Day-tripping along Kelowna’s wine route
Plenty of exciting vintages on offer as you wind your way along Okanagan Lake
Albertans are packing up and heading out on summer road trips that include a stay in B.C.’s wine country.
If you’re spending any time in Kelowna, consider taking a day trip along the Lakeshore Wine Route.
For a boutique wine tasting experience, make your first stop Tantalus Vineyards. If you haven’t had the opportunity to sample wines from the duo of David Paterson (winemaker and general manager) and Stephanie Mosley (marketing and media), you’re in for a treat. They are the nicest folks who make delicious low-manipulation wines from 43 acres (17 hectares) of naturally farmed vines.
Stephanie says summer is the best time to visit them because most of their wines are released in the spring, with a few that you won’t find anywhere else, including the 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir, 2018 Riesling Lab, and the 1.5-litre magnums of 2018 Rosé.
Next stop, roughly five kilometres to the south, is Summerhill Pyramid Winery, a tourist favourite. Ezra Cipes is continuing his father’s legacy as CEO of one of Canada’s first certified organic/ biodynamic wineries and, yes, there is a pyramid. Although Summerhill is a very busy winery, they do have loads of parking and a wonderful restaurant called the Summerhill Organic Bistro.
The last stop is CedarCreek Estate Winery, just four kilometres south of Summerhill. This winery is a family favourite at our house because their pinot noir was my daughter (and business partner) Kelsey’s first “ah-ha!” wine moment.
CedarCreek Estate Winery has changed winemakers and ownership over the years, and today the wine maestro is the talented and energetic Taylor Whelan. He is building a loyal following with his bright, expressive wines using the same low-intervention techniques as in the past, meaning no “palate enhancers.”
They have approximately 50 acres (20 hectares) of organically farmed vines, some at the estate and others farther south. It’s a beautiful winery with a newly renovated tasting room (opening mid-July), new cellar, and a state-of-the-art grape press that is allowing Taylor to produce small-batch wines. Plus, they have a newly launched restaurant called the Home Block.
Other suggestions along the route include the beautiful Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm and Arlo’s Honey Farm. There is also a new distillery in the neighbourhood — Forbidden Spirits — that I have yet to visit but have heard great things.
Have fun and don’t forget to make lunch reservations. Happy Canada Day!
CEDARCREEK PINOT GRIS 2018 $ 19
A fresh, intense and juicy wine from an important grape for the estate, featuring loads of fresh green apple skin, tropical fruits and spice made from grapes from their Kelowna and Osoyoos vineyards. Easy breezy, with ripe acidity to be served chilled on a hot summer day, it’s on the list at Belgravia Hub.
TANTALUS ROSÉ $30
A big, juicy rosé with aromas of watermelon Jolly Rancher, rose petal, rhubarb and wild strawberry. The palate is alive with pomelo and pink grapefruit, white cranberry and plum. Bright, balanced and delicious, the 2018 release is a 50/50 blend of young vine Pinot Noir complemented by more mature plantings of Pinot Meunier, first planted on the site in 1985.
SUMMERHILL ALIVE ORGANIC ROSÉ $22
A juicy, lively wine with notes of strawberry, raspberry, cherry and spice. The residual sugar and acidity make for a bright and refreshing wine that pairs perfectly with summer barbecues and hot, sunny days. Look for this rosé on lists at The Cave, Becker’s Chalets in Jasper, and the Jasper Brewing Company.
CEDARCREEK PINOT NOIR $ 29
This is a grape that is right at home in the Okanagan Valley. A youthful wine that’s fresh and juicy, with loads of cherries, strawberry and fresh herbs. Light on the palate but with concentrated aromas and flavours. It’s perfect slightly chilled as a patio red or paired with salads, soft/ tart cheese, white meats and grilled salmon. On the list at Bundok (as well as the Meritage red blend) and on the list at Rge Rd.
TANTALUS MAIJA PINOT NOIR $35
Maija Pinot Noir is named after Tantalus proprietor Eric Savics’ daughter. A youthful and juicy yet vibrant wine with classic aromas of raspberry, spice from the barrel, fresh earth, floral and black tea notes. Made in small lots, using natural fermentation.
SUMMERHILL MERLOT $24
Fruit-forward, medium-bodied Merlot with expressive notes of blackberry, plum, cherry, and hints of cocoa. Available at The Cave, Under the High Wheel, Sabor, Bundok, and the Raven Bistro in Jasper.
CEDARCREEK ESTATE MERLOT $24
There are hints of cocoa, berries and plums in this easy and smooth Merlot. A round, juicy red with spice notes from spending 17 months in French oak.
CEDARCREEK PLATINUM BLOCK 2 PINOT NOIR 2014 $ 50
Taylor called this Pinot Noir the sweet berry wine and it’s delightful, using natural fermentation to create more depth and complexity than their estate Pinot Noir. Made from vines that are 30 years old and aged 12 months in French oak. An elegant, lightly perfumed style that makes you stop and ponder how wonderful wine can be.
CEDARCREEK PLATINUM PINOT GRIS $40
Reminiscent of a Pinot Gris from Alsace with concentration, weight and complexity from five months in French oak. A wine that’s luscious, off-dry and full of ripe summer stone fruits, pears and spice, with lower acidity — perfect to enjoy a glass all by itself. It’s tough to find a decent wine on the list at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald but this one is the exception, by the bottle.
TANTALUS OLD VINE RIESLING $46
The grapes for this award-winning, mind-blowing Riesling were grown on a two-acre block of vines dating back to 1978. I love their description of this wine, “The concentration and crisp acidity are at once intense, yet subtle and complex. From lime leaf and lemon zest to hints of wet slate and chalk, the aromatics are beautifully highlighted by a briny oyster character. The palate is juicy and developed with apricot, nectarine and fresh lemon all playing their part.” A stunning wine, available at Ampersand 27. Also, the delicious estate Riesling is well-priced at $24 and available at Rge Road and Pampa.
Wine selections are available at select Alberta shops. Log onto liquorconnect.com to check availability and give them a call to verify. Juanita Roos opened Color de Vino, a fine wine and spirits store, with her family in 2014. She has travelled to wine regions around the world and completed the prestigious WSET Diploma from London, England, the prerequisite for the Master of Wine program. Send your questions about wine to info@colordevino.ca.