GREAT SUMMER WINE PICKS

The wines of summer should present with freshness and verve, and be equally at home outdoors as they are at the dinner table.

Here’s a look at some of our current favourites, many of which can be slotted into one of your block party or backyard entertaining themes.

Cedarcreek Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Okanagan Valley, $19

Juicy, fresh, bright white grapefruit, citrus green apple, and gooseberry fruit flavours. Super buy.

Foxtrot Pinot Noir The Waltz Vineyard 2017, Okanagan Valley, $44

Ripe, pure, and focused, with a mouth-filling explosion of black cherries and crushed raspberries.

Hester Creek Old Vines Block 16 Trebbiano 2019, Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, $21

A viticultural wonder from 50+-year-old vines — ripe melon and nectarine notes all lightly spiced.

Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2019, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, $23

Fresh, vibrant creamy-textured Gris with intense flavours of passion fruit, guava and pineapple.

Spearhead Riesling 2019, Okanagan Valley, $21

Fresh, green apple, lime fruit balanced by a dusting of sweetness sets the yin and yang of this wine.

Bartier Bros Rosé, Okanagan Valley, $20

Picture postcard, pale, juicy, fresh, authentic, dry, creamy, Provençal-style rosé that will match any food.

Clos du Soleil Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley, $22

This 100 per cent malbec rosé with tart strawberry, rhubarb fruit and mineral, flinty flecks. Special.

Corcelettes Oracle Rosé Pinot Noir-syrah-grenache 2019, Similkmeen Valley, $22

Oracle hits all the bells and buttons of Provence in B.C. citrus, wild strawberries, mineral notes and a creamy texture.

Fort Berens Rosé 2019, Lillooet, $19

An all-lillooet pink with light citrus, just off-dry cherries and watermelon and red apple fruit.

Orofino Vineyards Cabernet Franc Rosè Pozza Vineyard 2019, Cawston, Similkameen Valley, $19

Full-bodied, dry, mineral, strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb flavoured cab franc; think Margherita pizza.

Play Starring Rosé de Syrah 2019, Okanagan Valley, $22

Fresh red fruit, crunchy red berries and savoury and citrus notes that carry through its dry finish.

Robin Ridge Flicker Rosé 2018, Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, $18

Pale orange, slippery pink with juicy ripe strawberry, cherry, ripe peaches, and nougat. Super value.

Seven Directions Tractor and Vines Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2019, $26

The big citrus highlights a firm red fruit base dusted in Okanagan sagebrush. Wow, such a delight.

Bizou + Yukon Savvy Franc 2018, Okanagan Valley, $19.99

A sweet, fragrant, dark fruit nose that spills across the palate with light, grippy tannins and black fruit flavours. Hamburgers, anyone?

Clos du Soleil Winemaker’s Series Middle Bench Vineyard Syrah 2017, Similkameen Valley, $30

Ripe blackberry, plum, cracked pepper and cassis notes; serve with grilled lamb or mushroom dishes.

Culmina Family Estate N˚ 006 Unfiltered ‘Jeunes Vignes’ Malbec 2016, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, $29

Alluring wild black fruits and bright floral undertones are the stories of this richly-textured Malbec.

K - Little Vintners My Red Merlot-cabernet Franc 2017, Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, $19

Savoury, floral, spicy notes spill across a palate of black currants and pepper, leaving a soft, easy-drinking red.

Liquidity Estate Pinot Noir

Reserve 2017, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, $29

Raspberry fruit compote with earthy, bitter cherry streaks and a touch of toast fill out a rich Pinot palate.

Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz 2017, Okanagan Valley, $27

Look for a lavish, rambling, peppery Oz-like affair with sweet blackberries, black plums and vanilla.

Narrative Red by Okanagan Crush Pad Cabernet Franc-merlot 2017, Okanagan Valley, $20

Desert sage imbues this dusty peppery red filled with juicy cherry/raspberry flavours made to drink young.

Orofino Vineyards Gamay 2018, Cawston, Similkameen Valley, $23

A juicy charmer with forest berries, wild cherry, summer rhubarb, and dusted with soft spices.

Tantalus Maija Pinot Noir 2018, Okanagan Valley, $21.74

Smoked plum, potent cherry, and ripe raspberry flavours fade into an earthy forest floor finish — salmon anyone?