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/
Tags: british columbia, brut, cipes, estate, grounds, Kelowna, Okanagan, organic, pyramid, summer hill, summerhill, Summerhill winery, sunset bistro, vineyard, weird, wine, Winery
Posted in Kelowna, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »
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
Tags: Okanagan Falls, Stag’s Hollow Winery, tastings, Winery
Posted in Okanagan Falls, Winery Reviews | No Comments »
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/
Tags: fruit wines, Okanagan, Oliver, Silver Sage Winery, tasting room, Winery
Posted in Oliver, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »
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
Tags: Inkameep, Nk’Mip, Nkmaeep, Okanagan, Osoyoos, wine, Winery
Posted in Osoyoos | 2 Comments »
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/
Tags: noble ridge, Okanagan, Okanagan Falls, vaseaux lake
Posted in Okanagan Falls, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »
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/
Tags: Golden Mile, Hester Creek Estate Winery, old, Oliver, south okanagan, sowa, vines, Winery
Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver | No Comments »
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.
Tags: altitude, canada, hawthorne mountain, see ya later ranch, skaha lake, vineyards, Winery
Posted in Okanagan Falls, Winery Reviews | No Comments »
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!
Tags: british columbia, Golden Mile, Oliver, premium, valley, view, weiner dogs, Winery
Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver, Stunning Views, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »
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/
Tags: Golden Beaver Winery, Golden Mile, Okanagan, Oliver, wine, Winery
Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »
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/
Tags: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, germanics, Golden Mile, Okanagan, Oliver, riesling, tasting bar, Winery
Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver | 1 Comment »
