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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Darby English’s journey in winemaking is as complex as the wines he produces each year. After more than two decades of honing his craft, his Winery has rightfully earned its place in conversations regarding the best wines coming out of Washington State.
Darby English & his faithful companion Ash.
Darby’s passion for wine was ignited in his early 20s while he was playing golf for Oregon State University. Like many college students, he was more familiar with beer than wine, typically the more affordable, mass-produced kinds. The turning point came during a dinner at his then girlfriend’s parents’ home. Her mother, an excellent chef, and her father, a serious wine collector, introduced him to the world of fine wine.
In their cellar, he received an impromptu education on wines from California, Bordeaux, and the Rhône Valley. The experience of enjoying a special bottle of wine with a meticulously prepared dinner left an indelible impression on him. “Something just clicked…it was like ‘wow, ok I get this now—a special bottle of wine that tasted so different…I was fascinated by what just happened.”
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Linn Scott at Sparkman’s new winery facility.
For nearly two decades, we’ve made frequent trips to Woodinville, Washington. Initially, our plans to cross the border and visit a small town 30 minutes northeast of Seattle for wine tasting were largely met with confusion and blank stares. Woodinville has rapidly transformed over the years, now boasting more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms, and the reactions have since shifted to enthusiastic requests to join us.
Among these wineries, Sparkman Cellars has distinguished itself as a must-visit destination, renowned for its consistent quality and outstanding visitor experience. With a new state-of-the-art facility and the expertise of winemaker Linn Scott, Sparkman is clearly committed to continually elevating both.
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One of Istria’s very best.
Our travels last year led us to Istria, Croatia. While our primary focus was on exploring the local wines, it was the vibrant culinary landscape that truly left a lasting impression. Istria, situated in the northernmost coastal region of Croatia, lies opposite Northern Italy across the Adriatic Sea. Croatia, like many nations in the region, emerged from the conflicts that characterized its history. Once a part of Yugoslavia, Croatia has been part of various neighboring countries over the years.
Croatia’s rich culinary scene reflects its complex history, with influences from its past associations evident in its top-tier restaurants, some of which boast Michelin stars. Among these dining establishments, Villa Morgan stands out as a memorable experience, located in a charmingly remote and picturesque setting.
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Domaine Drouhin – a top Pinot Noir producer in the Willamette Valley
Rosé wines have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, winning over wine enthusiasts with their refreshing flavors and relatively very high QPR (Quality Price Ratio). Oregon has recently emerged as a notable producer of rosé wines on the higher quality end of the style’s spectrum. Across the state, winemakers are crafting rosés that are making the wine world take notice.
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