BC Food & Wine Trails Fall 2015

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WineTrails w w w. w i n e t r a i l s . c a B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Parties & Festivals Galore!

Where to eat, drink & stay #bcwine

DON’T MISS THE GARAGISTE WINE FESTIVAL!

LUNESSENCE OPENS IN SUMMERLAND

WELCOME QUIDNI ESTATE WINERY TO THE NARAMATA BENCH

Time to breathe.

Plan your experience visitpenticton.com For great ideas on how to spend your time here, come talk to one of our Travel Experience Specialists: Penticton & Wine Country Visitors Centre 553 Vees Drive, Penticton | 250.276.2170 | @visitpenticton | #visitpenticton

Award-winning cafĂŠ serving breakfast, lunch & weekend brunch. Sunny patio!

Enjoy our superb quality and great value accommodations in the heart of the Okanagan wine region

Grape Friends Lounge & Tours Inc. Specializing in smaller more intimate tours in luxury SUV’s. Relax, Lounge & have fun!

Enjoy Grape Wines, Grape Views & Grape Hospitality with Grape Friends!

Organic coffee, takeaway, artisan grocery.

www.daysinnpenticton.ca Phone: 250.493.6616

www. pentictontours.com TF: 1.250.328.2008

Open daily until 5pm. www.thebenchmarket.com www.facebook.com/TheBenchMarket Phone: 250.492.2222

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Annabel Stanley .................................................................................6 Garagiste North - Small Guys Wine Festival ......................................4 Garlic Festival ...................................................................................50 Gatzke Orchards Foodism Dinner Series ...........................................8 Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Red Dress Event .................................11 Festival Of The Grape ......................................................................51 Tourism Tofino ....................................................................................4

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40 Knots .......................................... 5 Adega On 45th ............................. 50 Black Hills ...................................... 49 Burrowing Owl .............................. 48 C.C. Jentsch Cellars ...................... 46 Clos Du Soleil................................ 42 D’Angelo Estate Winery ............... 35 Desert Hills .................................... 46 Dirty Laundry................................. 26 Eau Vivre ....................................... 42 Fairview Cellars ............................. 45 Gehringer Brothers ....................... 45 Gray Monk .................................... 11 Hester Creek ................................. 47 Hillside Winery & Bistro ................ 32 Kalala ............................................. 20 Kraze Legz ..................................... 36 Larch Hills ...................................... 10 Legend Distilling ........................... 31 Liquidity......................................... 40 Lunessence.................................... 25 Meadow Vista .............................. 13 Meyer Family Vineyards................ 37 Monte Creek Ranch ........................ 9 Moraine ......................................... 33 Mt.Boucherie................................. 21 Naramata Bench Winery Assc. ..... 33

OK Falls Winery Association......... 41 Oliver Twist.................................... 48 Pentage ......................................... 38 Poplar Grove ................................ 30 Quails’ Gate .................................. 21 Quidni Winery ............................... 29 Quinta Ferreira .............................. 44 Recline Ridge ................................ 10 Red Rooster .................................. 34 River Stone .................................... 43 Sage Hills ...................................... 23 Sandhill .......................................... 18 Serendipity .................................... 35 Sonoran ........................................ 23 Spierhead ...................................... 19 Stags Hollow ................................. 38 Summerhill .................................... 15 Tantalus ......................................... 17 Therapy ......................................... 36 The Scenic Sip-Lake Country ..11 The View ....................................... 14 Tightrope ..................................... 31 Tinhorn Creek ............................... 44 Upper Bench Winery & Creamery ....27 Volcanic Hills ................................. 20 Wild Goose ................................... 39

   Bonfire Grill at The Cove..................................................................22 Fleetwood Public House & The Italian Table ...................................12 Pilgrim & Pearl & 27 Cocktail Lounge ..............................................17 RauDZ Regional Table/micro bar.bites .............................................19 Smack Dab at Manteo Resort ..........................................................13 Terrafina at Hester Creek................................................................. 43 The Bench Market ............................................................................28 The Wickinninnish Inn ........................................................................4

   BC Wine Info & VQA Wine Shop...27 DeLong Studio ...........................22 Discover Naramata. ...................55 Discover Wines ..........................12 Forest Green Man Lavender Farm ..30 Grape Escapes ...... ...................55 Kamloops Tourism .......................7 Lone Willow Wine Jelly .............55

Okanagan College .....................28 Sandman Hotel ..........................16 Strictly Cellars.............................55 Tastefull Excursions ......................8 The Cove Lakeside Resort ........14 Tourism Penticton .... ...................2 Vancouver Food Tour...................5

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Zucchinni Fritters ...........................54 Defender Island Sour Cocktail ...53 Grilled Zucchini Stack ................54 www.winetrails.ca

W

e are excited to announce that we have a new publisher at Food & Wine Trails Magazine! One who not only loves wine but has also been writing passionately about the wineries for us for the last couple of years. Welcome Lorne Eckersley!

Lorne has been part of the Black Press family for years (he is publisher of the Creston Valley Advance), so this has been a wonderful change for the team. I am looking forward to working with Lorne to build an even better, more thorough, guide into our beloved food and wine country in BC and sharing the stories of all passionate people behind the labels and menus.

You know, the butchers, the bakers, the wine & cheese makers (wink)!

Speaking of which, my 2nd book The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine & Cheese Maker –By The Sea will be out end of September – it is a continuation of the stories of the incredible community of farmers, artisans, fishers, foragers and drink makers from Vancouver Island through Vancouver and up to Pemberton. Watch for the 2nd edition Okanagan Cookbook in 2016.

We are now all awaiting harvest with baited breath. With record heat this year and record early harvest dates, what will this 2015 vintage be like?

Master winemaker Eric von Krosigk at Summerhill has been quoted

as saying “this will be the vintage of the century!” causing waves of excitement as well as minor panic during grape harvest. Besides getting the fruit off when the sugar levels are right, the other issue is clearing the decks inside the winery (tanks etc.) to prepare for the new crush. We know that the grapes are in great hands in BC wine country and our vintners will bring out the best in their fruit again. Hooray for them!

Don’t forget to continue to support your farmers too – shop direct and at farmer’s markets! Their income goes back into their farms and into YOUR community. Let’s all work together to build a sustainable future and eliminate food security concerns. We live in the most beautiful province in Canada, and one that offers all the bounty we could wish for – from land to sea.

Happy fall!

Jennifer Schell

    Writers: Blake Allen, Cassandra Anderton, Roslyne Buchanan, Tracy Clark, Lorne Eckersley, Courtney Fossett, Anna Jacyszyn, Lindsey Kelm, Laura Lushington, Deanna Merrick, Terry Meyer-Stone, Henrietta Poirier, Dona Sturmanis, Abbey Westbury, Luke Whittall, Sarah Willard.

WT Food &

BRITISH COLUMBIA

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

2250 Camrose Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 8R1 Tel: (250) 492-6036 Fax: (250) 492-9843 Email: jennifer@winetrails.ca

Subscription rate Canada $16.00 per year (GST Incl.)

U.S. $18.00 U.S. per year International $20.00 Can. per year

Publisher: Lorne Eckersley Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Schell Creative: Greta Snodgrass Circulation: Sue Kovacs

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

BC 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.

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 3

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The best of the small lot commercially produced artisan wines, all showcased in one spot.

Kelowna: Sept. 27th

Farmgate, cult, boutique, custom crush, virtual, the passionate and one of a kind - the Garagistes of the Okanagan!

2pm - 4pm

Small bites from Roxy’s Diner Food Truck and live tunes provided by Slap Dog.

Laurel Packing House 1304 Ellis St.

www.garagistenorth.com garagistesnorth@gmail.com

Sponsored by:

Food &

WT British Columbia

w w w. w i n e t r a i l s. c a

Tickets $49 available online through www.Eventbrite.ca

FALL FESTIVIES FOR THE FUN AT HEART Join us every Thursday night at the Driftwood Café for alternating live music and delicious food and drink specials.

October Blue Mountain Rosé promotion

November Oysterfest (Nov. 19-22)

We’re thrilled to partner with the Blue Mountain Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to support those affected by breast cancer. For every glass or bottle of Blue Mountain Rosé sold at the Inn in the month of October, partial proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation BC/ Yukon Region. Cheers to your health.

Our week-end festival celebrating our favourite bivalve! Enjoy two days and two nights of entertaining talks, oyster farm tours, and tasty events like The Oyster Gala, Oysters with the Oysterman and the Mermaids’ Ball with its slurping contest and (dare we say) outrageous costumes!

Visit www.wickinn.com for more details.

tel 1.800.333.4604

Page 4 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

www.wickinn.com

www.winetrails.ca

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Wine, Wind, and Sea

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40 KNOTS VINEYARD – CREATING BEAUTIFUL VANCOUVER ISLAND WINES

0 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery has had a remarkably busy summer as the winery team has been pulled in all directions to sample their bottles everywhere from special liquor store tastings to the Comox Aviation Show and the Cumberland Motorcycle Rally.

This Comox Valley winery has just released the newest vintages of Pinot Gris, NEWS Rosé | and “Ziggy” B2 | BREWS SPONSOR CONTENT Siegerrebe, the winery’s trademark wine (named for their winery whippet); the 2014 vintage is showing extremely well.

Guests are encouraged to visit the winery, sample the new vintages and visit the winery’s wonderful array of animals including Ziggy the winery dog, the adorable crew of baby doll sheep (fittingly named Gris, Pin and Char), as well as

the flock of chickens, a rooster, ducks and pilgrim geese that are employed to effectively deal with pesky bugs and weeds reducing in the vineyards.

40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery hosts Wine Wednesday, and creative owners Layne Robert Craig and Brenda Hetman-Craig have come up with a plethora of themes including a Southern Blues themed-evening, pig roasts and storytelling, and an East Coast Meets West Coast evening with a “screeching in” (kissing of the fish).

On September 23rd the winery is hosting the Starlit Evening where local sustainable sturgeon caviar will be served along with symphony talent. For the first time, on November 19th, to honour the day of the French Beaujolais Nouveau

release, 40 Knots will throw a party and release a surprise wine, served with formal French cuisine.

2015 WineAlign National Awards of Canada wins: 40 Knots Stall Speed Meritage 2013 – Gold 40 Knots Spindrift 2012 Brut- Silver 40 Knots Spindrift 2011 Soleil Rosé Brut - Bronze. ~ Cassandra Anderton

THURSDAY, DECEM

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

CTLY

DISTIN

photo by Ema Peter

aLElY LCOoMOc A V X L

P

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Dark Matter: Quotes and Testimonials (l-r) Winemaker Matt Dumayne

with owners Layne Robert Craig “AsBrenda a scientist, I’ve spent “Thou callest this Fine and Hetman-Craig much of my life trying to Ale, ‘tis fouler than solve the mystery of Dark ordinary gutter swill!”

— William Shakespeare Matter, and these people claim to have simply put it “Dark Matter and wom in a bottle! This is an outjust about wrecked my rage!” — Stephen Hawking but that’s alright with m — John Lee Hooker “Dark Matter represents one small step for man, “Mmmm Beer” one giant the leap past for manthroughout few decades, — Homer Simpson kind” many — Neil Armstrong leaving storefronts empty.

VANCOUVER FOOD TOUR STROLLS THROUGH MODERN CHINATOWN

eople are surprised to find out that Vancouver Food Tour’s Modern Chinatown Tour does not actually include any traditional Chinese Restaurants. Vancouver’s Chinatown saw a mass exodus of Chinese restaurants and Chinese businesses when many moved to Richmond to the newer Golden Village

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Fortunately in 2010, Chinatown was designated a national historic site, and since then the area hasStreet, gone Victoria, BC 101-2749 Bridge through a revitalization process and • www.hoynebrewing.ca attracted new businesses with many being restaurants.

Walk through Millennium Gate on Pender Street and you’ll find renovation crews and no shortage of construction in the area. One of the newest spots is hidden behind a storefront at 158 East Pender, Sai SAMANTHA MCLEOD throughout the year — 5 p.m Woo. Named afterSPECIAL SaiTO Woo Chop THE SUN — and is $75 per person. For th an evening Suey that first opened its doors in or afternoon of thr Craft beer and food lights up Carlos taste three beer flights and 1925, the menu here has no delectable chop bites of chef creati Gomes’s life.

“If I could, I would cook dining the best part comes wh suey, although the fine chef does But find meals and serve craft beer to my guests opens up on the secrets of wh inspiration in Chinatown’s groceries. every day,” said the youthful father of two drinking and eating — the pe who owns andgo operates Vancouver fare ings for We often for the Germanic at every craft beer.

Food tour company.

“Just imagine, with four sim Bestie Currywurst we sample So the next best thingwhere for the fooddients combined with the cre ie entrepreneur is the Gastown Beer ’n chefs and Brewmasters, magic their signature Currywurst dish, Bites tour. happens,” he said. sausages, fries, ahas side For the last four years,and Gomes beenof curry Another not-to-be-missed e guiding vacationers and locals on a tour ketchup alongside some of adventure BC’s is Gomes’s Vancou of Vancouver’s historical locale where the Beer Tour. best craft You’ll also “Here find we take the adventu legendary Gassybeers.

Jack, a sailor turned barkeep, opened Vancouver’s first saloon tour of the bigger brewerie us eager to get to Mamie Taylors, 147 years ago. behind the scenes of some of t The tour winds through eggs, the cobbled known brands. Of course, ther where deviled delicate streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighbour- of catered food to go with it.” biscuits and fried chicken on it’s corporate even hood and is an unforgettable experience areWhether of where “history meets the contempostagettes, stags, reunion the Southern-inspired menu days, and rary.” ments, vacation or staycation the cocktails stellar.

“History is in the are four pure ingredients tions or interventions, Carlo of the beer;are water,almost malted barley, hops team can create moments tha There endless new and yeast. While the contemporary influ- er to be forgotten in Vancouv openings in the area; you never know ences are found in the ingredients the my guests leave with beautif chefs andthis brewmasters use to infuse theupries, gain knowledge, new fri where food tour will turn next. small batches of craft beer,” said Gomes. have as much pleasure in the e ~ Monday Cassandra Anderton This tour runs from to Sunday as I do.”

Gastown beer ’n bites tour a labour of love for foodie

COMOX VALLEY, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC 40KnotsWinery @40KnotsWinery 2400 Anderton Road www.40knotswinery.com Supported by the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Buy Local Program.

www.winetrails.ca

CRAFT BEER ‘N BITES TOUR

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Each destination features unique aspects of beer, paired with modern gastropub Modern Chinatown Tour or Gastown Food Tourfare. with us.

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B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 5

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“With every gnarled and knotted vine, twisted and shaped into symmetrical perfection there lies great beauty in sacrifice.” –Anon GROWING, WEAVING AND WINE

Sean Neild photo

V

isitors to Coyote Vineyards are greeted by an eclectic array of willow sculptures, symmetrical squares and spheres and sprawling spiders guide the way.

Art and vine come together under the hands of Annabel Stanley, artist, grape grower and owner of Coyote Vineyards.

It is said that nature nurtures the creative mind, Annabel may well agree as she tends her vines and thoughts of pruning for next year’s grapes coincide with the next sculpture; inspiration at her fingertips.

Annabel and her family are handson at Coyote Vineyards; in 2014 they produced an impressive 5 tons of hand-harvested premium grapes.

The fruit of her labor (literally) is passed onto her husband Grant, the master winemaker at 50th Parallel.

photos by Victor Poirier

Page 6 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

When harvest is over, life on the vineyard carries on into beautifully woven sculptures. The ubiquitous quail live twice, once wrought from blood and bone, and once from moss, leaves, willow and vine; every structure a little piece of the Okanagan Valley.

It’s a natural progression.

As is the story of Annabel’s career in art and wine.

In a time-old tradition many women innately uphold, Annabel was introduced to horticulture by her mother. Early memories of drinking dewdrops from nasturtiums and gathering forget-me-nots established a connection to nature and developed into creative expression through art and vine.

She travelled through South East Asia, Cuba, Europe, and Australia before moving to New Zealand; each country an education on materials and cultural traditions, “the land is what inspires me and natural fibres, the influence.”

With a creative eye and an education in horticulture, Annabel opened a florist shop in New Zealand where sculpting with natural fibers evolved into unique floral displays.

It was in New Zealand that both Annabel and Grant became involved with viticulture and winemaking.

photo by Victor Poirier

photo by Victor Poirier

COYOTE VINEYARDS

And the partnership between vine, wine and artwork began.

The early days of the Okanagan wine industry encouraged the Stanley family to move to Kelowna, and in 2005 they bought Coyote Vineyards where they ripped out most of the existing Chardonnay vines, holding on to 50 for exclusive use, and replanted with 100% pure French Pinot Noir varietals.

Now, with roots firmly established within the wine and art communities of the Okanagan, Annabel hopes to see greater recognition for local wines, “as the world starts to recognize the unique growing conditions we experience here in the valley, (and) the wines reflect the quality fruit we can grow…”

Annabel’s sculptures adorn galleries, gardens and wineries throughout the valley. Her work is for sale at Quails’ Gate and New Moon Gallery.

Visit Annabelstanley.com for more information. ~ Henrietta Poirier www.winetrails.ca

  |  EAT, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY ON THE KAMLOOPS FLAVOURS TRAIL national stage that proves they are on the right track. Fall in Kamloops comes with its fair share of flavorinspired events. Kamloops Farmers’ Market continues to showcase local producers and growers twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) in the downtown area. (kamloopsfarmersmarket.com) Get intimate with the vineyards at Harper’s Trail Winery for the 3rd Annual Get Corked Run on September 12th. (harperstrail.com/ events.php) New for 2015, is the first annual White on White on White Party, September 16th – gourmet dinner, local wines and entertainment enjoyed in a secret location. All you have to bring is yourself, dressed in white, and your centerpiece! (judybassoevents.ca).

But wait. There’s more! Visitors will quickly learn why Kamloops has become known as Canada’s most diverse golf destination. Even at this latitude, the unique microclimate allows for links enthusiasts to be out on the fairways for nearly seven months of the year. And with 13 gorgeous courses to choose from, golfers are well advised to plan to spend several days, mixing in

flavours of

more could one ask for? For more information on events in Kamloops this fall, visit: tourismkamloops.com/events. ~ Lorne Eckersley

EXPLORE THE NEW FLAVOURS TRAIL! Set out on a tasty autumn adventure and explore the Kamloops Flavours Trail, a unique trail featuring the best local flavours of the area from signature wines, craft brews, and ciders to fresh salmon, locally made chips & salsa, produce, baking, ggourmet oatmeal, and more! Tour three delicious go trails including Flavours Trail West, East, and City Limits.

Kelly Funk

KAMLOOPS

tee times on several courses with other features the area has to offer.

Imagine a sun-filled fall day of golf, followed up with a visit to a winery or two for a tour and tasting, dinner at one of Kamloops’ many fine restaurants and then a restful retreat in a hotel or bed and breakfast. What

photo courtesy of Privato Winery

A

loaf of bread, a jug of wine and...a Flavours Trail to guide visitors to the Kamloops areas’ multitude of sources for food and beverages. A brochure (order from tourismkamloops.com/ flavourstrail) outlines three Flavours Trails in the region, each designed to provide a sampler that is sure to delight. Wines, craft brews and ciders will help send flavours of fresh salmon, baked goods and much, much more. Welcome to the province’s newest haven for lovers of fresh, local and natural produce!

Sunshine is the key, of course. With more than 2,000 hours annually of clear blue skies, the Thompson Valley area boasts a myriad of microclimates, the combination of which is luring producers of all sorts to recognize and celebrate a diversity of opportunity. Not so many years ago commercial grape crops of high quality would not have been thought possible. Today, a growing number of wineries--Sagewood, Harper’s Trail, Monte Creek and Privato—are proving that great wine doesn’t come only from vineyards further south. And they are winning awards on the

ORDER A FREE BROCHURE TODAY!

tourismkamloops.com/flavourstrail www.winetrails.ca

1 800 662 1994 tourismkamloops.com #EXPLOREKAMLOOPS

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 7

 |  Kamloops ~ Gateway to Wine Country and BC’s Newest Wine Experience

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Kamloops Wine Trail Shuswap Gold Rush Trail Okanagan Tours also available

Information and Bookings TF 844~314~4555

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Individual & Group Rates Corporate Events

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15690 Palmewash Parkway (Between Vernon & Kelowna) Oyama, BC 250.306.3731 www.gatzkeorchard.com Page 8 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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MONTE CREEK RANCH – THE KAMLOOPS DESTINATION WINERY

ocated only about a 90-minute and very beautiful drive from Kelowna, the Monte Creek area is bursting with appeal for those who want to enjoy a variety of new experiences. It is a burgeoning wine area too, and the recent opening of Monte Creek Ranch Winery is further proof that vineyards can thrive in ranch country.

From its gorgeous position looking north to the Trans Canada Highway only a few minutes east of Kamloops, Monte Creek Ranch is poised to become another feather in the area’s cap, which already features, as Tourism Kamloops web site says, 107 Things To Do! From skiing at Sun Peaks Resort to whitewater rafting on the rugged Thompson River to boating on Shuswap Lake, from zip lining and dirt biking to museum visits, hockey and even dog sledding, the Thompson Valley has much to offer. Now with the addition of vineyards, that are proving to be outstanding producers of cool climate grapes, wine lovers will want to add Monte Creek Ranch to their itinerary.

The winery meshes perfectly with the ranch’s commitment to a Farm to Table, Pasture to Plate experience. Near the vineyards,

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ethically raised free-range Black Angus cattle feed on grass, and only grass, producing meat that is less fatty, lower in calories and higher in nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids. No need for antibiotics or hormones here—just a bottle of Monte Creek Ranch Cabernet Merlot for when the meat comes off the grill!

Haskap berries, a relatively new fruit on the BC farm scene, are being grown on the property and are brimming with nutrients. They are also wonderful in pies, jams, sauces and, of course, eaten freshly picked. And what ranch with a commitment to environmental sustainability wouldn’t also be raising honeybees?

Harmful pesticides like neonicotinoids have never been used on the property, so the honey is all-natural. It is unpasteurized and hand packaged so customers get the full flavour and all of the healthy live enzymes that make honey so nutritious.

Since the gorgeous winery opened in June, the good news has rolled in with regularity. Hands Up Red won Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships and the Riesling earned a Silver Medal at the Wine Align’s National Wine Awards of Canada, where it was also a finalist in the Best of Varietal Wine Awards.

The opening of Monte Creek Ranch Winery might just be the most exciting news in the area since Billy Miner robbed a train on the property more than a century ago.

Don’t miss out on the action! ~ Lorne Eckersley

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 9

 LARCH HILLS: THE HEIGHT OF WINE EXPERIENCE

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t’s not surprising TripAdvisor has ranked Larch Hills the #1 thing to do in Salmon Arm. The drive up the scenic road is worth the time.

At Larch Hills, the highest elevation winery in North America, you’ll have the opportunity to try some distinctive, award-winning cool climate wines. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and chat with personable owners Hazel and Jack Manser, who’ve been making their unique wines for 11 years.

Many visitors made their way up that road to Larch Hills this summer, including a lot from Alberta. There were also many more locals from the Okanagan, which Hazel says is a good thing, as they realize there are wineries in other areas to visit.

The winery’s fans, which are always increasing, will continue to make

Hazel and Jack will continue offering their fine wines and hospitality in the fall, although they might be a bit busy...Hazel says harvest might start the first week of September! ~ Dona Sturmanis

the trip to Larch Hills this fall in search of such popular whites as Siegerrebe, Pinot Gris and Ortega.

A new Madeline Angevine 2014 will be released this autumn. New reds include Grandview Bench and a Merlot 2014.

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

YOUR RECLINE RIDGE HOSTS: APPROACHABLE & FRIENDLY

“A

djusting to the whims of Mother Nature, we anticipate an early harvest this season,” says Graydon Ratzlaff, who with wife Maureen owns Recline Ridge Vineyards & Winery in the Shuswap. Otherwise it’s business as usual this fall, making cool climate wines that continually win awards (six to date this year!), participating in Okanagan Fall Wine Festival events and continuing to welcome visitors to the winery.

“We continue to have guests arriving from points around the globe,” says Graydon. “European visitors travelling in Canada, folks from other Canadian provinces, and many from the U.S. are stopping by for exposure to our cool-climate wines.”

Bacchus continued to be Recline Ridge’s most popular wine both last year and this year. “Its smooth, aromatic quality is very appealing to most guests, and we are pleased to present it in our portfolio of aromatic, fruit-forward white wines.”

Graydon invites everyone to participate in the unique Recline Ridge experience, which is focused on making customers as comfortable as possible while tasting their wines. “Join us at the wine shop and experience these cool-climate, aromatic and fruitforward whites which are wonderful with food and as great patio wines.

We are approachable, friendly, and look forward to ensuring our guests have an enjoyable experience.”

The licensed picnic area is available for a glass of wine with your own picnic lunch or the winery’s offerings of local cured meats, cheese, and crackers and to enjoy the ambience and the views of the beautiful Tappen Valley. ~ Dona Sturmanis

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

Opening hours:

Mike and Susan Smith invite you to visit 10-5 July - September Recline Ridge and enjoy the award winning 12-5 May, June & October tastes of the Shuswap!

By appointment

Watch for our new Vintage Releases November to April Check out our website at www.recline-ridge.bc.ca

Open Daily 10am - 5pm in Sept.

Non to 5pm in Oct. 2640 Skimikin Rd., RR #1, S12, C16, Tappen, B.C. V0E 2X0 Phone 250-835-2212

Skimikin Rd.

Shuswap Lake

Tappen Valley Rd.

RECLINE RIDGE WINERY

Hwy #1 west of Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm

2640 Skimikin Rd., Tappen, B.C. V0E 2X3 Phone 250-835-2212 Visit our website at:

www.reclineridgewinery.com N

Page 10 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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  |  GRAY MONK ESTATE WINERY THINKS BIG!

ray Monk Estate Winery is, simply stated, stunning and lush. They consistently produce some of the finest wines in the land and now, they’re thinking big!

This year, Gray Monk is introducing a new three-pack, the Odyssey Tier Trio, including wines personally recommended by proprietor Trudy Heiss. It features the Odyssey Merlot, Cabernet and Meritage.

“We’re thinking big at Gray Monk.

The three pack of Big Reds is a less expensive way to taste our family reserve, high end, limited product grown in Osoyoos. We’ve been very successful with our white wines, and now we’re at the same level of excellence with our reds,” she says.

Located near Winfield, Gray Monk winery and vineyards are nestled on an expansive hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake.

Huge pots of colourful flowers are the pride of Trudy Heiss. The Grapevine Restaurant, which I had the opportunity to experience this summer, serves up sumptuous meals.

All in all, it’s one of the very best ScenicSipYLW2014:YLW connection 14-05-27 choices for your next winery visit.

RedDress2015-OKWM:red-dress-okwoman 2015-07-31 10:43 AM Page 1

When fall arrives and talk turns to Thanksgiving turkey, co-proprietor George Heiss has his personal favorite wine to complement the quintessential Thanksgiving dinner.

Gray Monk’s 2014 Rotberger offers characteristics that are ideal for this favorite family gathering.

2014 Rotberger – $14.79 A rare varietal, this lovely rosé is described as having a penetrating aroma that shows spice, raspberry and currant notes, leading to flavours of spiced cherries and cranberries.

At this wonderful price, it is the perfect selection for your fall dinner table. ~ Deanna Rainey

2:13 PM Page 1

Owners George & Trudy Heiss

OCTOBER 24, 2015

Kelowna Red Dress Event

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

PRESENTED BY HARMONY ACURA

MANTEO RESORT 3762 LAKESHORE RD., KELOWNA EMCEE CHRISTY FARRELL, 99.9 SUN FM

Tickets $100

Available at: BELLA CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 3005 Pandosy St., Kelowna FRAKAS CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 3155 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna HEART AND STROKE OFFICE 4-1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna Or online at

ScenicSipYLW2014:YLW connection 14-05-27 2:13 PM Page 1

www.the h earttruthkelowna.ca

ScenicSipYLW2014:YLW connection 14-05-27 2:13 PM Page 1

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

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

ScenicSipYLW2014:YLW connection 14-05-27 2:13 PM Page 1

The cutting edge trendsetters who know where to find fabulous wine.

ScenicSipYLW2014:YLW connection

14-05-27 2:13 PM Page 1

[sce•nic sip•pers]

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

www.winetrails.ca

The cutting edge trendsetters who know where to find fabulous wine.

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

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 11 Visit scenicsip.ca for your guide to the stunning wineries of Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Trail. Visit scenicsip.ca for your guide to the stunning wineries of Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Trail.

 NEW MENUS AT THE ITALIAN TABLE PRESENT NONNA-STYLE FEAST

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he menus for Pranzo (Lunch) and Cena (Dinner) at The Italian Table now flow with the rhythm of an Italian Feast.

Family-Style offerings include that iconic plate seen in all the Italian movies and on the tables at many Italian homes – Antipasto with olives, salumi, cheese, marinated vegetables and bread. Next course

is Fish, clams with white wine, chorizo, roasted chilis, or try Pesce del giorno (Fish of the day). Carne – the meat course with Chicken Parmesan, Masala Braised Short Ribs or Pork Saltimbocca. In Italian, saltimbocca means “to jump in the mouth,” which definitely describes this dish. The plethora of Pasta dishes include the classics – Lasagne, Spaghetti Marinara, Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams) – and a twist for the Cheese Ravioli, it’s made with shaved tongue.

Pizza has the classic Italian faves of Margherita, and Italian with three types of meat (salumi, prosciutto, chorizo) and you can always ask about the ‘cook’s pizza of the day’.

For Dolci (dessert), it’s hard to go wrong with Tiramisu and you can always enjoy a plate of Italian cheeses, with fig jam, honey and date bread. Or if you want to enjoy a true family feast, check out the blackboard for Nonna’s Dinner. Because Nonna wants all guests to be happy, Gluten-free bread, pasta and pizza crusts are available.

If your work schedule precludes you from settling in for lunch in the Eurostyle setting, Nonna has you covered, too, with the launch of The Italian Table’s new take-out

menu for the office workers and businesses in the surrounding area.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, for updates see theitaliantable.ca and

follow The Italian Table on Twitter @ItalianTable1 or facebook.com/ ItalianTable1. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

food beer music live music friday & saturday nights Hwy. 97 and Leckie Rd. (Kelowna) Next to the Best Western Hotel www.fleetwoodpublichouse.com A member of The Revival Group

A slice of Italy in Kelowna serving a ‘Nonna approved’ menu for the entire family.

Hwy. 97 and Leckie Rd. (Kelowna) Next to the Best Western Hotel www.theitaliantable.ca A member of The Revival Group

RAMPING UP FOR HOLIDAYS AT DISCOVER WINES

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all is the time when full-bodied Whitewater Cooks in Nelson. The red wines are released. They’re tasting counter is always open on popular with Discover Wines Fridays and Saturdays where wines customers who look forward to are paired with local artisan cheeses. when they come in to the Kelowna and Kamloops stores. In addition, Discover Wines always carries a large selection of Fall Wine Festival Winners.

Business was brisk during the summer at both Discover Wines locations. According to owner Tracy Gray, the products of many new wineries were added to shelves including Privato Vineyard and Winery, Evolve Cellars, Adega on 45th Estate Winery and Culmina Wine bottle cheese trays Family Estate Winery. are a favorite gift choice It’s never too early to start ramping up at Discover Wines. for the holidays, and this is certainly the case at Discover Wines. “It’s a Discover Wines also carries unique good time to start thinking about wine accessories. “One of our more popular items is our flattened wine corporate client gifts,” says Tracy.

Discover Wines is well known for bottles,” says Tracy. “Some of these its selection of over 800 BC wines include a winery logo and are ideal for and also its local artisanal food use as a cheese or condiment tray.” products. They now carry a new line Customers are really pleased Discover of dressings from Shelley Adams at Wines has chosen to stay “taxes in” Page 12 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

for shelf pricing. This is a welcome detail with the uncertain changes to wine pricing in the province.

Enjoy Discover Wines at the Kelowna or Kamloops stores. Visit discoverwines.com. ~ Dona Sturmanis

The Best Selection Of BC Wines, Cheeses and Local Artisan Foods!

Kelowna, BC 2080-C Springfield Rd. Orchard Plaza 250.868.3990

Kamloops, BC 416-500 Notre Dame Dr. Columbia Square 250.828.9933

www.discoverwines.com

Open 7 Days A Week Both Locations

Voted Best Wine Store by EAT Magazine readers 2012 Voted Best Local Wine Shop by Okanagan Life Magazine readers 2009 created by LittleIdiot.be

www.winetrails.ca

 PATIO PARADISE AT SMACK DAB THIS FALL

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ou’ll want to continue experiencing Smack DAB’s spectacular 150-seat patio at Manteo Resort in Kelowna through September and October,

weather permitting. It’s so close to Okanagan Lake, you could be swimming. Besides enjoying the spectacular view, what you really want to be doing at Smack DAB is

SAY HELLO TO YOUR TASTE BUDS. ONE AT A TIME.

savouring the fabulous food and the vast range of craft beers, wines and cocktails.

“Executive Chef Brad Horen and Executive Sous Chef Marc Schoene are very proud of the kitchen team and the consistent food they prepare and serve each and every day,” says GM Heather Schroeter. “It is very hard work and we have the best team in Kelowna!” Smack DAB menu items can be described as new style classics with big, bold flavours. Everything is made fresh in house, including all desserts. Guests can watch for seasonal food and beverage features starting in mid October. The breakfast buffet starts at 7 am and the all-day menu begins at 11 am.

Regarding liquid refreshment, you’ll find craft beers celebrating BC and Pacific Northwest producers—12 on tap and 20 by the bottle. You’ll also find some fine BC wines, ciders and handcrafted cocktails (all are doubles!). If you can’t decide on the beer or wine you want, you can always order a flight for sampling.

The private dining room, or The View Room, as it’s known, is always super busy so if you’re planning a special event, you better book early.

Access to Smack DAB is easier than it’s ever been with additional parking spots, bike racks for cyclists and complimentary public moorage for boaters. ~ Dona Sturmanis

FIND YOUR BLISS AT MEADOW VISTA ARTISAN FARM WINERY File: 12-MAN-0521_Smack_Dab_ads

Date: Feb 7 2013 – Time: 7:26 PM

Trim: 4" x 4.875"

File Created:

Docket: 12-MER-0521

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We welcome you to Operator: Rhoddy join us at our new l o c a t i o n i n S EColour: 4C PR: AD: CD: Kelowna to taste ourCW: AE: OP: RML portfolio of award Suite 730 - 1201 W Pender Street • Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 2V2 • Tel: 604.639.2266 • Fax: 604.639.2447 winning honey wines and shop for bee inspired culinary & wellness products.

Client: Manteo / Smack Dab

bee joyful…

3975 June Springs Rd Kelowna, BC www.meadowvista.ca 250-862-2337

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n the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is not only a treat to take time to go wine touring but the added calm feel that you will experience the moment you walk in the doors at Meadow Vista Artisan Farm Winery is simply relaxing. Just minutes from downtown, South East Kelowna is a rural drive through orchards and vineyards offering one of the best views of the valley. If the country setting isn’t enough to ease your stress then a tasting of their internationally decorated honey wines, a drink which is rooted deeper in history than beer or wine, certainly will.

As an artisan farm, Meadow Vista offers more than just a wine tasting room. Jars of different floral variety honey, loose leaf teas, and beeswax candles line the shelves.

They have also just launched a line of bath and body products made from beeswax and flowers grown on the farm. After your honey wine tasting reward yourself by dining in the shaded garden beestro and enjoying the expertly prepared dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients.

Bliss This refreshing fruitful, sparkling cherry melomel (mead comprised of honey and fruit) will rival any Okanagan rosé. With a burst of plum and cherry wrapped in a beautiful blush colour. Free of tannins and with no added sugars, this wine pairs excellently with venison or grilled meat, though my favourite is in a tall glass filled with ice and a twist of lemon. ~ Blake Allen

Gorgeous bistro creation by Chef Alex

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 13

 AUTHENTIC AMBIENCE AT THE VIEW WINERY

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he new Packinghouse Patio at The View Winery provides a genuine Valley experience.

Adjacent to the original apple packinghouse-now-winery, you can sit in the shade and savour a glass while overlooking mature apple trees, country roads, rustic fruit bins, and farmers rolling by on well-loved tractors. One neighbor is known to sidle up on horseback and fill her panniers with the awardwinning wines.

While you bask in the timeless charm of Ward Road, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in some of the ever-delicious wines from the newly rebranded Voulez View line of Pinotage-based creations. Replacing the Distraction line, the new label retains the fun and sexy vibe The View is famous for, but with an elegance and maturity appropriate to

this sophisticated winery.

Enjoy the tail end of summer with the invigorating Blanc (Gewürztraminerbased, with Riesling and a little Optima for good measure) – crisp on the nose, with green apple tartness and a hint of white peach.

All sold out for this year, but reappearing in March is the gregarious Rosé (a liquid lollipop on the nose, but refreshingly dry with a creamy finish), something to dream about through the winter!

This season, revel in the flavours and beauty of a true Okanagan wine country setting. Head up the hill to The View, voulez vous? ~ Abbey Westbury

Rouge When the weather turns brisk, the picturesque Patio is an ideal backdrop for warming up with the Rouge, a robust Pinotage blend (just a splash of Merlot). This dark berry red has a smokey nose with velvety tannins and spice notes, and a surprising bright acidity on the palate.

1-2287 Ward Road, Kelowna, BC theviewwinery.com (p) 250.860.0742 Just look for the RED Shoe Hours: May - October 14: 11am-6:30pm • 7 days a week October 15 - April: 12pm-5pm • Tuesday-Saturday

THE COVE LAKESIDE RESORT… A FALL TO REMEMBER

THE VIEW WINERY & VINEYARD

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picturesque region. ummer is waning “Our kickoff to the and according to The Okanagan Fall Wine Cove Lakeside Resort’s Festival is the Reds, White director of sales and and Blues evening,” says marketing, Leasa Kennedy, Kennedy.

“On Friday it was a memorable one to October 2nd, you can say the least. pamper your palate with We welcomed many the best of local reds new guests this year, and whites, set against but The Cove has superb live entertainment become somewhere

by Sherman Doucette that people return and Kenny Blues Boss to year after year, Wayne.” Food prepared to meet up with

by Executive Chef Grant friends from previous Chef Grant de Montreuil and his vacations. t’s a special de Montreuil renowned team, complete a can’t-miss place,” Kennedy says.

Great vacations at The Cove don’t end experience. The Reds, Whites and Blues with the arrival of fall, and as always, packages start from $203.50 per person, the resort has some perfectly unique including a one-night stay in the Cove’s fall packages for staycations or visitors beautifully appointed one bedroom from out of town. Discover some of our suites, as well as event tickets. best kept secrets…. there are so many From meetings and conferences to delightful activities to experience while couples getaways, the Cove Lakeside visiting us that spending a few days is a Resort is your one-stop choice. great way to explore and indulge in our ~ Deanna Rainey Page 14 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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Indulgence Fall Offers Enjoy an overnight stay for 2 people in a luxurious suite $50 credit per person for Bonfire Restaurant In-room locally inspired chef sampler In-room bottle of Quails’ Gate Wine In-room Welcome gift Choose from wine tours, golf or adventure activities

Package price starting from $241.50 per person

(Subject to availability & applicable taxes. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers)

CALL NOW TO SECURE YOUR RESERVATION

4205 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC, V4T 2K2 1.877.762.2683 | 250.707.1800 www.covelakeside.com

www.winetrails.ca

 SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY – NEW BUBBLES! INCLUDING BC’S FIRST BLANC DE FRANC!

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few years after Steve Cipes moved his family from New York to take up a new life on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake in 1986, a prominent wine industry professional toured Kelowna and gave him some advice on the best use of the property. It didn’t take long for Jack Davies, owner of Schramsberg Vineyards (which still bills itself as America’s House of Sparkling Wine) to make a recommendation.

“Jack told me ‘You have the absolute perfect conditions for making sparkling wine here because you are so far north that you have the late evening sun and early morning sun and the plants shut down in the middle of the day anyway. You have pristine air and water. You don’t have the right grapes here but if you brought the right grapes over from Champagne, France you have the perfect growing conditions. If you guys wise up and keep the water off your grapes you can make extra small, extra flavourful grapes that can make base wine that will hold its flavour through the second fermentation in the bottle,’” remembers Cipes.

A quarter century has proven over and over again that Davies was right.

Under the direction of winemaker Eric von Krosigk, Summerhill Pyramid Winery continues its tradition as one of Canada’s best sparkling wine producers. The tradition continues in September when three new bubblies are introduced to the public.

“The 2011 vintage saw a lot of overcast cool weather,” CEO Ezra Cipes recalls about making Cipes Blanc de Franc 2011. “The grapes measured 19.5 brix and they were crushed on the morning of the same day that we crushed the season’s first icewine. It’s the only time in our history that both have been done in the same day!”

The low sugar and high acidity at harvest was perfect for making sparkling wine. “We haven’t done a Cabernet Franc sparkling wine before. This wine is totally unique to this vintage and is totally beautiful.”

Customers are sure to enjoy the treat, and are advised to stock up while supplies of what likely is BC’s first Blanc de Franc is available.

Only 200 cases were made.

www.winetrails.ca

Release of Cipes Traditional Cuvee 1996 comes as something of a relief after many years of waiting patiently for the wine to develop.

“It was harvested to be acidic so that it had a backbone to age into a deeply complex wine,” Ezra said.

“Who knew it would take this long!

This wine is an incredible value for those who appreciate this kind of rich, complex style.”

Third in the September trilogy of releases is Cipes Blanc de Blanc 2010. In 2010 von Krosigk and his team identified a Chardonnay block in the winery’s vineyard in Osoyoos that had phenolic ripeness with low sugars and solid acid content. “We knew it was something that could make a beautiful sparkling wine.

And it did.”

Blanc de Blanc (white wine from white grapes) is an established international style that is easily recognized and popular with consumers, and Summerhill’s production allows the team to see just how well Okanagan sparkling wines stand up to those made in other parts of the world. After 25

years of experience, it comes as little surprise that they measure up well. Extremely well, in fact.

Of course Summerhill Pyramid Winery produces more than sparkling wines. The release in July of the 2012 “OM” builds on the winery’s commitment to organic vineyard and winery practices.

OM is not named for a meditation chant—the initials stand for Organic Meritage—but there is a spiritual aspect to Summerhill wines, all of which spend some time in the pyramid, which many believe enhances the qualities of fine wines.

“It is a very harmonious blend” of Bordeaux grapes, says Eric. “The flavour goes on forever! 2012 was a very classic Okanagan year. It was a little bit cooler than 2014 and 2015, so the Cabernet Franc ripened beautifully, perfectly in my mind, so in this case the blend leads with Cabernet Franc. Normally it would lead with Cabernet Sauvignon but that’s not what the grapes said that year.” OM is a wine/food pairing made in winemakers’ heaven. ~ Lorne Eckersley

The sparkling master, winemaker Eric von Krosigk.

“

We knew it was something that could make a beautiful sparkling wine. And it did.

”

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 15

FOUR FANTASTIC LOCATIONS ACROSS THE OKANAGAN REGION Kamloops 5

Vernon 97 97C

Kelowna

Penticton

SANDMAN SIGNATURE KAMLOOPS HOTEL

SANDMAN HOTEL & SUITES KELOWNA

SANDMAN HOTEL & SUITES PENTICTON

SANDMAN HOTEL & SUITES VERNON

Book our WINE LOVERS PACKAGE & receive a complimentary bottle of red or white wine Call 1 800 SANDMAN (726 3626) and quote ‘Wine Lovers Package’ On-site restaurants vary by location:

sandmanhotels.ca • 1 800 SANDMAN (726 3626) • sandmansignature.ca

 27: THE PLACE TO BE BEFORE AND/OR AFTER PILGRIM & PEARL

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nhance your dining at Pilgrim & Pearl by heading down the hall to 27 for cocktails before or after dinner. The Revival Group general manager/wine director Derek Morrison embellished the craft cocktails menu that guests already Celebrating the creative spirits of the musical artists of the ‘27 club’, love and enjoy with a great selection 27 embraces the decadence and boldness of their lives _______________________________ of wines, whisky/whiskey and port.

COCKTAILS WINE SCOTCH PORT _______________________________ The signature creative handcrafted PRESTIGE INN, 1675 ABBOTT ST, KELOWNA cocktails remain for those who want www.27kelowna.com, @27kelowna a 27 original, complemented by Open Tuesday - Saturday the classics. The expanded wine A member of The Revival Group list includes Okanagan Valley and International choices. With a selection of red and white wines available for a two-ounce pour, create your own tasting flight. Opt for cellared vintages P P from the rotating Okanagan Cellar YS Selection that are subject to limited T E R BA availability. Wines showcased are fluid thanks to the close relationships cultivated with many wineries such as Meyer Family Vineyards, Ex Nihilo, Le Vieux Pin, Fairview Cellars, and La Stella. Peruse the ‘punk rock’ California cult wines assembled by Prestige Inn Derek to discover why California is 1675 Abbott St (downtown Kelowna) the most popular international region www.pilgrimandpearl.com sold in BC. The Whisky/Whiskey list LAKESIDE

O

R

EST. 2015

K E L O W N A BC

A member of The Revival Group

TANTALUS VINEYARDS – EXCELLENCE IN WINES & PROTECTORS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

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en years of perfectly balanced juxtaposition has helped establish Tantalus Vineyards as a mainstay of the Okanagan wine region. Set among 75 acres in the valley’s oldest continuously operating vineyard (the first grapes were planted here in 1927!), the world-class wines are now created in the iconic, state-ofthe-art, LEED certified winery - unique within BC. Tantalus purchased their remarkable property in 2004, and with national recognition of their first vintage in 2005, immediately established their reputation for creating wines of distinction. While preserving some of the oldest blocks of Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the valley, they streamlined the vineyard, replacing 18 acres with varietals perfectly suited to the South East Kelowna site. As a single-vineyard estate, Tantalus dexterously creates terroir-driven wines with a passionate focus on quality.

Essential to the brand’s personality is its ethos of sustainability. Along with ecologically responsible farming, Tantalus is committed to contributing to the greater agricultural community.

The winery is the first commercial landholder to join the OkanaganSimilkameen Wildlife Habitat Steward www.winetrails.ca

is ridiculous with depth containing options from America, Scotland and Japan! Besides the usual suspects of Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark, and Glenfiddich, find Nikka from the Barrel, Whistle Pig and Four Roses.

For good measure, there’s also a few Cognacs. Ports and Sherries round it out along with Dessert Wines for those who like a sweeter end to their evening. It’s an abundance of choice whether you’re slipping into stimulate your appetite before dining at Pilgrim & Pearl or savouring a nightcap after dinner. For exclusive and bespoke wine or whiskey tastings tailored to your group’s tastes curated by in-house experts, how about the Private Tastings available for six-toeight guests? ~ Roslyne Buchanan

program, maintaining biodiversity with a 10-acre forest wildlife corridor, carpets of wildflowers among the grape rows, and 53 vineyard beehives in partnership with neighbouring Arlo’s Honey Farm.

In celebration of their ten years of bringing their exceptional Okanagan wines to the world stage, the team at Tantalus welcomes attendees of the Fall Wine Festival to taste and purchase rarely-available wines from their library (along with current vintages, of course!). Visitors can also celebrate with the release of the 10th anniversary vintage flagship Riesling. ~ Abbey Westbury

Team Tantalus

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 17

 A CHYMICAL UNION OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION

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terroir, supply the grapes for the winery where the qualities of each vineyard are respected and released into sublime wines. The ancient craft of winemaking is thriving under the hands of award-winning winemaker Howard Soon with the Small Lots program. This deliciously innovative program offers limited quantities of wine from carefully selected varietals, providing wine tasters the pleasure of discovering the distinct characteristics of handcrafted wines from exclusive lots.

All the lots are kept separate to ensure only the best fruit is used and only the top lots are selected.

The wines are brought to maturity with minimalist intervention to allow the subtle notes of terroir and grape to carry through to bottling.

Sandhill is fast becoming a favored location where people gather at all times of the day to enjoy the elegant surroundings and relaxed atmosphere, and as one of the larger venues in Kelowna, it’s a great location for private parties, gala dinners and corporate functions.

Many wineries shut up shop when the harvest is over and the tourists have left town, but not Sandhill.

Recognizing the importance of a thriving local community, the winery

hosts fun events throughout the year including live music, dancing and dining, supporting local artisans, musicians and epicures and wine connoisseurs.

DID WE MENTION HAPPY HOUR? Explore new wines every Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm. At $5 a glass that’s an open invitation to a fun evening. Each week a guest chef and pop-up café is on site, and since it is conveniently located just on the edge of Kelowna’s North End, why not pop in for a glass of wine…or three…

Visit Sandhill.com for more information. ~ Henrietta Poirier

photo by Victor Poirier

elowna is growing from an agricultural town to a burgeoning multi-cultural city and at the meeting point of the old and the new stands the Sandhill Winery, representing both the agrarian history and the progressive wine industry blooming throughout BC. The agricultural lifestyle on the Sandhill vineyards contrasts beautifully with the urbane winery.

Designed to reflect the glacial formation of the Okanagan, the architecture is an impressive reflection of, and homage to, the terroir: the source of all fine wines.

Six vineyards throughout the Okanagan valley, each with a unique

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Page 18 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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 TASTE THE SEASON AT RAUDZ, ALWAYS FRESH AND LOCAL

To p s h e l f s p i r i t s , w i n e s f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d craft beers on tap, innovative tapas Open daily at 3 til late

mic ro bar bi tes • &

Creatively Simple

1500 Water Street, Kelowna • 778-484-3500 www.microkelowna.com facebook, twitter, instagram @microkelowna

Our philosophy is simple...support local, buy local, eat and drink local.

Open 7 days a week from 5 p.m.

1560 Water Street, Kelowna 250•868•8805 www.raudz.com facebook, twitter, instagram @raudz

Proud members of RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd, locally owned & operated since 2001.

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hether a knack or obsession, RauDZ Regional Table culinary team knows how to source the best local ingredients and create a stunning menu. Feast on fresh-from-thefield heirloom tomatoes, patty pan squash, summer onions, apricots, herbs and corn selected and grown by an impressive roster of local farmers. Many suppliers have been aboard for years, and RauDZ team is constantly discovering farmers who share their passion for food. What says summer better than an Heirloom tomato salad with Natural Pastures Bocconcini, and basil crunch? The latest menu features Sterling Springs Chicken & Apricot Ballantine with bacon polenta fries, roasted corn & bean succotash & a stone fruit

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Linger over a glass of one of our award winning wines, enjoy the view from our picnic area and ask us about our Wine Club.

Open daily for tastings and sales from 11am to 5:30pm, June through October.

Member of the Kelowna Fab Five Wine Trail.

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

mostarda. There’s Simple Pasta, never that simple although truly delicious with pappardelle, roasted garlic, spinach, patty pans, summer onions, and Blackwell Dairy Cream.

Chopped Canada fans who watched Chef Brock Bowes win the title and $10,000, will recognize his winning dish! Taste for yourself his Bison Flat Iron, rosemary fingerling potatoes, Heirloom tomato stack, roasted peach jus, and blue potato crisps.

Always tasting and searching out the best varietals and vintages from across the Okanagan Valley, Audrey Surrao and Andrew Schneider curate the wine list to pair perfectly with the thoughtfully-constructed food menu. New to the list are wines from Culmina Family Estate (Oliver), Roche Wines (Naramata) and The Hatch (West Kelowna) to name a few.

‘Big bottles’ (1.5 litres) add weight to the list – Hester Creek Cabernet Franc 2010 (Oliver), Kettle Valley Malbec 2010 (Naramata) and the Meyer Family McLean Creek Pinot Noir 2013 (Okanagan Falls). All Okanagan, all delicious! ~ Roslyne Buchanan

FALL FUN WITH SPIERHEAD... & PICNICS & PINOT NOIR!

t’s been busier this summer than last year with our new picnic area open,” enthuses Marina Knutson, proprietor at Spierhead Winery in Kelowna. “We’ve had lots of visitors from BC of course and the Prairies—most from Alberta. Also Quebec and Ontario.

We’ve had international guests from the UK, Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and particularly the Netherlands.”

Spierhead will continue to draw flocks of visitors this fall. “It’s the perfect time,” says Marina. “Bring a picnic and enjoy it with some of our wine.”

Spierhead recently underwent a huge landscaping project that included a new road, entranceway and gate. “The area is perfect for small events like family reunions and corporate functions.”

Foodie Fridays, held the first Friday of each month at Spierhead 3pm to 6pm, continue through September and October. Visitors get to try Spierhead wines with tasty treats provided by local restaurants. The September 4th event will feature food from the Italian restaurant Il Travolino, and the October 2nd event, which happens to be during Fall Wine Festival, showcases Indian offerings from Poppadoms.

Spierheadwillalsobepouringtheirwines at the Festival WestJet Wine Tastings Friday, October 2nd and participating in Passport to Kelowna’s Fab Five program during the Festival. Check thewinefestivals.com for more information.

The weekly Saturday wine seminars and tastings will continue at Spierhead until the end of October. Perhaps the biggest news besides having recently won some prestigious awards for their wines is Spierhead’s September bottling of its 2014 vintage of Pinot Noir. “This is very exciting because we have been sold out of Pinot Noir since early July,” says Marina.

“It’s our most popular wine.” ~ Dona Sturmanis

Gorgeous, gal-about-town wine dog Praia Myers loves spending time at Spierhead.

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 19

  ORGANIC WINE- A LABOUR OF LOVE AT KALALA ORGANIC ESTATE WINERY

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s the summer’s sizzling heat starts to cool down to a simmer, the intensity of work stays hot and focused at Kalala Organic Estate Winery because that’s what it takes to ensure that an organic wine remains true to its name. Certified since 2010, there are painstaking details that go into keeping quality controlled

winemaker Tibby Erdelyi

VOLCANIC HILLS – ERUPTING WITH AMAZING NEW RELEASE WINES

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he tasting room at Volcanic Hills Estate Winery in West Kelowna is chock-full of activity since the arrival of its new releases that now grace the shelves! The list includes: 2014 Pinot Gris, 2014 Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer, 2014 Rosé, 2011 Merlot, 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 Cabernet Franc, 2011 Eruption (Bordeaux blend), 2013 Lava (off dry red blend with Zweigelt late harvest for sweetness) and 2012 Zweigelt Icewine. Wine club members have the luxury to get these delectable tipples delivered all year round,

practices, like not using the grapes of the first few rows near a roadside vines to protect from carbon fumes and pollution. Another practice is ensuring that local farmers do not spray on windy days for fear of cross contamination and then there is the most obvious vineyard practice, excluding the use of artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. This is the living mantra of Kalala Organic Winery. Because of these articulate details in the process, wines can be proudly released.

New releases for the tasting bar include: 2014 Harmony White, 2013 Harmony Red, 2012 Zweigelt, (a varietal developed in Austria, now making a home here in the Okanagan) with a dark fruit forward nose. Also on offer are the 2012 Aspire, which blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to give a deep full tannin flavour perfect for the

coming months. Be sure to visit the tasting bar on October 4th between noon and 4 pm for the East meets West event, which pairs their wines with authentic Indian cuisine. Sign up for the

newsletter through kalala.ca and get up to date information and knowledgeable tidbits at a click. ~ Anna Jacyszyn

perfect to keep up your private stock or to have on-hand to give as a gift.

Another release to expect is the winery’s bi-annual concert series news, the next being held in mid-October with The Kelowna Folk Club. For those with an adventurous soul and a love for song, you will be in for a treat when the vast wine and gift shop becomes the perfect venue for live music. For those wanting to experience the full package that includes dinner at the Blu Saffron Bistro paired with some new releases and confirmed front three row seating, visit the website for details at volcanichillswinery.com or sign-up to receive up to the moment information through their newsletter. ~ Anna Jacyszyn

Bobby, president and Amit, customer service manager

Page 20 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

www.winetrails.ca

 

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QUAILS’ GATE ESTATE WINERY – WINES TO PAIR WITH FALL

here is a fine array of unique experiences at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, just awaiting your arrival. The wine – always and first, the wine; the breathtaking view; the bustling wine shop and tasting room; Old Vines Restaurant and now, cozily comfortable on site guest cottages for overnight visitors are all yours for the taking.

Quails’ Gate spokesman Bill Wightman has selected some of the most successful wines to recommend for your fall sipping pleasure. His first choice…Old Vines Foch, their top selling red wine. Wightman explains that the Foch is a French-American hybrid that was developed in France and has been a part of Quails’ Gate vineyards since the 1960’s.

3303 Boucherie Rd. West Kelowna 1-800-420-9463 | quailsgate.com Bill Wightman

Quails’ Gate Old Vines Foch The Old Vines Foch is ripe, full bodied and delicious with a taste of ripe black cherry on the palate and a lingering finish that includes notes of tobacco and toasted oak. Pair it with Montreal Brisket or grilled shish kebabs.

Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc Wightman says that the Chenin Blanc is winemaker Nikki Calloway’s personal favorite. Trained in France, this is the ideal wine for her to work with as it has its roots in the Loire Valley. Very crisp and aromatic, the Chenin Blanc pairs well with oysters and shellfish.

Quails’ Gate 2014 Rosé Wightman’s third recommendation for their legion of fans. It’s popularity has soared with locals and visitors alike. With a salmon pink hue, this year’s Rosé begins with fresh ripe strawberries and notes of cracked black pepper and vanilla ice cream.

Fresh and juicy, it contains notes of watermelon and pink grapefruit.

Perfect for a summer barbecue, this rosé will take you well into fall as it is the ideal Thanksgiving dinner wine. ~ Deanna Rainey

MT. BOUCHERIE WINERY WELCOMES ALL

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ummer’s ending, fall’s on its way and it’s an ideal time to have a unique outdoor visit at an Okanagan winery. Mt. Boucherie in West Kelowna is a great place to bring family and friends to experience the scenic autumn atmosphere with a glass of one of their award-winning wines.

Bring a snack, your pet, a board game and a picnic mat.

Head into the Mt. Boucherie wine shop for a tasting ($3 refundable with the purchase of a bottle of wine) to figure out your favourite.

Ask for a glass of it, then head outside and enjoy a relaxing visit overlooking Lake Okanagan for as short or as long as you like.

September and October, Mt. Boucherie is open seven days a week 10 am—6 pm. There will also be several weekend events, including pop, jazz and blues with Becca T., and yoga in the vineyard.

You may be pleased to know that www.winetrails.ca

some Mt. Boucherie wines are available in 100% recyclable boxes.

Ideal for sharing with guests for the holidays or any group occasion, you can pour wine from them by the glass. The wine in these boxes will stay fresh for up to six weeks, if they last that long. They are available with bright, refreshing Chardonnay, smooth, aromatic Merlot, and peppery, berry-tinged Syrah.

Stay connected with Mt. Boucherie on Facebook, Twitter, or on the website events page to receive upto-date information on upcoming events: mtboucheriewinery.com ~ Deanna Rainey

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 21

  |  BONFIRE RESTAURANT AT THE COVE

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hen Chef Grant de Montreuil puts his team together, he covers all his bases. This year, three superstars are gathering the most attention at the Bonfire Restaurant on Kelowna’s west side.

Three little piggies, one bearing de Montreuil’s name, were brought on site early this summer as part of the restaurant’s clean-up team. They’ve created a minor sensation with kids and adults alike.

After a great summer, the Bonfire Restaurant has turned its sights toward a celebration of fall, including a tasting menu featuring foods from their extraordinary onsite culinary garden and Okanagan wines. And during the upcoming fall Okanagan Wine Festival, they’ll serve up a sumptuous five-course tasting menu for about $50.

The popular – and delicious Tuesday night pasta bar is here to stay. For just $10, you’ll receive your choice of pasta and sauce, seasonings and garlic bread. An

additional $2 to $4 per item will get you a selection of vegetables, or a meat or seafood portion.

Enjoy a fresh new wine list and selection of craft beers at The Bonfire, as well as a bounty of fall foods from their culinary garden.

Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and in-season veggies are incorporated into their menu items.

It’s a delicious way to welcome the change of season! ~ Deanna Rainey

Reds, Whites & Blues

Join us for our 4th annual signature event during the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Our Reds, Whites & Blues event is an intimate evening featuring award winning wines, chef attended gourmet action dinner stations and live blues music featuring Sherman Ducette and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne.

Date: Friday, October 02, 2015 Ticket Price: $89.00pp (inclusive of taxes & gratuity)

Three little piggies (one named Grunt de Montreuil after Chef).

Call now secure to your tickets or enquire about our accommodation package starting from $203.50pp (Subject to availability and applicable taxes. Cannot be combined with any other promotional or special offer) 4205 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC, V4T 2K2 1.877.762.2683 | 250.707.1800 www.covelakeside.com

DELONG STUDIO: CRAFTING COLLECTIBLE JEWELRY FOR 25 YEARS

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hether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind keepsake to commemorate your tour of the Okanagan or are seeking a special gift that’ll stand the test of time, the team at DeLong Studio can help. You are made to feel right at home as you browse the extensive selection thanks to charismatic Owner John DeLong, Manager Sue May and all of the staff. The approach is entirely up to you: If you prefer to let the fine pieces speak to you, take your time. If you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to ask.

DeLong Studio specializes in handcrafted, original sterling silver jewelry and custom-cut semi-precious stones and offers a large selection of fine mineral specimens. The lapidary work is mostly produced in-house and custom set into DeLong designs.

With work fabricated in-house and some other pieces created by an international team of artisans such as silversmiths and leather craftspeople, you’ll be dazzled by the rings, chains and necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks, gemstone knives and corkscrews, scarves, leather accessories, and watercolour art cards. To mark the celebration of its 25th year, DeLong Studio is featuring many fine items in sales throughout the 2015 season.

The DeLong Studio is a jewel itself tucked into a garden setting in the Trout Creek area of Summerland just off Highway 97. You’ll find it open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, April 1 until Christmas. Or shop online at www.delongstudio.com where shipping is available worldwide.

At the Penticton VQA Wine Shop, a selection of DeLong jewelry is offered year round. During winetouring season, you’ll also discover some fine DeLong items at Thornhaven Estates Winery and 8th Generation Vineyard. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Page 22 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

Fine Silver Jewellery U ni q u e H a n d c ra fte d D e s ig n s • O p e n D a ily 1 0 - 5

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

 SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND SENSATIONAL WINES AT SAGE HILLS

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hen Sonoran Estate Winery moved back to their original lakeside location 3km north of Summerland last fall, owners Ada and Arjan Smits anticipated changes. Their biggest news is congratulating eldest son Pieter Smits on opening his new Back Door Winery.

Sonoran Winery B&B

SONORAN WELCOMES NEW ‘BACK DOOR WINERY’!

Noticed the blue roof on the orange building near the Summerland Visitor Centre? That’s Back Door Winery! The vivid colours and super convenient location will tempt first time visitors. The hip staff, friendly service and tasty wines (plus grand opening case-lot sale!) will ensure repeat customers. Open 7 days/ Come Visit Us At Our New Location!

week, 10-6. Pieter and his staff invite you to stop in and see what they’re all about.

Meanwhile, Sonoran has added fresh sandwiches to their pre-packaged picnic menu. There’s plenty of room to relax on their patio. Take in the view with a glass of wine: $5/whites and $6.50/reds, or their famous slushies (with or without the vino!)

“Sonoran’s got some amazing deals happening, like case lot sales

and special pricing,” says wine shop manager, Abra. “Sunday afternoon cheese tastings will start soon, or join us for our fall wine fest seminar: The ABC’s of Wine.”

Whether you travel north or south bound through Summerland’s Highway 97, there will be a Smits family-run winery ready to serve you. ~ Sarah Willard

Events: October 8 The ABC's of Wine Tasting & Pairing, sip and learn from 7 to 9 pm.

Please contact the winery for more info.

21606 Bridgeman Rd., Summerland 250-494-9323 SonoranWinery.com www.winetrails.ca

photo by Victor Poirier

Tasting room open 7 days a week 11 to 5 thru till Thanksgiving, then by appointment only till April.

age Hills Winery offers a fine visitors enjoy both the wine and the selection of wines, and hosts story of Sage Hills. one of the most spectacular As a dedicated steward of the land, views of any winery in the Okanagan. Rick shares tales of life in the vineAs visitors drive into Sage Hills they yard and his passion for wine over a are greeted by a wonderful view of glass of crisp Pinot Gris, Gewürztrathe valley, they may also be greeted miner or perhaps Syrah. by enthusiastic testimonials from The comfortable atmosphere, stunning passing wine tasters, “best wine I’ve views and surrounding sage brush oftasted so far…” or “this one has the fer a true Okanagan experience, in fact visitors are so inclined to stay for while most amazing view…”

Rick Thrussell and Toby Lodge that Rick and Toby are planning to opened the doors to their new tast- build a bistro where visitors can enjoy ing room just two weeks ago and the landscape at their leisure. ~ Henrietta Poirier already find it difficult to keep the shelves stocked.

Wine is flying off the shelves, and there is no greater compliment to a winemaker than empty shelves.

Rick and Toby can take pride in knowing the Sage Hills label is becoming renowned for limited release, hand-harvested, single vineyard premium wines. In recognition of the amazing location and wonderful wine, Okanagan Wine Tours have placed Sage Hills on their platinum tour.

Rick and staff find Proprietors Rick Thrussell & Toby Lodge

Allan, Arjan, and Pieter

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER • Page 23

 LUNESSENCE – A WALTZ WITH MOTHER NATURE

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unessence is a new jewel on Summerland’s wine trail.

An elegant tasting room sits majestically within the vineyard with spectacular views over Okanagan Lake. There is a beautiful story behind this vineyard, and the relationship that the new owners have created with Mother Nature, on every level.

“Integrated plant protection is the key in all viticulture practices at Lunessence.

It combines organic procedures with economical and cultural responsibility.”

Lunessence is also implementing biodynamic viticulture into their vineyard practices. Winemaker Michal Mosny explains: “ Biodynamic viticulture that works from two poles - the energy and the earth. Understanding them makes our responsible farming truly work.

Our vineyard calendar is about RHYTHMS - lunar -moon rhythms and earth rhythms. These are

rhythms that sustain all life on earth.

What we are trying to do, is to bring life back into the soil, so that the fruit produced from this living soil has increased life force, enhancing the quality and character of the wine.” Hence the winery’s poetic name – lune for the biodynamic moon phases and essence for the purity of the vineyard.

This special vineyard is focused on creating a harmony between its vines and soil, gently listening to the rhythms of the plants and the earth to aid in optimum growth. They are taking this care to the next level, by using music as another nurturing tool. Classical and opera music are actually being piped into the vineyard and the cellar. Lunessence has done plenty of research regarding the positive effects of the therapy of using music with plants and they have made this

a priority during growth cycles as well has when the wines are in cellar resting. “Our winemaking and cellar ageing are accompanied by operas composed by Giuseppe Verdi, W.A. Mozart, Gioacchino Rossini, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Pietro Mascagni and others. Each wine requires different technique, music and feeling. This attention helps us to produce fine wines with deep character.” This is a beautiful thing.

The relationship with the earth is priority at Lunessence. “By knowing our soil, climate and winemaking, we focus on the potential in every bottle. Wines made traditionally attract their natural varietal character, they tend to be fruitier with gentle honey, cream and walnut tones. Simply put, they contain all the flavours you smell in the vineyard. They have bigger structure and bouquet with deeper complexity and taste.”

The new owner of the property is an environmental specialist that studies and advocates the protection of wetlands. He chose this particular vineyard not only because of its beautiful setting, but because it has two thriving wetlands on the property. This unique landscape allows one portion of the vineyard to be naturally irrigated without any interference from man. Scientifically, this entire property will be of interest to many conservationists as well for wine lovers and those interested in the progressive agriculture of biodynamic farming.

Michal explains, “Lunessence is starting to implement lunar calendar into all our work in the vineyard, cellar. It is a long process and it cannot be done in one year.

The goal is to find well-balanced wines through well-balanced energy in us, in the winery and vineyard. Simply to understand and respect each aspect of the life and nature cycle. Not just taking, but also giving back.” ~ Jennifer Schell

LUNESSENCE ON THE MUSIC OF THE VINEYARD: Classical music is the thread that connects our vineyard, winemaking and our winery philosophy as a whole and we don’t take it lightly. We believe it helps us to find a balance between nature, humanity and the energy around us.

With speakers installed in our vineyard, all our estate-grown grapes listen to classical music as they grow. As we know, the life of grapes isn’t easy. By playing sensuous classical music, the wines are exposed to positive emotion and this makes their growth smoother and happier.

Our winemaking and cellar ageing are accompanied by operas composed by Giuseppe Verdi, W. A. Mozart, Gioacchino Rossini, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Pietro Mascagni and others. Each wine requires different technique, music and feeling. This attention helps us to produce fine wines with deep character. www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 25

 HISTORIC VINES PRODUCE A GRAND GEWÜRZTRAMINER AT DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD

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t may have been a secret that Dirty Laundry Vineyard’s location was once a Chinese laundry turned favourite haunt for railway workers looking for, shall we say, more entertaining ways to pass the time while their clothes dried in the Summerland sunshine. But, this iconic Bottleneck Drive winery has held another secret in plain sight— until now.

Produced from some of the oldest and most mature vines in the Okanagan Valley is Dirty Laundry’s newest Gewürztraminer, The Grande Dame. This exquisite dry white captures the essence of a BC style Gewürztraminer.

“The Grande Dame is a perfect expression of vineyard to bottle and the true terroir of Summerland,” says Mason Spink, Dirty Laundry’s winemaker. “This wine had very limited winemaking involved so we could

display the unique and exceptional qualities of the grapes.”

In true Grande Dame form, this bottle comes packaged in a smooth olive green box highlighted by 24K gold embossments. Only 300 cases have been produced, so buy now and a buy a few; unlike other whites, this exclusive wine is well made for the cellar, and is only available at Dirty Laundry’s wine shop or online.

While The Grande Dame is a showstopper, there are a few other wines at Dirty Laundry that deserve to be in the headlines too. Both the 2013 Say Yes Pinot Gris and the 2014 Woo Woo Vines Gewürztraminer won Gold Medals at the 35th Annual San Francisco International Wine Competition in June. These previously awarded wines are now certified as Gold in both the US and Canada.

If you’re itching to try these three wines, check out Dirty Laundry’s revamped Bordello Wine Club online.

With five levels of membership, this is the best way to fill your wine rack with varietals to satisfy everyone’s palates and have a great bottle of wine on hand at all times. You’ll be able to try other award-winners too such as the Double Gold at the 2015 All Canadian Wine Championships 2013 Pinot Noir, and the Gold 2013 Not so Knotty Chardonnay, 2013 Naughty Chardonnay, plus 2013 Syrah.

For all the details on The Grande Dame and the new Bordello Wine Club, visit www.dirtylaundry.ca PS – Dirty Laundry also now has a charging station for electric cars. So don’t fret about taking a last minute trip up the scenic Summerland hills to the winery to pick up a bottle of The Grande Dame! ~ Laura Lushington

winemaker Mason Spink

Page 26 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

www.winetrails.ca



OUR FLAGSHIP WINES . . . SHIPPED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR. “The wine is a tour de force of aroma and flavour...” 92 points - John Schreiner Silver - 2014 NWAC

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Over 600 VQA Wines •••Over 700 VQA Wines Over 600 VQA WinesatatWinery WineryPrice Price facebook.com/pentwineinfo facebook.com/pentwineinfo facebook.com/pentwineinfo ••Local Artisan Foods Gift Baskets Artisan Foods Baskets • Local Local Artisan Foods• ••Gift Gift Baskets twitter@pentwineinfo Riedel, Wine twitter@pentwineinfo •••Cookbooks, Wine Accessories, Decanters, Stemware twitter@pentwineinfo Riedel,Cookbooks, Cookbooks, WineAccessories Accessories

Wine shop attendants extraordinaire: Aaron Olfert & Jodie Hopper

www.winetrails.ca

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SUMMER WINES, FOR FALL, WINTER AND SPRING AT UPPER BENCH WINERY & CREAMERY

he winning combination of wine and cheese has kept Gavin and Shana Miller extremely busy this summer on the Upper Bench.

Visitors relax in the comfortable atmosphere of the patio where a scrumptious selection of awardwinning wines, made from seven exceptional varietals, are paired with a choice of handcrafted cheeses.

Gavin’s philosophy is simple; time and care spent in the vineyard grows beautiful grapes, this purist attitude lets the unadulterated beauty of the varietals shine through the wine.

Shana matches Gavin’s quality wines with deliciously creative cheese.

It’s a perfect partnership.

To share their passion they established the Corks and Curds club, Canada’s only wine and cheese club.

When the wine tour is over, foodies and wine enthusiasts need not despair; admission to the Corks and Curds club is at your fingertips.

A simple click offers access to a selection of wine and cheese pairings, plus the excitement of a package of goodies arriving on your doorstep.

Joining the club provides easy entertaining. Invite friends for an evening of wine and cheese, no stress, just pleasure. Corks and Curds is the perfect solution for the holiday season, adding a creative touch to an evening of entertaining.

And what better way to remember your Okanagan holiday than receiving care packages of sublime wines and sensational cheeses.

~ Henrietta Poirier

WINE COUNTRY’S BEST SOURCE FOR VQA WINES & KNOWLEDGE

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he BC Wine Information Centre VQA is the province’s first VQA store. As a longtime foundation of Penticton’s wine touring scene, visitors often stop in at the beginning of their stay to get suggestions from the knowledgeable staff about choosing wineries they should visit.

They also come back at the end of their trip to pickup any wines that they missed or to repurchase a few wines that they had enjoyed on their hotel balcony.

Now you can access BC’s original VQA store from anywhere at any time of the year! A recent upgrade to their website now includes a wine club with mixed cases of VQA wines shipped right to your door. There are also monthly subscription memberships of three bottles available. For those who prefer à la carte purchasing, the website also has a shopping cart to purchase many of the wines, wine

accessories, and gifts. The shopping experience at the Wine Information Centre is now just clicks away at any time of the year. Visitors who want to keep in touch with wine country can also subscribe to the Centre’s newsletter online.

Gift baskets make great presents for hostess gifts or special occasions and have long been one of the special services available at the Wine Information Centre. They are infinitely customizable with just about any combination of wines, products, and basket sizes and styles available in the store. Each is unique as no two baskets are ever alike. Choose the products from the store and the staff will arrange and wrap it for you. There are always pre-made baskets available if time is tight. Stop in anytime to see the baskets and browse the collection of BC VQA wines.

~ Luke Whittall

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 27

 THE BENCH MARKET: MEET AND EAT LIKE A LOCAL

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ead up Vancouver Avenue in Penticton to The Bench Market to meet and eat like a local. With a buzz of activity even when the tourist season subsides, you’ll find it easy to spot. Just look for the row of bicycles parked in front and cars lining the street. As owners Heather and Executive Chef Stewart Glynes celebrate their second anniversary of ownership, their minds are focused on supporting the community and giving thanks to the customers and suppliers who support it. The Bench is active in fundraising and involved in many initiatives such as Granfondo

Donut Fridays with Chef Stewart Glynes

Axel Merckx, Peach City Radio, the Penmar Community Arts Society and the Salvation Army community food bank. Awarded the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce 2015 Business Excellence Award for Sustainability even its eco-friendly commitment is rooted in community.

Says Heather, “Beyond a coffee shop and restaurant, we offer a broad range of artisan market products that we source from BC and especially from the Okanagan.” Consistent with that philosophy, their proteins are exclusively from BC, much of the produce is direct from local farms, and their organic coffee is from Summerland’s Backyard Beans. Likewise, the walls display works by local artists.

In the spirit of continuous improvement for tourists and locals alike, the patio has been refreshed with new furniture and beautiful flowering wine-barrel planters, and a second espresso machine installed so you can be assured of quick service even when the line ups appear long. For comfort food with a stylish local bend, come to The Bench. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLYWEDS

CHARLIE BAESSLER & JESCE WALKER FROM CORCELETTES ESTATE WINERY IN THE SIMILKAMEEN!

Feed your passion for food and wine All classes held in the state-of-the-art B.C. Wine Information Society Sensory Centre at the Penticton Campus.

Three-Day Food, Wine and Farm Workshop A Tasting of Wild Mushrooms & Okanagan Pinot Noir Wine Regions of the World: B.C. Food Wine Farm Charcuterie Workshop Sensory Evaluation of Wine Introduction to BC Wine From Grapes to Glass

For information about our Viticulture, Winery Assistant and Wine Sales Certificate programs, plus to register in our short courses, visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/fwt or email feedyourpassion@okanagan.bc.ca.

Page 28 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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 QUIDNI ESTATE WINERY – WHY NOT?

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O n T h e N a r a m ata B e n c h

sk yourself Why Not and see where it takes you,” invites one of Quidni Estate Winery’s brochures. The phrase contains the answer to the winery’s most frequently answered question—“What the heck does the name mean?” “Quidni” is Latin for “Why not?” As for the second most popular question, Quidni rhymes with kidney.

“It’s a great conversation starter,” says wine shop manager Emanuela Bandol. And she and the wine shop staff have had a lot of conversations since the Quidni opened its doors in the spring. Owner Marty Gunderson purchased the former 3 Mile Winery property two years ago and promptly hired respected winemaker Todd Moore to oversee the operation. With more than 20 years of experience making wine in the Okanagan, Moore set out with two primary goals—to make fine wine and sell it for a price that keeps customers coming back for more.

With her background in business and a personality that lights up a room, Emanuela, or Ema, who cycles to work from her West Kelowna home, has worked with her staff to create a visitor experience second to none on the Naramata Bench. The former Saskatchewan resident met Todd when she and her husband were in the Swiss Alps at a cycling race.

“I like his philosophy,” she smiles.

That philosophy, to over-deliver on quality and value, finds a perfect home at Quidni, where Gunderson has made a commitment to producing top quality fruit on the winery’s 3.67 acres of vineyard and paying top dollar to other quality producers. “The price point is amazing—it’s no surprise that most people walk out of here with at least a case of wine,” Ema says.

Inside Quidni, visitors are greeted by a brilliant feature wall constructed of wine barrel staves, a gorgeous tasting room and an eager-to-please staff, all of whom reflect the excitement of people who genuinely care about the experience of each customer.

“We have a great variety of wines— all 8 available now taste amazing— and I truly believe we have a wine for every type of person who comes through the door.”

The Quidni experience extends beyond the wine itself, too.

Three guest rooms, surprisingly affordable, allow visitors to experience the Naramata Bench in a leisurely setting. And they get a private tour and tasting during their stay as well.

One final word—the port-style Quorto, made in the traditional Solera method, is now being pre-sold prior to its December 1st release. A quick sellout is expected, so act now!

~ Lorne Eckersley

uidni means “why not” in Latin and Quidni Estate Winery takes this approach in what it does. Recently purchased by Marty Gunderson, the winery has hired Todd Moore as Winemaker to follow this vision. The approach is “outside the box” and represents a modern approach to making a selling its wines. Utilizing Todd’s 20+ years of wine production experience in the BC industry, they started with a clean slate and set out to make a range of great wine from some of the best vineyards in the area. Quidni Estate Winery has been fashioned to provide visitors with a unique, welcoming experience that everyone will find refreshing as well as gratifying.

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quidniwine.com

O P E N M o n -T h u r S 1 - 6 p m & F r i d ay - S u n d ay 1 1 - 6 p m

1 4 6 5 N a r a m ata R d . , P e n t i c t o n , B . C www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 29

 PARTIES ARE POPULAR AT POPLAR GROVE WINERY

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oplar Grove Winery is a popular destination for visitors—it practically has its own following—for good reasons. There are, of course, the award-winning single varietal wines, the spectacular and scenic tasting room and patio, and the delectable offerings of The Vanilla Pod Restaurant.

What you may not know is that Poplar Grove is popular and perfect for booking private events. These could include corporate meetings or the company Christmas party.

You might want Poplar Grove to host your family reunion or serve as the perfect venue for your wedding.

Whether it’s for 30 or 150 people, Poplar Grove Winery is an outstanding facility with comfortable seating and an excellent food and beverage service. Visit the website to download an events package.

The summer was particularly busy for Poplar Grove, and not

surprisingly, weddings were among the highlights. Canadian jazz saxophonist Taylor Cook, originally from Penticton, also held his CD launch party here. The outdoor view cam installed on the outdoor patio was one of the most viewed pages on the Poplar Grove website—in fact, many visitors used it to check the weather before their trip to the Okanagan... to visit Poplar Grove of course!

Not surprisingly, Poplar Grove wines also continued to win awards during the summer. The 2012 Cabernet Franc and 2014 Chardonnay both won Gold at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and the 2012 Syrah garnered Gold at the National Wine Awards of Canada. 2011 Merlot also achieved a Gold at the BC Wine Awards, sponsored by Okanagan Life.

Fall will be more popular than ever at Poplar Grove, starting with its new release, Legacy 2011. During Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, don’t

miss the Library Wine Dinner; hosted by owners Tony and Barb Holler on October 7, 6:30-10:30 pm. Hosted in the private barrel room, Tony and Barb will lead you through an intricately paired dinner prepared by The Vanilla Pod Restaurant. The winery and restaurant are also teaming up during the festival each evening

October 2-11, 5pm-9pm to offer a six-course wine-paired dinner.

Consider joining the popular Wine Club. As a member, you receive many benefits including exclusive releases, a 10% discount off wines purchased at the winery, and world-class wine delivered directly to your doorstep three times a year.

~ Dona Sturmanis

POPLAR GROVE WINE CLUB

CABERNET FRANC 2012

FOREST GREEN MAN LAVENDER FARM – PURPLE HAZE

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orest Green Man Lavender Farm’s fairy tale name sets the perfect stage for the visit that awaits you. Farmers and artisans, Karolina and Doug, have created a magical feast for the senses on their Naramata Village farm. With heavenly aromas of lavender swirling around you and the cheerful, bright colours of the farm shop/art gallery, you will find yourself happily ensconced in a treasure trove of eye candy. The shop is filled with lavender themed and locally created

Lavender farmers & artisans Karolina & Doug

products that range from culinary spice blends to soaps and cocktail bitters. Karolina, also a beautiful painter, has the walls lined with her art to purchase (she is having a hard time keeping up with the demand!)

Karolina and Doug were kept super busy during this incredibly hot summer as Karolina explains that “the heat caused all the lavender varieties bloom at the same time!” making for a crazy early harvest. “We have an excellent season with crowds of tourists visiting making great comments about our farm. And that, we are so grateful for as it makes all of our hard work worthwhile.”

You will never want to leave this place, I promise you that and to fulfill that wish, you can book one of the adorable storybook cottages on the farm to revel in the full experience. Is there a green man? Sometimes after mowing the orchard, Doug does offer a limey hue.

Page 30 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

~ Jennifer Schell

IS NOW AVAILABLE

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 www.winetrails.ca

 wners Doug and Dawn Lennie are like kids in a candy store when they talk about new products for Legend Distilling. “Smalltown spirits”, then call them, and there is no better

example than the Slowpoke line of slowly infused vodkas.

Rhubarb and Honey, Okanagan Apricot and Naramata Sour Cherry—all lovingly handmade in small batches—have been a hit at the distillery this summer and

W W W. L E G E N D D I S T I L L I N G . C O M

NARAMATA BENCH 1050 Fleet Rd, Penticton, BC 778-476-7673 info@tightropewinery.ca tightropewinery.ca www.winetrails.ca

Doug, the distiller, has more ideas than time, he says.

Most of Legend Distilling’s current products start out with the purest vodka—made from BC grain from the Peace River region.

The wheat is milled into a coarse flour and then steeped in filtered water, which is heated slowly to create a gelatinized base in which starches are converted to complex sugars and then simple sugars before yeast is added to start the fermentation process. After a week a “beer” consisting of 9-10% alcohol is ready for distillation, first in the traditional pot still. Time in one of two column stills purifies the liquid even more, and the stills’ copper construction removes sulfur notes that the distillation process can bring out.

The whole process is a peculiar mix of science and art, Doug says, and cleanliness and attention to detail

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are key to making fine distilled products. Tours and tastings offer a fascinating education for visitors.

Check the website for details. ~ Lorne Eckersley

Owners and distillers Dawn & Doug Lennie

TIGHTROPE WINERY – A SMALL WINERY OF DISTINCTION

bright and spacious tasting room greets visitors to Tightrope Winery, and the spectacular view of Okanagan provides the perfect backdrop to experience wines that are raising eyebrows throughout the industry.

Winemaker Lyndsay O’Rourke and viticulturist Graham O’Rourke might be new kids on the Naramata Bench, but they slowly and deliberately built impressive resumes before acquiring the vineyard and building a new winery and tasting room.

“This is our career,” Lyndsay says.

“We have done our schooling and apprenticeships. We have degrees, and we are prepared to take our place in this business.”

photo courtesy of Garth Eichel

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LEGEND DISTILLING: SMALL TOWN SPIRITS

Graham & Lyndsay O’Rourke

Prepared? That’s hardly an exaggeration when after only three years of production, Tightrope Winery was named Small Winery of Distinction at the 2015 Northwest Wine Summit Awards. The honour came when all of Tightrope’s eight entries to the competition won medals—four Gold and four Silver.

The 2015 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada served to confirm Tightrope’s reputation as a winery to watch closely. Two Gold Medals (2012 and 2014 Riesling) three Silvers (2013 Riesling, 2014 Tip-Toe and 2013 Vertigo) and a Bronze (2014 Rosé) were awarded in July. This impressive showing put Tightrope into the Top 10 BC wineries list and 7th best in small winery in Canada.

As a winemaker, Lyndsay has a nice variety of grapes on the property to work with—Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Viognier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir—and her early success bodes well for the future, as the vines mature and produce more complex fruit. 2014 vintages of Pinot Gris (“Preserving the aromatics is really important to me.”), Tip-Toe (a just slightly off-dry blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Chardonnay) and beautifully balanced Rosé are great examples of what Tightrope Winery has to offer. ~ Lorne Eckersley

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 31

 THE ART AND SCIENCE OF WINE AT HILLSIDE WINERY & BISTRO www.hillsidewinery.ca - (250) 493-6274

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he wineries and vineyards on the Naramata Bench are owned and operated by an eclectic bunch of oenophiles and expert winemakers, each winery with a story as unique as the terroir.

Hillside Winery and Bistro is no exception. The original vines were planted by Vera Klokocka, a BC wine pioneer. Vera envisioned the slopes of the Naramata Bench producing vibrant vines and exceptional wines. In an effort to support all wineries on the Bench, she helped initiate the Farmgate Winery Policy, and was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon. Today those vines are 35 years old, the oldest Cab Sav in the valley, and producing beautiful fruit.

Vera’s dream lives on under the hands of Kathy Malone. Kathy combines strategy, science, and the art of élevage to produce quality wines. With 35 years of winemaking experience, her skill, care and patience at each stage bring the noble traits of the wine to the fullest potential.

Today, the wines, vines and community-focused minds at Hillside would make Vera proud.

Hillside has won an impressive amount of silver and gold awards over the years. This year, the 2010 Mosaic won Gold from

the NorthWest Wine Summit, and Silver from the All Canadian Wine Championships. The Mosaic is a beautifully balanced, classic Bordeaux blend, 100% sourced from Naramata Bench fruit, it also happens to be a favorite of President, Duncan McCowan.

To showcase the unique microterroirs, the microclimate, and the diversity of varietals grown on the Bench, Hillside has launched a single vineyard series with three Merlots and a Cabernet Sauvignon, and there’s talk of a single barrel Cabernet Sauvignon from Vera’s first-planted row!

Hillside’s small lot wines are sold www.hillsidewinery.ca - (250) 493-6274 only through the winery, but what better reason to visit this beautiful www.hillsidewinery.ca - (250) 1350 Naramata Road. Penticton, BC493-6274 V2A 8T6 location and discover the unique qualities of the small lot wines and 1350 Naramata Road. Penticton, BC V2A 8T6 the outstanding cuisine at the Bistro.

As the wine season draws to a close, the fun at Hillside carries on. The Wine Club offers members access to pre-releases and exclusive small lot wines and events, including the notorious Pick-Up-Parties where music, elegant appies and tantalizing tastings are thoroughly enjoyed by all.

For more information on upcoming events and the Wine Club, visit the website at hillsidewinery.ca ~ Henrietta Poirier

1350 Naramata Road. Penticton, BC493-6274 V2A 8T6 www.hillsidewinery.ca - (250) 1350 Naramata Road. Penticton, BC V2A 8T

New Hours at Hillside Effective Sept . 7th Bistro: Open 12- 8 pm Wed-Sun; closed Mon-Tues.

Wine Shop: open every day, 10 am493-6274 to 6 pm. www.hillsidewinery.ca - (250) 1350 Naramata Road. Penticton, BC493-6274 V2A 8T6 www.hillsidewinery.ca - (250) 1350 Naramata Road. Penticton, BC V2A 8T6 Page 32 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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MORAINE ESTATE WINERY – TASTE THE NARAMATA BENCH

s you merrily wander along the epic Naramata Bench you will come upon a welcome sign for Moraine Estate Winery. With award winning wines to please your palate and a stunning view to please your eyes, the wine shop attendants will fill the rest of the experience with pleasure.

Celebrated winemaker Jacq Kemp’s attention to detail in the vineyard through to the cellar has garnered many awards. Owners, Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov, promise a brand of high quality wines with no shortcuts. Their flagship wines are the coveted Pinot Noir and Riesling and Oleg explains, ‘we are making wines the reflect the unique local terroir of the Naramata Bench. Our wines are from literally ‘right here’”.

With a wide range of wines on offer, Moraine has created something for everyone. The top tier wines, Pinot Noir and Riesling, are internationally and locally awarded with the Pinot Noir chosen as best varietal at the 2015 Okanagan Wine Festival Awards. The Riesling, also a local favorite, won a Gold Medal at the recent 2015 Okanagan Life

Magazine Awards. And then there is the table wines, Cliffhanger Red and White, that have both been super popular for their great taste and affordable prices.

As the wine season grows to and end you don’t have to say goodbye to Moraine for the season, just join their wine club! More flexible than many clubs out there, Oleg allows his members to choose which wines they want for their order – they customize for personal tastes. When a club member loves a certain wine, Moraine will automatically put that member on the pre order list for the next release of that wine. The Moraine Wine Club has become super popular with locals as well as Alberta fans. ~ Jennifer Schell

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 33

 RED ROOSTER WINERY – FEATHER YOUR NEST WITH FINE WINES

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ed Rooster Winery is a favorite destination for visitors and locals on the Naramata Bench. Great food, great wine, a naked guy statue – what more can you ask for? The winery has a great sense of humour and the chicken theme is hilariously carried throughout the entire operation – from naming the eatery (The Pecking Room), to the tasting room (The Coop), the tongue in beak jokes are nonstop. And that’s not all this unique winery and brood has to crow about! They offer a one of a kind opportunity for wine lovers to truly become part of the wine country experience: The Adopt A Row program.

Yes, its true, your very own row of grapevines at the winery to love and care for. Adoptive parents receive a sign labeling their row, a personalized certificate of adoption, discounts on gift purchases, a special newsletter and a case of wine. They also host special events for the adoptive parents, offering knowledge on vineyard management and viticulture. In the spring, parents come out to prune their rows and in fall to pick the grapes!

All vine tending is done with the help of award-winning winemaker Karen Gillis and her team standing by to educate and instruct. Not surprising, there is a waitlist for

this amazing program with 100 spots available, but go sign up anyway. Just think of having your own grape babies and getting to play winery with your friends.

Winemaker Karen Gillis accepted the Lieutenant Governor’s award for Excellence in BC Wine this year for the Red Rooster 2012 Reserve Syrah.

Another feather in her cap, and another award to hang on her wall.

2012 Red Rooster Reserve Syrah Rich, complex and full-bodied, this award-winning Syrah offers with dark fruit flavours a lovely black pepper spice kick.

2013 Red Rooster Reserve Malbec A very unique wine to the Valley, Red Rooster’s Malbec is 100% estate grown and 100% Malbec.

This is THE wine created from the Adopt a Row members! Medium bodied with lots of juicy fruit, soft pepper notes and a whiff of violet.

This is a wine that screams for a rack of BBQ’d ribs. ~ Jennifer Schell

Team Red Rooster accepting the Lt. Governor’s Award in front of naked guy.

Page 34 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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 SERENDIPITY WINERY- A MOUTH-WATERING AFFAIR BETWEEN FOOD AND WINE

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ith most of the wines now available for purchase having won medal honours in various competitions this year (all 5 entries won medals at the Savour NorthWest Wine Awards), Serendipity Winery continues its run of great vintages. But for owner Judy Kingston, the best measure of her wines is how they pair with food.

She is, after all, a French-trained chef whose goal since day one has been to make food-friendly wines.

“I always stress food and wine pairings with customers,” Judy says. “People are appreciative of that.” She is even thinking of doing a cookbook this winter, and it will include wine pairing recommendations with each recipe.

Judy’s daughter, Katie O’Kell, jumps into the conversation, saying that Serendipity Pinot Noir is a perfect match for Judy’s mushroom bruschetta with Buratta cheese.

“Our Viognier goes beautifully with Swiss cheese fondue, but Serendipity Sauvignon Blanc might have an even better pairing!” she says. An endive salad designed to enhance the flavours of the Sauv Blanc includes goat cheese croquettes with chunks of ruby grapefruit and watercress. The dressing base is a ruby grapefruit juice

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reduction and the dish is topped with a sprinkling of toasted walnuts.

Judy goes on—“Our Pinot Grigio is great with spicy foods, and RedHanded pairs with many flavours, including blue cheese, roasted vegetables and grilled beef.”

“And with dark chocolate mousse with rock salt sprinkles!” Katie reminds her mom.

As grapes ripen on the vine and harvest nears, Judy begins to sample the fruit to determine picking dates, but her mind is never far off food pairings—even the grape flavours inspire new recipes! ~ Lorne Eckersley

Katie O’Kell

D’ANGELO ESTATE WINERY – WINES SET TO THRILL

s Sal D’Angelo anticipates the release of his 2012 vintage wines he took some to think back to the season that has resulted in exceptionally good wines.

While most Okanagan producers admit the season wasn’t as easy to manage as more recent years, there is general agreement that the crop was abundant in quantity and quality.

“I do remember thinning three times, and that the season was two weeks late in the spring, when it rained every week. We bunch thinned down to one bunch per shoot. Then, because of all the rain, we went back in and cut all the shoulders from each bunch. We later went back in to remove any green berries.

From a harvest that began on October 16th, Sal made his first rosé using the saignee method, where

the juice is bled off the skins after limited contact. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo grapes were used.

The D’Angelo flagship wine, Sette Coppa, in another first, consists of 35% Malbec in the 2012 version.

With 18% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and 13% Petit Verdot, the blend was then aged for 26 months in the barrels first used by the renowned Opus One winery in Napa. The result is a beautifully coloured, softly tannic, peppery Bordeaux-like blend that will thrill fans of Super Tuscans and Bordeaux.

A visit to the D’Angelo tasting room often includes a chat with Sal himself, a genial host and masterful storyteller. It is a not to be missed Naramata Bench experience. ~ Lorne Eckersley

Stephanie D’Angelo marries Matt Fitzpatrick

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B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 35

1/4 Page: 4.65” (w) x 3.5” (h) • Proof 4 • Jan 23/15

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herapy Vineyards & Guesthouse Appetites of all-ages are fully satisfied GM Judi Skinner had a by well priced freshly made wood fired fabulous year celebrating the oven pizza and gourmet grilled cheese Naramata winery’s 10th anniversary. from Lil’s Kitchen now on site.

She’s thrilled with the increase in “What a season!” says Judi. “Our Summer visitors and wine sales, and hearing Breeze Music Series on the patio was rave reviews about Therapy’s new very successful: look forward to more live upgrades. Their fully paved parking music next year. Lil’s has done really well, lot expansion provides plenty of room the Guesthouse has been at capacity, and to accommodate wine lovers tasting at our sales have grown so much, we have to “The Farmacy” or relaxing at their new, ramp up production!” Judi expects a big family-friendly patio. increase this fall, helping satisfy demand Visitors always enjoy winemaker on top-sellers and bringing their greatlySteve Latchford’s delicious portfolio. missed Syrah and “Super Ego” back.

Fans effervescently gush about his Visiting the Okanagan between newest 2014 Artist Series Old Vines September and April 2016? Therapy’s Chardonnay and Fizziotherapy Blanc. Guesthouse accommodates up to 22 A Gold-medallist at the 2015 National people in eight separate rooms and Wine Awards of Canada, Fizziotherapy suites. Reserve guestrooms individually Blanc is a Chardonnay/Orange or combine with the gourmet kitchen, Muscat-based frizzante dining area for 20+, and available by-the-glass spacious living room. ($5.00), bottle or 20L Check out their great key keg. shoulder and off-season T her a p y ’s b re e z y rates! vineyard and lake Judi reminds everyone view patio features a that Therapy is open casual, Mediterranean YEAR ROUND! bistro-look with ~ Sarah Willard pretty red umbrellas, comfortable seating GM Judi with musician and wraparound bar. Jordi from El Javi

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KRAZE LEGZ VINEYARD AND WINERY– GO KRAZE!

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ehind the Roaring 20s theme at Kraze Legz Vineyard and Winery in Kaleden is a steady stream of award-winning wines. Operating a winery with only occasional help in the vineyard keeps owners Gerry and Sue Thygesen busy year-round, but always offer an enthusiastic welcome a to a memorable destination only 10-minutes south of Penticton.

Kraze Legz and SKAHA Vineyards labels continue to impress in the marketplace, in competitions and with wine writers.

On a recent visit, BC’s venerable John Schreiner tasted shhh…2012 Merlot Icewine and declared it worthy of 95-96 points. Beautifully balanced, the Kraze Legz version starts with a burst of fresh strawberry freezer jam, becomes more complex with tastes of cherries, huckleberries with the viscosity of rich honey.

After last years win, the always popular SKAHA Unoaked Chardonnay follows up with the 2014 vintage making it all the way to final round of 30 at the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards. Juicy pineapple, stone fruit and lime.

SKAHA Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Client Signature: Franc (their first 100% varietal CAF) harvested a Gold Medal at the 2015 Date: Northwest Wine Summit. Jammy blackberry, licorice, vanilla and spice.

Once ad is approved please FAX proof to 1-888-870-0995 The SKAHA Vineyard 2012 Rogue, a tawny style fortified wine sold out in Client Signature: just 10 days and the 2013 vintage to Accelerate Communications Group • 1397 Scott Crescent • Kelowna, BC • V1Z 2P7 be release in October, already has a lengthy waiting list. Rich butterscotch, Date: raisin, nut and oh so smooth!

SKAHA Vineyard labels have proved popular in restaurants and wine shops but don’t anticipate Kraze Legz wines Once ad is approved please FAX proof to 1-888-87 disappearing any time soon.

“People expect the Kraze Legz experience when they come to visit the winery,” Sue says. “And this is where we sell most of our Accelerate Communications Group • 1397 Scott Crescent • Kelown wine, so we certainly don’t plan to disappoint them!” ~ Lorne Eckersley

Page 36 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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  AN EXQUISITE OUTDOOR WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE TO BE FOUND ONLY AT MEYER FAMILY VINEYARD

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estled between the rolling orchards and rich farmland found behind the mountainous bluffs of McLean Creek Road, sits the internationally renowned Meyer Family Vineyards. Since 2009 the Meyer Family has cultivated an international reputation for their quality Burgundy-style wines, which can be sampled on site through a tasting at their relaxing wine lounge. The launching of their new Private Cabana Tastings last August however, has allowed the Meyer family to repeat what they’ve already done with their wines and bring many of the same Old World charms of the wine tasting experience itself, home to the Okanagan.

Sitting adjacent to the garden and patio, atop the winery’s beautiful landscaped grounds and surrounded by vineyards, the cabana tasting area is a welcomed take on a Mediterranean-inspired outdoor lounge. Here, guests can relax in the comfortable seating under the shade while still taking in the beautiful, sunny weather

of a typical Okanagan summer.

But pure luxury aside, the onehour private tasting is also an opportunity to sample some of the family’s more exclusive wines that are otherwise not available to the public for tastings, such as the prestigious Micro Cuvée series.

The family friendly environment, which welcomes kids and dogs, allows for guests to bring their own picnics with them to enjoy on the patio. However, arriving with the Cabana Tastings this year has been a selection of rare, artisanal food in the wine shop. Keeping with the family’s philosophy, sommelier Kami Lee Robb has carefully selected a specific array of fine delicatessen foods to be sampled and paired with the wines. This has made Meyer Family Vineyards one of the sole purveyors of Thomas Haas, Vancouver’s preeminent chocolatier, along with the addictive Péché Mignon Shortbreads, Okanagan-sourced smoked salmon marinated in the valley’s wines, and Terroir Cheese (the only creamery in Western Canada that makes a morbier).

In order to arrange a private Cabana Tasting experience it’s only $25 dollars per person but booking ahead is a necessity in order to prepare for the group and assure a spot. The tasting itself is an hour long, guided by your own personal sommelier in your own personal cabana, and includes five exclusive wines and your own complementary wine tasting journal. At the end of each Cabana Tasting you might even be given the exclusive opportunity to purchase from a small collection of vintages selectively released from the Meyer Family Vineyard’s wellstocked wine library. ~ Blake Allen

Become part of the Family when you join our Wine Clu�� B

McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

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17 Points (90 Points), Jancis Robinson 92 + Points, Kristof Gillese, �e Chef � �e Grape Best Pinot Noir, Northern Lands Wine Competition 2015

Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir 2013 16.5 Points (88 Points), Jancis Robinson 91Points, Rémy Cherest, WineAlign Gold Medal, National Wine Awards of Canada 2015 Join our �Pinot for Me� wine club to receive our award-winning Pinot Noirs� Get all of the details online at www.MFVwines.com www.winetrails.ca

�cra�ing single vineyard wines of excellence� 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls T 250 497 8553 Tasting Room Hours: 10AM to 5PM Apr - Oct

By Appointment Nov - Mar

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 37

  PENTÂGE WINERY: A UNION OF FORM AND FUNCTION

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orm follows function – that has been misunderstood.

Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union,” commented the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. If ever there was a tangible testament to Wright’s perspective, it is Pentâge Winery overlooking Skaha Lake in Penticton. Here, owners Julie Rennie and Paul Gardner bought a 23-acre discarded orchard in 1996 and painstakingly repurposed it into magnificent vineyards and a breathtaking boutique winery.

While “it’s all about the wine” as Julie says, each detail ensures Pentâge is a union of form and function. Even the name Pentâge is a play on Latin for “five” a

tribute to the red varieties planted to make up Paul’s flagship red. The commitment to excellence begins with the vines and carries through to the winery, yeast selections, specific barrel cooperage, winemaking techniques and specialized equipment to create elegant world-class wines. From May 1st to October 10th, 1 to 5 pm, the stunning stainless steel adorned tasting room is open with a tasting fee of $5 waived upon purchase. Pack a picnic and pause with a glass of Pentâge’s fine wine to enjoy the view from the picturesque patio. Children, too, are offered a taste of white or red, that is, apple or grape juice. For an in depth Cellar Tour

& Tasting, 3 pm, check online for space or call ahead. It includes an informative tour of the property, its astonishing 5,000 square foot natural rock wine cellar followed by a tasting for $15 per person fee ($5 waived with purchase). For a

private tour of 10 or more guests, email info@pentage.com to arrange availability. Wine sales are offered online and during winter months by appointment. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

OPEN DAILY 1-5PM MAY 1�� TO OCTOBER 10�� OR BY APPOINTMENT

www.pentage.com 250.493.4008 Pentâge Winery is a boutique winery nestled on 23 acres.

First blended in honour of Stag’s Hollow’s 15th Anniversary, Cachet Limited Edition wines are rare, oneof-a-kind wines that are numbered sequentially. The Cachet 2010 No. 3 was recipient of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards of Excellence in British Columbia Wines. Cachet No. 4 is a blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit from two vineyards: Stag’s Hollow Estate t’s truly rewarding when a Vineyard, Okanagan Falls and the Plut wine you have visualized from Vineyard, Osoyoos. Released this fall its beginning in the vineyard, initially only at the winery, it is a small attains great recognition,” says Linda production of 110 cases so you’ll want Pruegger, Stag’s Hollow Winery to snap it up quickly! co-owner with Larry Gerelus. “We In addition to Cachet, WineAlign 2015 were ecstatic to learn our 2013 National Wine Awards of Canada Cachet Limited Edition No. 4 was presented Gold to Stag’s Hollow 2012 awarded Gold in the Syrah Hearle Vineyard; Silver to 2013 2015 National Wine Tempranillo, 2012 Cabernet Franc and Awards.”

During 2013 Grenache; and Bronze to 2012 2014 harvest, while Hawk’s Hollow, 2013 Pinot Noir Stag’s sampling in the Hollow Vineyard and 2013 Viognier vineyard, Dwight Hearle Vineyard. Given such a strong Sick, winemaker, performance, this earned Stag’s already had his sights Hollow 8th Small Winery in Canada – a set on certain grapes winery producing under 10,000 cases as potential for a new annually, and 16th winery overall in winemaker Cachet blend. He was Canada. How’s that for cachet?.

Dwight Sick not disappointed! ~ Roslyne Buchanan Page 38 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

Explore our hand-crafted, award winning wines and tour our spectacular natural rock wine cellar.

STAG’S HOLLOW WINERY 2013 CACHET NO. 4 EARNS GOLD AT NATIONALS BEFORE RELEASE

“I

Discover our Passion.

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

Named 8th best Small Winery in Canada and 16th winery overall at the 2015 National Wine Awards.

Stag’s Hollow won 2 Golds, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze at the 2015 National Wine Awards.

On October 3rd, drop by and taste award winning wines including Gold Medal winner 2013 Cachet No 4.

Join Our Wine Club- It’s FREE!

Discover all the benefits on our website or ask us.

2237 Sunvalley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC 250-497-6162 www.stagshollowwinery.com We tweet - talk to us!

@stagshollow

@simplypinot www.winetrails.ca

  WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS WINS 9TH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR GENERAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

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ongratulations to Wild Goose on winning their 9th Lieutenant Governor Award of Excellence for the 2014 Mystic River Gewürztraminer! Wines from Wild Goose’s Mystic River Vineyard have brought in six of their nine Lieutenant Governor Award wins – two for the Mystic River Pinot Gris, two for the Mystic River Pinot Blanc, and now two for the Mystic River Gewürztraminer.

Meandering along the banks of the South Okanagan River near Oliver, Mystic River Vineyard features fertile soil of sandy clay and pea gravel. This 5-acre parcel is one of three vineyards that Wild Goose maintains in the Oliver and Okanagan Falls regions. Each section of every vineyard has been chosen to suit a particular varietal and winemaking style.

The highly selective conditions

Rita Chiarelli plays Wild Goose Vineyard Stage.

members at unbeatable prices.”

Wrapping up the festivities this year, Wild Goose presents their 2nd Annual Beale Street Festival on Saturday, October 10 featuring Vancouver blues icon Sherman “Tank” Doucette as the headlining act. A tribute to the south, the day will be packed full of BBQ, wine and music on Wild Goose’s beautiful new vineyard stage. Performanceonly tickets are $37.50.

Since Canada’s ‘Queen of Blues’ Rita Chiarelli’s sold-out show this past July, the word is out about Wild Goose’s new überprofessional vineyard stage. Look forward to their Summer Concert Series in 2016!

Wild Goose’s wine shop (10-5) and the Smoke & Oak Bistro (12-5) are open daily until mid-October. Visit wildgoosewinery.com for all details. ~ Sarah Willard

in the grape-growing process allows winemaker Hagen Kruger the control to individually ferment each vineyard’s varietals at the optimum time, which he then blends to perfection.

It’s been an epic year for the Kruger family and Wild Goose Vineyards, as they’ve celebrated their 25th Anniversary all season long. Fans, both new and old, have come in full swing to show their support.

Sold out events, a recordbreaking year for the winery’s on-site Smoke & Oak Bistro, and soaring memberships for their new wine club demonstrate people’s love for the Okanagan Falls based winery.

“Wild Goose Vintners Club is a hit!” exclaims marketing manager Kate Durisek. “We’ve tripled our membership this year and we’re excited to share all of our major award-winning wines and new releases with our new and existing

Wild Goose › 25th Anniversary Logo

25th 2ndAnniversary Annual Free Open House June 4, 12 - 5pm

Beale St. Festival October 10, 2015 Rita Chiarelli Rocks Winery!

12:00the – 6:00pm July$37.

25,50 5:30 - 9:30pm per person

Tasting Room Open Tasting Room OpenDaily Daily 10 10 -- 5pm 5 Smoke OakOak Bistro OpenOpen Wednesday 12 Smoke& & Bistro Daily- Sunday 12 - 5pm

5

2145 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls 250.497.8919 info@wildgoosewinery.com @wildgoosewines wildgoosevineyards

Vintners Club members receive 10% off

w i l d g o o s ew i n e ry .co m

w w w . w i l d g o o s e w i n e r y. c o m www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 39

  THREE PILLARS TO INSPIRE YOU AT LIQUIDITY WINERY

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n keeping with Liquidity Winery’s three pillars of wine, food and art to captivate you and create a comprehensive wine cultural experience, the Liquidity Artist Lecture Series is presented this fall.

President Ian MacDonald explains, “The lectures are arranged to inform and inspire you about various forms of art whether your passion leads you to be an artist or you enjoy art as a patron.” If you’ve visited the winery, you already know that it is an architectural masterpiece from its stylistic concrete-and-metal gateway through its artistic installations, lily pond, gardens, and sleek visitors’ building that is garnished inside and out with amazing art. With a flow through the tasting room and bistro to the outside patio that is seamless, even the infinity pool is artfully placed to draw you to the majestic vista of vineyards and cliffs. Ian has carefully curated all design aspects from Liquidity’s stately structure, art installations on the grounds, and paintings and photographs indoors.

The Artist Lecture Series launches 3 pm, September 12th with Tania Gleave of Vancouver.

Winner of the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for Applied Arts 2014, Tania’s art and jewellery design is described as “bold, sculptural and elegant”.

September 19th at 11 am, Brent Comber of North Vancouver – Western Living’s 2013 Designer of the Year – is featured. Brent reassembles wood into sculpture from old-growth trees fallen in a fateful Stanley Park storm. The “Shattered Sphere” that adorns Liquidity’s front entry is an example of this transformative art.

Later on September 19th at 3 pm, Vancouver’s Philip Jarmain, the Luerzers Archive Top 200 Ad Photographers Worldwide 2014 will hold court. On September 26th at 3 pm, Vancouver’s Jeff Burgess, a practicing visual artist and illustrator with over 25 years experience will be on site.

Each lecture is $20 plus tax and includes a complimentary beverage. With a 40-seat maximum capacity in the farm building where the lectures are staged, you’ll want to scoop up tickets soon from the tasting room or online liquiditywines.com. Says Ian, “It’s an amazing opportunity to have dialogue with the artists and for them to share current work and discuss their style, techniques and influences.”

After growing and selling awardwinning grapes for 20 years, Liquidity started making its own fine wines. Allow time during your visit to experience these wines and consider reserving a meal at the Liquidity Bistro for a modern urban take on classic Canadian wine country cuisine. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Shattered Sphere by Brent Comber

Page 40 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

www.winetrails.ca

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

Valleyview Rd

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

Yorkton Ave

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

e Rd

Skaha Lak

Crescent Hill

PENTICTON

Lakeside Rd

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

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

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Painted Rock Estate Winery

7

OKANAGAN FALLS

East Side Rd

Okanagan Hwy

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

Pentâge Winery

8

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

SKAHA LAKE

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Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2320 Oliver Ranch Rd. ,OK Falls Junction 250.497.7945 3A www.nobleridge.com

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Pentâge Winery 4551 Valley View Road, Penticton 250 493 4008 www.pentage.com

Rd Christie Memorial Park

Holiday Beach Resort Motel

1

Maple

Okanagan Falls Provincial Park

Synchromesh Wines 11

St

5 Meyer Family Vineyards

Keogan Park

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Wild Goose Vineyards Stag’s Hollow

4 13 10

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Liquidity 2

Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars

6 Noble Ridge

Vineyard & Winery

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

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

PENTICTON

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

SKAHA LAKE Kenyon Park

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OKANAGAN FALLS

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

Lake Rd

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

Rd

VASEUX LAKE

www.ofwa.ca

Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2145 Sun Valley Way, OK Falls 250.497.8919 www.wildgoosewinery.com For the latest information on all happenings in the heart

#SipOKFalls

of wine country, contact us: www.ofwa.ca e: info@ofwa.ca www.winetrails.ca

2015 EVENT Saturday, Nov 28th & Sunday, Nov 29th: Holiday Cheer Open House A weekend of Holiday Cheer, come visit our 13 member wineries and celebrate the Holiday Season with special gift, food and wine pairings!

Check our website for more details to come!

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 41

 BIODYNAMIC LIFE: CLOS DU SOLEIL

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electric car chargers los du Soleil’s team are also available has put the same for use. Visitors also care and attention to have the opportunity detail into the construction to purchase rare and of the new winery and wine collectible bottles shop as they do in crafting found nowhere else. their biodynamic and “This will include organically grown wines. our popular large Just like paying close format bottles, as attention to the vineyards, well as library wines managing director and and very rare vertical winemaker Michael Clark collections of some is making sure that all of of our wines,” says the elements of the new Mike Clark Michael. winery are in place for optimal use by the winemaking New releases for this fall’s equinox are team and for the experiences of the new Estate Reserve Red 2012 and wine shop guests. It’s almost as if the 2014 Capella. “The new Capella the building was grown organically. continues the style of the 2013 Capella, The new wine shop is intimate and which was served to the Queen last incorporates wall features, door year,” says Michael. Multiple vintages mouldings, and baseboards made of Capella and Signature will again be from wood from the old honey featured in this year’s exclusive vertical barn, rooting the new shop with tasting event held October 4th. their rustic beginnings. Instead of The new wine shop is open seven pouring samples crowded around a days a week until October 31st and barrelhead, the new wine shop has by appointment after that by calling a spacious tasting bar for guests to 250-499-2831. ~ Luke Whittall learn about the wines and biodynamic grape growing. Sun Country and Tesla

EAU VIVRE – A PICTURE PERFECT WINERY IN THE SIMILKAMEEN

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au Vivre Winery is spectacularly positioned in the centre of all the wineries in the Similkameen Valley. Any route through the Similkameen will take you close enough to the winery that stopping in is easy and convenient.

Recipients of the Similkameen’s two, and only, Lieutenant Governor’s Awards to show for their hard work, it is not a winery to be missed on your tour.

The summer brought a flurry of new releases including the 2012 vintage of their big, Bordeauxstyle red aptly named Buddhafull.

Recent vintages of the Cinq Blanc, Viognier, and Malbec were also released. But now the gang at Eau Vivre is ready for more. The end of the summer will mark the beginning of the 2014 Riesling and the 2013 Cabernet Franc, which are both due for release as September takes over. The Riesling in particular already has a reputation after winning Silver at the Wine Align National Wine Awards earlier in the summer.

Bronze Medals were awarded to the 2013 Pinot Noir and the 2014 Viognier. Often described as “a white grape that thinks it’s a red grape”, Viognier can sometimes

OLD WORLD ELEGANCE...NEW WORLD EDGE!

Tasting Room Hours: Open Everyday except Tues., 10am-5pm, May 1 to Oct. 31

2568 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC 1-250-499-2831 Buy Directly From Our Online Store! www.closdusoleil.ca

@Closdusoleil

be treated like a red grape when it is turned into wine. Winemaker Anthony Buchanan fermented 16% of this vintage of Viognier on its skins and punched it down regularly just like all of the other red wines. It was a creative way of adding texture while still keeping true to Eau Vivre’s elegant and finessed style of wine.

Check out Eau Vivre’s new website eauvivrewinery.ca for more information about their wines and wine club. ~ Luke Whittall

Page 42 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

Wine shop open daily 10:30 am - 5:00 pm May 1st to October 31st or by appointment.

Our wines are available at BC VQA and other fine liquor stores and restaurants.

250.499.2655 716 Lowe Drive, Cawston www.EauVivreWinery.ca www.winetrails.ca



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From the earth Comfortable Old World charm with a New World approach A taste of Tuscany in your own backyard Open for lunch & dinner | 11.30a - 9p | Reservations recommended | +250.498.2229 887 Road 8, Oliver, British Columbia

www.terrafinarestaurant.com

DINING AT TERRAFINA TRANSITIONS FROM SUMMER TO AUTUMN

s autumn tones tint the vineyards, Okanagan crowds thin out and explore at a more leisurely pace. At Terrafina Restaurant, you can still savour the Summer Menu until mid-September and watch evidence of fall’s harvest as the fresh ingredients of local growers and producers shift. There’s still time to enjoy Terra Unica wines

by Hester Creek Estate Winery that are only available in the restaurant, or at home if you’re a subscribed loyalty member of Hester Creek’s Bench Club. Thoughts turn to the Fall Wine Festival and events back by popular demand. Terrafina owner April Goldade enthusiastically recommends the Garlic Festival, 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday, October 3rd at Hester Creek. She notes, “It has a great feel as an awesome familyfriendly day. Local growers, vendors and entertainers come together to celebrate all things garlic and support the Oliver Elementary School’s lunch program”. (This summer, Terrafina again participated in Summerdine, a fundraising initiative of Les Dames d ‘Escoffier – BC Chapter.) For the Fall Wine Festival, the five-course wine-paired, Tuscan dinner is back

October 10th. It is staged familystyle at a communal table with live acoustic music by a local artist.

Seats are available at the restaurant, call 250-498-2229 or email info@ terrafinarestaurant.com Open seven days a week through October, celebrate your special occasion with an Italian-influenced, farm-to-table menu in this Tuscanlike setting on the gorgeous Golden Mile of Oliver. Reserve your intimate private group dinner in Terrafina restaurant’s Old World warm ambiance. Gather in the vineyard with up to eight people, in the elegant winery with up to 12, or in the barrel room with 25.

For more information, visit www. terrafinarestaurant.com or email April at info@terrafinarestaurant.com ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Chef Jenna Pillon & April Goldade

RIVER STONE ESTATE WINERY – BIG VISIONS, BIG COMMITMENT, BIG RESULTS

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Hand crafted single vineyard wines.

Come Savour the Journey.

and passion at this new winery. www.riverstonesstatewinery.ca e/mail: riverstone@eastlink.ca Ph: 250 498-7798 143 Buchannan Drive, Oliver, BC. www.winetrails.ca

ig and small, River Stone Estate focused and with a keen eye for Winery is something of an detail, has quickly built a reputation anomaly in the wine world. as a fine winemaker whose prime Tucked into a gem of a property commitment is to bring out the best just off Tucelnuit Road in Oliver, that his grapes have to offer.

River Stone is still a small enough River Stone has become a familiar producer to qualify as a participant sight at local farmers’ markets, and in the popular Garagiste North— a growing number of visitors are The Small Guys Wine Festival welcomed to a tasting room in (under 2000 case producers). But which Ted himself can often been production is the only thing that be found. Otherwise, he is out in the can be described as small about the vineyards, which, he says, is where winery owned and operated by Ted the wines are really made. Don’t be surprised to hear him say that his job and Lorraine Kane. as a winemaker is not to Big visions, big mess up what Mother commitment, big Nature provides! results. In the last As earlier vintages begin decade Ted and to be in short supply, Lorraine have Ted eagerly anticipates established a the release of his 2013 vineyard on ground vintage wines—“They that been let fallow are showing really for 30 years, built nicely,” he says. River a beautiful home Stone is an eager that accommodates participant in local wine a wine shop, and events and readers made the move are advised to visit the from Edmonton winery’s web site to get to Oliver with their regular updates. two young sons. Proprietors Lorraine & ~ Lorne Eckersley And Ted, intensely Ted Kane B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 43

 HOME FOR THE HARVEST DINNER AT QUINTA FERREIRA

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ttending the annual Harvest Dinner, now in its 7th year, at the family-run Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery is like coming home.

Meander en route to drop into some of the farm gate producers of Oliver and load up on fall’s bounty such as buttery yellow corn, heritage tomatoes, purple prune plums, crisp red apples, and plump pumpkins.

American poet William Cullen Bryant called, “Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.” How true are those words as the Quinta Ferreira team takes a breath after a successful summer and warmly invites you to join them. What better way to celebrate the Harvest than with a four-course wine-paired dinner, 6:30 pm, October 3rd? Prepared by the talented Chef Neil Schroeter of Okanagan Street Food, the dinner is always a sell out so you’ll want to purchase your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

(Tickets are $135 all inclusive.)

Even if you can’t make the dinner, autumn is a wonderful time to visit. Enjoy the reddish and golden hues of the foliage gleaming in the vineyards and surrounding

orchards. Linger on the pretty patio over wine. You can pick up meats and cheeses from the tasting room’s deli fridge. Or request a specially prepared snack tray that includes bread, cheese, olives, spreads, and meat for $15. Browse the fine art images of family member Carmen Tomé and perhaps add some of her latest works to your collection.

This, too, is a great time to stock up on your winter wines as the new reds are released in early September. Purchase your supply in the tasting room – open daily 10 am to 6 pm, at select stores or online at quintaferreira.com. ~ Roslyne Buchanan

Chef Neil Schroeter

FALL AT ITS FINEST: TINHORN CREEK AND MIRADORO RESTAURANT

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othing beats falling in love with the Okanagan during the early days of fall. As the heat fades away, grab a light sweater and head to Tinhorn Creek and Miradoro Restaurant to try their newest wines, and enjoy all that this winery has to offer.

Catch the finale concert of the 2015 Canadian Concert Series on September 12th at Tinhorn’s outdoor amphitheatre. Hear Juno awardwinning Canadian band The Trews and give summer the send-off it deserves.

If hiking is more your style, join proprietor Kenn Oldfield on his morning Stamp Mill hikes on September 11th and 25th. While taking in the vineyard views, you’ll learn why the Golden Mile Bench sub-appellation produces such unique wines. On October 5-7th, head out on Kenn’s Grazing in the Vineyard tour and then dine on a three-course lunch by Miradoro Restaurant right in the vineyard.

As the season changes, so does the menu at Miradoro Restaurant. To kick-off this delicious time of year, Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest will be creating a special three-course menu for Hops, Grapes & Grub on October 2nd. Each course will be paired with a Tinhorn Creek wine and a local craft beer.

Make a return trip to the restaurant on October 6th as Chef Van Geest is joined by guest Chef Robert Belcham of Vancouver’s Campagnolo Restaurant. Together the pair will craft a night of exceptional food and wine you won’t want to miss.

If you can’t make it to the winery, tune in to Sandra Oldfield, Tinhorn Creek’s president, for her webinar on September 15th at 7 p.m. Live from her kitchen, she’ll chat about the local wine industry and answer your questions, so get your pen and paper ready!

Tickets for all events and details are available at tinhorn.com. ~ Laura Lushington

Page 44 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

www.winetrails.ca

 GEHRINGER BROTHERS – A HIDDEN GEM ON THE GOLDEN MILE

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ehringer Brothers Estate Winery just south of Oliver on the Golden Mile Bench is a bit of a hidden gem. When the winery site was originally purchased, it had been noted that the site, tucked up against the west side of the valley, received the evening shade as of about 5:30 pm on summer evenings. This was considered by those who drew up the original viticultural maps to be a negative factor. It was later determined that white vines and red vines manage sunlight and high temperatures differently, making the shade a benefit. Several decades of farming this vineyard have proven that it’s an ideal location after all.

2014 Optimum Pinot Gris This Pinot Gris has made a return to the portfolio with the 2014 vintage.

A faint rose gold colour in the glass, this wine has a nose filled with

white peach, bright citrus zest and mineral notes. The palate follows the nose, with a silky mouthfeel and a ripe finish. This is balanced by a lovely bright acidity.

2014 Optimum Pinot Noir A smoky violet colour in the glass with classic notes of ripe cherry and vanilla on the nose. The palate is smooth with loads of black cherry, vanilla bean and a hint of mushrooms. The finish is long and soft.

2014 Dry Rock Cabernet Merlot These Merlot grapes come from a very rocky, higher elevation vineyard block just north of the tasting room It’s a rich plum colour in the glass with a nose that heralds the Merlot in the blend. There are chocolate and cherries all over the palate, along with some very bold, spicy notes with a distinctive chalky finish. ~ Courtney Fossett

FAIRVIEW CELLARS From the Heart For the Heart The famous Gehringer Brothers Gordon & Walter

Open Open. 1pm-5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

By appointment only between Nov. 15th. and April 1st.

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

(250) 498-2211

www.winetrails.ca

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FAIRVIEW CELLARS: DELICIOUS ABERRATIONS

n an industry so closely tied with nature like winemaking, sometimes plans get changed for you. More than simply vintage variations, these events are unexpected circumstances that walk a fine line between creative innovation and complete disaster.

Owner Bill Eggert has seen a number of these events that he calls “aberrations” over the years.

The new Aberration Series of wines is a tribute to these events.

Retroactively, the Aberration One is called Fool’s Gold, a Gamay Blancde-Noir from 2002 and Aberration Two is a late harvest Riesling from 2008. Aberration Three is a hail-battered 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon more famously known as “The Wrath”. There are two new Aberrations waiting in the wings.

Aberration Four is a hailstormenhanced crop of Cabernet Sauvignon called Hailing a Cab. Only 300 cases have been produced and

may be released later in the fall when ready. Aberration Five is a unique Sauvignon Blanc experimentally fermented separately from the main tank of Sauvignon Blanc using a new yeast that is known to reduce acidity. The result is a uniquely soft, smooth, and round Sauvignon Blanc featuring flavours of apple crisp, peach cobbler, and soft floral notes.

A perfect white for winter, look for this wine to be released in the fall. ~ Luke Whittall

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 45

 C.C. JENTSCH CELLARS – WINS PLATINUM MEDAL FOR SYRAH

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lthough a relatively new winery, C.C. Jentsch Cellars’ winegrower Chris Jentsch and winemaker Amber Pratt are now seeing their hard work recognized, not just by many happy customers, but also on the larger stage at awards competitions. Amber’s 2013 Syrah, her first vintage for Chris, was recently awarded a Platinum Medal by the Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada; one of only 14 platinum medals awarded, this wine scored in the top one percentile of all wines in the competition. National recognition on this scale for a new winery is rare, which makes this award particularly welcome for

winemaker Amber Pratt

winery owner Chris Jentsch. “It is a great honour to have our hard work in the vineyard and winery recognized with such a prestigious award,” says Chris. “It is a true team effort that starts in the vineyard.

Great terroir is coupled with hard work by Denis Morin, Jose Silva, David Strohmann and summer student, Raymond Thomson.”

Chris is also quick to point out Amber’s contribution to the portfolio, “Amber crafts the grapes into the best wines they can be.”

Now going into her third harvest at C.C. Jentsch Cellars, Amber appreciates the recognition, but still strives to coax the best out of each individual variety. “I like purity,” says Amber, “I can taste the Okanagan in our wines now.” Not content to just follow a recipe, Amber is not afraid to adapt to get the best out of what each vintage brings. However, she is careful not to overstep and possibly lose the essence of the terroir with too much handling. “The more you manipulate the grapes and wine, the more you lose its true character,” says Amber. ~ Luke Whittall

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES AT DESERT HILLS

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riving Oliver’s Black Sage Bench Road to Desert Hills Estate Winery is always fun.

I’m excited - it’s my first visit since the Toor family released their 2010 Syrah and Mirage, opened their patio and made their paved driveway and parking lot expansion.

I opened the wine shop’s big oak door to see a familiar scene. Proprietor Randy Toor, centre stage in his U-shaped bar, surrounded by 30 or-so visitors—completely in his element.

The guests were from everywhere.

Most were first-timers, having heard great things about Desert Hills’ wine portfolio: the big, bold reds, the fresh and tasty whites, the small-lot series and winemaker George Phiniotis’ port-style, “Ambassador.”

Randy held his audience’s complete attention, effortlessly pouring samples while engaging everyone with his charismatic personality. A showman par-excellence, Randy also knows his wines. He expertly fielded questions from novices and oenophiles alike, getting some laughs along the way. On cue, Randy’s wife Lakhwinder and daughter Simrit emerged to take

Our new tasting room is now open!

We offer 5 wines for tasting daily and charge a $5 tasting fee, redeemable upon any purchase. We also offer a picnic area, a small patio, RV parking and public washrooms for all of our guests.

Open Daily 10am - 6pm • April 1 - Nov. 30 At C.C. Jentsch Cellars, the focus on crafting the finest fruit into honestly made, premium wines that represent outstanding quality and value to our customers. All of these luscious wines come from sun-soaked, mature, Okanagan fruit and with a very reasonable price tag.

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Simrit Toor, with her Dad, Randy

over, allowing the orator to launch into his wine club soliloquy.

“We simply have the best wine club setup in the business,” stated Randy.

“We have over 1700 members. It’s because we make it easy.”

Wine club members choose between a six or 12-bottle delivery, three times annually. All receive 10% discount on wines, with exclusive access to library and small-lot wines and priority access to new releases. Visit deserthills.ca for all the great incentives!

Immediately, three couples signed up. They asked to try the Zinfandel, one of Desert Hills’ ‘exclusive to wine club tastings’.

Non-wine club members sighed in disappointment. “Membership has its privileges,” smiled a wine club member. Randy laughed and asked, “Shall we let the rest of them taste it, too?” ~ Sarah Willard

Page 46 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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 www.winetrails.ca

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CELEBRATE LOCAL FOOD THIS FALL AT HESTER CREEK

ine touring in Oliver is both exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming. Canada’s Wine Capital offers no shortage of exciting destinations just waiting to be discovered, but one of the community’s most memorable experiences is to be found at a winery you’re likely already familiar with. Built atop land which has cultivated grapes since 1968, the winery now known as Hester Creek first opened its doors in 1982, and has since established itself as one of the Okanagan’s finest producers of quality wine.

A short ride up Road 8 has the traveler greeted by a 110-acre sea of vines and a palatial tasting room that could make the generational estates of Italy and France rife with jealousy. Wine tasting here is both welcoming and informative but Hester Creek offers far more than just a tasting experience.

The site is home to the world class restaurant, Terrafina, and until the end of September guests can partake in a barbeque lunch every Friday. But for those who might only find themselves peckish, the wine shop is also flanked by a Mediterranean-inspired patio that welcomes picnickers and provides a rich selection of delicatessen specialties and charcuterie. Guided by a principled commitment to the local food movement, Hester Creek also offers pre-registered cooking

www.winetrails.ca

classes in their home-styled kitchen, 40 throughout the year, which emphasize the use of seasonal ingredients.

With the wine festival season now upon us, Hester Creek finds itself preparing for its annual Fall Garlic Festival. This celebration of Okanagan artisans will feature live music and showcase over 20 different vendors on the front grounds of the winery. Garlic vendors will of course be the main focus of the festivities, but various other local gourmet food producers, crafters, and food carts will be present too.

The Festival takes place on October 3rd. Admission is by donation and all proceeds stay in the community and go to the ‘Farm to Table’ program at Oliver Elementary.

2013 Hester Creek Syrah-Viognier A signature product of a notable Okanagan vintage marked by recordsetting summer temperatures and the starkly cool fall which followed.

This predominately Syrah blend, a first for Hester Creek, displays a delicate balance of smoke and black pepper aromas that are matched with a complex palate of tobacco and dark fruit, with just a touch of freshly ground coffee. This gem of the 2013 season is available almost exclusively in the Hester Creek wine shop. ~ Blake Allen

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 47

 A SUPER CHEF TEAM AT BURROWING OWL

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his season the team at the Sonora Room Restaurant has been focused on interpreting the region’s produce while crafting their wine-friendly menus and delivering “the essence of wine country dining” to visitors from everywhere. The 2015 crew is solid with Chef de Cuisine Damian Mischkinis working alongside Sous Chef Ian Bohun, all under the guidance of Culinary Director Lee Humphries. The features change daily to accommodate seasonal ingredients such as heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers from one of their main local sources, Carolyn Tipler of Le Petit Clos, Oliver’s Covert Farms or from DelicaSea, a sustainably farmed and Ocean Wise approved Arctic Char producer.

Chefs Lee, Ian, & Damian

The front of house position at the restaurant is now in the capable hands of Cassandra Capone, who joined the team as restaurant manager at the start of the season. Capone has had stints in Ontario wine country and was recently at the noteworthy Vasse Felix Winery in Australia as the assistant hospitality director.

Capone’s devotion to quality standards and teamwork ensures that the front of house delivers consistently.

The team will be joined in September by a vast flurry of culinary talent as Kelowna’s Waterfront Restaurant’s Chef Mark Filatow, Tofino’s The Wolf in the Fog’s Chef Nick Nutting, Alberta’s SAIT instructor/Chef Andrew Springett and former Hotel Arts in Calgary’s Chef Duncan Ly will fly in for a special evening. The dinner is billed as an “Okanagan Feast with Canada’s Leading Chefs”, and is a Visa Infinite dinner, on Friday, September 11th at 6:30 pm.

In November, the Sonora Room team will travel up to Whistler for the 2015 wine and food celebration, Cornucopia, where they will present chef demos, a lunch and a dinner.

Details will be announced shortly. ~ Cassandra Anderton

OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINERY – FUN ON THE OUTSIDE, DELICIOUS ON THE INSIDE

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he old adage that you can’t judge a book by its cover does not apply at Oliver Twist Estate Winery, where they put barrels of thought and effort into their wine labels.

Judy Taylor and Cheryle King, wine shop girls and self appointed “Twisted Sisters of Oliver Twist”!

2014 Unoaked Chardonnay “Au Naturel! This Un-oaked Chardonnay will be caught streaking through our palettes and baring only the flawless elements of her true beauty. Why cover up with oak attire when she can bare all things pure. This innocent temptress boasts flavours of sweet grapefruit, creamy pineapple and spice, although, she may come across as a little nutty.”

2014 Pinot Gris: “Peaches and Apples and Pears, Oh My! This crisp Pinot Gris is a sassy spokes model for all things Okanagan. A siren of the orchards, she has gathered the best there is to offer: strawberries and cream, honey, Asian pears and lingering caramelized apple. Oh, my!

The aromas!”

The labels include well thought out food Brightly coloured and sassy, the label pairings suggestions, too. fronts look like throwbacks to those Stop in for a fun-filled visit, and don’t miss 1960s pop art music posters, all swirls the 35th Annual Fall Okanagan Wine and curls. On the back of each bottle Festival, when from October 1-11 Oliver the fun continues with descriptions Twist Estate Winery will be featuring food that are part William Burroughs and and wine pairings for red wines, along part Austin Powers. Yeah, baby!!! with door prizes and fall specials. ~ Lorne Eckersley Behind the fun of the words, though, are descriptions that will help you making your choices easier.

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t’s not your typical desert setting. Lounging poolside beneath the shade of a beautiful patio whose vista encompasses what seems to be the whole of the region’s tablelands. However, the Wine Experience Centre at the prestigious Black Hills Estate Winery is anything but ordinary in a region that can claim a similar moniker. Built in 2012, this work of modern architecture stands out in the small town of Oliver, and aptly so as there simply isn’t another winery in the Okanagan that boasts a tasting experience quite like Black Hills. This small, modest vineyard has transformed the extensive desert of Black Sage Road into something of a viticultural oasis.

Subscribing to a principled belief that wine tasting shouldn’t be a rushed experience Black Hills has pursued the ideal of a refined wine

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SPEND A DAY, AND MAYBE A NIGHT, IN THE DESERT WITH BLACK HILLS touring experience by blending its tastings with fine dining. The Vineyard Kitchen, run by Vintage Hospitality Group, makes use of fresh, local ingredients that are seasonally sourced from within approximately five kilometres of the estate. Everything from salads and charcuterie, to thin crust pizzas and personal wine guides are available for your table during this personal tasting, allowing the customer to bask in the experience.

Wonderful as this all is, on October 3rd pre-registered guests will have the opportunity to partake in an even more exclusive event here. From 3 until 5 in the afternoon the estate will be hosting a Vertical Tasting of its Nota Bene, an internationally acclaimed wine synonymous with both Black Hills and the region.

As BC’s most successful blend the Nota Bene is the storied product of four separate harvests of both

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and two separate harvests of Cabernet Franc, all of which are picked, fermented, and barrel aged separately before becoming this spectacular red. This will be an exclusive opportunity for the public to sample all 16 vintages of the Nota Bene, from 2014 back to its very first vintage in 1999.

The festivities will continue late into the night with the annual Black Hills Harvest Party. While harvest parties are something of a traditional event for agricultural communities such as Oliver, the celebrations here will inherently have a more modern feel to it.

Dinner will be served in time to watch the sun set at which point the dancing and entertainment will continue well into the evening.

After all, life in the desert is most active at night. ~ Blake Allen

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 49

 |  ADEGA ESTATE WINERY – THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WINERY

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t is not always easy to say thank you to every customer in a busy wine shop, but the Farinha and Nunes families are grateful to every person that stops in to sample and purchase their wines. Adega’s traditional day of thanks is their annual Customer Appreciation Day held every Father’s Day, but this year they felt it was important to say it again after such a great summer.

“We see a lot of return customers,” says owner Pamala Farinha. The average return visitors for most wine shops is usually around 10%, however owner Maria Nunes knows it is much higher than that at Adega and says, “We see some people weekly!”

The availability of cold wines in the cooler has meant that people camping at Nk’Mip Campground often stop to buy a bottle for dinner. “We’ve almost become

the neighbourhood winery,” says Pamala. Along with the campground that neighbourhood also includes Spirit Ridge Resort, whose visitors are also frequent customers. Nk’Mip Corner and Beach Bum Lunch Box at the intersection of 45th and Highway 3 also attract more people.

Even with a hot summer, a growing season well ahead of normal, and with one of the sunniest patios in the Okanagan, red wines have sold unusually well this year. “We’re surprised at how many reds are selling this summer,” says Maria. “It’s usually whites.” The Quarteto Tinto has been especially popular, which Pamala attributes to a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.

Look for Adega to pour their wines at the Festival of the Grape in Oliver on October 4th! ~ Luke Whittall

Adega owners,Fred & Pamala Farinha and Alex and Maria Nunes

Feed your passion for food and wine All classes held in the state-of-the-art B.C. Wine Information Society Sensory Centre at the Penticton Campus.

Food &

WT British Columbia

w w w. w i n e t r a i l s. c a

Page 50 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

Three-Day Food, Wine and Farm Workshop A Tasting of Wild Mushrooms & Okanagan Pinot Noir Wine Regions of the World: B.C. Food Wine Farm Charcuterie Workshop Sensory Evaluation of Wine Introduction to BC Wine From Grapes to Glass

For information about our Viticulture, Winery Assistant and Wine Sales Certificate programs, plus to register in our short courses, visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/fwt or email feedyourpassion@okanagan.bc.ca.

LN2457

Sep. 30 Oct. 6 Oct. 8 Nov. 15 Feb. 2 Feb. 15 Apr. 2

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IT’S FEST OF GRAPE TIME!

his year’s Festival of the Grape is the 19th annual, and is the premier family wine event in the province. The festival takes place at Oliver’s Community Park and features live music, food vendors, a market, an art show, a massive children’s play area, and a grape stomping competition. The centrepiece of the festival is the wine tasting which takes place in big-top tents and features wineries from around the province. As the Wine Capital of Canada, the area around the town of Oliver has more vineyards than any other community making this festival a great way to celebrate the harvest.

Presents

New this year is the addition of a second event on the same site.

This year’s Festival of the Grape will include a new evening event on October 3rd to celebrate the maker of other beverages in the Okanagan: beer, cider, and craft distilled drinks. It is called Night FOG and like the main festival event, it will feature live music and food vendors centered around tastings from these producers. It’s a great way to spend an evening! Tickets and ticket packages will be available online at oliverfestivalofthegrape.ca or call 250.498.6321. ~ Luke Whittall

Night

Presents

Saturday, October 3rd 6pm - 9pm Brian Isaak & His Oliver Community Centre Saints of Swing

A night celebrating local breweries, distilleries & cideries

Sunday, October 4th 12pm - 5pm Tickets for both events available on line at

Oliver Community Centre oliverfestivalofthegrape.com And these locations: Tickets $30 SOCC Office 6237 Main Street Oliver

Live entertainment Tickets $20

Wined it Up

Shopper’s Drug Mart Pharmacy - Oliver Place Mall Imperial Office Pro - 8510 Main Street Osoyoos Penticton Wine Information Centre - 553 Railway St. Penticton Shuttle available by Landsea Okanagan 250.495.7565

www.winetrails.ca

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 51



VIBRANT, DIVERSE, AND UNEXPECTED VEGETABLE RECIPES FROM AWARDWINNING CHEF BILL JONES THAT WILL REVITALIZE YOUR APPROACH TO PLANT-BASED EATING.

COMING SOON! R

THE DEERHOLME VEGETABLE COOKBOOK

BY BILL JONES

oots, stalks, shoots, bulbs, brassicas, and leafy greens— vegetables come in all shapes and sizes, flavours and colours, tastes and textures.

Whether you grow or forage them yourself or purchase them from local farmers, you will find an abundance of local vegetables available wherever you live. And this book will provide you with exciting and unexpected ways to prepare all of that goodness from the garden. These are everyday plant-based recipes that respect the seasons.

From renowned chef and awardwinning author Bill Jones, these recipes are a love letter to vegetables, inspired by his travels and experiences.

In addition to the recipes, he provides detailed information on more than 40 vegetables, outlines the basics of professional vegetable preparation, explains how to source good-quality vegetables, and suggests ways to store different kinds of veggies to keep them fresh.

Page 52 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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 | 

ARTISANS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND BUY THE FOOD AND THE GULF ISLANDS BOOK! BY DON GENOVA

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n this guide to Vancouver Island’s and the Gulf Islands’ best food and produce, renowned food writer Don Genova profiles some of the talented and passionate food artisans, chefs, and business owners of the region. Meet the people behind this vibrant food network—learn their history, discover favourite offerings by the producers, and get a sense of how well you can eat if you buy local.

Take Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands along on one of the suggested day trips and visit bakeries and cafés; butchers, charcutiers, and salumists; cheese and ice cream shops; chocolate makers; cideries, distilleries, and wineries; coffee roasters and tea stores; community grocers and specialty food shops; farms and farmers’ markets; fishmongers and seafood producers, and kitchen supply stores.

Don Genova is a Vancouver Island–based award-winning freelance journalist and teacher specializing in food and travel. His radio column with cbc Victoria is called Food Matters and delves into the world of sustainable eating in British Columbia. Genova earned a master’s of food culture from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy in 2007. He also holds a bachelor of environmental science from the University of Waterloo and is an honours graduate of the Humber College Radio Broadcasting Program.

DEFENDER ISLAND SOUR

Legend Distilling A perfect cocktail to take you from summer into fall, Legend’s new Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin is gone to be legendary!

     • 1 part freshly squeezed orange juice • 2 parts freshly squeezed lemon juice • 2 parts freshly squeezed limes juice • 1 part lemon infused simple syrup

In a vintage rocks glass filled with ice add...

1 oz Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin, 2 oz fresh sour mix.

Garnish with a sour cherry skewer and fresh rosemary.

Mix together, refrigerate and use often!

Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 53

 ZUCCHINI LOVE!

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ucchini is a favorite in the veggie world because of its lovely mild flavour and great flexibility. These are two ways that I love to use zucchini in the late summer and fall. Don’t forget to dig out your family favorite zucchini loaf recipe too. ~ Jennifer Schell

ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

  • 3 cups zucchini, coarsely grated • ¼ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped • ¼ cup mint, chopped • ½ cup sweet onion, small dice • ½ cup flour • 3 eggs, beaten • ½ cup goat cheese feta • salt & pepper • oil of your choice to fry Sumac Yogurt Sauce: • 1 cup plain yogurt, • 1 tsp lemon zest • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp sumac • salt and pepper

Mix Sumac Yogurt Sauce ingredients together and set aside.

Heat oven to 200 degrees.

Grate the zucchini and then in batches squeeze as dry as possible.

Mix together with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl.

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil.

With a large tablespoon, scoop out a heaping amount of zucchini mixture and add to frying pan, flattening with the top of your spoon to a ½ inch thick.

Depending on the size of your pan, continue to add fritters but don’t crowd them.

When golden brown, flip them to achieve same on the other side.

Remove to drain on a paper towel.

Wrap with foil, place into oven to keep warm.

Serve with Sumac Yogurt Sauce. Enjoy!!

GRILLED ZUCCHINI STACK

This is a beautiful starter to any meal or makes for a nice veggie lunch main served with mixed greens.

  • 1 large zucchini • 1 medium eggplant (optional) • 1 large heirloom tomato • 1 large buffalo mozzarella ball or 2 or more bocconcini balls • basil, torn or chopped • salt and pepper • extra virgin olive oil • Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Slice into ¼ - ½ inch rounds the largest zucchini you can find. Do the same with eggplant (eggplant is optional).

Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Heat the grill and grill the rounds on each side until tender (6-10 minutes).

Arrange heirloom tomatoes on plates as the base.

Remove zucchini and eggplant from grill and immediately add a sliced round of bocconcini or buffalo mozzarella and chopped basil with another still hot round on top to achieve melting deliciousness.

Use cheese for one layer or go crazy and make it super cheesy, stacking a cheese round between each vegetable layer. Or, if you want more tomato, use as an alternate in the stack.

Drizzle your towering works of art with extra virgin olive oil, more chopped basil and some balsamic vinegar if you like.

Page 54 • B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015

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Charity

Warming hearts... one bowl at a time Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers is a non-profit charitable social enterprise dedicated to providing comfort to women, children and youth through the making, sharing and donating of soup.

Go to: www.soupsisters.org to sign up in your community.

B.C. Food & Wine Trails • SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2015 • Page 55