent Pillon with a selection of Hillside wines in front of you and the answer will always be - art. Fresh from a double gold/best of class win for Hillside Winery 2016 Muscat Ottonel and a gold for their 2016 Rosé at the Cascadia Wine Competition in Oregon, Hillside’s wines are making a splash. With its busiest summer ever last year Hillside is anticipating lots of demand for its special wines. “Since 2013, we have sourced 100% Naramata fruit, which makes sense for a small winery… to own our dirt,” says Hillside’s winemaker Kathy Malone who has been a deeply involved in the development of the BC wine industry over her 30-year career. “These grapes make a style of wine that I like to make

and drink. Our conditions produce fruit forward wines. Our reds have ripe flavours with moderate tannins, which are both elegant and very drinkable.” Kathy says working on new blends like Bistro White (Gewürztraminer and Muscat) keep work life engaging. “I’m also having a lot of fun with our port-style wine, Soirée. We use spirit from our own lees (distilled by Maple Leaf Spirits) to fortify the must, age in barrels, then blend in the Solera method.” The Solera method involves blending forward earlier vintages, continually increasing the complexity of this delicious wine. Hillside produces 70 cases of Soirée, available exclusively from the winery. Hillside has been on the road this spring at several Naramata Bench Winery Association events supporting charities such as the culinary and wine tasting event Colour your Palate in Victoria and the OceanWise™ Wine for Waves gala in Vancouver. Naramata’s Roll Out the Barrel event happens locally May 13th. Hillside will be offering an opportunity to taste wines with Kathy straight from barrel. ~ Elaine Davidson

• Extensive BC wine selection • New 18’ tasting bar for daily wine tastings • Local cheeses, glassware, giftware

#101-553 VEES DRIVE, PENTICTON

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK wine@pentictonwineinfo.com www.pentictonwineinfo.com 9am-7pm BESIDE CASCADES CASINO, PENTICTON 250-490-2006

Ŷ ŝĚĞĂů KŬĂŶĂŐĂŶ tĂƚĞƌĨƌŽŶƚ ZĞƐŽƌƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂƌƚ ŽĨ EĂƌĂŵĂƚĂ ĞŶĐŚ tŝŶĞ ŽƵŶƚƌǇ

ϲ Θ 'ƵĞƐƚƌŽŽŵƐ ϭϯ >ŽŐ ŽƚƚĂŐĞƐ

ZĞƐŽƌƚ ĂŵĞŶŝƚŝĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ŚĞĂƚĞĚ ƐǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ ƉŽŽů͕ ŚŽƚ ƚƵď͕ ƚĞŶŶŝƐ ĐŽƵƌƚƐ͕ ƚĂďůĞ ƚĞŶŶŝƐ͕ ƐŚƵĨĨůĞďŽĂƌĚ͕ ƌŽǁďŽĂƚƐ͕ ĐĂŶŽĞƐ ĂŶĚ ůĂǁŶ ŐĂŵĞƐ͘

ϰϮϳϱ Dŝůů ZŽĂĚ͕ EĂƌĂŵĂƚĂ͕ &ŝŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ͗ ƐĂŶĚǇďĞĂĐŚƌĞƐŽƌƚ͘ĐŽŵ WŚŽŶĞ͗ ϮϱϬͲϰϵϲͲϱϳϲϱ www.winetrails.ca

Visit us:

HILLSIDEWINERY.CA

SHARE. LIKE. TWEET #HILLSIZE #LOCAVIN

/HILLSIDEWINES @HILLSIDEWINES @HILLSIDEWINERY

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

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

nar a m ata MUCH MORE THAN A PRETTY VIEW & GREAT WINE AT A GREAT PRICE AT MORAINE ESTATE WINERY

Family-owned Moraine Estate Winery’s vineyard on the Naramata Bench is perched on a shelf above a striking clay cliff overlooking Okanagan Lake with all the makings for stunning photos. Moraine’s winemaker Jacq Kemp is known for making wines that are elegant, balanced and distinctly varietal vineyard focused that please palates, win awards, aren’t hard on the wallet and sell out quickly. Moraine’s Viognier and Pinot Gris are only available for sale at the tasting room and will likely be sold out by July. Among the growing collection of awards Moraine is accumulating is a double gold for their Riesling from the 2016 Great West wine competition (USA) 2016 and a gold for their 2014 Pinot Noir in the BC Wine awards.

The beautifully tended vineyards planted with Merlot, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Gamay, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir look amazing and produce lovely wines but there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. Moraine is part of a sustainable winegrowing movement in Canada that is more than just being environmentally friendly; it integrates protection of the environment, profitability and social issues and reaches from soil to shelf. “We are working hard to continually increase the quality of our great wines and that starts in the vineyard,” says Jacq. “Sustainability involves a lot more than working to reduce chemical use in the vineyard,” she says. “It’s about how many times we run the tractors that cause soil impaction, it’s about managing erosion, minimizing our use of water and training our staff, right down to recycling.” There is no better spot to enjoy some of that sustainably bottled sunshine than at Moraine’s picnic area. Guests are welcome to pack a picnic or buy snacks on site and relax with a glass or bottle of wine from the shop. ~ Elaine Davidson

UNDER THE BLACK MOON: A LEGEND There are strange things done under the black moon By the backwoods’ men who work the smoking still The rugged coast guards secret tales to tell that thrill Of elixirs brewed to fill rumrunner’s gunnels by the light of the Smuggler’s moon. There is no better place to share truths, half truths and outright fabrications than on the patio at Legend Distilling in Naramata with its stunning view of Okanagan Lake looking across to Giant’s Head mountain. Legend Distilling extracts the essence of British Columbia and serves it up in their beautifully crafted gin, vodka and liqueurs. Local fruit, grains and botanicals are used in their premium spirits, which all have their particular legendary back-stories. One such tale involves an accidental incident with legendary results – Black Moon handmade gin with smoked rosemary. During the prohibition era, under the cover of the light of the black moon, bright

enough to see, but not so bright as to be seen, legend has it backwoods’ distillers of BC worked through the night concocting their handmade gin using mountain juniper and other herbs and botanicals. A branch of wild rosemary smoldering from the fires of the still found its way into the gin. Its distinct character won the hearts of speakeasy patrons then and spirited lovers of backwoods’ legends today. Legend Lounge and Patio is open for the season offering daily sunset viewing. Check out legenddistilling.com for hours, live music, painting workshops, pop-up markets and more. ~ 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 24 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

PATIO TIME AT THE BENCH MARKET

RECIPE

CARAMELIZED SALMON WITH OKANAGAN CHERRY SALSA Salmon, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, teams up with Okanagan Cherries for a healthy entrée. Ingredients: (Serves 4) 1-1/2 lbs salmon with skin 3 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp orange peel, grated ½ tsp black pepper, coarsely ground 1 ripe mango or papaya – seeded, peeled, & chopped 1 cup fresh Okanagan cherries, drained & halved 2 Tbsp fresh mint, and basil or cilantro, chopped 2 tsp balsamic vinegar ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

BUY THE SEA: SEAFOOD OF THE SEASON CELEBRATING 24+ YEARS IN PENTICTON AND 6+ YEARS IN WEST KELOWNA, BUY THE SEA PROMISES YOU’LL “TASTE THE DIFFERENCE” OF FRESH, SUSTAINABLE FISH

Thaw fish if frozen. Stir together brown sugar, orange peel and pepper. Place fish, skin side down, in a shallow pan. Rub sugar mixture over fish. Cover and refrigerate 2 – 8 hours. Remove fish from pan, draining off any juices. Place salmon skin side down on grill over medium heat. Grill for 15 – 25 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. Do not turn fish. Meanwhile, toss together mango or papaya, cherries, mint, basil or cilantro, vinegar and red pepper.

We are a fresh seafood market and fish n’ chip shop allowing you to cook it yourself or enjoy Buy The Sea’s famous fish n’ chips and other menu items. Owners Samantha and Mike Stokes and their team happily share their seafood knowledge through cooking tips and free recipes. Our focus is on offering our customers great service and also providing a large variety of premium quality seafood. Buy The Sea gets seafood direct overnight from boat to store, three to five times weekly. Offering South Okanagan’s largest selection of sockeye salmon, halibut, marlin, spot prawns, oysters, pickerel, ahi tuna and other choices, Mike says, “We know our fish, where it’s from, how it was caught, and how to cook it.” Enjoy Buy the Sea’s lovely recipe highlighting BC’s beautiful salmon in time for cherry season. See buythesea.ca for more recipes and other information. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

It’s great to remove yourself from the game from time to time to kick back and enjoy some patio time at The Bench Market. Summer is short in Canada and the outdoors is calling. Find a spot under an umbrella next to a wine barrel overflowing with colourful flowers, listen to some tunes and enjoy an all-day breakfast including some new gluten-aware options, weekend brunch specials (yeah bennies!), gourmet lunches or tasty baked goods – with a cup of the best locally-roasted organic coffee in town or a cool drink. Locals and visitors mingle on the sunny patio tucked into a neighbourhood setting. It’s the spot to watch a passing parade of cyclists working their way up Vancouver hill en route to Naramata, or zooming back. The Bench Market offers lots of bike parking too, when coffee is calling and refueling is needed. If the beach, wine touring plans or hiking adventures on the nearby Kettle Valley Railway are beckoning, The Bench Market has you covered there too, with an artisan retail section including grab & go sandwiches, artisan charcuterie, olives, local cheese, crackers, lovely chutneys and much more.

Owners Stewart and Heather Glynes thank the community once again for supporting their four-month soup & sandwich fundraiser that ran from January to April. More than $1,600 was donated to four local charities: the Penticton Soupateria, Penticton Boys and Girls Club, South Okanagan Victims Assistance Society and the Penticton Salvation Army Community Food Bank. ~ Elaine Davidson

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

Penticton 106-2100 Main Street (Near BCAA) 250.492.3474

Fish N’ Chip Shop www.winetrails.ca

penticton

West Kelowna 104-2231 Louie Drive (Near Rexall) 250.768.3474

www.buythesea.ca MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

penticton summerland EXIT THE FAST LANE TO DELONG STUDIO

Fine Silver Jewellery Unique Handcrafted Designs • Open Daily 10-5

REGULARS KNOW THAT TREASURES AWAIT AT DELONG STUDIO WHEN YOU EXIT THE FAST LANE OF TOURING. In Summerland’s picturesque Trout Creek residential area just off Highway 97, you’ll find a quaint cottage offering unique shopping. New customers are surprised and sometimes overwhelmed by the largest inventory of sterling silver jewelry in the Okanagan Valley. You soon relax in the friendly atmosphere as knowledgeable staff encourages you to browse while remaining ready to assist in finding that perfect piece for you or a gift. Heading into the 27th season, John DeLong says, “We look forward to seeing our supportive clients who are a huge reason for our success and keep our work fun.” The off-season was productive in designing new pieces and selecting fresh items from featured artists. They also offer a nice selection of stingray leather products including belts, money clips, wallets and travel purses in black and red. The lapidary shop supplies a

26 •

large variety of one-of-a-kind stones for silver jewelry, belt buckles and knives. You can also choose from a vast selection of free-form polished gemstones for jewelry projects, as well as mineral and fossil specimens for display. For men, there are studio-produced stone belt buckles, knives with customized gemstone handles and large size sterling silver rings, chains, cufflinks and bracelets. Open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, April 1st to Christmas. Visit in person and/or keep up-to-date at on Facebook and their website delongstudio.com, where you can preview a sampling of the products. When wine-touring, shop a selection of DeLong Studio products at Thornhaven Estates Winery and see the expanded inventory in the Penticton VQA Wine Shop’s brandnew facility as part of the recently opened casino. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

250.494.5155

Visit DeLong Studio: Turn off Hwy 97 at Travel Land, onto Wharf St., right on Nixon and right on Williams. 4420 Williams Ave., Summerland (in Trout Creek).

w w w. d el o n g s t u dio . c o m

www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

sum merl and JOIN AMADEUS AT LUNESSENCE PLATO REPORTEDLY ONCE SAID, “MUSIC IS A MORAL LAW. IT GIVES SOUL TO THE UNIVERSE, WINGS TO THE MIND, FLIGHT TO THE IMAGINATION, AND CHARM AND GAIETY TO LIFE AND TO EVERYTHING.”

How inspiring. Now let’s add a little wine to the music or music to the wine, and we become uplifted, joyous. Stress is released, tongues and ties loosen, friends and lovers unite, and the world becomes a happier place. Music and wine - a glorious coupling, a gift from the gods sent to relieve humankind from the daily worries and woes. Does that sound a little too much? A little exaggerated? Or somewhat familiar? Now let’s take this party up a notch. Let’s add music that elevates and exercises the ear and mind with delicate harmonies, robust base notes, and a unique blend of string, wind and percussion. And let’s add wines that are complex, decadent, and dense, with depth and layers of flavor and concentration. Welcome to Lunessence. Visitors to this unique boutique winery may be greeted by notes of Verdi, Paganini, or Puccini. The classical music is piped through the vineyards, winery and cellar.

28 •

It vibrates through body, mind, bottle and wine encouraging harmonious growth and enhancing fermentation with elegant melodies and delicate notes. Lunessence sits between two wetlands beside Giant’s Head hill in Summerland, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine and a picnic on the patio while admiring the view of the valley. Maintaining the natural balance of the surrounding environment is of great importance to winemaker Michal Mosny and wife, Martina. They use eco friendly and sustainable viticulture practices to maintain the health of both the terroir and the wetlands that are so vital for the local bird population. The biodynamic vineyard management techniques include harvesting by the phases of the moon, a practice that only the most dedicated vintners undertake. Michal makes the wine and Martina tends the vineyard. It’s a close and harmonious relationship with the utmost care and attention given to every aspect of

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

winemaking, from the growing of vines to the bottling of the wines. Mass production is not the goal here, and quality not quantity is the focus. A wise strategy, for Lunessence wines are quickly becoming well known and selling out fast. Those who are unable to visit the winery may want to join the wine club, Amadeus, to secure wine releases held exclusively for wine club members. This year, available only to members is a Petit Verdot 2016 and Muscat 2016. Members will also have access to a limited quantity of the Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. For the extremely reasonable annual fee

created by nature are so well received and appreciated by savvy wine lovers. For 2017, they are also preparing also a new red blend called Crescendo. This will be their signature red blend made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Expressing all these varietals, the wine should be a crescendo of flavours. They hope customers will be as pleased with the results as they were when watching this blend develop in the barrels. Their dessert wines are, quite honestly, the most delicious elixirs of joy. Catch them if you can - the Late Harvest Essence and two

of $150, members receive 6 bottles of wine selected by Michal. The fee includes free delivery, free tastings all year around for members and their visiting friends, free shipping all year around, and premium access to new releases. There are no hidden transactions, all members will receive notification prior to shipping, and cancellation is free. In addition, each year there will be select speciality wines made only for Amadeus wine club members. Michal and Martina are proud, but also humble about the success of their wines; fortunate and happy that the wines

Icewines, a Merlot and Riesling. Music and wine make a partnership most divine, and as Ludwig van Beethoven reportedly once said, “Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken.” This analogy by Ludwig may be a little grandiose, but at Lunessence, the wine is indeed glorious: lovingly grown, musically enhanced, and traditionally made by a classically trained winemaker. ~ Henrietta Poirier www.winetrails.ca

sum mer l and JUICES ARE FLOWING AT DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD CURRENTLY SWINGS OPEN THE WINE SHOP DOORS, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM, AND THE FIRST BOTTLING OF 2017 IS IN THE BOOKS.

The winemakers have been busy getting several new vintages ready for tasting, including the highly popular Virgin Viognier, which sold out in record time last year. Virgin Viognier is described as pure, smooth and delightfully racy. Says Lauren Selfridge, Bordello Club manager “She explodes with aromatics the moment her cap is released. It’s a perfect wine for food pairing or sipping on its own.” Test it yourself on the newly expanded patio, soaking in stunning views of vineyards, orchards and Okanagan Lake beyond and part of the Kettle Valley Railroad. A great place to linger with outof-town guests, there’s now more space for tasting and bar-style seating in a covered and heated area destined to be fun rain or shine. “Laundry Suds” craft beer is back on tap for 2017 and is available by the glass or flights in the covered outside tasting bar. The lineup includes Dirty Blond Kolsch, Brunette IPA, Full House Pale Ale, and Red Head Wheat Ale brewed especially for Dirty Laundry by Bridge Brewing in North Vancouver. Sneaking a peek to festivities at Dirty Laundry in honour of Canada’s 150th Anniversary, stay tuned for the release of its first ever sparkling wines. See Dirty Laundry at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival’s signature events, including Best of Varietal Awards, and Bacchanalia in Penticton and the WestJet Tastings in Kelowna. June marks the return of winery tours for those wanting a more in-depth experience at Dirty Laundry Vineyards. Back, too, by popular demand are the Roch Lobster Lunches held every Friday in July and August. Advance purchase is required: go online to dirtylaundry.ca to get your claws on tickets while dates are available. Located on Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive, Dirty Laundry is known as the place where “Wine is Fun!” The naughty theme is carried throughout from naming the wine, designing the bottle labels and signage to merchandise available in its wine shop and branding its wine club.

www.winetrails.ca

Keep up-to-date on Dirty Laundry through social media: Follow @DirtyLaundryVin on Twitter, @dirtylaundryvineyard on Instagram, and facebook.com/dirtylaundryvineyard. Or join the free Dirty Laundry VIP “Friends with Benefits” newsletter group to get advance information on events and wine releases as well as discounts by email throughout the year. Dirty Laundry’s wine club, cheekily named the Bordello Club, offers a variety of membership levels: Peeka-Boo, Voyeur, Blush, Boudoir, and Madam. You get the chance to choose your own wines and enjoy free shipping. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

we st kelowna

SIP INTO SUMMER ON THE WESTSIDE WINE TRAIL

WITH SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING LAKE VIEWS AND RURAL SETTINGS AMONGST THE ROLLING HILLS OF THE OKANAGAN, THE WINERIES ALONG THE WESTSIDE WINE TRAIL ARE A JOY TO VISIT ANY TIME OF YEAR.

But be sure to mark the first Sunday in June on your calendar when all 13 Westside wineries will be showing off their summer whites and summer sippers as part of the Westside Wine Trails’ “Sip into Summer” event. Along with tastings, visitors will be treated to live entertainment – music, art and demonstrations – along with tasty bites to tempt the palate. One of the most popular activities of the event is the blind tasting challenge. “The wine may be something that is about to be released, a library wine or something that is already available,” says Westside Wine Trails’ Salina Curtis. Blind tastings are rare, and they’re a great way for guests to test their noses and palates. Participants can pick up a passport and challenge themselves at each winery along the Trail.

With 13 wineries on the Trail, it’s hard to visit them all in a day. Don’t fret if you miss a few during this “Sip into Summer” event. There are plenty of reasons to visit Westside wineries all summer – picturesque patios, memorable meals, concerts, even yoga classes. Between winery visits you’ll also find lots of activities for the family along the Westside trail. Parks, picnic areas, fresh fruit markets, hiking, cycling and lakeside activities are all within easy reach of the Trail. All the wineries are listed on the Westside Wine Trail website (thewestsidewinetrail. com).Visitors exploring the site can learn a bit about each of the wineries, see where they are on the handy map and plan their “Sip into Summer” day, saving those they can’t visit for another day. ~ Sue Harper

THE COVE LAKESIDE RESORT... LIVE THE SUITE LIFE! Nestled on the shores of Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna, The Cove is framed by nearby mountains and beautiful gardens throughout. Since it opened its doors on May 5th 2007, it has become a favorite for vacationers and local getaways, as evidenced by the people who return year after year to spend time with old and new found friends! One, two and three bedroom suites are elegantly appointed with a five-piece kitchen and expansive terrace or balcony. Contemporary styling and top-notch amenities help ensure your stay is a great one. Spend time on their spectacular beach, take a dip in the pool or hit the tennis courts. There is also a private marina with rentals and a public dock for boaters and diners. You’ll find a fitness centre, putting green, fire pits and barbecue grills, all available for your personal use. Indulge

Enjoy the Suite Life Your Four Season Resort in the Heart of Wine Country

yourself in a full set of treatments available at their on-site day spa. The resort is even pet-friendly! The Bonfire Restaurant, under the leadership of chef Brian Fowke, offers sumptuous farm-to-table meals. They have an organic culinary garden with seasonal produce…at one point in the summer, there are 60 types of tomatoes to choose from! Chef Fowke, who spent many years at Joe Fortes Restaurant in Vancouver, works closely with local farmers to guarantee fresh and original meals. The Cove’s Leasa Kennedy says they’ve got a lot to celebrate and plans are being finalized for several great anniversary specials. They’ll be announcing ten remarkable experiences throughout the year. Stay tuned at their website, covelakeside.com for details and upcoming events. ~ Deanna Rainey

4205 Gellatly Road | West Kelowna, BC 1.877.762.2683 | 250.707.1800 www.covelakeside.com

Visit our sister property: Outback Lakeside Vacation Homes Vernon, BC | 877-546-5005 | www.outbacklakeside.com

30 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

CIAO BELLA WINERY – A TASTE OF ITALY IN THE OKANAGAN

we st kelowna

CIAO BELLA MAY BE ONE OF THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK – OPEN SINCE JULY 2015 – BUT THEY

Ciao Bella is proud to bring a little bit of Italy to the Okanagan. Their three Italianstyle wines include:

ARE NO NEWCOMERS TO WINE. The Fiume family’s history of grape growing and winemaking started in Napoli, Italy with Luigi and Melina. The Pinot Rosé label features Melina (who turned 81 in April) on Luigi’s Vespa. That handsome fellow on the Pinot Grigio label is Luigi, who will be celebrating his 86th birthday in June. The picture was taken approximately a week before Luigi and Melina immigrated to Yellowknife in 1956. Unfazed by Yellowknife’s weather, the Fiume’s continued to make wine from grapes brought in from California. Luigi, Melina and their son Roberto moved to the upper bench on the Westside in 1986. The property where the vines now grow is West Kelowna’s oldest vineyard site. Some of the vines at the back of the property are 60-70 years old, although they are more suitable for eating than making wine. When he can, Roberto enjoys taking guests through the vineyard on the weekends. The winery is definitely a family affair. Roberto Fiume, his wife Sharon and their two children Antonio and Olivia are continuing the family’s tradition. They now have approximately five and a half acres of Pinot Noir and about one and a quarter

Pinot Rosé (BC Wine Awards 2015 silver medal winner) – $19.95 A summer sipper, the Pinot Rosé is made from grapes hand-picked in their West Kelowna vineyards. Hints of watermelon, strawberries and grapefruit are followed by the tartness of rhubarb. Pinot Grigio – $16.95 This Italian-style Grigio is fruit forward with pears, apple and melon on the nose followed by a hint of honey and citrus on the palate. 2014 Pinot Nero (Winner, B.C. Best of Varietal Wine Awards, 2016) – $24.95

(l-r) Antonio, Sharon, Roberto and Olivia Fiume, in front with winery dog Bella

acres of Pinot Grigio. The boutique wine shop carries a variety of Italian products as well as their award winning wines. From May 20th through to October, the winery will be open Monday – Saturday 11-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm. There’s a licensed picnic area so feel free to pack a

picnic and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine in their beautiful vineyard setting. Ciao Bella will be part of the Westside Wine Trail’s Sip into Summer Event. Check the winery’s website or Facebook page for details on all special events throughout the wine season.

Made exclusively from grapes handpicked in their West Kelowna vineyard, this medium bodied classic Pinot is aged for 13 months in the finest oak. It awakens the palate with hints of black cherry and rich dark chocolate, and leaves a light peppery finish. ~ Sue Harper

Winner of ‘Best Of Varietal’ for our Pinot Noir at the 2016 Okanagan Wine Festivals. Open 12-4 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Summer Hours

(beginning after the May long weekend)

Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

3252 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna, BC

778.754.3443 www.ciaobellawinery.com www.winetrails.ca

A Taste of Italy

In the Okanagan MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

SAVOUR YOUR SENSES AT MT. BOUCHERIE WINERY

we st kelowna VOLCANIC HILLS ESTATE WINERY’S SPARKLING GEWÜRZTRAMINER: AN EXCLUSIVE COMMODITY Sparkling wines usually signify a celebration. After all, what’s a birthday, graduation or anniversary without bubbles? So, it’s no wonder the folks at Volcanic Hills Estate Winery are very excited about adding their new Sparkling Gewürztraminer to their already impressive wine library. This award-winning winery prides itself on creating fantastic one-of-a-kind experiences for their clients so it makes sense that their latest release is all about rejoicing. Sparkling Gewürztraminer are considered rare outside of Germany. This one is no exception. Only 250 cases were made so this is an exclusive commodity. Consequently, it will only be available at the winery’s wine shop and restaurant. The release date is set for mid-June so if you’re eager for an opportunity to learn why the Gewürztraminer variety makes such fabulous sparkling wine you won’t want to hesitate. To demonstrate the rarity of this release, the winery is making a subtle change to this wine’s label. Instead of the usual silver leaf,

the Sparkling Gewürztraminer will have an elegant gold leaf label. A subtle reminder of its limited availability. Though this variety may typically be considered very German, this release is completely local. The grapes used in its creation were all grown at Volcanic Hills’ self-rooted vineyards established by the proprietor’s father, in the heart of West Kelowna. Pairing this wine is exciting, its aromatic tones can be used to enhance exotic spices, accompany subtle cheeses and enhance richly flavoured meats. The sky’s the limit with this wine, add an air of celebration to your day by simply opening up a bottle and enjoying it on its own. If you’re the kind of person who loves to experiment and find your own pairings, you’ll enjoy the many possibilities the winery’s shop has on offer. Try a bottle with one of their local chutneys. Food isn’t the only thing on offer. The shop has an eclectic mix of treasures including Indian decorations, dishware, clothes and picnic baskets. There’s something for everyone. It’s completely wheelchair accessible. So, visit this spectacular winery soon and celebrate the joys of living with a marvellous glass of their wine. ~ Lesley Buxton

It is a sight to behold…a charming, quaint winery nestled at the base of a 60 million year old former volcano. Mt. Boucherie delivers outstanding ambiance, overshadowed only by their delightful wines. Mt. Boucherie is known for their excellent wines and thoroughly knowledgeable, approachable wine shop staff. Carole and her team, Krista and Karen, love to talk wine with their visitors. Ask them anything - they’ll be pleased to sip and chat. One of Mt. Boucherie’s greatest strengths is the vineyards in which they grow their grape varietals. They have vineyards on site in West Kelowna as well as in Okanagan Falls, Highway 3 near Cawston and the famous Golden Mile Bench near Oliver. Craig McCulloch, vice-president and CEO, recommends sampling some nontraditional Mt. Boucherie wines. He suggests the 2013 Riesling, soon to be followed by the 2014 vintage. The 2013 vintage is well priced at $18 in the wine shop. “This is an excellent wine for experienced wine drinkers. We did a tasting in Vancouver recently and our guests couldn’t get enough. The Riesling features stone fruit and apricot, with a hint of citrus on the nose and the palette. The grapes come from our Okanagan and Similkameen

vineyards. I recommend red wine drinkers try this one!” he said. He calls their Semillon a “wine drinker’s white…perfect for wine geeks!” Medium bodied, it has notes of tangerine, honeycomb and dried apricot. It is crisp and fresh with a long finish. Drop by the winery and licensed patio for an outstanding winery experience. The wine shop is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Tastings are $3 for four tastings, or $3 each for Reserve wine tastings. The cost is refundable with a wine purchase. ~ Deanna Rainey

Winemaker Jim Faulkner pouring a barrel sample

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 10 amam to 6topm MAY - OCT 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

32 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

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

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

www.winetrails.ca

QUAILS’ GATE WINERY – DEEP FAMILY OKANAGAN ROOTS

we st kelowna kelowna

Dining amongst the vines at Quails’ Gate

It is remarkable, given the exponential growth of the Okanagan as a worldrenowned wine destination, that one of the region’s homegrown favourites manages to balance the headiness of international acclaim with the heart of a family business. The Stewart family’s roots run deep in this valley--they’ve been cultivating land here for generations. Like a beloved grandparent, their Quails’ Gate Winery warmly opens its arms to your family for a visit. Summer season tours and tastings have begun, offering a variety of intimate experiences to welcome you and yours into the fold. Walk through the estate and the Stewarts’ history on the aptly named Family Tour. Learn about unique parings (including delicacies from local Karat Chocolates) at a chocolate and wine tasting. Attend one of the popular seated tastings in the heritage cabin that was once home to the pioneering Allison family. These are open to the public, but offer abundant perks for wine club members, too (almost like being a relation, right?).

You can also be a part of something bigger by joining the gregarious gatherings of the Vineyard Dinner series. Limited to 36 people seated at communal tables in the vineyard, these evenings celebrate the connections we make when sharing a meal together. Chef Roger Sleiman’s specialized menu is served family style, of course. This season, winemaker Nikki Callaway also showcases the inimitable Stewart family spirit. The collector’s edition 2016 Lucy’s Block Rosé honours matriarch, Lucy Mary Whitworth. This is not your grandmother’s rosé! It is the Stewarts’ grandmother’s rosé, though, and it’s sophisticated, elegant and adventurous, just like she was. Grandma Lucy would surely be delighted to see the explosive growth of the Okanagan. As the region’s popularity increases, though, it’s comforting to know that you can still make your visit to Quails’ Gate truly a family affair. ~ Abbey Westbury

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT OKANAGAN MOMENT

SUN’S UP AT WEST COAST GRILL + OYSTER BAR As warmer weather evokes sunbathed patios and beaches, seafood’s lighter side takes centre stage. While West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar exalts fresh seafood every season, nothing says summer like its unique flavours and textures – delicious whether raw, shucked, poached, boiled or steamed. Grab a seat at the bar for culinary theatre where the performance is oysters being shucked or the assembly of impressive seafood towers piled high with smoked salmon, chilled crab claws, tuna tartar, prawns, oysters, and sashimi. Fresh oysters are always available and only $1 each during Happy Hour, 3 to 6 pm daily. This summer, West Coast tabletop steamer kettles are going into overtime as the chef and his kitchen team ply you with all-you-can-eat BC mussels and clams for $25, offering three sumptuous broths – white wine cream garlic, Thai curry and smoked paprika chorizo. Plump and textured Qualicum Bay scallops and whole Dungeness crab are also featured. Okanagan’s premier seafood house, West Coast Grill + Oyster Bar is an attractive contemporary design with a long, marbletopped bar. Its seaside colour scheme and oversized windows set the tone for a fish-forward menu. In addition to seafood,

West Coast tabletop steamer kettle there’s salads, flatbreads, hamburgers and steaks. Open breakfast, lunch, Happy Hour, and dinner, the coastal inspired menu is paired with an extensive list of Okanagan wines, cocktails and beers. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

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

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

kelowna ANNOUNCING TERRAFINA AT HESTER CREEK BY RAUDZ Embracing Terrafina at Hester Creek, one of South Okanagan’s most celebrated wine country restaurants, into RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd. family of restaurants and bars is icing on a cake. Famous for innovative, locally-infused flavours, RauDZ elevates Terrafina’s meaning, “from the earth” and blends its Tuscan inspiration. An “eat-local movement” pioneer with an unwavering commitment to regional BC cuisine, Chef Rod Butters is excited to expand in the valley. “I look forward to working closely with farmers and artisans of this region I consider to be the Chef’s Ultimate Playground.” RauDZ Creative Concepts co-creator/ owner, Audrey Surrao (the au in RauDZ and key to its Okanagan-focused beverage

Forno-oven Potato and Truffle Pizza. What’s more Italian than a colourful antipasti platter you build from charcuterie, cheese, vegetables and fish? Brunch expands to every Sunday featuring a bonus to add shaved fresh truffles to your order. Happy Hour is daily, 3 to 5 pm, featuring Terrafina Boards and pizzas. In keeping with RauDZ beverages priority, enjoy rotating taps of local craft beer; cocktails featuring area distilleries; and wine focusing on Hester Creek’s award-winning lineup plus tributes to other BC wines, supplemented with great Italian wines fitting the Tuscan theme. Looming large is Butters’ long-awaited first cookbook, close to his heart and his fans. The Okanagan Table: The Art of Everyday Home Cooking, published

The new ‘make your own’ Terrafina boards offer a decadant array of bites to choose from portfolio) added, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with one of the valley’s best wineries. It’s a perfect fit that I never imagined as I spent the last 15 years building relationships with winemakers and wineries throughout the valley.” In the late nineties, the project’s ‘star players’ established an enduring relationship when Chef Butters, Surrao, and Roger Gillespie, Hester Creek Estate Winery director of hospitality, worked together at Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn. RauDZ welcomes Terrafina’s chef de cuisine Jenna Pillon into its culinary dream team to collaborate with Butters and executive chef Brock Bowes. States Butters, “Our mantra is when you cook with passion you feed the soul.” See the launch of Terrafina Boards and other items to join much-loved favourites like

34 •

by Figure 1 Vancouver, hits bookshelves summer 2017. Geared to the home cook, Butters prepared all recipes on his own stove rather than in restaurant kitchens. Accompanying the 80+ recipes are stunning photographs by David McIlvride in Butters’ home and throughout the valley. Departing from traditional cookbook chapters, it’s divided into time of day: Sunrise, Midday, Sunset and Twilight. Showcased are the unbelievable ingredients such as seasonal fresh produce chefs and home cooks experience in the Okanagan. Find favourites from his restaurants and home including Chef’s World-Famous Pancakes, made since he was seven years old, and Oat-Crusted Arctic Char, a RauDZ staple and Fresco carry-over. Details and preorder: www.chefrodbutters.com ~ Roslyne Buchanan

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

kelowna ROSÉ… THE ITALIAN WAY AT SANDHILL WINES THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 192,000 ACRES OF SANGIOVESE (SAN-JO-VAYSAY) PLANTED AROUND THE WORLD AND ALTHOUGH MOST OF IT CAN BE FOUND IN ITALY, WE’VE ACTUALLY GOT THREE GLORIOUS ACRES OF THESE LUSCIOUS VINES PLANTED RIGHT HERE IN OUR VERY OWN BACKYARD.

Master winemaker Howard Soon

Sandhill Estate Vineyard, located just outside of Oliver, is a Sangiovese-growing sweet spot where temperatures regularly register near 40° Celsius. This heat combined with rocky cliffs of granite and a gentle west-facing slope produces beautifully ripened, well-balanced fruit, year after year. The 2016 growing season provided a bounty of fruit that most winemakers only dream of and when the Sandhill Sangiovese hit the crush pad in early September, master winemaker Howard Soon decided quickly that not all of it would get equal treatment. Instead of crushing and soaking all the grapes to make his award-winning Small Lots red wine, some of them were sent to the press almost immediately to produce a one-of-kind Rosé. Mr. Soon had learned from experience that the larger berry size and thin-skinned nature of Sangiovese make it a dream

candidate for whole cluster pressing. That being said, there is no right answer when it comes to how quickly, or how long to press. It’s this kind of variability in the winemaking process that makes rosé one of the more stylistic wines in any winemakers’ portfolio. Although rosé is often referred to as an expression of the growing season, the creativity and skill of the winemaker also have great influence. 2016 Sandhill Rosé Floral, fruit-forward and off dry makes it the perfect patio companion. The beautiful watermelon colour, and food friendly nature of this wine also make it a welcome addition to any spring picnic or Sunday brunch. We highly recommend you find a sunny patio, open a bottle of Sandhill Rosé, and take the rest of the day off. ~ Joanna Schlosser

kelowna’s urban winery

B C V QA OKA NAGAN VALLEY • B C 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

www.winetrails.ca

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!

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

kelowna

CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

SURE, CANADA IS TURNING 150, BUT HERE IN THE OKANAGAN, 2017 MARKS A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY FOR A MUCH MORE TANGIBLE TREASURE. THE BUSY FOLKS AT THE LUSH VINEYARDS ALONG SOUTH LAKESHORE ROAD ARE TOASTING THEIR 30TH YEAR AS CEDARCREEK WINERY, AND IN THIS CORNER OF PARADISE, THAT TRULY CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION.

YEARS

How do you commemorate 30 years of hard work, trailblazing and delicious inspiration? Well, folklore suggests that the traditional gift is pearl, but CedarCreek is already a jewel in the Okanagan. So, as part of the von Mandl family’s commitment to growth in the valley, they’ve decided to crack open their shell and expand. Meanwhile, CedarCreek has planned a series of mini-celebrations as a thank you gift to all of us, for having supported them in their 30 years of endeavours. This means plenty of perks for the public! The coveted summertime Sunset Concert series lineup has just been announced; the Philosopher Kings, Matthew Good and Five for Fighting are all on the bill. Tickets are released in May, and sell out quickly. Happily, there’s no ticket scramble for the other anniversary delights. This season, several unique tours join the regular offerings. The Anniversary Tour highlights the history of winemaking in the Okanagan, as well as the particular history of CedarCreek. The intimate Winemaker’s Tour (on Fridays) will appeal to guests who’ve already enjoyed the more all-encompassing winery visits. Led by winemaker Taylor Whelan or assistant winemaker Leandro Nosal, these are limited to 6-8 people, and feature in-depth vineyard and cellar walks, as well as barrel samples and pairings.

You don’t need to partake in a tour to celebrate, though! Visitors who happen by on the 30th of any month will discover free tastings, matched with delectable canapes from the Vineyard Terrace kitchen. If that entices you, stay for a meal at the restaurant. Now through September, diners can enjoy Chef Tucker’s specially designed $30 menus on the 30th, as well. And yes, despite the construction confusion, this means that the acclaimed Vineyard Terrace Restaurant is still up and running. The grand scheme calls for the eventual development of an expanded, allseason, spectacular restaurant (something to look forward to for wintertime, locals!), but throughout this summer, visitors can still enjoy the unparalleled views and mouth-watering flavours from the intimate, perfectly-formed patio dining area. Pro tip: it’s easier to get in on a weekday. There’s much on the (gorgeous view of the) horizon down at CedarCreek. While they make space for 30 more years of winemaking excellence, they continue to provide the community with many reasons to celebrate. Ongoing options for locals, newcomers and visitors, for the wine beginners and the well-informed, means this 30th year is a happy anniversary for everyone. ~Abbey Westbury

trying to sum up 30 years of winemaking can leave us a little tongue-tied. ~ thankfully, the wine can speak volumes. ~

1987-2017

1990

Today

1986

Today

Daily tours, tastings, dining and amazing events. Come celebrate with us! | Visit cedarcreek.bc.ca kelowna, bc | 778 738 1027 | cedarcreekwine

36 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

THE VIEW WINERY’S WINNING TRIFECTA

THE SPLENDOURS OF SPIERHEAD SpierHead Winery in Southeast Kelowna is a lush gem surrounded by vineyards and orchards, with the hills of the Okanagan Valley in the distance. This quaint winery, with its patio and picnic area, opens May 1st from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm daily, and you’re welcome to drop in for a tasting at any time. Tastings are $5.00 for up to five wines. The $5 fee is waived for each bottle of wine purchased. SpierHead’s licensed patio area offers a sumptuous, relaxing yet exciting atmosphere where you’ll just want to stop, sip and enjoy. Back by popular demand, the Patio at SpierHead will be offering local food favorites to enjoy with your wine. It will open in mid to late June. This is also the perfect spot for corporate events or family get-togethers. Check www.spierheadwinery.com for updates, details and to purchase from their full selection of wine online.

Look for three 2016 vintages in May and June. The new Riesling features 100% of the grapes from SpierHead’s onsite vineyards, and is fermented and aged in stainless steel. The Chardonnay is also comprised of grapes grown on site, with 30 to 40% fermented in French oak barrels and the remaining in stainless steel tanks. And the Pinot Gris, a perennial crowd favorite, will also become available. SpierHead Wine Club membership is the best way to savour award-winning wines year round, and club enthusiasts enjoy some unique activities throughout the season. In May, there will be a vertical tasting of Rieslings going back as far as 2010. And the ever-popular Pinot Noir Blending Weekend, where members choose from barrel samples to create their own wine called Club Consensus, takes place in August. ~Deanna Rainey

Linger over a glass of one of our award winning wines and enjoy

some delicious light fare and artisan pizzas offered at our newly opened “Patio at SpierHead”. Ask us about booking an event in our lovely reception area and about joining our Wine Club. The tasting room is open from 11 am to 5:30 pm daily starting May 1 through to October 31. Please check our website or call us for the “Patio at SpierHead” hours.

3950 Spiers Rd., Kelowna 250.763.7777 info@spierheadwinery.com spierheadwinery.com www.winetrails.ca

kelowna

The View Winery is celebrating the summer wine tasting season with the release of their exclusive Pinotage Trifecta and a line up of fun, unique events. The Pinotage Trifecta features White Pinotage, Pinotage Reserve and Pinotage Rosé . The only one of its kind in North America, White Pinotage 2016 is a Blanc de Noir, a white wine made from their estate grown red Pinotage grapes. White Pinotage boasts a beautiful rose gold hue and notes of white stone fruits, berry and a subtle herbaceousness. Lingering citrus and minerality round out an elegant, dry finish. Pinotage Reserve is The View’s signature red. It has vibrant aromas and flavours of dark cherry, berry and spice. And finally, the Pinotage Rosé, released in early May, is also the only one of its kind in North America. This delicate pink rosé boasts intense strawberry aromatics, followed by flavours of pink grapefruit and tart cranberry, with a crisp, dry finish. Take a trip to The View to taste these unique wines and experience their historic fifth generation setting. Winemaker Wednesday runs every Wednesday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and provides a great opportunity to meet The View’s winemakers. Bring your mom to “Moms are Fab” May 13th and 14th and enjoy a casual lunch from The Surf Side California Food Truck in The View’s Packinghouse picnic area 12:00pm

to 5:00pm. Moms will receive free tastings and a special gift. For the disco lovers out there, be sure to attend ABBA ‘Nother Glass for an ABBA inspired day of fabulous wines and great 70’s tunes, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, May 27th. The Surf Side Food Truck will be serving up groovy bites that day too. And last but not least, kick off your summer with The View’s annual Bling Fling featuring live music, newly released wines and delicious appetizers 7:30pm to 10:30pm, June 24th. ~ Deanna Rainey

The View Winery & Vineyard Visit our fifth generation family owned estate for award winning wines and an unforgettable, authentic experience. #1-2287 Ward Road, Kelowna • 250-860-0742 Open year round • theviewwinery.com Just look for the Red Shoe!

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

kelowna

OAK + CRU – FRESH, LOCAL, AUTHENTIC, SOCIAL AND HANDCRAFTED WHEN

THE

OPPORTUNITY

CREATE A NEW RESTAURANT AROSE FOR THE DELTA GRAND’S FOOD AND BEVERAGE LEADERSHIP TEAM A FEW YEARS AGO, THEY SEIZED THE MOMENT.

They envisioned an out-of-the-box social experience –a place where patrons wouldn’t just show up for a meal, but rather would arrive at something special. They chose to eschew the typical hotel restaurant in favour of a locale dedicated to the bounty of the Okanagan Valley, and established a set of solid ideological pillars upon which to build their dream: Fresh, Local, Authentic, Social and Handcrafted. With this foundation, OAK + CRU Social Kitchen and Wine Bar has quickly established itself as a veritable temple to the flavours and artistry of the Okanagan. Restaurant manager, Ashley Alexander’s belief in these principles is tangible and contagious. Innovation is genuinely celebrated. Forward thinking and constant training (and sharing of knowledge) is essential. In scouting for talent, she looks for teammates who are equally dedicated to the OAK + CRU philosophy. The result is a cohesive, enthusiastic staff in the kitchen, behind the bar and front of house, who work together seamlessly to create just the experience that the Food and Beverage team envisioned. The OAK + CRU crew is constantly working to perfect the restaurant’s services and offerings, evolving to appeal to an ever more sophisticated clientele. Much of what appears on the table is hyper local: The herb garden that surrounds the patio provides ingredients for dishes ranging from house-infused spirits in the cocktails to the lemon-basil tart. The Land & Sea flatbread, made by a baker who starts at 4am, daily, is drizzled with honey produced

38 •

by the 80,000 buzzing employees of the rooftop apiary. Yet the creative minds behind O + C also recognize the value that other Okanagan artisans can add. The menu now incorporates gems expertly created by their regional neighbours – encountered at farmer’s markets and by regular sampling field trips to local growers, gourmands and artists. There is more to this considered approach than simply showcasing local talent. Importantly, OAK + CRU feels that by getting to know the suppliers, the staff become invested in their stories, which are then relayed to the patrons, and everyone feels a connection to what’s on the plate or in the glass. Alexander loves to hear tables lively with conversations about these relationships. Among the buzzworthy topics, she often hears the word “handcrafted”. It’s commonly interpreted as “rustic”, but to assume that the fare at OAK + CRU is unsophisticated would be a mistake; there are no rough edges to Executive Chef Iain Rennie’s creations. You might be served on a custom-made wooden tray, but both the presentation and taste are truly inspired, and as elegant as you will find anywhere. Chef Rennie’s culinary innovation is worthy of any judges’ panel. His team, including the executive sous chef Beth Ross and restaurant chef Eugene Hicks, expertly translates his ideas for the larger audience without diffusing any of the beauty. This season’s sablefish with chorizo risotto, stunning on the plate with a corsage of in-season vegetables, is completed with a

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

clever sparkling wine-mussel broth. Your mouth waters just reading that. The flavours are delectable and unexpected, and the dish touches on all of the restaurant’s guiding principles. Alexander constantly challenges her staff to develop surprising approaches to the menu, and the results always delight. Lauded pastry chef Arthur Chen rose to the occasion when asked to rethink his dessert list. His answer is a rotating palette of petite treats that highlight local products and appeal to all of the senses (certain popular items have achieved permanence: the Okanagan cherry-chocolate Sin Cake might spark a revolution if it disappeared!). Decadent and gorgeous, and a perfect topoff to any meal. At the bar, Stephanie Bobby heads a team of 8 “craftologists” who work industriously to develop the cocktail program. She is passionate about curating each team member’s personal style, and encourages them to utilise as many of the OAK + CRU pillar objectives as possible. The craftologists do not take this mandate lightly. They put an incredible amount of effort, talent and individual taste into their cocktails, and the results are reason to celebrate. Ben Harris, for instance, likes to coax out the natural flavours of the spirits. His divine “Lost Boy” is a thoughtful, layered homage to Peter Pan that definitely caters to grown up tastes. The house made drunken Okanagan cherry at the bottom will send anyone off to Neverland. The cocktail list gives credit to each drink’s creator, and restaurant goers enjoy ordering the opus

THE LOST BOY FROM OAK + CRU COCKTAIL BAR

0.75oz O kanagan Spirits Peppered Pete Whisky 0.75oz Remy Martin VSOP Cognac 0.25oz F reshly Squeezed Lemon Juice 0.25oz H andcrafted 5 Spice Syrup 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters 1 Burnt Okanagan Spirits Taboo Absinthe Spray Garnish with Dehydrated Blood Orange Served in Manhattan Glass

of whoever happens to be behind the bar –yet another way to make a connection between artisan and customer. And that seems to be the key to the immediate and commendable success of OAK + CRU. It is a place where guests feel at once familiar and important, where a comfortable atmosphere belies an elevated dining experience. The best of the Okanagan has found a wood-clad, waterfront showcase right in the heart of things. With such a solid, 5-point foundation, this is one addition that has nowhere to build but up. ~ Abbey Westbury

www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

kelowna

SUMMERHILL ICEWINE AWARDED BEST CHARDONNAY WINE IN THE WORLD SUMMERHILL IS THE ONLY CANADIAN WINERY IN THE TOP TEN OF CHARDONNAY DU MONDE, SELECTED FROM Summerhill proprietor Stephen Cipes

706 ENTREES FROM 38 COUNTRIES.

“The Summerhill family of over 150 employees is truly thrilled to share the excitement of their glorious award – THE BEST CHARDONNAY IN THE WORLD for the 2014 Chardonnay Icewine at the Chardonnay du Monde® 2017 competition in Burgundy, France!” says Stephen Cipes, proprietor of Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery. “Winning the number one Chardonnay wine in the world is a triumph for organic growing and winemaking. It recognizes being in harmony with nature, and the Okanagan Valley’s pristine growing conditions, which have been bringing pride to Canadians for 25 years.” Summerhill is the only Canadian winery in the Top Ten of Chardonnay du Monde, selected from 706 entrees from 38 countries. To buy 2014 Chardonnay Icewine and for news, events and wine releases see summerhill.bc.ca. Cipes joined David Suzuki’s Blue Dot movement giving all BC residents the right to clean air and water. Dr. Suzuki signed the 2020 Vision to return the entire Okanagan Valley to its “original pristine wilderness state with an aggressive movement to transition the entire Valley to 100% organic by year 2020”. Join thousands including most of the Chiefs and Mayors, and celebrities to sign the Declaration at organicOkanagan.com. (Visit alloneera.com to see Cipes and Dr. Suzuki signing plus read the introduction to Cipes’ new book, All One Era.) Winter was a whirlwind as Summerhill received the precious Platinum Award for Cipes Blanc de Blanc 2010

40 •

sparkling, and Stephen Cipes was bestowed the coveted Founders Award. That Blanc de Blanc captured Silver at the 2017 Chardonnay Du Monde® making Summerhill the only Canadian winery to achieve two medals. Summerhill’s leadership as an organic and fully certified biodynamic operation garnered many international and national awards in its 25 years producing organic wines. Friendly, multi lingual staff greet visitors from around the world to Summerhill’s “MODEL OF MAN AND NATURE”. The 80-acre vineyard affords a sweeping 30-km view of the lake, Bennett Bridge, Kelowna, and much of Westbank across Okanagan Lake. Featuring spectacular sunsets, the 200-seat Sunset Organic Bistro offers “rustic-casual elegance” – a fun place to see and be seen! Chef Alex Lavroff ensures menus are in sync providing a “harmonious combination of flavours including bright citrus components, floral notes, and fresh inspiration from the seasonal garden and BC’s honoured organic farmers and foragers.” Integrated are techniques and flavours from Thailand and Indonesia that play “creatively and gracefully with Summerhill’s organic wines”. A new FOOD BAR opens this Spring with organic small plates for those on the go or for family dining in the newly-expanded picnic park and plaza overlooking the lake. While incorporating organic practices since 1986, having certified organic status in the vineyard and cellar, and Demeter Biodynamic status,

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

Summerhill just applied to become Certified Naturally Grown (CNG), “a grassroots certification that reduces the costs and time-consuming aspects that act as barriers to organic conversion, while building a stronger community.” Currently there are 25 CNG farms across Canada. Summerhill wants people to feel genuinely at home, and was officially designated as a member of the Canadian Signature Experiences collection by the Canadian Tourism Commission when it launched 2011. The ‘Discover Pyramid Power’ Signature Experience invites you to tour the sacred geometry pyramid (“second only to The Great Pyramid of Egypt for precision in alignment”) wine cellar, taste award-winning organic wines, and pair them with farm-to-table cuisine in the Sunset Organic Bistro. The CTC believes the collection exemplifies a breadth of unique, authentic Canadian travel experiences that portrays Canada’s tourism brand to the world. Summerhill attracts 1,000 to 3,000 visitors daily, and Cipes says, “We empower our employees to exude famous Canadian hospitality with warm welcomes and love.” Recently his son Ezra Cipes, CEO, shared Summerhill’s initiative to expand facilities, programs, and staff to better accommodate those numbers of guests. The expansion plan includes a hospitality hall to greet arrivals and direct guests to tasting rooms, tour locations, restaurant, special event spaces and other facilities. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

“

Winning the number one Chardonnay wine in the world is a triumph for organic growing and winemaking.

” Winner of the Chardonnay du Monde: 2014 Chardonnay Icewine

www.winetrails.ca

l ake co untry

[sce•nic sip•pers] The cutting edge trendsetters who know where to find fabulous wine.

Visit scenicsip.ca for your guide to the stunning wineries of Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Trail.

www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

l ake country

GRAY MONK’S WINNING COMBINATION: 35-45-55!

Trudy & George Heiss

ANY VISIT TO GRAY MONK ESTATE WINERY IN LAKE COUNTRY IS CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION, BUT THIS YEAR IT IS EXTRA SPECIAL. THE HEISS FAMILY IS CELEBRATING WHAT THEY’VE CALLED THEIR 35-45-55 ANNIVERSARY.

42 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

It has been 55 years since proprietors George Sr. and Trudy Heiss tied the knot, and their relationship has been a match made in heaven in more ways than one! They’re also celebrating 45 years of grape growing and 35 years of crafting some of BC’s finest wines. The Heiss family are not only pioneers in the BC estate winery world, but they’ve succeeded in working virtually every aspect of their development as a family unit, as George and Trudy work alongside their three sons. Robert is the operations manager; George Jr. is the winemaker and Steven is the director of sales and distribution. The Heiss family has been instrumental in shaping the Okanagan wine industry with the introduction of high quality vines. Most notably, the family is credited with bringing the first Pinot Gris vines into Canada from Alsace in 1976. Today, it is the most prolific white varietal in the Okanagan. They’re planning a marvellous 35-45-55 Celebration on September 29th, when they present Roll Out the Barrels. Billed as an extravagant wine paired dinner with George and Trudy Heiss, rest assured that the wine will be amazing, the food delectable, the view dazzling and the evening a night to remember! Tickets are available at Gray

Monk and as they are limited, be sure to get yours early. At Gray Monk, prestigious awards just keep coming. Most recently, they received a coveted platinum award at the Northwest Wine Summit 2016 for the 2014 Odyssey White Brut . Late spring and early summer are special times with new releases becoming available on a regular basis. Trudy recommends the 2016 Chardonnay and the 2016 Ehrenfelser, to be released by mid-May As their legion of dedicated customers will tell you, all of your senses will be awakened with a trip to Gray Monk. 2016 is your year to celebrate with Gray Monk and you’re invited to the ‘Home of Pinot Gris.’ Gray Monk is open daily through the end of June from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. In summer they open from 9 am to 9 pm daily. Tours run hourly from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. 2014 Odyssey White Brut $21.99 A blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay Musqué and Orange Muscat. The nose displays brioche, Hawaiian bread and apples that carry over to the palate. There, it shows restrained acidity, pretty stone fruit, nice minerality, small persistent bubbles and a long finish with lemon meringue pie and white peach. ~ Deanna Rainey

www.winetrails.ca

Ingredients: Fish Marinade: 4 portions fresh halibut (sourced from your local fish monger) 4 slices fresh lemon Juice of half a fresh lemon 1/3 cup dry white BC wine Drizzle of olive oil ½ tsp of salt ½ tsp pepper 1 Tbsp canola oil Salsa Fresca: 3 Roma tomatoes, diced 1 shallot, finely diced 1 clove garlic, minced ½ jalapeno, finely diced 1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped 1 tsp red wine vinegar salt & pepper to taste Spanish Hash: 1 Tbsp canola oil ½ orange bell pepper, diced ½ yellow bell pepper, diced ½ red bell pepper, diced ½ c an black beans, rinsed and drained ½ can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ½ red onion, finely diced 1 clove garlic, minced ½ cup dry white wine to deglaze pan 1 pinch ea. cumin & chile powder 1 Tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped Method: Combine ingredients of the marinade in a bowl, add fish, cover

with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. In another bowl, add salsa ingredients, toss and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more so the flavours can come together. Note: this salsa is great with chips too and is very healthy! In a medium non stick pan sauté garlic and onion on medium heat for 5 minutes, add diced peppers and sauté for another 3 minutes. Deglaze pan with white wine, then add in the beans, cumin, chile powder and flat leaf parsley and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat. Heat a non stick pan on mediumhigh heat, remove fish from marinade into pan and cook for 4 minutes on each side allowing time for some caramelization. To plate divide hash onto plate, gently top with halibut and garnish with salsa fresca.

l ake co untry

SEARED MARINATED HALIBUT WITH SPANISH BEAN HASH & SALSA FRESCA LOCAL CHEF DIXIE-MAY KUNICKY SHARES

THIS

LOVELY

RECIPE

CELEBRATING BC HALIBUT SEASON. SHE SUGGESTS PAIRING IT WITH LANGLEY BASED WINERY DOMAINE DE CHABERTON’S 2014 VALLEY CHARDONNAY. DIXIE SAYS THE WINE BOASTS “LOTS OF PEACH AND PEAR, A GOOD BALANCE IN ACID AND IT WAS ONLY $14!” CHEERS!

EXPERIENCE paired perfection The goal at Ex Nihilo Vineyards is that each and every guest can share in our passion while enjoying our wines. Join us and let our friendly staff guide you through an unforgettable wine paired epicurean journey with our brand new courtyard tastings. Book online for the Okanagan’s best Tasting & Dinner Experiences

1525 CAMP RD LAKE COUNTRY BC V4V 2L3 250 766 5522 • exnihilovineyards.com

www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

AVERILL CREEK WINERY – WHERE PINOT NOIR IS THE VINEYARD’S ‘RAISON D’ETRE’

i sl and

CLIMATE AND SOIL ARE TWO NATURAL COMPONENTS IN GROWING QUALITY PINOT NOIR BUT PRODUCING A TOP-NOTCH BOTTLE REQUIRES A PASSIONATE HUMAN HAND AND CAREFUL JUDGMENT. Vancouver Island has providence on its side when it comes to growing this varietal. With latitude on par with the most famous Pinot-producing region in the world – Burgundy, France – it has the ideal moderate-to-cool climate for growing the finicky grape. First, you have to let nature be ruthless. Averill Creek in the Cowichan Valley knows how to do that. With a rocky terroir similar to that of Burgundy, the slopes of Mount Prevost can produce a perfect Pinot if you let nature play its role. Andy Johnston uses

the Burgundian method of non-irrigation, forcing the thirsty vines to dig deep into the soil to reach pockets of moisture during hot, dry summers. The hard work to access water coaxes the grapes into their optimum ripeness. Andy and his crew then meticulously choose the best quality fruit to make the red Pinot Noir. The method and length of fermentation are also crucial is producing a smooth, lowto-medium tannin Pinot. At Averill Creek, the grapes are put in a French oak cuvee to begin the fermentation process with

very gentle methods of extracting the juice. The juice is transferred to barrel, fermented and aged for at least 12 months in a combination of new and old oak. Averill Creek has established a clear identity for the Pinot Noir – dark purple in colour with black fruit flavours, delicate violets and rose petals on the nose. Complemented by earth tones, the palate has a soft fruit entry and gentle seductive tannins. The finish is complex with clean acidity. Nothing says it more aptly than the label on each Averill Creek vintage where you’ll see the words “raison d’etre” – Pinot Noir is the vineyard’s “reason for being.” Averill Creek has won several international awards: A gold medal for its 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir at the 2012 Canadian Wine Awards, the same bottle was selected

for the 2012 International Pinot Noir Celebration in Oregon. The 2012 Pinot Noir, which sold out in just a few months last summer, earned a bronze at the 2016 Global Pinot Noir Masters held in England. Part of the vineyard’s premium wine series, the 2014 Somenos Pinot Noir got a silver medal at the 2017 Global Pinot Noir Masters. To celebrate their successes and the future of Pinot Noir as an iconic Vancouver Island wine, Averill Creek will host an appreciation night on June 24th at the Mount Prevost vineyard. Open to all Cowichan wineries, the evening includes a tasting event, a seminar and an al fresco dinner featuring Averill Creek wines made from Pinot Noir. ~Tasha Riebe

THE HOME OF PINOT NOIR

2012 Pinot Noir

2014 Somenos Pinot Noir

2009 Reserve Pinot Noir

Premium Local Wines, Vancouver Island

44 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

www.winetrails.ca

SAMPLE THE FRUITS OF A NEW FRONTIER THIS SUMMER AT MONTE CREEK RANCH WINERY

k a mlo op s

IN RECENT YEARS, THE THOMPSON VALLEY HAS EMERGED AS ONE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S NEWEST AND MOST PROMISING WINE REGIONS.

What makes this region of the province unique for winemaking is the South Thompson Valley’s semi-arid climate, with hot, dry days and cool nights—it makes for the perfect conditions for both grapes and weary travellers looking to enjoy a summer afternoon. Fluctuations in the diurnal temperature make for richly distinct wines that are renowned for their intense flavour concentrations and balanced acidity. Located in this new frontier in winemaking is Monte Creek Ranch Winery, where the silty soil lying beneath the winery’s vineyards that distinguishes their wines is the enduring legacy of the last ice age.

These conditions go back eons to when a glacier slowly crept down the valley and blocked the South Thompson River, creating a huge glacial lake in the South Thompson Valley. As the glacier eroded the rock beneath it, glacial silt was gradually deposited in the lakebed. Eventually, the glacial ice dam burst, draining the lake. The result is the deep, silty soil found in the vineyards of Monte Creek. The tops of the cliffs that are still visible on both sides of the valley were once the floor of this ancient lake, and while the river has since carved through the silt it left behind the valley’s iconic hoodoos.

With 65 acres of vines Monte Creek exemplifies this new viticultural frontier. Embracing the classics such as Chardonnay and Riesling along with more unique varietals such as their renowned Frontenac Gris, a rare but hardy species of grape well suited to the pioneer life. This modern riverside winery doubles as a working farm and is home to grass-fed Black Angus cattle, a bee colony, and the exotic Haskap berry – an oblong, blueberry like fruit with mysterious roots in the Siberian tundra. A quick stop off Highway 1, only 10-minutes outside of the Kamloops city limits, Monte Creek Ranch Winery aims to follow in the footsteps of the area’s early explorers. Monte Creek has always been a small community, but the area achieved fame in 1906 as the site of the last train robbery by the notorious “Gentleman Bandit” Bill Miner. The winery embraces this story, recanting it in their tasting room and on the labels of their bottles. The team at Monte Creek Ranch Winery welcomes wine lovers and farm fresh food fans to stop by and experience the beauty and bounty that first brought these pioneers west. Taste the wine, enjoy a guided walking vineyard tour, indulge in a locally inspired alfresco artisan menu on the Terrace restaurant or relax amongst the local wildlife. Witness for yourself the lure of this new frontier. ~ Blake Allen

WINERY | RESTAURANT 2420 Miners Bluff Rd Monte Creek, BC

(10 mins from Kamloops)

- TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY www.montecreekranchwinery.com | 250-573-5399 www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

shu swap

LARCH HILLS WINERY – AN EXTRAORDINARY WINE EXPERIENCE

Proprietors Jack & Hazel Manser

When planning your wine tasting tours this spring, you must travel north to the Shuswap to discover BC’s newest wine frontier. One of the region’s pioneer vineyards knew the conditions here were ideal for growing cold climate wines a long time ago, and they continue to garner awards for the wines they are creating on top of the world. Larch Hills Winery is your destination. Winding your way up the beautiful forested larch hills, you will be captivated by the

views and feel a sense excitement --you are heading to the highest altitude winery in North America! Surrounded by rich green vineyards, the cozy European style tasting room will greet you. Owners Jack and Hazel Manser who provide the European charm to the winery (he originally from Switzerland and she from the Netherlands) together offer an utterly delightful experience. Their sought after 2016 Rosé is available on the shelves again. This gold medal winner from the North West Wine Summit is a

unique blend of Ortega and Lemberger and just screams for a sunny day. Jack, also the winemaker, is proud to bring back the Semillon this year after a two-year hiatus. This relatively unfamiliar variety is finally getting recognition and growing a fan club. For red wine lovers, the Grandview Bench Blend will be your target to taste. Rich and delicious, Jack has added Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to the mix this year. ~ Jennifer Schell

RECLINE RIDGE - A TASTING ADVENTURE

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

Your Adventure Starts Here! Wine, Hike, Bike, Paddle & Ski

Recline Ridge owners Graydon and Maureen Ratzlaff are focused on their customers in their wine shop. “We focus on delivering the best experience that we can,” says Graydon. Everyone from the educated taster to the wine newbie can all get something from the experience. The common thread that Graydon has noticed is that most people are adventurous tasters and like to try new things and discover new flavours. Thankfully Recline Ridge has a good crosssection of wine styles available from which to choose. The whites tend to be fragrantly fruity and off-dry in style while the reds vary in intensity. The driest white wine is the Shuswap Serenade, a blend of Madeleine Angevine and Madeleine Sylvaner grapes that makes for a versatile wine with fish, chicken, or cheeses. The other end of the spectrum is the Siegerrebe, which is a much more intense style of wine that can stand up to spicy foods. Graydon describes the reds as being “stand-up red”, meaning that they do not need to be consumed with rich, hearty meals and are appropriate for casual social events. “There’s something for everybody

in our reds,” says Graydon who notes that these varieties are not going to taste like Cabernet or Shiraz. The climate and terroir of the Shuswap are not suitable for those grape varieties but are great for Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, and Marichel Foch, which is particularly popular in the wine shop. “It’s quite different from the mainstream reds. Very soft, naturally smoky finish,” says Graydon. “It’s almost a bridge wine to reds” for white wine drinkers. ~ Luke Whittall

Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm

Recline Ridge Hwy #1Winery West to Kamloops

Recline Ridge Winery

Hwy #1 West to Kamloops

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

Toll Free: 1-800-868-5121 Local: 250-253-8379 byron@nobleadventures.net www.nobleadventures.net Photo courtesy of Destination BC

46 •

BC Food & Wine Trails • MAY | JUNE 2017

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

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

www.winetrails.ca

fe atur e

INTERVIEW WITH WINEMAKER GRANT ELIO BIGGS: THIS LOCAL GUY EPITOMIZES PASSION FOR THE CRAFT. FROM VINE TO BOTTLE, HE IS LIVING HIS DREAM. HIS ADVICE? FIND WHAT YOU LOVE AND LET IT KILL YOU. 1. How did you get into winemaking? Tell us your story. Wine has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I used to help my Italian grandfather make wine in his basement in Port Alberni with grapes imported from California. From a very young age I was fascinated with fermentation. Watching grapes turn into wine and then seeing the finished product enjoyed alongside the most comforting meals cooked by my French grandmother was a massive part of my upbringing. I always associated wine with food and food with wine. I never considered it a career path until I was in my early 20’s. After dropping out of a kinesiology degree I started travelling. In order to fund my travels I started working in restaurants. Spending a busy season at a restaurant to make enough money to travel again. Each time I returned I found myself working in nicer restaurants with better chefs and better wine lists. In 2006 I was working at The Mark Restaurant at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria. It was there that I was offered the opportunity to enroll in the International Sommelier Guild’s Diploma Program. My diploma teacher, DJ Kearney, recently reminded me that in the very first class when asked what I wanted to do with my

diploma, my answer was, “Grow and make wine”. After receiving my diploma in November of 2009 I managed the opening of a boutique liquor store in Victoria before making the move to the Okanagan in early 2010 to pursue winemaking. I spent a couple years with the extremely talented team at RauDZ Regional Table while building a strong foundation in chemistry at Okanagan College and starting the University of California Davis Institute’s distance Oenology program. In 2012, I landed my first job in the winemaking industry at Mt Boucherie Family Estate Winery in West Kelowna as a vintage cellarhand, after falling in love with my first crush I was asked to help see the 2012 wines into bottle by winemaker, Jim Faulkner. I was hooked. In 2013 I joined David Paterson at Tantalus Vineyards for harvest. Spring 2014 saw me in New Zealand at VinPro, working with some incredible Pinot Noir fruit from all over Central Otago. My second crush of 2014 was back at Tantalus for harvest and when the final icewine grapes of the

season were picked, I started my journey with the Kitsch family and what would eventually become Kitsch Wines. 2. What is your favourite part of the process? That’s a loaded question. I love every part of the process equally. From pruning in the winter to harvesting in the fall I enjoy every aspect of vineyard work except suckering, that sucks. As far as winemaking goes, I love monitoring fermentations. Fermentation is a beautiful thing. It utilizes all your senses: seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, hearing and then evaluating each wine from the vine to the bottle is my favourite part of the process. I love plunging my arm into a roaring Pinot Noir ferment to feel the CO2 bubble up through the cap. I love putting my ear up to the bunghole of a Chardonnay barrel that is just starting to ferment, listening to the slow ticking of the yeast doing their thing. 3. What is your dream? If I could be anywhere in the world, doing anything, without limitations on education

or finance, I’d be living and working in East Kelowna on a young, 13-acre vineyard, making sparkling wine, aromatic whites and Pinot Noir... Oh wait! That’s what I’m doing - I’m living my dream. Life’s too short not to. I get to wake up everyday and do what I love. I wish that for everyone. 4. If you were a bottle of wine what would you be? A Magnum of Vintage Champagne 5. What would your tasting notes be? Lively, youthful, delicate and sometimes boisterous. Enjoyable day or night and has the ability to turn any occasion into a memorable experience. Enjoy now or can be laid down and savoured for years to come as it’s only going to get better with age. Kitschwines.ca Cheers Grant! We look forward to watching your passions unfold on the Okanagan wine scene.

MARKETPLACE Strictly Cellars & Accessories Wine Care Specialists •Wine Cellars from 50 to 500 bottles • Wine Racking & Cooling Systems • Wine Accessories & Glassware

250-448-7225 or 1-866-396-7225

www.strictlycellars.com www.winetrails.ca

MAY | JUNE 2017 • BC Food & Wine Trails •

“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!