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Burrowing Owl Loves the Internet

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

The new guesthouse, a beautiful and imposing structure on the Black Sage Bench.

Burrowing Owl was one of the earliest Okanagan ecommerce adopters and still uses this channel well. Their release emails are short, to the point, and target a customer that knows exactly what they want to buy.

Clearly they love the internet and love selling to customers that trust and know their brand and product.

Yesterday two new white wines went up for sale online. The remainder of their wine selections are available for sale in select wine stores as well as from their own wine shop.

Ecommerce Release:

We are pleased to announce the on-line release of two new wines:

2009 Pinot Gris ( $20.00 )

Generous aromas of pear, apple, and honeysuckle, tinged with hints of lychee and exotic spices. On the palate, the apple, pear and honeysuckle aromas continue on, providing beautiful intense, expressive flavours, with a gentle minerality that ensures the wine finishes clean and fresh.

2008 Chardonnay ( $27.00 )

This wine displays classic primary aromas of stone fruit, green apple, and melon. The complexity of the aroma profile is richly enhanced with generous notes of vanilla, nutmeg and other various spices originating from the barrel fermentation. On the palate, the fruit and oak flavours meld together seamlessly to create a complex expression of Okanagan Chardonnay. Texturally, the wine is beautifully balanced, displaying smooth, luscious mouthfeel and a long, clean finish.

For those of you who want to taste before you buy, be sure to make a stop into Burrowing Owl in Oliver. It is easily one of the most spectacular winery experiences in the entire valley. There are few things better than a long, late lunch on the patio at the Sonora Room.

They have recently updated their hours for the tasting bar and retail wine shop for the 2010 summer season. The wine shop is now open daily from 10 am – 5 pm for wine tasting and sales and the Sonora Room is open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Our Review: http://www.okanaganwineguide.com/burrowing-owl-estate-winery/

More Information: http://www.bovwine.ca/

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Posted in Black Sage, Oliver | 1 Comment »

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 »

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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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 »

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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Golden Mile Cellars

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Golden Mile Cellars is built to look like a castle.

Golden Mile Cellars was purchased by Mick and Pam Luckhurst of Vancouver Island in 2003. The unique castle winery sits high up on the Western slopes of the South Okanagan, and has a pleasant view of the valley below.

Visitors are encouraged to take a seat at the picnic tables in front of the winery that overlook the 23 acre vineyard site. Picnic fare, including imported cheeses, crackers, etc. and Cuban cigars can be purchased in the tasting room.

The Luckhurst family oversees all administrative aspects of the winery and works the vineyard. The wines produced at Golden Mile have been steadily gaining attention under the care of winemaker Michael Bartier.

Above: It's hard to miss this building!

Wines: Golden Mile makes its wines using grapes from its own vineyards and from some South Okanagan growers. The winery offers white label wines, and black label Black Arts wines that are ultra premium.

Notes on Tastings: Golden Mile has a great view, and ample space in the wine shop, which offers a number of items including glasses, books, decanters, cigars, etc. Parking is ample but it is on a slope, so ensure that your vehicle has a functional emergency brake (ours, unfortunately, did not). Visitors may taste up to four wines free of charge.

Last Word: This winery is novel and charming in its castle concept, and you are sure to encounter some good wines.

Driving Directions: From Highway 97 turn West onto Road 13. You can’t miss the castle perched atop the hill!

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Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver, Stunning Views, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Golden Beaver Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The tasting room is small and simple, however renovations are underway.

Golden Beaver Winery opened its doors in early May after new owners Stella Schmidt and Bruno Kelle bought the facility and vineyards formerly known as Gersighel Wineberg. The proprietors, Calgary businesspeople who escaped to the Okanagan, chose the name Golden Beaver because it was fun, Canadian and unique.

The winery is located just off of Hwy 97 on the Golden Mile, making it easily accessible and a convenient stop along the wine route. There is a nice patio outside the winery where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and the company of the owners’ dog Cashew.

Above: A patio sits adjacent to the winery, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine.

Wines: The vineyards at Golden Beaver are on the western slope of the South Okanagan Valley, making for good morning sun exposure. Currently, the wines offered by Golden Beaver are those made by the previous owners. The first release, made by Bruno Kelle under the guidance of a consulting winemaker, will be out this summer.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Golden Beaver is quaint and simple and owner Stella Schmidt runs the tasting bar, so one will never be left short of information on the winery. Tastings are two dollars for several wines.

Last Word: If the wine shop seems empty, honk your car horn a few times- the owners are busy with renovations but will happily serve you!

Driving Directions: Golden Beaver is located at the South end of the Golden Mile in Oliver BC. Take Highway 97 south of Oliver and you can’t miss it. Signage is good.

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

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Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Gehringers Brothers is easily accessibly along the Golden Mile in Oliver.

One of the Valley’s oldest wineries, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, is an embodiment of modesty and authenticity. The facility and wine shop/tasting room has a pleasant view of the valley from its site on the western slopes of the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile. The wine shop offers various knick-knacks and wine accessories including glassware. The shop’s cool temperature was refreshing after spending some time in a stuffy car.

Wine: Gehringer Brothers was founded by brothers Walter and Gordon in 1985 and released its first vintage in the same year. Since then the brothers, who oversee the making of wines and vineyard management, have achieved notability for their Germanics- especially Riesling, and their overall consistency in producing quality wines at good value.

Above: The wine shop is quaint and the tasting bar is ample - the tasting selection is ample as well!

Wines are sourced from estate vineyards, and under the Dry Rock Vineyard label (named for the rocky outcropping near the winery which gathers heat in the day) non-Germanics such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernets and Merlot are produced. We were pleased to taste a blend using Schönburger – a grape not commonly seen anymore.

Notes on Tastings: There is ample parking at the winery and equally sufficient space at the tasting bar. There is no fee for tasting, and there is a wide selection from which visitors may choose to sample.

Last Word: We really enjoyed this stop on our wine route.

Driving Directions: Turn off Highway 97 onto road 8 just South of Oliver. The road branches off and Gehringer is on your right. Hester Creek is on your left.

More Information & Hours: http://www.gehringerwines.ca/

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Domaine Combret Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: A large row of trees dramatically welcomes visitors to the winery.

High atop the western hills of the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile sits Domaine Combret Estate Winery. This expansive site provided us with one of the most stunning views we’ve had the opportunity to take in so far.

The production facility there is state of the art, and was envisioned by 10th generation French winemaker Olivier Combret and his family in 1992. The site was selected by Combret based on its ability to produce world-class grapes without the pesticides that were required in other more humid regions.

Domaine Combret is worth visiting for the view alone, but visitors should also sample Combret’s premium wines in the winery’s modest tasting room and wine shop.

Wines: Domaine Combret’s wines are grown on the estate and reflect the terroir of the region. A wine to note is the Chardonnay Icewine, which won gold medal at the 2006 Chardonnay du Monde in France. Past Chardonnays have gained international attention. Domaine Combret offers two labels – St. Vincent (reserve) and Lineage.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room, while open from 9 am to dusk, is not always staffed, as the Combrets are often busy attending to the many tasks that come with running a winery and vineyard. As such, you may be required to use a buzzer at the tasting room door to request service.

Last Word: The drive to this winery is beautiful and the site provides a great vantage point of the whole southern part of the valley.

Driving Directions: Turn onto Road 13 from Highway 97. Follow signage to the right.

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Posted in Oliver, Stunning Views, Winery Reviews | No Comments »

Desert Hills Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The simple welcome sign at Desert Hills.

Brothers Randy and Jesse Toor recently founded Desert Hills Estate Winery after having planted land on the Black Sage bench with vinifera. It is a family-run estate winery and is located in a non-descript building dwarfed by the sizeable house adjacent to it (be sure to turn left folks).

Wines: Desert Hills’ production, like others on the Black Sage, is primarily focused on red wines. The winery’s most popular wine among a quirky mix of varieties is Syrah.

Notes on Tastings: Like all Okanagan Wineries, Desert Hills gets busy in the summer. Parking space is not overly abundant, and the driveway is narrow. Tastings are free, however ID is required for people who appear to be under 25. The tasting room is small and relatively standard, and the staff (at least when we were there) were polite, if not overly cordial. Tours are offered throughout the summer.

Above:The wineshop is located down this small driveway to your left. Avoid the mammoth house to your right.

Last Word: If you have extra time, make the stop. They make some fabulous wines and are an easy visit just off of Black Sage road.

Also note: at times there are large dogs roaming the property. They are best avoided.

Driving Directions: Accessible from the North via Road 9 off Highway 97, or from the South via Road 22 off Highway 97. Located on the Western Side of Black Sage Road. Signage is good.

More Information: http://www.deserthills.ca/

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