Black Hills Estate Winery

JENNA HICKMAN With beach weather in full swing, the Okanagan Valley is buzzing with locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the wonderful weather the region is known for. However, nothing says Okanagan like BC wine. With numerous micro-terroirs, the Okanagan is the ideal region for producing a plethora of wine varietals. Showcasing the best of those varietals is Black Hills Estate Winery.

NEW RELEASES

The winery has a lot planned for the summer, from its famous Nota Bene Release Party to the release of some exciting new wines. In June, Black Hills released their renowned 2020 Nota Bene, and in July, they will release their magnum and double magnum (1.5L and 3L respectively) Nota Bene bottles. Latin for “take note,” Nota Bene is a bold Bordeaux-style blend that is perfect for sharing with friends on long summer nights. Expertly blended, the wine evokes intense and ripe fruit aromas of plum, raspberry and black cherry. On the palate, notes of crunchy red currants, milk chocolate and clove spice blend seamlessly and balance the ripeness and richness of the fruit. Under the skillful leadership of winemaker Ross Wise MW, the team continues to produce a wine of exceptional taste and quality. This wine has outstanding aging potential and will continue to drink well for years to come. Another exciting release will be Black Hills’ first Sparkling Brut. The traditional-method sparkling has spent 40 months on lees and will make the perfect accompaniment to any celebration, or any summer evening. Another first for Black Hills will be the release of their Sangiovese. Bottling in August, this will be the first time Black Hills has produced a Sangiovese, and with a small production, the wine is sure to sell out quickly. To guarantee a taste of this inaugural release, join Black Hills’ Wine Club.

JOIN THE WINE CLUB

In addition to being the first to know about upcoming events, Wine Club members also gain exclusive access to some of the winery’s most anticipated releases. Members also receive free shipping on all club releases and orders of 12 bottles or more. Additionally, they receive new-release wine discounts for 30 days after each wine’s release, and VIP Cabana Portfolio Wine Flights for up to three guests annually. For a full list of Wine Club membership benefits, visit blackhillswinery.com/WineClub. The VIP Cabana Portfolio Flight is debatably the most luxurious way to enjoy delicious wine. Seated by Black Hills’ stunning water feature, under the shade of a large cabana overlooking the vineyards, guests will get to sip on a selection of Black Hills’ most prestigious wines, all while taking in the spectacular view. This elevated experience is sure to transport you to paradise.

THE RETURN OF THE NOTA BENE RELEASE PARTY

Earlier in June, the winery welcomed back their infamous Nota Bene Release Party. After two years of no in-person events, Black Hills was thrilled to say “cheers” once again with guests as everyone enjoyed the festivities. These included live music from headliner Whitehorse, a Canadian indie band, and delicious food pairings from Miradoro Restaurant. To be the first to hear about future events, join Black Hills’ Wine Club.

SUMMER CONCERTS

Returning to the Wine Experience Centre this summer to perform on select dates is gypsy jazz and swing musician, Aaron Loewen. A local of the Okanagan Valley, Loewen is thrilled to provide some soul-southing sounds for guests enjoying a flight of wine on Black Hills’ patio. Currently, Loewen is scheduled to perform from 3 pm until 6 pm on July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12 and August 26. The winery strongly recommends booking ahead to reserve your seat.

COME VISIT

Black Hills Estate Winery is located at 4190 Black Sage Road in Oliver, BC and offers wine flights seven days a week from 11 am until 5 pm. To reserve your seated wine flight, or for more information on the various experiences Black Hills offers, you can email tastingexperience@ blackhillswinery.com or call 1-888-510-5537. To stay up to date on future announcements and summer events, follow Black Hills Estate Winery on Instagram at @ blackhillswinery or visit blackhillswinery.com.