Last month, I had an idyllic visit to Kelowna, B.C. Situated on the beach-laden shores of beautiful Lake Okanagan and surrounded by three mountain ranges, the landscape is spectacular. It is no wonder Kelowna is the fastest-growing city in Canada.
I drove to Quails’ Gate Winery in West Kelowna, family owned and operated by the Stewarts, who have been farming this land for four generations. They transformed their 160 acres into a viticultural experience, complete with restaurant, bistro, picnic areas and a tasting room.
Having visited the winery two decades ago, I was eager to return. The views of Okanagan Lake and the picturesque scenery is exhilarating. The wine-tasting experience elevated it further.
Since many Quails’ Gate wines are produced in limited quantities, they are sold only at the winery. I especially enjoyed tasting the Quails’ Gate Distinction Collection. Among these gems, Clone 220 Chenin Blanc 2022 and Dijon Clone Pinot Noir 2021 stood out.
Little did I know, within a few days, the winery would close its doors for five days.
Raging wild fires would cause a travel ban. Back at home and witnessing the destructive force of nature amid such beauty was heart-wrenching. Miraculously, the winery resumed its operations unscathed, and as Joanna Schlosser explained, “we are through the worst and Quails’ Gate is eager for visitors to return.”
Back in Ontario, I found a small selection of Quails’ Gate Estate Series wines readily available. The Okanagan Valley is known for quality Chardonnay. Quails’ Gate Estate Series Chardonnay 2021 has a medium body, harmonious fresh bread and citrus aromas and flavours, followed by a soft lingering finish. Quails’ Gate Estate Series Chardonnay 2021 is an excellent companion to poached salmon, baked chicken, roast pork, and Brie.
The bright blue sky above Kelowna was a striking contrast to the rain-soaked Essex Pelee Island coast wine country in southwestern Ontario. Torrential downpours led to widespread flooding, affecting vineyards and other areas in mid-August.
“No more rain!” says Bill Redelmeier, proprietor of Southbrook Organic Vineyards in Niagara, in his latest newsletter. “We need lots of sun and some wind now.”
Why not try my personal favourite from Southbrook? Poetica Red 2020 is a Bordeaux blend composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Poetica Red 2020 is currently available at the winery.
From the picturesque Friuli region in Italy comes Collavini Pucino 2020, a red wine that has just made its limited debut in vintages. It is fresh and a step away from mainstream varietals. Crafted from the Refosco indigenous grape varietal, it expresses its terroir. This intriguing wine has a deep red colour, fresh berry aromas, herbaceous flavours and crisp acidity.
Pair Collavini Pucino 2020 with rich risotto dishes, pasta with cream sauce, sausages and cheese pizza.
As a former vice-president and head buyer at LCBO, Shari Mogk-Edwards tasted and selected wines and spirits from around the world. She developed Shari's Picks and now runs sharispx.com. She will review and recommend wine monthly here.
