Archive for May, 2007

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Stoneboat Vineyards

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Barrels outside the Stoneboat wine shop.

Stoneboat Vineyards thankfully still remains one of the best kept secrets in the Okanagan Valley. This small, family run vineyard and winery offers some of the best Pinots in the valley and the guest experience is unmatched.

Located just a few minutes south of Oliver, nestled off of the famed Black Sage road, Stoneboat is right in the heart of the most exciting part of wine country.

Stoneboat has a small tasting room that is usually manned by one family member or another. This affords a great opportunity to meet the people behind the wine, and learn a fair bit in the process. There is ample parking.

Jay, the young winemaker at Stoneboat.

Their wines are carried in many Vancouver restaurants and wine shops, but to truly understand and appreciate the wine it’s well worth making the trek to the Okanagan. You’ll have the opportunity to try and fall in love with a much greater selection of their wines and really get a feel for the land and the landscape that influenced and inspired their foray into winemaking.

Note: Rumour has it they are launching online sales this Spring.

More Information & Hours: http://www.stoneboatvineyards.com/

UPDATE: As of May 2010 Stoneboat has made shopping available online. Shipping is available within British Columbia for a flat rate of $20 for the first case and $10 for any additional cases. Currently they have their full Spring Release online.

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Posted in Oliver, Our Favourite Wineries, Winery Reviews | 4 Comments »

Wild Goose Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: A simple sign welcomes visitors.

The Wild Goose Winery, established by the Kruger Family, sits on 10 acres of rolling hills just South of Okanagan Falls. First planted in 1983, the Wild Goose vineyards were not used for the Krugers’ own wines until 1990. Since then, the winery has gained significant attention for its well-crafted Germanic. It has expanded its acreage to 15 acres with the addition of Mystic River Vineyard on the South Okanagan River.

Wild Goose’s tasting room and wine shop is very simple, conveying its history as an original farmgate winery. There is obvious passion put into the wines by the hard-working Kruger family, whose three generations run the tasting room, make the wine, and manage the vineyards.

Above: While the winery isn't spectacular to look at, what it lacks in a facade it makes up for in pure charm.

The wine shop is bright and spacious, and staff are very knowledgeable. There is a licensed picnic/patio area out front where visitors can enjoy their own lunches and wine. Children are welcome, and can sample fruit juices at the tasting bar.

Above: There is a fabulous patio where you can drink that freshly purchased bottle of wine and relax under the hot Okanagan sun.

Wine: Germanic wines are the primary focus of Wild Goose Vineyards, and suitably so considering the Kruger family’s heritage. Wines are sourced from the estate, as well as other vineyards in the South Okanagan. The Autumn Gold blend, a white, is the most popular wine among consumers.

Last Word: If you are looking to taste some great white wines, among others, stop in at Wild Goose. We recommend that you visit earlier, as the wines may well sell out before the season’s end- and the Krugers might be able to go on a bit of a vacation.

Driving Directions: Turn off Highway 97 onto Oliver Ranch Road and then onto Sun Valley Road. Signage from the North is not so good, so keep your eyes peeled.

More Information & Hours: http://www.wildgoosewinery.com/

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Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The winery sits dramatically on the hill.

Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery has been a fixture on the western side of the Okanagan Valley since its opening in 1995 (to this date, I can remember vividly the salmon-stuffed grape leaves served at the opening reception). The winery building is stately, with a well-lit exterior, so it is visible from a distance both night and day.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the fine view of the Okanagan Valley from the winery balcony or hike the Golden Mile trails that meander through the grassy Okanagan hills. The winery also provides a self-guided tour of the barrel and fermentation rooms, as well as a vineyard exploration tour.

Above: Tinhorn is visible from the highway and signage is great from the road.

Visitors can also purchase meats and cheeses at the Tinhorn Creek deli and enjoy their food on an outdoor deck patio overlooking the vineyard and valley beyond.

A unique feature of this winery is its outdoor amphitheatre, which plays host to a summer concert series. Here audiences can enjoy a variety of musical performers against a backdrop of mountains and valley floor.

Wines: Tinhorn produces popular varieties of white and red wines sourced from its vineyards at the winery and its Diamondback vineyard on the Black Sage. Winemaker Sandra Oldfield was trained at the University of California, Davis and her American style is reflected in the character of some of Tinhorn’s wines (American oak is used over French, for instance).

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Tinhorn Creek is bright, spacious and is staffed by a knowledgeable team- we found them very accommodating.

Last word: Tinhorn Creek offers a great winery experience.

More Information & Hours: http://www.tinhorn.com/

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Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver, Winery Reviews | No Comments »

Summerhill Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Some of Summerhill's wines are aged in this giant pyramid. Their owner believes it has intensifying powers.

At Summerhill, tradition meets the mystical to create a winery experience that is somewhat out of the ordinary. Visitors may try some of Summerhill’s many wines in the wine shop before heading out on one of the many tours that are conducted throughout the day.

The winery also features Sunset Bistro, a restaurant at the winery’s front with an ample patio and view of Okanagan Lake.Before entering the winery, visitors can also take in the World Peace Park with a waterfall, lovely vista, and koi pond to boot.

Immediately upon entering Summerhill’s grounds, visitors will notice a white concrete pyramid. This is the jewel in the winery’s crown and the place where many of Summerhill’s wines are aged. It is thought that the aging of good wines in the ‘sacred geometry’ of the pyramid has a positive, flavour-enhancing affect on them (tastings conducted in the pyramid revealed that 9 of 10 tasters preferred pyramid-aged wines).

Above: Everything is just a little out of the ordinary at Summerhill.

During the tour of the cellar, which somewhat resembled a séance, we were informed that the pyramid could also strengthen one’s life-force. At the very least, the carefully constructed building keeps the wines at a cool temperature (11º-15º C) and provides welcome relief from the hot Okanagan sun outside.

Wines: Summerhill derives its grapes from 45 acres of organic vineyard as well as from growers up and down the valley. The winery gained early attention for its sparkling wines, particularly the Cipes Brut, which has won awards internationally against sparkling wines from Champagne.

The winery tour includes an explanation of the sparkling wine vinification process. There are several lines of Summerhill wines, including Pyramid wines, Star Galaxy, Summerhill Organic, Enchanted Vines (featuring folklore artwork and organic grapes) and Summerhill Estate.

Above: The patio outside of Summerhill. You can enjoy a nice lunch here with a nice lake view.

Summerhill currently produces an array of wines too wide to list in its entirety. We have included a selection of some of its best-sellers.

Notes on Tastings: Summerhill has a well-equipped tasting room with a long tasting bar. Some staff members are fluent in Cantonese or Mandarin. The winery is often very busy in the summer, sometimes with several tour busses passing through at a time. Up to four wines can be tasted free of charge.

Last Word: Did we feel the Pyramid’s energy?- Perhaps. We recommend that you visit this winery and see for yourself.

Driving Directions: Follow Lakeshore drive until it turns off into Chute Lake Road. Just look for the giant pyramid, right after the turn off to Cedar Creek & St. Hubertus.

More Information & Hours: http://www.summerhill.bc.ca/

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Posted in Kelowna, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Stag’s Hollow Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Stag's Hollow is located right beside Wild Goose Vineyards, on Sun Valley Way.

Just down the street from Wild Goose Vineyards is Stag’s Hollow Winery. Calgary natives Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger, who were enchanted with the Okanagan Valley early on, founded it just over 10 years ago.

The winery is quaint, and produces smaller quantities of each variety (under 2000 cases), focusing on quality over volume.

Tastings: Tastings are two dollars for four wines. The tasting room is small and stylish, with some attractive landscaping outside.

Above: While Stag's Hollow doesn't offer a dramatic view, the tasting room is nice, clean, and the gardens are lovely.

Last word: Visiting Stag’s Hollow is one of the best ways to get your hands on some of the winery’s limited wines. If one of the proprietors’ dogs should enter the winery when you do, don’t fret- they are allowed in!

Driving Directions: Turn off Hwy 97 onto Oliver Ranch Road, just North of Okanagan Falls. The winery is on Sun Valley Way, near Wild Goose Vineyards and the signage is good.

More Information: http://www.stagshollowwinery.com

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Silver Sage Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The winery is large and quite visible from the road.

Silver Sage Winery is located in a monstrous house along the old Okanagan river channel. The winery exterior is almost park-like, with manicured lawns, flowerbeds and willow trees along the riverbank. A regal iron gate marks the entrance to the facility’s long drive. There is also an outdoor patio and gazebo where visitors can relax.

Silver Sage’s vineyards were planted in 1996 by Victor and Anna Manola, Romanian immigrants who had lived in Vancouver prior to purchasing the current 25 acre site. The winery and Manola family suffered a tragedy when Victor passed away in an accident. Anna continued the winery dream, however, and has piloted the winery to where it stands today.

Wines: Silver Sage is not a conventional winery in its products or methods. The winery offers various fruit dessert wines, including The Flame, which is bottled with a chili pepper. The Sage Grand Reserve is gewürztraminer fermented with sage, resulting in unusual, but enjoyable wines.

Above: Silver Sage is located in the very heart of the Okanagan Valley, in Oliver, BC.

Notes on Tastings: Silver Sage has an ample tasting room, and can accommodate a fair number of visitors. Be prepared to encounter line-ups in the summer (as per usual in the Okanagan). Proprietor Anna Manola is often at the tasting bar, and can obviously provide a wealth of information on the winery.

Last Word: This winery is a worthwhile visit for those with a sweet-tooth for wines, as well as those looking for a different wine experience.

Driving Directions: From Highway 97 go east on road #9 and follow the signs to Silver Sage Winery.

More Information & Hours: http://www.silversagewinery.com/

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Posted in Oliver, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Nk’Mip Cellars

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: A statue welcomes visitors to the winery, resort, golf course & desert centre.

Nk’Mip (pronounced Inkameep) Cellars is a joint project between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor International and enjoys the prestige that comes with being North America’s first Aboriginally owned and operated winery. The winery site looks over Lake Osoyoos and is located in what remains of the Pocket Desert- the only desert in Canada.

The winery building’s design is influenced by aboriginal culture and the desert locale, and the interior decor features works by local band artisans as well as numerous displays that recount the evolution of the winery and vineyards.

Visitors may enjoy lunch on the winery’s front patio while taking in the view of intermingling desert and vineyards on the shores of Lake Osoyoos.

Above: Winery & Tasting Room (Guided tours depart from here).

Recently completed as part of the Nk’Mip development project, is Sonora Dunes, a nine-hole golf course, and Nk’mip Campground/RV Park. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa is soon to be completed along with a Desert and Heritage Centre. Visitors may also explore the Pocket Desert. Wines aside, the buildings and amenities alone demonstrate the great commercial presence of this winery and make for an interesting visit.

Wines: Wines produced at Nk’Mip Cellars are soured from the Osoyoos Indian Band’s own vineyards and vineyards leased from other wineries. The cellar capacity currently stands at 18,000 cases. The wine selection is two-tiered with reserves belonging to the Qwam Qwmt (“achieving excellence”) series.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Nk’Mip is spacious, and has two tasting bars. During busier months be prepared for some line-ups. Visitors may also browse some of the displays and local artwork, clothing, and other accessories for sale while they wait. Tastings are $2.00 each for wines from the Qwam Qwmt series.

Last Word: The events at Nk’Mip are well worth planning ahead for – especially the Traditional Salmon Feast.

Driving Directions: Follow Highway 97 South through the town of Osoyoos. You will see a small amusement park on your lefthand side, and soon visible signs for Nk’Mip will appear. You can’t miss it!

More Information & Hours: http://www.nkmipcellars.com

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Posted in Osoyoos | 2 Comments »

Noble Ridge Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The view off of the 'noble ridge' on which the winery sits is spectacular.

This two-week old winery (as of mid-May) still smells new -not enough to boggle your senses when tasting, however. Noble Ridge Winery sits, fittingly, atop a ridge that runs east-west, with slopes to the north and south.

The tasting room features a fantastic view of Vaseaux lake and the valley beyond. The wine shop is reminiscent of a modern suburban home, with a grand circular tasting bar that should accommodate more than a few tasters. The energetic vineyard and wine shop manager Judi Skinner is welcoming and can provide a detailed explanation of the vineyards’ interesting trellises.

Above: The wine shop is still under construction as of mid May.

Noble Ridge’s owners, Leslie and Jim D’Andrea, like many winery proprietors in the region, are city-dwellers in search of change. They established the winery in 2003 and run it from Calgary where they continue their careers in business.

Above: The Noble Ridge sign is fairly visible from the road.

The exterior of Noble Ridge is still under construction as landscaping work and an outdoor picnic area is finished. Eventually, the owners hope that the winery will become a place where families can relax and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the view.

Wines: Noble Ridge currently sources its grapes from certain blocks on its estate as well as other growers from the Okanagan. Its focus is on four popular wines.

Notes on tasting: Tasting is free. At any point there are not may wines to taste, as Noble Ridge produces only a few varieties.

Last Word: Noble Ridge is a worthwhile stop on your wine tour, especially if the vineyard manager is present to educate visitors- come prepared with questions. Be sure to wave at the friendly vineyard staff.

Driving Directions: Take Oliver Ranch Road off of Highway 97. Signage is good.

More Information & Hours: http://www.nobleridge.com/

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Hester Creek Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: There is a quaint patio at Hester Creek where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a light meal.

Road #8 off of Hwy 97 ends in a fork- turn right and you’ll reach Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, turn left, and you will get to Hester Creek Estate Winery.

Hester Creek sits on some of British Columbia’s oldest vineyards, which lay along the western benches of the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile.

The winery building and grounds at Hester Creek are pretty, with an outdoor patio under the cover of old vines. The wine shop and tasting bar have an old-world feel to them. Visitors can browse a selection of glassware, books, and wine accessories.

Above: Hester Creek is located on Road 8, just to the South of Gehringer Brothers.

Hester Creek bottles are now sporting new labels, featuring Hester, the daughter of the original owner of the 70 acre property, holding onto the tail of a large fish. The thought behind this label is that Hester, as a girl, would have imaginative adventures in the creek (Hester creek) behind the winery.

Above: The wineshop at Hester Creek is charming.

Wines: Hester Creek makes wine of grapes from its estate vineyard and from South Okanagan growers. The winery is known for its Trebbiano, and old-vine wine not made by any other winery in British Columbia.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting bar at Hester Creek can serve several people at once if staffed by more than one person. Tasting staff are warm, and can provide information on the winery’s history and story. The wine shop is spacious and visitors can browse the many items offered there if there is a wait.

Driving Directions: From Highway 97 turn West onto Road 8. Follow the fork in the road to your left. Signage is ample.

More Information: http://www.hestercreek.com/

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Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The tasting room is inside this charming old stone house. They've recently renovated and added on in order to make it more spacious.

Formerly LaCompte Estate Winery, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards sits atop Hawthorne Mountain, and from a distance it almost looks as though the rows of plants could slide right off of it. This is one of the highest altitude wineries in Canada and is more of a destination winery as it requires a bit of a deviation from the beaten path.

Do not be deceived by the quaint exterior of the Hawthorne Mountain wine shop- it looks much smaller than it actually is, and the tasting room within is open, spacious and has plenty of windows- allowing tasters to enjoy the spectacular view of Skaha Lake and beyond while they try some wines. In the summer season, Hawthorne Mountain offers lunch service on its outdoor patio- also with a view. Tours of the winery facility are not available, however vineyard tours are.

Above: The entrance to the wine shop.

Hawthorne Mountain makes a point of being especially welcoming to dogs, with a “Barking Lot” out front where patrons can park their pooches while they taste. The dogs are supplied with water dishes. There is a dog theme to the winery’s See Ya Later wines, as the former owner of the See Ya Later Ranch was a canine enthusiast. Hawthorne Mountain has continued this enthusiasm for “man’s best friend”.

Above: In the summer season the patio is open and they serve light meals.

Wines: Hawthorne Mountain sources its grapes from its 170 acre vineyard on the mountain, as well as from vineyards in the South. It produces two series of wines: Hawthorne Mountain and See Ya Later Reserve. The whites grown on the mountain are quite nice.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Hawthorne Mountain is very simple and bright with a fantastic view. The staff are knowledgeable of the wines and history of the winery, as well as of the Okanagan.

Last Word: Though a little out of the way, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards was one of our favourite experiences.

Driving Directions: Turn south off Hwy 97 just before the bridge when entering Okanagan Falls from the North. The road to the winery is somewhat narrow and has several sharp corners- it’s a pleasant drive, but requires caution.

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