“The northern Okanagan
Valley, around Kelowna area,
is cooler and has a shorter growing
season, and the Pinot varietals, as
well as Chardonnay and Merlot
tend to do well there ”
.
As the region continues to mature, I
anticipate more and more wineries will
recognize the grapes that perform best in
their terroirs and further specialization will
occur. What is undeniable is the stunning
beauty of the landscape and the passion
that the people exude for this local industry.
It is this passion (among other things) that
makes wines from BC often difficult to find
outside of their home province. The British
Columbian wine consumer is hugely
supportive and patriotic about their industry,
and much of the wines produced in the
province are consumed locally. That being
said, we do see BC wines from time to
time on our shelves. Thankfully, with a little
planning, a trip west to the Okanagan isn’t
too difficult to achieve, and you can visit
and taste all the wines you want!
In addition to some of my picks at the right, I highly
encourage you to seek out some of the following wineries
wines whenever possible as they are being made with a
lot of heart and soul, and in keeping with the region’s
immense character:
Meyer Family Vineyards, Painted Rock, Blasted Church,
Blue Mountain Vineyards, Joie Farm, Okanagan Crush
Pad, Poplar Grove, Tinhorn Creek, and Road 13.
70
WWW.EATINEATOUT.CA
Here are some of my
2013 Red Rooster Winery
Naramata, Okanagan Va
$16.95
This family estate has been p
the Naramata since 1990.
perfect example of a classic
this cool climate-loving grap
with a creamy and fleshy tex
orchard fruits, citrus and marz
of spice on the finish and ba
would be perfect with roaste
like this wine, seek out their
which is made from 100% N
2008 Quails’ Gate Stewa
Reserve Pinot Noir
Kelowna, Okanagan Vall
$46.95
Quails’ Gate is one of the o
new generation of the Okan
Located just outside of Kelow
this wine are sourced from th
Mount Boucherie, which is t
volcano created over 60 mi
Only made in the best vintag
worth seeking out every yea
style that is very much Burgu
with elegance and finesse b
weightiness and concentratio
about by the microclimate. Q
see for anyone planning to v