Wine Tasting Party

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love... Wine!!

Have you ever wanted to host a wine tasting party but did not know where to start? 

You may be asking yourself the following questions -  HOW  do I start; WHAT is the theme;  HOW much wine do I need? No worries! Read on.....

A wine tasting party is a great way to do something fun with family, friends and bring your neighbours together. All you need is some wines, a little bit of knowledge and the will to try something different and of course FUN. 

Here are some steps to help you prepare for the evening.

Theme – There are many themes. Everything from the country, type of grape or will it be just red or just white. Our tasting was close to the holiday season so I made it “wines for the holiday season”. The type of wines ranged from Sparkling to Port. Then we threw in a game with each wine. The guest was to “guess the price point” of each wine poured. 

Food – Should you provide food or snacks? We were having our tasting later in the evening, so we provided cheese and crackers.  The wine was paired with cheese at which point we put a picture of the wine label with the cheese. The pictures were the same as the photos that accompany my tasting notes below.  We simply cut out the photo and we taped it back to back on a tooth pick. I recommend light snacks, bread and coffee for the end of the evening. 

Wine Pairing Labels for Cheese

Some Cheese on offer

Having Tasting Cards - These cards should have type of wine, vineyard, the year and a brief description of the wine (here is a hint   - check out the back of the wine bottle). Have space for your guest to record appearance, aroma, flavor, and record there own notes. Don't forget a pen for each guest.

Tasting Cards we made for tasting

Inside of Tasting Card

How much wine - you can base this on 1/2 a bottle per person. Remember to drink responsiblitiy. Provide a key bucket at the front door for your guest plus a number to a reliable cab company.

Other items to consider-

• Wine Glasses - one to two wine glasses per guest (I like to have one for white wine and one for red wine)
• Pitcher of Water - rinsing glasses or to cleanse the palate
• Dump bucket - your guest may not like all the wines
• Invitations - can be done by e-vite or drop off an invitation in the mail or email
• Have lots of fun

Tasting Notes from wines at my tasting: 

Cava Segura Viudas Brut Reserva BCLS -158493
On the nose - yeast, toast, Citrus; On the palate - biscuits, some pineapple flavour, Citrus, dry, rich,  medium body with a long creamy finish. Pop open a bottle with friends. This Cava is well priced at $16.99

Devils Rock Riesling – BCLS - 149559

Produced in the Pfalz Region of Germany. This Riesling is off dry making it fresh and crisp. Nose has some sweet peach, and apple. Palate has a hint of sweetness with lemon and grapefruit. Enjoy with your turkey dinner or Asian Take out. A good everyday wine for $13.00. (Note label on wine has changed since this photo)

La Pierrelee Chablis – BCLS 359844 
A nice example of a Chardonnay from Chablis. On the nose - green apple, lemon and spice.  Palate – butter, citrus, white peach and some minerality, medium body with a nice finish. Chili a bottle to share with friends. A well priced Chablis for $28.00

Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir - BCLS -761205
This Chilean Pinot Noir was Voted best light and medium red for 2014 by Vanmag. On the Nose - red fruit, cherry with a hint of leather. Palate - Cherry, cedar and some herb with a nice finish. Have this wine with your Christmas lamb or on a Saturday night with Mushroom Risotto. A great everyday wine for $15.99

McWatters Collection - Meritage - BCLS - 303024
“Harry McWatters namesake collection Meritage is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon 44% (from 3 different clones), Merlot 32% (from 2 different clones) and 24% Cabernet Franc all from the Sundial Vineyard on Black Sage Bench in Oliver.”- Wine Scores

This wine has  a great aroma – Black cherries, leather, and earth; On the palate – coffee, chocolate, and cassis with a long finish. This wine  should be served with steak or firm cheese. This wine is limited and if you find it at your favour wine store pick up a couple.

Amarone Classico – BCLS - 44784 

Amarone is made from grapes that are dried before fermentation (100 days losing around 40% of original weight). This creates an intense flavoured wine. Amarone is produced in the Vento region of Italy. Made from grapes of the region – Corvina, Rondinella and on occasion Molinara

On the nose – Dark Cherry, Chocolate, oregano, and a hint of smoke; Palate – Cherries, bittersweet chocolate, and sweet raisin. This wine is very good on its own or with a nice Italian meal of Osso Bucco. This Amarone is priced at $40.00 

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottle Vintage Port - BCLS - 289603
Once the wine is produced it is fortified by adding neutral grape spirit known as “aquardente” to stop the fermentation, which leaves residual sugar and boost the alcohol content.

On the nose – caramel, ripe fruit, and dried nut; Palate – Honey, figs , raisins and burnt toffee with a rich smooth sweet finish. Grab a glass and your partner then curl up in front of a big roaring fire. You should be able to find this gem in your local BCLS for $26.00

Have fun organizing your wine tasting event!
I would like to know how it went! Send me a quick note at bottle2glass@gmail.com or reply on this post.

Ciao for now!!

Pinot Noir

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine!!

Pinot Noir! First, how do you pronounce it? I've heard the correct way to pronounce “Pinot” is “Pee-no” with equal emphasis on both short syllables. I've also heard it said with more oomph on the first syllable, making it more like "PEE-no."  There are also many different ways to say "Noir." "N'war" is standard, but some like to say it with more flair, turning it into "Na-whar" or "No-aaaaaaaargh."

If you find the saying difficult! Try being the wine grower! The Pinot Noir grape is a finicky grape to grow. It needs the right growing conditions, wanting warm days and cool evenings. Which results in a red wine that is light-medium bodied, and fruit forward. This grape is also known as the “heart break grape” if the conditions are not 'just right' then all else may fail. But when done right it is a great wine.

Pinot Noir is the red grape of Burgundy. Which is now grown around the world; Germany, Oregon, California, Chile, British Columbia, Ontario and New Zealand to name only a few.

If you really want to join in on a Pinot Noir feast you have to attend the International Pinot Noir Celebration (click on highlighted area). This event is held every year in Oregon. Now, I have not been to this event, but I am adding it to my bucket list.

If you want to see a movie on this grape or read a book there are numerous of both. The most recent I have read is Vertical by Rex Pickett (novel)  Well, it was a book on CD, something to listen to while we drove down to the wine region of WALLA WALLA, Washington this summer.  We can't forget his previous novel, Sideways which became a very popular movie that brought the pinot grape to the forefront.

Pinot not only comes in red you can find a fine selection of Pinot in white. Here is a sample Pinot Gri, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Grigio only to name a few. Stay tuned for my next post on these wonderful wines.

Here are some Pinot Noir wines we have tasted and enjoyed.

Three Bear Ranch – B3

This wine hits the notes on flavor and price. Aroma - fresh cherries, strawberries, with a hint of vanilla; the palate has the same as aroma - cherry, strawberries,  some would say "jammy". A wine you can enjoy everyday with a price of $15.99. You should be able to find this wine in your local BC Liquor Store #627760.

Cherry Tart – Pinot Noir

From the creator of Layer Cake wines (see post Have your cake... and drink it too??). Aroma – cherries, red apple and a hint of clove; Palate - cranberries, cherries with a hint of strawberries with a long finish. This wine is full bodied and well rounded. Be warned your taste buds will ask for more. Cherry Tart Pinot Noir can be found in the BC Liquor Store #744623 for $29.99

Cameron Hughes Lot 403 Pinot Noir

This a good example of a Pinot Noir coming from the Russian River Region in California. Aroma – Cherry, raspberry with a hint earth; Palate – Cherry, Raspberry, vanilla with a hint of spice. A wine I will be buying again. Cameron Hughes Lot 403 can be found in a BC Liquor Store #469643 for a reasonable price of around $25.00. 

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir

This is one wine we look for when we are out for dinner or for that special evening with friends or just the two of us.  Aroma – Cherry, plum, barnyard; Palate – Ripe strawberry, raspberry, and mushroom. This wine is deep dark, rich and delicious. Look for it in your local BC Liquor Store #278937 for a price of around $27.00

Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir - 2012
Here is a great example of a Pinot Noir from the Okanagan. Aromas - black cherry, earth, and a hint of compost; Palate - Rasberry, earth, black cherry with a hint of dried herbs and smooth tannins. This pinot had a nice long finish that wanted me to have another sip. I searched BC liquor stores web site and had no luck tracking it down. Let me say if you find it on the shelves of  any BCLS pick up a bottle or three.


Hope you enjoy some of my selections or all of them. As always please let me know what you think by leaving me a comment.

Ciao for now!

Chianti It has come a long way...

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine

I can still see it now.  Flash back to the 80’s;  going into our favorite little Italian restaurant in Little Italy in Toronto. I can still sense the smells coming from the small family run kitchen, a vision of the red checker table cloth, the waiters in white shirts black pants (Italian of course), and the white candle in an empty straw-wrapped Chianti bottle with candle wax running down the sides sitting in the middle of the table. Ordering our favorite plate of pasta and a bottle of house red. You guessed it Chianti! Arriving to the table in a straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos).

That was the Chianti of the past, fast forward a few decades the Chianti has changed. BUT if you are sucker for nostalgia you can still find that straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos) of Chianti at a BCLS for $16.99.  

Chianti has come a long way. But there are many rules and laws about what can be labeled Chianti. The region of Chianti is even more confusing with seven sub regions in Tuscany. Classico and Ruffina are two of the most popular. In the Tuscan region “Chianti Classico” has to have at least 80 - 100% Sangiovese as the major grape. Chianti Classico has red and black cherry character, with notes of wild herbs, mint and spice, mellow tannins. Chianti Classico must have at least 12% alcohol and been aged for 7 months in oak. “Riserva” on the label lets you know it has been aged 27 months in oak and has 12.5% alcohol. Chianti Classico cannot be released until October 1^st the following vintage year.  I did warn you about confusing! On that note I will not get into DOC and DOCG. Just that if you see these on the label ENJOY!

Map of the Chianti Regions:

Map from Wikipedia

 


Now if you ever wondered what’s up with the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) Emblem on the label. This dates back over 700 years. The label is placed on the neck of a wine bottle from the Chianti Classico zone. Wines with this emblem are of high standards and you know you are getting the real thing. Plus the wine makers have to offer the wine for a strict taste test. To read the story about the Black Rooster click on the link http://www.chianticlassico.com/en/faq/vino/

Enough already! Lets enjoy some Chianti and Chainti Classico.  Here are some we have tried and enjoyed. Click on the highlighted link in the wine description to find a BC Liquor Store that carries the wine.

2012 Toscolo Chianti (DOCG) 
Here is a nice bottle of Chianti, Nose is Red berry fruit with a hint of Oak; Palate - Cherry, smooth silkly tannins with a short finish. This makes a good everyday wine with a bowl of pasta. This wine may  be found at a speciality wine store.


2010 Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia (Single Estate) DOCG 
A nice Chianti Classico made from 100% Sangiovese. Nose - Spice, dark cherry, leather and oak; on the palate Spicy, nutmeg, dark cherry with a long finish. This wine is very good! I found this wine at a speciality wine store. It was brought in for a limited time. If you see this wine on the shelf grab a bottle or two! 

Toscolo Chianti; Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia  

2010 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico  (DOCG)

This one may look familiar as you can find it in most BC Liquor Stores. This is a wine you can enjoy on its own or with a meal. Nose - Cherry, leather and spice; Palate - Tart Cherry, Cedar and a hint of leather and tobacco. We enjoyed this one! This can be found at your local BC Liquor Store SKU 45195

2011 Chianti Classico Cecchi DOCG

The Black Rooster is front and centre on the label which means it is the real thing (Chianti Classico)! This wine is made from 90% Sangiovesse, 10% other which consist of Canaiolo and Colorino. On the nose tobacco, dark cherry and earthiness; Palate - Sour Cherry, smoke with a long finish. Worth the buy at $20.00. You should be able to find this on the shelf at a BC Liquor Store SKU 113613

2010 Peppoli Chianti Classico DOCG 

We enjoyed this wine on Pizza Friday! This wine is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. Another wine with the Red Rooster. Nose - Bright red fruit, vanilla, sweet herbs and a hint of wood; Palate - Red fruit, chocolate with smooth tannins and a long finish. This wine went great with our pizza but it will stand up to other types of food. Give it a try! It can be found on the shelves at the BC Liquor Store SKU 606541

Ruffio Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico Cecchi

Enjoy these Chianti's and Chianti Classico's!!

Ciao for now!

WIne Festival Pointers

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine

It is that time again!

It's time for the Vancouver International Wine Festival. This year France will be the theme country with a focus on bubbly. France will be represented by the following regions: Bourgogne (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay); Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Mucadelle); Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache, Roussane and Viognier); Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier); and Beaujolais (Gamay and Chardonnay) to name a few. There will also be a great variety of other wineries in the tasting room from Canada to Israel. This year there will be 178 wineries from 14 countries pouring over 780 wines!  I am sure you won't be able to taste them all. So the best way to enjoy the evening is to plan.

Here are some pointers that I put together that I use when I attend the Wine Festival.

1. Have a designated driver or plan to take transit. Remember be responsible!
2. Make a list - It can become overwhelming with over 780 wines. Which is daunting in itself. So a list of wines, winery or region you want to taste will make the experience more enjoyable. 
3. Take Notes on your choices - after tasting 27 wines you will not remember the first. I had notes saying which wine I liked. Simple notes are best.  These notes will also come in handy when/if you want to buy the wine at the end of the festival. The BCLB will have a wine shop at there.
4. Spit the wine - again 27 wines?  Trust me you will want to spit. If you are not sure how to do this practise at home before attending the event. Purse your lips together and force the wine out of your mouth into the bucket provided once you had a good taste. The key is to taste by swirling the wine in your mouth and then spit it into the bucket provided. Aim well!
5. Do not stand in front of the table or spit bucket - Once you get your taster move aside and let others in. Do not stand in front of the spit bucket unless you want to get sprayed! 
6. Talk to the people representing the winery. You never know the person pouring may have their name on the bottle. Remember do not hog their time.
7. Do not wear white - Yes! red wine likes white clothes.
8. The night goes fast so if there is a line up at the table move to the next and come back at a later time
9. Eat before you go, most wine tastings only have small food samplers.

If you do not like large crowds the tasting room will not be for you. Try one of the smaller events that are available during the event. Book early to get a ticket or two for one of the Lunches, Minglers, Dinners or seminars. Check out the web site at Vancouver International Wine Festival. The festival runs from February 24th to March 2nd, 2014.

If you cannot make the festival this year try a wine from one of the many regions that will be represented this year. Let me help you get started with my three selections from the Rhone Valley.
I have attached a map below of the Major AOC wine producing regions and a map of the Rhone Valley.

France Wine Regions - winewitandwisdomswe.com

Rhone Wine Map - vinofiles.com

Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Chateau de la Gardine

This wine is a blend of Granche (60%), Mourvedre (20%), and Muscardin (5%). This last grape is used primarily in Rhone as a blending grape. Nose - gamely, plum, cherry and sweet herbs; Palate - Red Fruit, sweet herbs and a hint of coffee, and nice long finish. A great wine that will improve with a few more years in the bottle or drink it now and enjoy. You may find this wine at the BCLD near you.

Esprit Du Rhone - Cotes Du Rhone Reserve 2005
This Cotes Du Rhone makes a nice everyday wine. When you have had a bad day or need to kick back this is the one. Nose - Dark Cherry, earth and thyme spice; Palate - Dark Cherry, forest floor, spice with smooth tannins. This wine you may find in a speciality wine store like Marquis Wine Cellars or Everything Wines.  If you cannot find the one I reviewed try this Cotes Du Rhone - Delas St. Esprit. The price point on this is slightly higher but still below $20.00

Chusclan - Cotes Du Rhone Villages - 2004
This wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Nose - Spice, forest floor and dark fruit; Palate - Dark Fruit, earth, plum and pepper spice on the finish. Another nice wine from the Rhone. I purchased this at a speciality wine store. Unfortunately you will not be able to find it in the BCLD. If you happen to see it on the shelf pick up a bottle or two.

Enjoy the wines listed above and if you find a different wine you enjoyed let me know!


à la prochaine
(until next time)

How the bubbles get into that bottle of Champagne

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...... Wine

Champagne is not only for that special occasion! It can be enjoyed for everyday accomplishments; you name it and I am sure it deserves a glass or two of Champagne. Why not open a bottle and enjoy before dinner with friends. I am guessing it is the price that is making you open it only for that "Special Occasion or Celebration".  Like a new birth, 30 years of marriage, or winning the Grand Prix!! Well Technically at the Grand Prix they get sprayed with the champagne... what a waste of a fine beverage!!

Champagne can only come from the region in France with the same name. It must be produced using the "traditional method" (Méthose Champenoise) from which the bubbles occur. There are eight varietals that are permitted in the production of this wine. The most common varietals that are used are Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. All grapes will be harvested by hand so they will not be damaged before they are pressed. Once harvested they are rushed to the press.

Here is what it takes to make a bottle of Champagne. So the next time you open that bottle you will be able to reflect on how they got those tiny fine bubbles into that fine glass of Champagne.

Pressing -  As soon as the grapes are brought into the pressing room they will be pressed. A basket press will often be used of which will extract the juice slowly. Two pressings will take place with the first called "Cuvee" which is considered high quality juice. The second is called the "taillies (or tails)  which is of a lesser quality. To confuse things more there are regulations to the volume of juice from each pressing that can be included in the final product. Here is an example, if 100 hectoliters of Champagne was to be produced, the regulations state that 80 hectoliters would need to be "cuvee” press and 20 hectoliters would need to be "tailles" or from the second press.

First Fermentation – This fermentation is key, since it is quick and warm. The idea is to produce a neutral wine that is high in acidity. A neutral wine could interfere with the flavor and autolytic development that will occur mostly in the secondary fermentation and ageing process. The high acidity will give it acidic structure to engage the second fermentation and extend the lees.  The first fermentation usually takes place in large temperature controlled stainless steel vats.

Blending (assemblage) – This is what sets Champagne apart from other wine producing regions. This process is an art in itself where the blender wants to achieve consistency in the wine they produce. Put his signature on the style of the champagne. To help achieve consistency each year a proportion of the production may be stored as a reserve wine for use in future blends. So maintaining a stock of wine to blend can add to the cost of the bottle. As they need to hold back some of what they produce. If “vintage” is stated on the bottle of Champagne, 100 percent of the base wine has to come from that year. (The date will usually be stamped into the bottle)

Did I lose you yet? Well hang in there we still have few steps.

Second Fermentation – Now that the “champagne house” has completed the blend. It is now time for a small proportion of sugar, yeast and a clarifying agent (also known as liqueur de triage) to be added. This will get the second fermentation and the bubbles started.  The bottle is then closed with a temporary seal, which is usually a crown cork. (Looks like a beer bottle cap). The bottles are then laid horizontally in stacks to rest. During this time the yeast works on the sugar which creates the following – second fermentation, alcohol, and CO2 . As the wine ferments the gas is unable to escape and will dissolve into the wine creating BUBBLES!

Lees Aging – Simply put this is where the wine begins aging in the bottle. The wine interacts with the dead yeast cells (lees) and this will contribute to the wines flavor.  Usually the flavor characteristics you find in Champagne like yeast, toast, biscuit, bread  and roasted nuts.  This process lasts between four to five years or even longer. The longer the wine spends on its lees the finer the quality. Non-vintage Champagne has to be a minimum of 15 months and vintage Champagne at least three years. This is the law!

Riddling - This process involves moving the bottle from the horizontal position to vertical (upside-down). This process is also known as ‘remuage”. This will help get all the deposits to the neck. This is all done over time and slowly so the champagne is not disrupted.  This process can be done in one of two ways by hand or by machine. By hand it will take several months and can be expensive. The most popular and commonly used process is by machine (gyro palette).  Once all the bottles are standing on there necks the wine ages for a while longer. Also known as sur pointe.

Disgorgement – Now that the wine has rested and the sediment is on the inside of the crown cork. It is now time to remove the sediment and the dead yeast. The necks are dipped in a brine solution to freeze the sediment and dead yeast. The crown cap is removed at which time the plug is ejected with the sediment, dead yeast and a small amount of wine. This is a fast process and is usually done by automation.

Dosage – This is where the wine that was lost during disgorgement is topped up with a cane sugar solution, known as liqueur d’expedition.  The amount used will determine the sweetness level. Also known as “dosage”.  Here is a list of how some Champagne’s can be finished: 
Brut Nature/Brut Zero = bone dry (most sparkling wines are naturally very dry); Extra Brut = Very dry; Brut = very dry - dry; Extra-Sec/Extra Dry = off-dry to medium-dry; Sec/Trocken = medium to dry; 

Demi-Sec/Semi-Dulce = Sweet; Doux/Sweet = Luscious

Re-Corking  - Believe it or not we are almost at the end! Now that the dosage is complete it is time to add the final touches. The cork is added with a wire “muzzle” to secure the cork.  Depending on the producer the wine will either sit a few months (or years) to allow the liqueur d’expediton to blend into the wine. Some producers will give the wine a vigorous shake to blend the liqueur d’expedition and then rest the wine for a few weeks or months. FINALLY the bottle is dressed with the foil around the neck and shipped to a shop near you!

Now that you have an idea of what has to go into making a bottle of Champagne! The next time you pick up a bottle hopefully the sticker shock will not be as bad. 

Here is a list of some Champagne and Sparkling wines I have had the pleasure to enjoy!
The three I have listed below are made by using the traditional method (Méthose Champenoise).

Pol Roger – Champagne Brut 1999

This was one fine Champagne! Nose – Popcorn, burnt toast, butter and yeast; Palate – some stone fruit, little smoke, toast with a nice smooth finish with very fine bubbles! The sign of a great wine.
This can most likely be found at a BCLS (BC Liquor Store). The price on this one is steep at $95.00. Worth the price as long as you are not going to spray it at someone for winning a race!

Segura Viudas - Heredad Brut Reserve

I reviewed this Cava back in November 2012. In Spain they use the following grapes Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. Some producers are also now using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This wine is very good and a reasonably priced wine. You may be able to find it at most BCLS for $33.99. 

Paul Zinck Cremant d'Alsace

Here is another example of a Sparkling wine made in the "Traditional Method" without the high price. In making the Cremant d'Aslace the following grape varietals are permitted - Rielsing, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc Pinot Noir and Auxerrois (this grape is grown extensively in Alsace). Nose - pear with citrus (lemon and grapefruit) and a hint of apple; Palate - biscuit, pear, citrus with fine bubbles. Another good Sparkling wine made in the "traditional Method" for $23.99. Check out the BCLS web site to find a store that carries this one.

I listed  bottles of Sparkling wine and Champagnes I have tried above. The list does not stop here as there are many other options for sparkling wine; Prosecco is an affordable option. Here is one you can try Ogio Prosecco which can be found at Marquis Wines; German Sekt can be an easy drinking choice. If your stuck give BC Sparkling wine a try. Blue Mountain Brut Gold Label I have tried this one over the summer at the winery. This one may be found in a private store or order from the winery.

If you find a Sparkling wine or Champagne that you enjoyed leave me a note I love trying WINE!

Ciao for now!

Touring Wineries in the Okanagan Part 3 of 3 - Similkameen Valley and Okanagan Falls

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...... Wine

Welcome to part 3 of 3. In Part 1 I shared the three wine areas we discovered. Part 2, I let you know about some of the wines I tasted from Naramata Bench and in Part 3 I will focus on Similkameen Valley and Okanagan Falls wine's.

Similkameen Valley

The Similkameen Valley is about a 35 minute drive from Naramata. The drive to the Similkameen Valley has some amazing terrain and scenery. This area is made up of farm land, fruit farms and wineries. The area when we visited was dry, hot and almost desert like.

Similkameen Valley Winery

Orofino Vineyard

This was a winery I discovered one day visiting a BC VQA store. They just received a shipment of Pinot Gris of which I had to buy. The Pinot Gris is the one reason they were the first on the list of the Similkameen wineries. The wine was so good I had to check out more.

Orofino Moscato Frizzante 2012

Glad I stopped in at the winery. You will not be able to find this Frizzante in your local BCLS or speciality wine store. The aroma of this wine had all the characteristics of Moscato - ripe peaches, citrus and a slight floral note; Palate - juicy peach, citrus (orange) with delicate bubbles and a light body. A wine to have with friends on the patio or enjoy before dinner.

Clos du Soleil Winery
This winery is known as a "artisan winery" producing some very good small lot wines. So you need to be quick to find the popular ones. You may be able to find some of their wines at Everything Wine or in a BC VQA store.

Clos du Soleil Rose´
How could we not pass up an award winning Rosé.  Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This Rosé had aromas of sweet raspberry, and a hint of cranberry; Palate - cherry, strawberry, and some citrus with a little sweetness on the finish. Here is another Rose´ I wish purchased more than one.

Seven Stones 

This winery is on the way out of Cawston on your way to Osoyoos. "Seven Stones comes from the legend of the seven individual rock formations throughout the Similkameen Valley known as the Seven Stones" - Seven Stones Winery. There are some picnic tables on the grounds where you can enjoy your picnic lunch,  plus enjoy the view of the winery and surrounding hills.  Makesure you put this winery on your list of places to stop. If you do stop in ask about the wine cave wish I knew about it before I went. Looks like another visit will need to be planned.

Speaking Rock Cabernet Sauvignon  2009

Another award winner! This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in new French oak barrels for 17 months. The aroma of this wine instantly brought back my wife's memory of her grandfather smoking his pipe. It also had aromas of chocolate and some coffee; Palate - blackberry, coffee and coco with firm tannins and a long finish. Unfortunately they are out of this wine at the winery. 

Some Wines of Similkameen Valley

Okanagan Falls

This wine area is located at the south end of Skaha Lake. Most of the wineries are on the North side of the road. The one question I kept asking is where are the falls? Only to find out that the falls are no longer around, only a series of rapids now exist. The falls were not the reason for our visit! The wineries were what we were there to discover. I must say discover we did!  Click on this link Okanagan Falls Wineries  to get a map.

Stags Hollow 
This winery had a beautiful view of the hills that surround it. It was well worth the drive to discover this  winery. 

Stag's Hollow Renaissance Merlot 2010
This wine was wonderful, when we tasted this wine it had smoke, coffee and cherry aroma; the palate similar to the aroma with mocha, earth, and cherry with great tannins and a long finish to enjoy. They may carry Stag's Hollow Hertiage Block at your local BCLS. If you do find a wine from this winery give it a try. All the wines we tried were very good.

Noble Ridge
I was very impressed with this winery; when we drove up the driveway we were surrounded by vines and rolling hills. The next item that impressed me was the offering of a cheese plate (for a charge) to enjoy on the patio just outside the tasting room with a glass of wine of course.   I also had the chance to meet one of the owners who was behind the counter helping out her team.

Noble Ridge Pinot Noir 2010
A great Pinot Noir from the Okanagan with aromas of cherry and vanilla; Palate - black currant, earth, vanilla with great tannins and a long finish. This wine is going to drink even better in a few years. Glad I purchased more than one bottle. 

Blue Mountain Winery
Another beautiful drive to another great winery. Driving up to the winery you see mountains in the distance. On the drive to the winery I made a quick stop for my wife to get out and take photos. At one point she mentioned that the mountains in the background should be on their label. Well to our pleasant surprise Blue Mountain has changed their label to reflect this beautiful view. Well I must say great minds think a like. (The photo below is the old label)

Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2010
Glad we went to this winery when we did. They had very limited supply of wines since they sell out very quickly. This Chardonnay had aroma's of citrus, lemon, vanilla; Palate - citrus, butter with a crisp juicy finish. I will be purchasing this one again if I can find it.

Meyer Family Vineyard
This was a great recommendation from the owners of Benchmark Bed and Breakfast. Glad we made the stop. The host made it a fun tasting by matching the wine with different items. Chardonnay with Truffle oil popcorn anyone! After our tasting we sat on their deck with a glass of 2011 Micro Cuviee Chardonnay and enjoyed the scenery and each others company.

Meyer's Chardonnay 2012
A nice wine with great aromas of citrus, pineapple, and some floral. On the palate it had the same tropical fruit, vanilla and a fresh finish.

Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir  2011
Here is another great wine from Meyers Vineyard. Aroma - Cherry, earth and vanilla; Palate - red fruit, oak, spice and a nice long finish. A wine that I will hold for a little longer to let it develop in the bottle.


Painted Rock
This winery is a hidden gem in the sense it was a little tricky to find. Keep an eye out for the signs and makesure you stop in.  The tasting room for now is temporary until the new one is build. Which is located up the hill. I had a chance to have a look at it and I must say I cannot wait to visit again next year.

Painted Rock Syrah
I am glad I picked up this gem of a wine. One to hold for 2 - 3 years and let the wine develop a little further. Aroma - dark fruit, fresh cracked black pepper, and a hint of leather; Palate - earth, fig and tobacco with firm tannins and a nice long finish. This one you may be able to pick up a BC Liquor Store. This wine has a higher price point but it is worth the extra dollars.

If you are interested in the wines or wineries listed in Part 2 and 3. There are a few ways to try the wine or winery - (1) Join one of the winery wine clubs. But before you do that makesure you enjoy the wine (2) Look for them at a VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) Store (3) Check out the speciality wine stores that are located around BC Liberty Wine Merchants, Marquis Wine Cellars, and also Everything Wines
and (4) Tour wine regions in BC and enjoy the wines of this province!

Looking forward to hearing back from you on the wines I mentioned or any wines you have tried.
In case you missed the link to the photos of our wine country tour click on link. Photos of Naramata, Similkameen and OK Falls


Ciao for now!