Head for the Okanagan
Valley coming off four good to excellent vintages
All signs point to a massive year for Okanagan Valley tourism. A fat American dollar will ensure tourists arrive in large numbers and by extension the same dollar and low gas prices will ensure locals likely stay home.
The valley is also coming off four good to excellent vintages.
I’m not sure where everyone will stay in the accommodation-challenged valley, but one thing is for sure: room rates will be on the rise, so book early.
At this time of year it’s fun to think about which wineries could be on your visit list and which wines to seek out in 2016.
Including the Similkameen Valley, to the west of the south Okanagan Valley, the region is about 200 kilometres long. Dividing the valley into three or four larger geographical areas and/or a series of towns, villages and benches is likely the best plan and then confine your travel to exploring one or two of these areas.
We will begin in the north, at least north of Kelowna.
You should make time to visit 50th Parallel and Gray Monk Cellars in Lake County. Gray Monk is a regional pioneer with vineyards that are over 40 years old. Pinot Gris is their star, but they are making some stunning sparkling wines under the Odyssey label.
At 50th Parallel winemaker Grant Stanley is making pure, fruited wines led by an excellent Rosé and a Pinot Noir. Both properties offer outstanding views of northern Okanagan Lake and are worth visiting just for the scenery.
In the East Kelowna/Mission district, there are four jewels to visit. Summerhill now boasts a comprehensive organic and biodynamic wine and food program for visitors to get up to speed on the only path the valley should be headed down.
Summerhill sparkling wine and Riesling are perfect starting points.
Nearby at CedarCreek, expanded dining facilities complement some of the brightest wines in the valley now under the purview of new winemaker Alexis Moore. Make sure you taste everything. Farther east up the slopes and well above the endless malls that dot Highway 97 north, Tantalus and Spierhead speak to the cooler, shallow soils that yield some delicious Pinot Noir and Riesling. Tantalus Old Vines and Spierhead Pinot Noir Cuvée are must-tastes.
Across the lake in West Kelowna, Quails’ Gate and Mission Hill offer top-drawer facilities to taste and dine. At Quails’ Gate look for the small batch releases under the Stewart Family Reserve labels made by winemaker Nikki Callaway. The Chardonnay is magic.
The Mission Hill Legacy wines are the top of the heap on the hill, although how one buys a bottle is now one of the great secrets of the Okanagan.
It’s a good reason to visit the winery, one of the best experiences in the valley. The new kid on the block is The Hatch and it’s a must stop for those of you who want less formality and more fun. Take some food and picnic on the grounds while you play bocce.
Heading south, a stop in Summerland is now a must. From the historic Sumac Ridge to the cutting edge Okanagan Crush Pad, Summerland is a sub-appellation in waiting to which you should start paying attention. Nearby TH Wines, Dirty Laundry, 8th Generation Vineyard and Thornhaven Estates are all pushing the envelope as they explore some of the best temperatures in the valley for making serious, cool climate wines.
Plan on lunch and a glass of refreshing Pinot Blanc at Evolve Cellars, the only lakefront vineyard in the valley.
More next week.