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/
