Tuesday, July 5, 2011

I gotta say- I sure did luck out on the weather. Yesterday as I traveled from Nelson to Oliver the weather was in the 30s and sunny all day. Today would be the same with a high of about 33 and not a cloud in the sky…a perfect day for wine tasting in the desert!

After a long sleep in, a hot shower, and a cup of coffee I was ready to head out to find some wineries at about 11am. Half the point of the tours are to collect new wines to take home and I was excited to get at it. I started on the west side of the “Golden Mile”…a stretch of irrigated mesas and benchlands in the middle of the Okanagan desert that is used exclusively for wine and fruit production. This is the heart of the BC wine industry, and Oliver is named the “Wine Capital of Canada.” I literally rode down the street and had my pick of dozens and dozens of wineries to stop at.

Cassini Cellars: I had never been there before as this was a relatively new winery. Huge tasting room. Nice host but she was pretty much just reading from the tasting notes. Couldn’t answer too many questions. Wines were ok, their whites outshone their reds by far. I took home a Pinot Gris and a Syrah. Service: 6/10. Wines 6/10. Might come back.

Antelope Ridge: Never been before. Sits high up on the west side and overlooks the valley. An elderly French couple own it and there are not very friendly. Wines were pretty good…they pride themselves on their Chardonnay and I even bought one despite the fact that I don’t like Chardonnays. Service: 5/10, Wines 6/10. Would come back if time.

Hester Creek: WOW! Third time here, came in 2007 and 2009. They expanded big time since I was there last. They used to be a little winery tucked up in the hills, but now they have a brand new tasting room, a full service restaurant, and chalets to stay at. The wines were amazing as always. I went with a bottle of Cabernet Franc even though I usually don’t care for it. This one was great. Service: 9/10 (they greeted me at the door and gave me a full tour when I told them I loved the new look. Wines 8/10. Will definitely come back.

Gehringer Brothers: First time here. Specializing in german whites, and all reasonably priced. Reminded me alot of Grey Monk near Kelowna. Fella behind the bar was fun to chat with too. A very simple winery with no fancy labelling or extravagant facilities. Bought an Auxerrois. Service: 7/10, Wines 7/10

I actually had lunch at Hester Creek’s new restaurant before heading back to the motel to drop my wines off. I then continued onto the east side of the Golden Mile for a few old favourites:

Oliver Twist: Lots of bikers in this one. Been here twice before, once in 2008 and again in 2010. I ended up getting their Pinot Gris because it is amazing. The host I got was ok but didn’t know anything about wine. Service: 6/10, Wines 7/10

Silver Sage: Been here every year since 2007. A must visit, but nothing new and the hostess was telling the same jokes as she always does. Still, some unique wines here. I bought a bottle of “The Flame”…a sweet gewurtztraminer inflused with a hot pepper and a bottle of blueberry port. Service: 7/10, Wines 7/10

Desert Hills: Been here every year since 2007. Easily my favourite winery of the southern Okanagan and the one I have been looking forward to for the whole trip. These guys make GREAT wines, including the boldest reds around and the best gewurtztraminer I have ever tasted. I sprung for a whole case of assorted wines including the gewurtz, syrahs, and malbecs that they would ship to Saskatchewan for me. They were technically sold out of the gewurtz but after hearing that I come all the way from Saskatchewan they ‘found’ me six bottles. They even threw in a free $40 bottle of “Mirage” for me to enjoy that night. As if. I’m saving that baby. Service: 10/10, Wines: 10/10

After a full day I got out of the hot sun and relaxed at the motel. I ended up at Ye Olde Welcome Inn again. Love that place. Wonderful food, service, and prices. I had a steak and prawns for $10. Find that anywhere else. I dare ya.