Okanagan Tasting Rooms Update

OKANAGAN

This year is a grand time to visit the Okanagan Valley. Many wineries that have achieved recognition and success in the past 10 – 15 years are now in a position to expand their operations – and are doing so in world class style. New tasting rooms, new restaurant additions, new educational facilities –  where do you start?  With so many fantastic options, it has become increasingly difficult to plan your Okanagan wine tasting excursion, especially if you`re on a tight time frame. There are currently over 150 wineries to choose from (and growing by the month). Here is a highlighted list of the newest and boldest additions to established Okanagan wineries – all proof that the economy sees the wine glass half full?

Black Hills Winery

Black Hills Winery`s newly launched Wine Experience Centre is a stop you must make when you pass through the Black Sage Bench. It`s one of the best settings to enjoy high scoring BC wine in the South Okanagan. Lounging in trendy coloured cabanas surrounded by the spectacular view of the Golden Mile, Tasting Room Manager Katelynne and her team of knowledgeable Wine Evangelists will spoil you with opulent Black Hills wine – labels that regularly sell out and are exceedingly difficult to obtain.

Open May to October daily from 10am to 5pm

Tasting fee $20 per person for portfolio tasting and $40 per person for library tasting

30880 Black Sage Road. Oliver. BC.

Poplar Grove

This state-of-the-art tasting room quickly has become the iconic destination for Naramata. The innovatively designed concrete tasting room is carefully positioned at the correct angle to make the most of natural heat in the winter while minimizing the hot summer sun for guests. With the infamous Cabernet Franc is still lingering in your mouth, you’ll find yourself serenaded by the unobstructed view of the valley. Next to the tasting room is the newly opened Vanilla Pod restaurant, formerly on Main Street in Summerland. Chef Bruno Terroso’s intriguing menu matches fresh local ingredients with a glass of Poplar Grove’s diverse wine portfolio.

Opens daily 10am- 6pm

425 Middle Bench Road North Penticton, BC V2A 8S5

Monster Vineyards

Monster Vineyards is the second label of Poplar Grove Winery. Monster`s new home was remodeled and upcycled from a structure originally used as a honey factory. Inside this chic, shiny space visitors enjoy a fun atmosphere inspired by a chainsaw carved tasting bar, flanked by monster heads on either end. The carving was recently featured on the TV series Saw Dogs.

Open May to October daily from 11-5pm

425 Middle Bench Road. North Penticton. BC

Meyer Family Vineyards

At Meyer Family Vineyards, Tasting Room Manager Sharon and her staff will take your taste buds on a roller coaster ride. Ask them what the best food and Meyer wine pairings are, and they`ll respond with their tasting room theory: “Everyone`s palate is different and you won`t know until you try.“ Sample a Moroccan spiced cracker with a slightly off dry Gewurztraminer, or cheddar popcorn with their award winning Tribute Chardonnay. How about ketchup chips with Pinot Noir, and blueberry liquorice with McLean Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir for dessert?

Open May- October daily from 10-5pm

Tasting fee; Free for first four wines, $5 to taste all six wines. Fee will be waived with wine purchase

4287 McLean Creek Road. Okanagan Falls. BC

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars

The Mavety family settled in Okanagan Falls in 1971, and the winery was established in 1991.  After 21 years of accepting appointment only visits to their tasting room, they`ve decided to open the doors and invite the public enjoy a little piece of their blue heaven. The subtle tasting room possesses an air of mysticism with high ceilings and historical decorations. Enjoy a glass of true cool climate Chardonnay or Pinot Noir while gazing out the window to the iconic view of the valley overlooking terraced vines and Vaseux Lake.

Open May to October daily from 11-5pm

Tasting fee $5 per person, tasting fee will be waived with wine purchase

2385 Allendale Road. Okanagan Falls. BC

La Stella Winery and Le Vieux Pin Winery

Are you quite particular with wine and the vessel it`s served in?  Then La Stella and Le Vieux Pin are just the high class destinations to fix your wine fetish. Mo, the Winery Manager and his staff are not only particular with their wine, but everything related to wine – specifically the glassware. At La Stella the setting provides you with an intrinsic sense of Tuscany while you sip on their Fortissimo; a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend that is their take on a Super Tuscan. At Le Vieux Pin, you`ll be intrigued by Southern French expressions of the finest Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. The knowledgeable staff will give you the history of the winery and everything you want to know from the vines to the wine, while polishing the hundreds of various glasses in front of them.

Open April to September daily 10-7pm

Tasting fee $5 per person, tasting fee will be waived with wine purchase

La Stella: 8123 148th Ave RR 2 Osoyoos. BC

Le Vieux Pin: 5496 Black Sage Rd Oliver. BC