Surrounded by the striking scenery of rugged, towering mountains, BC’s Similkameen is an excellent place for viticulture. Renowned as the “organic capital of Canada,” this region boasts numerous small farms and producers who are committed to crafting high-quality food and award-winning wines.
Clos du Soleil winery.
The unique climate here is characterized by the retention of heat from the reflective rock surfaces, a very diverse soil composition due to glacial formation, and persistent winds that reduce moisture. These arid conditions, coupled with less disease pressure thanks to the winds, creates an ideal environment for wine production enabling vineyards to thrive with minimal intervention.
Despite these attributes and providing high-quality fruit for many Okanagan Valley wineries, the Similkameen Valley remains somewhat overshadowed by its neighboring regions, much like the towering mountains that encircle it. However, with wineries like Clos du Soleil consistently producing wines that rival some of the best in the province, critics and wine lovers alike are finally taking notice and appreciating the exceptional quality of the Similkameen Valley.
Read More
Inventive cocktails courtesy of Jeff Savage.
We don’t typically write about bars at AdVINEtures, but then Prophecy isn’t your typical bar. Sophistication and character have finally returned to Vancouver, thanks to the highly successful At Home Hospitality team of Mike Rose, Teddy Wilkie and Justin Mensah-Coker.
Masterly inventive cocktails, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and an authentic vibe all its own has made Prophecy THE must-visit spot in the city and, we predict, a sure-bet to be named one of North America’s Top 50 bars.
Read More
The covered patio at the Outlook.
A visit to the Okanagan Valley’s Garnet Valley Ranch in Summerland, BC, reveals a 320-acre property that blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. Purchased by Okanagan Crush Pad in 2012, it saw its first vines planted in 2014. Pinot Noir is the main variety on site, accompanied by Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Meunier, Chenin Blanc, and Gamay Noir. Okanagan Crush Pad’s Free Form label offers a Blanc de Noir sparkling wine, a Pinot Noir Rosé, and a Riesling, all crafted from fruit sourced from Garnet Valley Ranch. Last year, the inaugural release under the Garnet Valley Ranch label featured the 2016 Traditional Method Sparkling wine, the 2021 Chardonnay, and the 2021 Pinot Noir.
Read More
There’s no question that the Okanagan wine industry has faced some tough years of late.
Winemaker Evan Saunders.
Beginning with the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, the region has weathered a heat dome and forest fires in 2021, a major cold snap in late 2022, and now an even harsher cold event to start 2024. For Blasted Church winemaker Evan Saunders, it certainly feels like the Valley is being put to the test, but if anyone is up for the challenge, it’s him.
Evan became the head winemaker at Blasted Church in 2017 after working there for 4 years, following several years as a cellar hand at Osoyoos Larose in the Okanagan, along with working a harvest at Kosta Browne in Sonoma Valley, California. Throughout our conversations with people at the winery and in the industry, it is clear that Evan is highly regarded, with many expressing enthusiasm for the direction he is taking the wines at Blasted Church.
Read More
Solvero winemaker Alison Moyes.
Last year, Solvero Wines burst onto the Okanagan wine scene, instantly winning us over with their inaugural release. Now, just over a year later, a return visit has left us even more impressed. The synergy of Matt Sartor’s clear vision and winemaker Alison Moyes’ craftsmanship in the winery has quickly elevated them to a level of excellence typically seen in seasoned veterans.
Their intensely focused approach, paired with a brand new tasting room featuring one of the best views in the valley, makes it clear that Solvero Wines is destined for a long and successful journey.
Read More
Damsel Cellars tasting room.
About a 30-minute drive north of Seattle, Woodinville is a small suburb that boasts over 130 wineries and tasting rooms showcasing wines from the Walla Walla, Columbia, and Yakima Valleys. Sitting somewhere in between an urban and rural wine country destination, its popularity has grown exponentially over the years thanks to world-class wines and a burgeoning culinary scene.
From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, Woodinville offers a surprising array of dining experiences for such a relatively small area that caters to all tastes. Here are some of our favourites, both new and old, that are worth a visit.
Read More
Recent Comments