Posts Tagged ‘Okanagan Falls’

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/

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

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/