Timely tips for terroir tours

A great read in The Vancouver Sun by Anthony Gismondi on the Okanagan Valley region! Here’s what Gismondi has to say about the Okanagan Falls region:

“Before 2014 completely fades from memory, I wanted to summarize more than a dozen forays into the Okanagan Valley and recognize a number of people places and wines. It’s the kind of information you can tuck away and use in 2015 if you are planning an Okanagan adventure.

Let’s start with surprises. Kaleden probably isn’t on many wine itineraries, but the out-of-nowhere arrival of Skaha Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay ($20) and Krz Legz Skaha Vineyards Rogue 2012 ($40; 500ml) an equally attractive fortified wine would suggest a visit is in order. The chardonnay has wowed judges all year in several competitions. It is so impressive I have suggested they drop the un-oaked moniker and simply let it shine as a terroir-based wine. Be it Skaha West or Kaleden, this Okanagan Valley subregion has amazing potential.

Stag’s Hollow Winery has been around a long-time now but in the last three or four years, winemaker Dwight Sick has really come to terms with the Okanagan Falls site and together with owners Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger, it’s a rising star in the Okanagan. One need only taste the Stag’s Hollow 2013 Grenache ($30). The 2012 grabbed a solid silver at the WineAlign Nationals but in Year 2, this rare grenache offering, with a pinch of syrah, is making a case for more vines in the south Okanagan. But diversity reigns at this property, so don’t miss the delicious Stag’s Hollow Riesling Amalia Vineyard 2013 ($20).

Speaking of Okanagan Falls, all those new Blue Mountain RD (recently disgorged) fizzes await you at the winery, where sparkling wine is moving to whole new level. Also, don’t miss the 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir ($30). Nearby Meyer Family Vineyards is trying to redefine Okanagan chardonnay, moving away from new oak and closer to its terroir. It’s a purer style that has wide appeal among food and wine connoisseurs. Another newcomer making some noise is Liquidity Vineyards. It is still finding its way but early releases of viognier, pinot noir and chardonnay have shown a great deal of promise, as has the on-site restaurant that should be on everybody’s lunch or dinner list when travelling south of Penticton.”

The full story at www.vancouversun.com
by Anthony Gismondi
January 16th, 2015 The Vancouver Sun