Wine Capital of Canada

British Columbia Wines, Wineries & Wine Tours

Archive for November, 2008

Thornhaven Estates Winery

Posted by David Lynch

Thornhaven Estates invites you to visit our intimate, charming winery. Elevated on the slopes of Little Giant’s Head Mountain, a rocky, pine-covered crest, Thornhaven is fronted by its flourishing vineyards and cloaked in its quiet surroundings. The spectacular views from our courtyard patio overlook the picturesque landscape of Summerland’s orchard-laden valley floor and distant rolling mountains. To the east lie striking panoramas of sparkling Okanagan Lake, the bordering forested hills, and the fertile emerald benchlands of neighbouring communities.

Inspired by our breathtaking settings and our love of the grape, we craft wines that are appreciated by novices and connoisseurs alike. Our approach to winemaking, careful and passionate, exposes the natural qualities and intricate characteristics of the fruit, which produces our elegant vintages.

Come visit the quiet heart of the Okanagan valley, experience the distinctive qualities of our wines and enjoy the splendor of our surroundings. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

If you would like to place an order for our wines or have any questions about Thornhaven Estates Winery, please contact us. We welcome all of your comments and suggestions.

Proprietors- Jack and Jan Fraser
Cellar Master- Jason Fraser
Wine Shop Host- Danny Evanishen

6816 Andrew Avenue
Summerland. BC V0H 1Z7
ph: (250) 494-7778
fax: (250) 494-1617

info@thornhaven.com
www.thornhaven.com

Carbrea Vinyard - Hornby Island, B.C.

Posted by David Lynch

Carbrea Vinyard
http://www.carbreavineyard.com/
1885 Central Road
Hornby Island, B.C. V0R 1Z0
Telephone (250) 335-3120
Email info@carbreavineyard.com

Our four acre vineyard benefits from sunshine from sunrise to sunset on this beautiful south facing property. Early bud-break and long summer days bring sweet, ripe grapes ready for harvest in early October. Sustainable farming methods are practiced without the use of herbicides or pesticides.

While Hornby Island is typically short of water during the summers we have created an irrigation pond, using the island’s number one winter resource; rain! Constant maintenance on the vineyard is required with the plants individual needs being met along the way. For this demanding job we rely on Mick Vet who is a wealth of agricultural knowledge. Major accolades go to Mick and his tireless dedication to the vineyard.

Huge barn doors open into Carbrea Winery, revealing gorgeous brushed Italian stainless steel fermentation tanks, a wall of French oak barrels and various crushing, pressing and pumping equipment. For the most part this is a quiet part of the operation where the wine waits patiently for its next processing. At harvest however, the winery is bustling with activity as we de-stem, crush, ferment and press. The huge room already seems a little too small.
Situated on Hornby Island, Carbrea proudly joins other Gulf Island wineries in the newly designated Gulf Island appellation. The appellation was designated two years ago by the technical committee of the British Columbia Wine Institute, and is made up of 12 vineyards and 103 acres of vines scattered across half a dozen islands.

Situated on Hornby Island, Carbrea proudly joins other Gulf Island wineries in the newly designated Gulf Island appellation. The appellation was designated two years ago by the technical committee of the British Columbia Wine Institute, and is made up of 12 vineyards and 103 acres of vines scattered across half a dozen islands.

Saturna Island Family Estate Winery

Posted by David Lynch

http://www.saturnavineyards.com/

The Management and staff at Saturna Island Family Estate Winery are pleased to announce thatthe following Gold and Silver medals awarded at the 2008 All Canadian Wine Championships:

Gold Medal - 2006 Estate Pinot Noir

Silver Medal - 2006 Vintner’s Select Chardonnay

Saturna Island Family Estate Winery is the premier winery in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. We are centered in a unique marine ecosystem which attracts whale watching, kayaking, and diving enthusiasts. Our micro climate is unique to the region, and is described as similar to the northern Mediterranean. We are committed to producing wines of superior style and quality: wines that exemplify our unique terroir and climate.

Saturna Island Family Estate Winery boasts 60 acres of vineyards that are ideal for the cultivation of classic European grape varietals. We have Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Merlot under vine. Our summers are warm, and our winters are mild; the ideal conditions for a long growing season.

There are four vineyards that comprise the 60 acre site. These are Rebecca, Robyn, Longfield, and Falconridge. Each one was established in different years, beginning in 1995 with the entire property completed in spring, 2000.

Tours of the vineyards and winery are conducted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff on a regular basis, and by special arrangement for large groups. Visitors are welcome at the wine shop at any time during operating hours.

Following the tours, complimentary wine tastings are held in our wine shop. Visitors may purchase wine directly from the wine shop together with an array of unique merchandise. Our bistro is open for lunch from May to October, and provides a wonderful atmosphere to soak in the charm of Saturna Island Family Estate Winery.

CORPORATE OFFICE
#1100 - 1199 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3T5

Lisa Baxter
(604) 641-2774
lbaxter@mnxltd.com

Lower Mainland Sales
Please contact: Mike Wiseman 604-315-8718

For Vancouver Island and Gulf Island sales please contact:
Michael Vautour or Shane Miller at 250-539-5139
WINERY
P .O. Box 54
8 Quarry Road
Saturna Island, BC V0N 2Y0

Marley Farm Winery

Posted by David Lynch

1831D Mount Newton X Rd.
Saanichton, British Columbia
Canada V8M 1L1
Web Site:  http://www.marleyfarm.ca

Winter Hours
October to April
Wednesday to Friday — 11am to 3pm
Saturday and Sunday — 11am to 5pm

Summer Hours
May to September
Daily — 11am to 6pm

Marley Farm is a family owned and operated winery located in the tranquil Mount Newton Valley, British Columbia. The Marley Family have always dreamed of owning a winery and in the spring of 2000 that dream was born. Beverly, an ardent winemaker of many years, led the charge in getting the business set up.

After some considerable research Pinot Grigio, Ortega and Pinot Noir, were planted as being the best suited varietals for the local micro climate, soils and exposure. With the help of family and friends the first vines were planted and Marley Farm had their first harvest, however limited, in the fall of 2002. Prior to that, Vintner Eric von Krosigk sourced grapes with similar characteristics, so that production could commence.

Marley Farm endeavours to offer a fun, family setting and with their bright new winery now open, you are invited to visit at 1831D Mount Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Lang Vineyards

Posted by David Lynch

Holman Lang Wineries
1751 Naramata Rd.
Penticton, B.C. Canada V2A 8T8
ph:250-490-4965 Fax:250-490-4956
info@holmanlang.com    
Web Site : http://www.langvineyards.com/

Lang Vineyards opened their doors in 1990 and has grown from it’s humble beginnings into one of the Okanagan’s foremost boutique wineries. Guenther Lang and his wife Christina purchased the vineyard when they immigrated to Canada in 1980. Geunther selected the property high up on the bench for it’s excellent soil conditions and microclimate. Additional properties along the bench have added to the overall acreage available to the winery.

During the 1980s, most of the hybrid varieties were pulled out and replaced with vinifera varieties such as Auxerrois, Gewutztaminer, Reisling and most recently Viognier. Red varieties such as Pinot Noir, Merlot and Pinot Meunier. The only hybrid variety remaining is the Marechal Foch which remains one of Lang’s most poular wines.

In 2007 Lang Vineyards was purchased by Holman Lang Wineries and continues to produce some of the most sought after wines in Canada.

Nk’Mip Cellars

Posted by David Lynch

Nk’Mip Cellars 1400 Rancher Creek Road Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0  Web Site 
Phone: 250-495-2985 Fax: 250-495-2986 Email: info@nkmipcellars.com

Nk’Mip Cellars (Pronounced in-ka-meep) is North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery…and it has some of the most spectacular views in the Okanagan.

The winery site is one of the most attractive in the South Okanagan with outstanding views in a setting of natural beauty. Situated on a bench overlooking the shores of Osoyoos Lake, the site is adjacent to a tract of natural desert land while the newly planted vineyards and orchards provide a stunning contrast.

The Band shares its history and traditions with those who visit the winery. Tour experiences at the winery are enhanced through the architecture, designed and constructed to display native art and artifacts, and enhance the beauty and unique nature of the wild sage desert surroundings. From the early years of ranching, trading and small farms, the people of the Osoyoos Indian Band have continued to change with the times. The Band has a long history of growing grapes and owns 230 acres at the Inkameep Vineyard that were first planted in 1968. Under the expertise of trained viticulturalist Sam Baptise, new varieties are being planted each year to meet current market demands.

Currently, Inkameep Vineyard is micro-managing 40 acres of this vineyard for Nk’Mip Cellars’ wine production. Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are all sourced from Inkameep Vineyard. In addition to the original site, huge vineyards have since been planted and now sprawl across the Band’s 32,000 acres. These are operated under long-term leases with several wineries. In total 1,155 acres of vines are planted on the Band’s land, with plans for an additional 100 to 200 acres within the next year. 25 percent of the total acreage planted in the Okanagan Valley is on the Band’s land.

 

Visiting NkMip Cellars
Winery Hours
Jan 1 – Jun 30 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Jul 1 – Aug 31 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sep 1 – Dec 31 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

The winery is open 7 days a week and only closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The Terrace at Nk’Mip
Jan 1 – Apr 30  Closed
May 1 – Sept 30 11:00 am – 4:00 pm for Lunch
Oct 8 – Dec 31  Closed

Gray Monk Estate Winery

Posted by David Lynch

From the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the Heiss family welcomes you to their Estate Winery. GRAY MONK was established in 1972 by George and Trudy Heiss. Today, they have over fifty acres of lush vineyards overlooking Lake Okanagan, which produce some of the world’s finest wines. Along with award-winning VQA wine, Gray Monk Estate Winery features a wine and gift shop, restaurant, tours and spectacular views of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Visit http://www.graymonk.com for more information.

Calona Vineyards - The Okanagan’s First Winery

Posted by David Lynch

Established in 1932, Calona Vineyards has the distinction of being BC’s original winery. The Okanagan Valley offers prime growing conditions, especially for Calona’s vineyards in the Southern Valley of BC where the hot, sunny climate produces the finest grapes. Approximately 1500 tonnes of BC grapes are crushed every year to produce many superb selections of VQA varietals offered by Calona.

As a pioneer in the BC wine industry, Calona leads the way to higher levels of craftsmanship and professionalism. Today, Calona’s wines are award-winning , rivaling the world’s most established names to prove the Okanagan Valley is at the international forefront of fine VQA wine production.

With new and superior equipment, a dedication to both quality and value, a masterful balance of old-world techniques and visionary winemaking , Calona Vineyards continues to supply the world market and produce the finest award-winning VQA wines from this Okanagan Valley winery.

Visit their web site at http://www.calonavineyards.ca/

Quail’s Gate Winery

Posted by David Lynch

THE WINE
As one of Canada’s foremost family owned and operated estate wine producers, Quails’ Gate is internationally recognized as a top quality producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Quails’ Gate wines are premium and terroir focused. The entire portfolio of Quails’ Gate wines is consistently endorsed by wine experts as one of Canada’s most outstanding.

THE DESTINATION
Not only is Quails’ Gate one of Canada’s foremost wine country destinations, it is also internationally and nationally recognized as a premier agri-tourism destination. Having been provided with a friendly, sophisticated and educational wine and culinary experience, visitors return again and again. The Quails’ Gate onsite experience is most relaxing and welcoming. Onsite hospitality staff are among the most professional, friendly and knowledgeable in matters of wine and food in the country.

THE SITE
The facility and grounds of our vineyards reflect the premium quality of Quails’ Gate wines. The care and attention to detail given to the vineyard and winery landscape echo the attention to detail given to all other areas of the company. Quails’ Gate continues to be a leader in advanced viticulture practices, placing the Stewart family’s vineyards among the most prized grape growing sites for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other focused varietals in North America.

THE PEOPLE
Members of the Quails’ Gate team are well respected and viewed as some of the most talented in the wine and hospitality industry, making their mark as innovative and knowledgeable leaders. By having been provided many opportunities for development, our staff strive for personal achievement and development. The Stewart family ensures that the best skills in the business are recruited, developed and retained. Winery staff feel that they work for the best winery in the country.

Visit their web site at THE WINE
As one of Canada’s foremost family owned and operated estate wine producers, Quails’ Gate is internationally recognized as a top quality producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Quails’ Gate wines are premium and terroir focused. The entire portfolio of Quails’ Gate wines is consistently endorsed by wine experts as one of Canada’s most outstanding.

THE DESTINATION
Not only is Quails’ Gate one of Canada’s foremost wine country destinations, it is also internationally and nationally recognized as a premier agri-tourism destination. Having been provided with a friendly, sophisticated and educational wine and culinary experience, visitors return again and again. The Quails’ Gate onsite experience is most relaxing and welcoming. Onsite hospitality staff are among the most professional, friendly and knowledgeable in matters of wine and food in the country.

THE SITE
The facility and grounds of our vineyards reflect the premium quality of Quails’ Gate wines. The care and attention to detail given to the vineyard and winery landscape echo the attention to detail given to all other areas of the company. Quails’ Gate continues to be a leader in advanced viticulture practices, placing the Stewart family’s vineyards among the most prized grape growing sites for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other focused varietals in North America.

THE PEOPLE
Members of the Quails’ Gate team are well respected and viewed as some of the most talented in the wine and hospitality industry, making their mark as innovative and knowledgeable leaders. By having been provided many opportunities for development, our staff strive for personal achievement and development. The Stewart family ensures that the best skills in the business are recruited, developed and retained. Winery staff feel that they work for the best winery in the country.

Visit their web site at http://www.quailsgate.com/

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

Posted by David Lynch

1730 Mission Hill Road, Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4. Phone: 250-768-7611; Fax: 250-768-2044. Web Site

Welcome to Mission Hill Family Estate, situated in the heart of British Columbia’s breathtaking Okanagan Valley wine country, one of the Pacific Northwest’s undiscovered gems.

Making great wines and providing a special place where people can enjoy them has been my dream and my life’s work. Now, it’s a reality, one that my family and I want to share with everyone who visits us high atop Mission Hill.

We hope you’ll think of our winery as a refuge from the hurried pace of daily life. We invite you to experience the nature and art of winemaking by walking our lush on-site vineyards and visiting our underground cellars. Sample fine wines by the glass, marvel at the vista and reflect on a process that’s almost as old as time itself.

Our Guest Experience section provides detailed information about our tours and wine programs. We look forward to your visit.

Anthony von Mandl
Proprietor