Posts Tagged ‘wine’

JoieFarm Wines

Monday, May 31st, 2010

JoieFarm: while they do not currently have a tasting bar or retail store, they have recently planted 5 acres of grapes on the sun drenched Naramata Bench

With a strong focus on producing incredibly aromatic white and rose wines, JoieFarm is undoubtedly one of my all time favorite producers in the Okanagan Winery.

They currently do not have a tasting bar or retail store in their Naramata facility, and their total grape growing property currently only sits at 5 acres. Getting your hands on a bottle of some of their smaller case runs can prove difficult. Joie’s releases also tend to sell out very quickly from Vancouver wine shops, so it’s been exciting to see their wines picked up by more and more restaurants.

The good news is, you can now order Joie year round and from the comfort of your own home thanks to their ecommerce site.

While JoieFarm may not be a visit on your next Okanagan wine tour, definitely make a point to pick up a bottle to enjoy picnic side. Be sure to conjure images of the sun drenched Naramata Bench as you savour it.

More information: https://www.joiefarm.com/

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Posted in Naramata, Our Favourite Wineries, Winery Reviews | 3 Comments »

JoieFarm: A Noble Blend (2009)

Monday, May 31st, 2010

No matter how many times I have JoieFarm’s Noble Blend or quite how high my expectations are, I am never let down. Tonight at Hells Kitchen in Kitsilano I settled in for a nice big glass of this stuff. Aromatic and juicy, with a surprisingly dry finish, this is the stuff that summer is made of.

The 2009 blend is composed of 20% Pinot Gris, 12% Pinot Auxerrois and 8% Riesling (an homage to Alsatian Gentil wines). Currently they do not have a tasting room or retail wine store at their Naramata facility. Thankfully you can stock your cellar (or summer wine fridge) straight from their website.

To learn more, read the Noble Blend spec sheet below:

A Noble Blend in the spirit of Edelzwicker or Gentil, the traditional Germanic-varietal blend of the Alsace region of France. The literal translation of Edelzwicker is “a noble blend” – Noble, also happens to be Heidi’s family name. Our original intent in choosing to produce this proprietary blend was our knowledge that many of the oldest plantings in this valley were Germanic varietals which have proven to be extremely successful in this climate. Blending allows us to utilize the different characteristics of each variety (or of the same variety from different sites) in order to help us achieve natural balance as well as adding greater complexity to the wine. The 2009 Noble Blend is a blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Auxerrois, and Riesling.

More Information: https://www.joiefarm.com/

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Posted in Notes on Tastings | No Comments »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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

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 »

The Belltower at Burrowing Owl

Thursday, June 1st, 2006

The belltower at Burrowing Owl offers incredible views up and and down the valley.

One of my favorite features of any Okanagan winery is the belltower at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver BC.

Upon entering the Sonora Room restaurant, simply pass through the entryway and then immediately turn to your right. Before you see the big, beautiful bar there will be a door; this door leads you through to the main winery staircase.

Head up and you’ll find the belltower, complete with one of the most spectacular views in the valley.

Flights of stairs: down to the "caves" and up to the belltower.

Head down (on a tour only) and you’ll be whisked away to the caves (aka a big basement full of wine, wine, and more wine!). It’s incredible to see the size of the operation and to really see the underbelly of this beautiful beast.

The "caves" at Burrowing Owl - aka the cellar.

There is a self guided tour leading to the belltower that you can take at any time of day. It’s well worth the climb to get to the top. For a small charge, between Easter and Thanksgiving, these guided tours of the winery are available. Be sure to ask your guide to point out the different things you can see from the view of the bell tower: Osoyoos Lake, other wineries, McIntyre Bluff, the gazebo etc.

Round the day off with a glass of library wine on the patio at the Sonora Room and prepare to be memorized by the beauty of the valley.

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Posted in Black Sage, Oliver, Our Favourite Wineries, Stunning Views | No Comments »