W i n e r i e s / R e c i p e s / w i n t e r a t t h e w i n e r i e s / W INE C O U N T R Y G U I D E
Food &
Wine Trails March|April 2021
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The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence. Tinhorn Creek has a long history of exceptional guest experiences. This spring, we will offer tasting flights of our award-winning wines in our spacious tasting room and seated on our covered outdoor patio. Extend your visit to soak up the spectacular views while dining at Miradoro Restaurant. Reservations for tastings and dining are recommended. Please visit the “contact us” page of our website to confirm hours of operation and sign-up for e-mail’s with special offers, new experiences, and Wine Club perks. CAN’T VISIT THIS SPRING? We will happily ship your wine across Canada!
@TinhornCreek | www.tinhorn.com | 1.888.484.6467 | 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver, BC
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Miradoro: 1.250.498.3742
Ol iv er Love Local at Tinhorn Creek Explore your own backyard and travel south Katie Truscott
The team at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is gearing up for another stellar season down south. As the sun stays up longer and the weather warms, locals will likely be spending another season close to home, exploring their own backyard and tasting their way through the South Okanagan. Tinhorn Creek is a stop like no other. Located on the Golden Mile Bench, Tinhorn Creek serves up gorgeous and unforgettable 180-degree views to onlooking guests.
Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail
The Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail can also be found conveniently behind the winery, affording guests the opportunity to work off lunch and take in another gorgeous vista. The trail takes hikers through history as they work their way to the old stamp mill ruins that made the site famous in the late 1800s for its mining presence. Once you make it to the top, you can take in a great view not only of the South Okanagan, but of Tinhorn’s vineyards too.
Tastings Seven Days a Week
Beginning in March, Tinhorn will be open seven days a week for tastings from 11 am to 5 pm. The winery is offering a series of tiered tastings this year, and there is something for everyone. Enjoy an educational seated tasting or treat yourself to the Crush Club Lounge, a varietal-specific stemware tasting in the best seat in the house. There is also the exciting Black Glass Tasting, where a Tinhorn wine ambassador will guide you through a structured wine evaluation. You’ll taste four samples of wine, each hidden in black glasses. With a little help from your guide and a lot of help from your senses, you will have to guess what each wine varietal is. Guessing two or more of the four wines correctly will get your tasting fee waived. Join the sensorial fun every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for Happy Hour and enjoy 50 per cent off Tinhorn’s Black Glass Tasting fee. All tasting experiences include four samples of wine. Space is limited, so bookings are strongly encouraged as walk-in guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Book today through mywinecountry.com/bc/. Stay up to date on Tinhorn happenings by subscribing to their newsletter. You’ll receive frequent special offers and updates on special events and winery news. It’s a great way to stay an insider on everything that happens at Tinhorn.
Wine Club
Wine club members get complimentary tastings at Tinhorn for four people, and save 15 per cent on all wine, merchandise, tours and experiences. They also save 10 per cent on food at the esteemed Miradoro restaurant for up to six people. The perks don’t stop there: Tinhorn wine club members also receive complimentary tastings at Black Hills, Red Rooster, Sandhill and Gray Monk, so members can tour all over the valley and enjoy the benefits. Wine club members also get first access to new wine releases and wine club-only wines; tickets for concerts; and exclusive discounts with Tinhorn’s numerous partners in the South Okanagan, such as golf clubs, hotel accommodations and tour companies.
Outdoor Patio
Towards the end of March, the team at Tinhorn will host a fully weather-proofed outdoor patio with a new louvered shade system and screens, allowing for guests to taste comfortably outside in early spring with no heaters necessary. The new state-of-the-art shade system will also keep guests protected and comfortable on those hot South Okanagan summer days. Be sure to make a reservation for before or after your tasting experience at Miradoro, Tinhorn’s restaurant. This is the perfect spot to sit back and absorb the beautiful panoramic South Okanagan views. Miradoro is rated as one of the top restaurants in the Okanagan, winning multiple awards over the years for its culinary creativity. With a continued commitment to sustainability, Miradoro’s ingredients are sourced locally and magically combined to produce modern and classically rustic Mediterranean-style cuisine. From the authentic forno oven to a diverse wine list (including library wines), Miradoro is a place for foodies to indulge. The restaurant
is open from March to December for guests to enjoy the workings of one of BC’s most celebrated chefs, Jeff Van Geest. Whether you’re visiting Okanagan wine country from afar or you live down the road, Tinhorn is the perfect place to celebrate, experience and taste the beauty and bounty of the South Okanagan.
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Welcome Spring at Adega on 45th Estate Winery
Roslyne Buchanan
Jenna Hickman
Believe it or not, spring is quickly approaching and Adega on 45th Estate Winery is ready to welcome in the new season. Like its name suggests, Adega on 45th is located on 45th Street in Osoyoos, BC, in the heart of the southern Okanagan. Surrounded by desert and mountains, and dotted with lakes, Osoyoos is the ideal location for winemaking. After a decade of creating superior Okanagan wine, Adega on 45th has mastered the art of creating memorable and delicious wines. The estate winery is co-owned by brother and sister Fred
Like Bud Break, Quinta Ferreira Gently Opens for the Season
Farinha and Maria Nunes, and their partners Pamala Farinha and Alex Nunes. The foursome has found a way to showcase their Portuguese heritage not only in the winery itself, but through their wines. Their wines are known for being fruit-forward with a dry finish, and they reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards.
2020 Releases
This spring, Adega on 45th is releasing their 2020 Rosé and their full portfolio of white varietals, as well as their fanfavourite, full-bodied Bordeaux blend, Quarteto Tinto—of which there is a limited number of cases—and of course, their unique and indulgent White Port. “Last year was an excellent harvest year,” said Alex Nunes. “I think this year’s releases will be really special.”
Picnic at the Winery
As the weather starts to warm up, grab a large blanket and spend a lovely afternoon picnicking on the 20-acre estate. Purchase a bottle of wine and some snacks from the winery’s deli fridge, or pack your own, and sip on a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular panoramic views of Osoyoos Lake. Spend an afternoon like that and you might even think you took a vacation. Adega on 45th Estate Winery is open seven days a week, 10 am until 5 pm. For more info visit adegaon45.com.
Taking its cue from Mother Nature, Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery has gently opened its doors on Black Sage Road for the season as warmth returns to Oliver. You are welcomed on the weekends as Quinta Ferreira continues to operate amid COVID-19 protocols designed for the safety of you and the winery team. In the wine shop, check out the latest art by Carmen Tomé and newly acquired Quinta Ferreira gift items. Tasting appointments are encouraged, given the limitations of group sizes and the tasting room’s capacity. Book at quintaferreira.com, where you can also shop online for wine and watch for seasonal specials. Quinta Ferreira will debut a number of new releases by winemaker Michael Ferreira this year. The entire team looks forward to renewing ties with fans and introducing new visitors to the family-owned and -operated boutique winery.
Join the Club
You may choose to join once you learn about the highly flexible Quinta Ferreira wine club. In signing up for the club’s many benefits, you’ll gain front-of-the-line access to limited releases, exclusive discounts and other perks. Perhaps more importantly, you can choose your own shipping frequency and customize your order each time to ensure a steady supply of your QF favourites.
Stay Tuned
As spring gives way to summer, stay tuned for the return of live music on the patio and Fresco Bistro by Chef Richard Boulier. Be sure to experience Chef Richard’s patio-side bistro and takeout cuisine. Follow @Quinta Ferreira on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all the updates.
Family and Tradition ... Timeless.
Open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 5:00pm Winter Hours - Jan / Feb Friday to Monday 11:00am - 5:00pm Closed Christmas to New Years Highway 3 (Osoyoos) turn on 45th St., East Osoyoos, BC
250 495 6243 www.adegaon45.com
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www.quintaferreira.com
CONTENTS
Tinhorn Creek...............................3 Adega on 45th Estate Winery.......4 Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery.......4
Recipe: Bamboo Cocktail....................9 Cheers Okanagan Tours .............10 Summerhill Pyramid Winery.........12 In Memoriam:
Red Rooster Winery.......................6 Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery..8 On the Cover................................8
George Hanson..........................12 The View Winery..........................13 O'Rourke Peak Cellars.................14 Black Hills Estate Winery.............15
Recipe: Blueberry Bruschetta..............8 From the Editor.............................9
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p e nticto n Red Rooster Winery: Sit, Sip and Slow Down Kim Foreman-Rhindress
“The days of speed tasting are over,” exclaimed Red Rooster Winery’s VIP Manager Burke Ganton, “and we couldn’t be happier!” Located on an expansive property with lake and mountain views just down the road from the Penticton Sign, Red Rooster has shifted their focus to seated-only tastings that can happen indoors or outdoors. “Everyone appreciates being able to just sit and enjoy our wines without standing at a bar,” Ganton explained. “We have found that seated tastings allow for a much less hurried experience overall, and they give our staff more time to really tell our story. Our goal is to provide a relaxed and quintessential Okanagan Valley wine tasting experience that people will remember.” Up to 24 guests at a time can enjoy tastings outside under the trees in groups of six or fewer. “Being outside allows our guests a more complete experience––to see the grapes that created the wine, to smell the fresh air of the vineyard and feel the breeze that often graces the Bench,” explained Ganton. Tastings are available seven days a week starting in May 2021, with available wine flights changing daily and some exciting new options to choose from. Reservations are highly recommended, but Red Rooster is one of the few wineries in the region able to accommodate spontaneous guests. Enthusiasts can expect to sample a wide range of wines, from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier and Rosé to Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec, and occasionally even the highly-prized Golden Egg—their newest addition, a traditional-method Brut.
Non-Vintage Brut
Red Rooster’s non-vintage Brut has been in the works for years, and it’s now been released for all to enjoy. Celebrate the everyday with this delicious sparkling wine. Let the bubbles tickle your nose as aromas of citrus and apples greet you. It has a creamy texture and a deliciously nutty finish. This non-vintage Brut is Red Rooster's first sparkling wine. It’s a traditional-method sparkling, made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. All grapes were sourced from the Okanagan Valley. What to pair with this Brut? “Bubbles are a jack of all trades,” Ganton said. “Go ahead and experiment. There’s almost no wrong pairing to go with this inviting, bright and refreshing wine. Serve it chilled, kick back and enjoy.”
Blind Tasting Flight
Experienced wine tasters looking to test their skill and win prizes will find a new challenge in Red Rooster’s unique blind tasting flight.
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The fun begins with a wine flight where the glasses are blacked out. “It’s so surprising how much harder it is to taste wine when you can’t see the colour or view its legs,” Ganton said. “No hints are offered during a blind tasting, but participants can expect lots of discussion afterwards. We are really excited to add this experience for our guests to learn in a fun way.” A minimum of four wines are included in the blind tasting, and if the taster can identify all of the wines in their flight, they win a free bottle of wine.
Wine Club
As part of the Andrew Peller group, Red Rooster offers one of the best values in the region with their wine club membership. As part of the wine club, members receive four deliveries of wine each year, plus recipes, tasting notes and winery news. In addition, members gain access to private VIP rooms and can also enjoy free tastings for
themselves and up to five guests at any of the Andrew Peller sister wineries. Spanning from north to south, the Andrew Peller group includes Gray Monk, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Wayne Gretzsky Okanagan and Black Hills, along with Red Rooster. You are now able to purchase a selection of all of these wines at The Wine Shop, Andrew Peller's new online store (https://www.thewineshops.com/can/).
Plan Ahead
“My biggest advice to anyone visiting Red Rooster is to phone ahead and plan your visit to the region so you get the most out of your time here,” Ganton said. “Also, dress for the weather––hot or cold. Wherever you call home, once you are here, you are in our home. We want you to take the time to enjoy it and we want your time here to be perfect.” To learn more or book your seated tasting, call the winery 250-492-2424 or email info@redroosterwinery.com.
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p e nt ict o n Four Shadows Vineyard – Penticton’s Rising Star Shines Brightly Kim Foreman-Rhindress
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Stephanie Stanley, winemaker at O'Rourke's Peak Cellars, graces our cover this week. Like most wineries, the people who work there love their job, which makes our photographer, Faith Peters, job so much easier. This is what she had to say about her time at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars.
It’s no longer the new kid on the block. Four Shadows Vineyard in Penticton has firmly established its position on the wine trail, winning 11 national and provincial awards since opening its tasting room in 2019. “All of our wines are made from our own grapes grown right here,” said owner Wilbert Borren as he smiled and gestured to the scenic rolling hills of their 17-acre vineyard. “Riesling is our flagship wine and we are happy to announce an increase in production this year of our Classic and Dry as well as adding a new Riesling Sparkle to our portfolio.”
"It was such a pleasure working with winemaker Stephanie Stanley and General Manager, Heather Courtney, to get just the right shot. They taught me about their wines and their passions behind insiDe all they do at Peak. Even as they work to grow and expand their space, they continue to show great attention to detail and how it affects each and every one of their customers.”
“2020 was a spectacular year for growing grapes,” Borren continued. “The beautiful fall season allowed the fruit to come in nice and clean, really allowing the grapes to just do their own thing. Harvesting was an absolute pleasure.” On April 1, 2021, the 2020 Rieslings will be released, and visitors to the tasting room will also have the opportunity to sample the 2019 Chardonnay, 2017 and 2018 Merlot, 2018 Pinot Noir and 2020 Rosé. Aficionados can join the Four Shadows Wine Club to purchase wines before they are offered to the public. Learn more at www.fourshadowsvineyard.com.
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We wish Stephanie, Heather and all the Peak Cellars crew great success in their future endeavours.
RECIPE
Blueberry Bruschetta Courtesy of Ampersand Distilling Company, Vancouver Island Blueberries:
Garnish:
2 Tbsp sugar
Balsamic glaze
1 pint blueberries 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Lemon ChÈvre: 1 1/2 cups of chèvre
Zest and half of juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp pepper
Crostini: Life, Vine & Wine Flow in Harmony. Open Daily May thru October. 250 Upper Bench Road South, Penticton ~250-493-3625 www.fourshadowsvineyard.com
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1 baguette cut into rounds butter
Basil leaves
Directions:
Combine blueberries with sugar and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Let macerate while you prepare the chevre. Mix chevre, lemon zest, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Butter both sides of the baguette rounds and toast both sides until golden. Cool slightly. Top crostini with lemon chevre mixture, top with a spoonful of macerated blueberries, and garnish with basil leaf. Place all bruschetta on serving platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
from t h e e di t o r
RECIPE
march/april 2021 to the vineyard to replace any damaged trellises, posts or broken wires. Vines are then attached to the lowest wires to get them ready for spring. By the time you read this, the sap will be rising through the vines. Many of the vines may weep sap out of the spots where they were trimmed. Now the vines are ready to bloom.
Darcy Nybo WINTER AT THE WINERIES
Here we are in the spring of 2021. Life may still contain a great deal of uncertainties, but there are a few things we know for sure. Viticulturists and winemakers have been busy over the winter.
In the Vineyards
Pruning usually begins in late November and can run into late January. All the wood that’s been cut off the vines is disposed of. Many wineries grind up this wood and then place the bits back underneath the vines to help regenerate the soil. Once this is complete, workers usually head back out
In the Cellar
After the fall grape harvest, there’s much left to do. Your favourite winemaker is hard at work in the cellar. This is where the magic takes place as they monitor their wines for changes and ensure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. Depending on the winery and the wine, this is also a time when winemakers move their white wines from one barrel to another. This is part of the process to get the tannins to soften. It also helps the wines stabilize. During this time, cellar workers top up the barrels to make sure they stay completely full. When wine is aged in oak barrels, small amounts of wine escape through evaporation and air gets into the barrels. Topping
up ensures the wines maintain their flavour and complexity. Too much oxygen can ruin a good wine. When the time is right, the wines are filtered to remove any bits and pieces and sediments. This helps to clarify the wines. Red wines take a little longer than whites, and about now they are fermenting away, about to become the delicious reds you’ve come to know and love. This is also the time when the craft of blending takes place. Through blending you get to enjoy the finest flavours in unique blends that magically work together to create your favourite wine.
Bottle and Sip
As spring teases us with her inevitable arrival, many of these wines are ready to be bottled. Others need to sit a bit longer in order to achieve the results the winemaker wants. Then it’s time for us to do our duty. As wine drinkers, our jobs are much easier. All we have to do is swirl, sniff and sip our favourite wine. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.
Bamboo Cocktail
Photo and recipe courtesy of Ampersand Distilling Co. 2 oz Imperative Dry Vermouth 2 oz fino sherry (pale, dry) 2 dashes angostura bitters 3 dashes orange bitters Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
FAITH PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY IMAGE + PRODUCT BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY WINERIES + BREWERIES DINING + HOSPITALITY
faith-peters-photography.com
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okana gan CHEERS OKANAGAN TOURS: WHERE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME IS EVERY DAY Roslyne Buchanan
Driven to consistently deliver exemplary experiences, Cheers Okanagan Tours is making once-in-a-lifetime events a regular occurrence for its customers. Every day you tour with Cheers, you’ll find the experience far from everyday. That’s why Cheers vaulted from 124th to 2nd ranking on TripAdvisor®. Family-owned and -operated, Cheers is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. Allen and Lou Burke were joined by their son Reign to launch the multifaceted tour and event transportation company in 2016, aspiring to three simple goals. Those goals are to be: 1. The most recognized tour and transportation brand in the Okanagan. 2. The top-rated employer in the Okanagan. 3. The best-managed company in the Okanagan. Services include top-tier wine and experience tours throughout the 220-km-long Okanagan region, airport shuttles, weddings, golf, group transportation, ski shuttles, family-friendly and accessible tours, plus specialty tours such as bachelorette and boat excursions.
THE OWNERS' STORIES: THE WHY BEHIND CHEERS “I care” is Allen’s “why?” He describes himself as “authentic and a little nutty. Achieving positive change and making a genuine difference in people’s lives has always been exceptionally rewarding for me.”
In his work as an international humanitarian, the gratitude of the disadvantaged in emerging nations brought him to tears. He and Lou adopted twin Haitian orphans and raised them as global citizens. More tears ensued when the twins later volunteered in orphanages. The decades of helping children overseas blend with newfound opportunities like Cops for Kids, Dreams Take Flight, and other initiatives that help little hearts at home.
Penticton
Naramata
Allen learned the Japanese have a word for his core principle that resonated with him: “kaizen,” the SinoJapanese word for “improvement.” Kaizen is a concept referring to business activities that continuously improve
Skaha Bench
Oliver
Kelowna
Join over 75,000 other guests and tour differently.
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Similkameen
www.cheersokanagantours.com
Osoyoos
Lake Country
Summerland
Embracing Kaizen
Okanagan Falls
West Kelowna
Peachland
Allen is obsessed with delivering extraordinary tour and transportation experiences. He finds the privilege of earning each guest’s trust, commerce, testimony, and a lifetime of referrals intensely fulfilling. Constant improvement across the board is routine at Cheers.
oka n a ga n all functions and involve all employees, from the CEO to the assembly line workers. It is a gradual, mindful process to create a better business while building a team and enhancing the work environment, making it safer and more joyful.
Guided by Humour and Adventure
Lou has a knack for finding fun and making you feel you have found your best friend. She has a wealth of knowledge, and her international experience gives her a broad perspective on the little things.
Born in an earthquake-ravaged, cockroach-infested hospital with intermittent electricity in a developing country, their son Reign got a jump on a lifetime of adventure and is keen to share his enthusiasm. In addition, Cheers has a growing team of 26 employeepartners who typically receive 4- or 5-star detailed reviews on TripAdvisor®. Read all of their bios and learn more about Cheers Okanagan Tours and all its services at
cheersokanagantours.com. Follow @CheersOkanagan on Facebook and Instagram.
TOUR DIFFERENTLY
There’s nothing standard about touring with Cheers Okanagan Tours. You’ll enjoy exceptional experiences meticulously crafted with you in mind. On a Cheers tour, you’ll visit wineries and winemakers who deliver exemplary experiences guests rave about. You’ll also meet amazing people and enjoy extra personal touches and carefully chosen little surprises that make you feel welcomed, lavished and treated like royalty. Take, for example, the exclusive charcuterie picnic lunch served on vineyard properties. Cheers features transparent, all-inclusive pricing, including your guide’s gratuity, so you are clearly informed about the total price up front. No hidden fees. No unwelcome surprises. Cheers’ renowned guides share “Wine 101”– –a fun, down-to-earth system allowing you to quickly understand the complexities of viticulture and winemaking blended with how to choose the right wine for you 100 per cent of the time. It will help you feel at ease, relaxed, confident and comfortable.
Customer Enthusiasm Is the Mission
Recently, Cheers took up residence at the Kelowna International Airport. Two and a half years ago it scaled into Vernon, and this year it begins delivering Osoyoosand Oliver-based wine tours and transportation services. Plus, premium top-tier tours will be added to the modest and classic offerings (modest tour experiences run from $99 per person, classic from $199 per person, and premium from $449 per person). “Cheers!” to Cheers Okanagan Tours and their insights on how they can serve you—to be continued in the next issue of Food & Wine Trails.
5 ways you can support your local wineries & restaurants: 1 Order online or by the phone
3 Buy a Giftcard
2 Make a visit If you live locally and the business is open, make a
4 Engage on Social Media
Many businesses are offering curbside pickup or prompt delivery service!
reservation for a tasting or dining!
Support local businesses now, and you can safely make a purchase later! Share posts, comment and write reviews!
5 Tell a Friend
Share a success story and refer a friend!
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11
k e lowna SUMMERHILL PRESENTS PEACE MEALS CHINESE CUISINE Roslyne Buchanan
Summerhill Pyramid Winery presents Peace Meals: Organic Chinese Cuisine. Peace Meals came about because Summerhill scion Ezra Cipes loved the joy and
pure pleasure of daddy-daughter date night with his daughter, Ruthie.
When Tradition Chinese Cuisine owners Jeff Tian and Lanlan Wen announced their restaurant’s closure, Cipes didn’t want Kelowna (nor he and Ruthie) to lose “the tastiest, most authentic Chinese cuisine [he has ever had] in Canada.”
Innovative Partnership
Instead, a partnership was formed between Summerhill and the Tradition Chinese Cuisine team to create a new Chinese delivery spot at Summerhill and craft a different dining concept. A small à la carte menu is offered, with the real focus on set meals with shifting accompaniments so that the kitchen can feature the freshest of local organic ingredients. Cipes noted, “Jeremy Luypen, our Executive Winery Chef and Director of Culinary and Hospitality, even bought a whole organic cow so we can have zero waste and the best ingredients.” This new organic dining concept is rooted deeply in the mother cuisine of China. Peace Meals are full dinners for two or more people, served with your choice of main course alongside handmade spring rolls, rice and noodles with the freshest organic local vegetables, and the traditional Hongdou Tang (red bean soup) for dessert. Prepared in the container kitchen just outside the winery, Peace Meals are available for pickup and delivery from Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 8 pm. For more information and to order, go to www.summerhill. bc.ca/Summerhill-Organic-Bistro/Menus/Peace-Meals or phone 1-778-477-2486. As warm weather returns to the Okanagan Valley, patio seating will be available to enjoy this special cuisine on site. “My dad came up with the name, and the idea of Peace with our planet and our bodies, one organic meal at a time,’” Cipes noted. “I think this is the tastiest way to world peace one can imagine.”
In Memoriam: George hanson Darcy Nybo
Stay for a while
Covered, heated, socially distanced dining patio. Open by reservation. S U M M E R H I L L . B C . CA
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George Hanson of Seven Stones Winery in the Similkameen Valley, passed away in early February. Anyone who ever visited Seven Stones and spent time with George left there feeling somehow rejuvenated. George was passionate about what he did and it showed in the wines he produced and how he treated guests at his winery. He helped so many people along the way
from fellow winemakers to wine writers and everyday folk who just wanted to learn about wine. The wine caves at Seven Stones earned accolades from around the world. His wine, especially the full bodied reds, were a much sought after item for wine lovers everywhere. You will be deeply missed George. Rest well sir.
WEST KELOWNA
kel own a
The View Winery linger and find their own way back to the tasting room, where a flight of five wines awaits.
Guided Hikes and Orchard Picnics Offer Unique and Memorable Experiences Active wine lovers looking for something unique will enjoy The View Winery’s popular Vineyard Experience. It was originally only offered to friends and VIPs, but owner Jennifer Molgat confided, “I was surprised by how much everyone loved these guided walks and knew it was something we had to offer all of our guests.” The 30-minute informative hike leads wine enthusiasts through the property where trained staff discuss the history of the land, the terroir, and the grapes. “Depending on the time of year, we discuss the stage of the vines and current vineyard tasks,” Molgat said. “It’s such a rich and magical experience to be out where everything starts.” At the top of the property, guests are treated to an expansive view of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding Black Knight and Dilworth mountains. From the peak, they can choose to return with their guide, or
Reservations are required for the Vineyard Experience and are available from May to September.
“Fall in Love with The View”
Picnic in the Orchard
Those looking for a more sedentary visit beyond the tasting room can picnic among the old-growth apple trees that provide fruit for Wards Cider and InfiniTea Cider. Visitors have the option to pre-order a charcuterie board assembled by awardwinning chef Ross Derrick. Staff are on hand to recommend flights of wines or ciders to accompany your picnic. “The orchard includes trees planted by my great-grandfather,” Molgat said with a smile. “It’s beautiful and shady all summer long. In May, when the apple blossoms are out in full bloom, they provide a stunningly romantic ambience.” Learn more and book your experience at www.theviewwinery.com.
Featuring fine wines and ciders lovingly crafted on our family owned, 5th generation estate. Open daily for tours and tastings. 2287 Ward Rd. Kelowna, BC
theviewwinery.com wardcidery.com Summerland
Naramata
Skaha Bench
Oliver
“Terrific People, Fantastic Wines, Great Memories!”
Kelowna
“Our exceptional tour guide Cal was truly only concerned that we had an excellent experience and enjoyed ourselves. He was very knowledgeable and a great storyteller. Thank you Cheers and Cal for such great service and making this tour so memorable and fun.”
Osoyoos
Rob & Linda, San Francisco, CA
www.cheersokanagantours.com
Modest
Classic
250-717-8452
Premium Tours, plus DIYs (vehicle & driver) to/from anywhere in the Okanagan & Similkameen.
www.winetrails.ca
Similkameen
Lake Country
Penticton
Okanagan Falls
West Kelowna
Peachland
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Tastings Experiences
Climbing higher, digging deeper, dreaming harder Katie Truscott
O’Rourke’s is geared to make their mark Dreams do come true and are impressively manifesting over in Lake Country as the buzz grows louder around O’Rourke Family Vineyards. Sitting at the far north of the Okanagan Valley, Lake Country is home to some of Canada’s very best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Producing beautiful, aciddriven and textural wines from their two breathtaking, sun-soaked sites, O’Rourke’s is set for success with unique experiences, gastronomical adventures and a future project set to knock this valley’s socks off.
Garden Bistro
O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, the first of two Lake Country locations, can be found on O’Rourke’s Goldie Road Vineyard. The winery hosts an impressive tasting and dining experience at the Garden Bistro, with a half-acre onsite garden providing only the highest-quality fruits and vegetables for bistro guests. The Garden Bistro menu has been carefully curated and designed to complement the 100%-estate-grown wine portfolio, exploring seasonal foods and flavours true to the Okanagan. These exceptionally polished wines paired with top-notch farm-to-table cuisine make for an unforgettable journey of the senses. Enjoy a scrumptious luxury forno pizza with estate wine paired by the chef, or book a Pinot picnic and soak up every bit of that precious Okanagan summer sun. Taste your way through the estate’s Chardonnay history with an educational library flight, or order a bottle of O’Rourke’s highly regarded 2019 Riesling, which recently snatched an impressive platinum at the 2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards.
Come by Boat, Stay the Night!
Chardonnay Vertical & cheese pairing $25 Inner Circle Portfolio Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie $25 Cheese & Wine Pairing $20 Seated Tastings $10
Are you a wine club member looking for a place to moor your boat? Opt for true Okanagan luxury and arrive by water to the O’Rourke’s private boat house. Here you will be greeted by a winery host and shuttled to O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars. Make a holiday of it and book you and your closest circle to stay in the O’Rourke Family Estate luxury log home, located next to the site of the impressive future O’Rourke’s Family Winery. Let the expansive valley-wide views take your breath away as you host your own interactive private chef dinner for you and your guests.
Weddings in the Vineyard
This year O’Rourke’s has also introduced an intimate micro-wedding offering to couples. The package includes a vineyard-side ceremony, a “happily ever after” toast, passed canapés, a three-course wine-paired dinner, vineyard access for photos, and an on-property day-of coordinator. This is the dreamiest of spots to tie the knot. These unique experiences will kick off in April with the opening of the brand-new, stateof-the-art kitchen expansion and private dining room, and the release of O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars’ premier single-block wine series. These are just a few of the many reasons why visitors are encouraged to flock to Lake Country this spring for another spectacular wine country season.
2290 Goldie Road Lake Country peakcellars.com 250-766-9922 www.peakcellars.com 14
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ol iv er History and Luxury Await on the Black Sage Bench Katie Truscott
This Spring, Indulge with Black Hills
The Black Sage Bench hosts a unique terroir like none other. Situated within what is often referred to as Canada’s only desert ecosystem, the ruggedly beautiful area sees scorching summer temperatures followed by cold, belowfreezing winters. Wines produced from vines planted in this region yield flavourful grapes with balanced intensity. Now known as the hot pocket in Canada for growing sun-loving varieties, the area faces west, receiving warm evening sun resulting in more sunshine hours than Napa Valley. The Black Sage Bench is the perfect place for growing and ripening Bordeaux and Rhone varieties that are considered more “terroir-centric” than those grown any other place in Canada.
1996 to 2021
Black Hills Estate Winery sits in the heart of the bench. The winery’s roots began with the purchase of an abandoned vineyard on Black Sage Road near Oliver. In 1996, the land was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Chardonnay. These varieties thrive on the region's famed sandy soils that heat up during the day and radiate heat to the vines at night. In 1999 the first vintage of Black Hills’ signature blend, Nota Bene, was released, a modern take on a Bordeaux blend. Over 20 years, Nota Bene has climbed its way to acclaim, fame and cult status. Chardonnay and Syrah releases followed as the winery continued to grow and prosper. Since inception up until today, the team at Black Hills has consistently strived for both sustainability and quality in all they do, from farming all the way up to the final product. The move to drip irrigation, as well as significant capital investment in winemaking equipment, contributed to the winery’s prosperity and growth. The opening of the impressive Wine Experience Centre in 2012 was also a landmark moment for both Black Hills and the Okanagan itself.
Stewards of the Land
The Black Hills team considers themselves honoured stewards of the land, respectfully harnessing the potential to produce world-class fruit. They have respect for the vineyard and the role that farming plays in the region’s biodiversity. The estate is committed to sustainability, ecofriendly farming, and ethical winemaking practices. The vineyard is managed by hand and maintained manually. With many successful harvests under their belt,
2020 was a particularly standout growing season. In the words of Ross Wise, MW, Black Hills’ winemaker, this was "an outstanding harvest from start to finish. A warm and dry September helped to shape flavourful and textural whites and ripe and fully balanced reds. This is the best vintage I’ve been involved with in the Okanagan!"
Come Celebrate!
This summer, Black Hills Estate Winery will celebrate their 10th season in the Wine Experience Centre. Since opening its doors, the team at Black Hills has hosted close to 200,000 wine aficionados from around the world.
One of the more enticing perks of membership is access to the member exclusive wine Carménère, a rare and lesser-known grape hailing from Bordeaux, France. Now grown primarily in South America, Carménère is a vibrant, peppery red wine with robust red fruit nuances and fine tannins. The vineyard team planted only 0.42 of an acre back in the early 2000s, which is one reason this elusive varietal is a Wine Club-exclusive wine. As spring approaches, the Black Hills team looks forward to welcoming hundreds of wine lovers, offering guests unique experiences rich with history, opportunity and luxury.
While the years have passed, the mission stays the same: showcase some of Canada’s best wines while being immersed in the Black Sage Bench's breathtaking vineyards. This spring, Black Hills will continue their endeavour to grow offerings, wine club perks, and membership. As they look back on in-person events in the past, the team at Black Hills looks forward to offering new online events this spring.
Wine Club
Black Hills Wine Club members enjoy VIP cabana wine experiences surrounded by palm trees and overlooking a tranquil water feature, just one of many benefits offered to this exclusive group.
www.winetrails.ca
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