The season of feasting is upon us and our holiday tables will soon be groaning with delicious food, most likely starring a turkey. So what to pour at your holiday table that will be the perfect supporting cast for your bird?? Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose (it’s not just a summer wine!), Gewurztraminer, Viognier and of course, bubbles all pair beautifully. Here are some local bottles to try.
Peak Cellars Pinot Noir
Peak Cellars is one of our most buzzed-about wineries in Lake Country with so much more than great wine going on. Stay tuned for updates on their massive new second winery construction – it is going to be epic.
2019 Vintage Notes: One of my favourite Pinots, offers savoury and ‘slow cooked’ richness with integrated aromas of stewed cherries, leather, tobacco, sage and a spicy mix of clove, cinnamon stick and nutmeg, with subtle floral and freshly peeled orange notes. In contrast, the taste is quite youthful, lively and bright with juice berry notes and fresh acidity. The palate is quite feminine and elegant, showcasing very soft and round tannins, with a delicate savoury and spiciness in the long finish.
Quails' Gate Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery is one of our most charming wineries and offers visitors the quintessential Okanagan winery experience. It is grand without being ostentatious and the warm vibe that originates from owners, the Stewart family, radiates throughout every aspect of the winery and the award-winning restaurant.
2019 Vintage Notes: Made in a Burgundian style, this wine is elegant and complex with aromas of peach, white flowers, and lightly roasted nuts. On the palate, a mouth-watering freshness is balanced with subtle toasty notes and a lengthy, mineral finish.
Vibrant Vine Gewurztraminer
Vibrant Vine Winery in Southeast Kelowna really is as vibrant as you can get. With amazing artful shrink-wrapped bottles on theme with their wine, art, music mantra, a bottle of this wine will definitely be a colorful conversation piece on your table. Live music (indoor and outdoor), an art gallery and a wide array of wines are what make this winery one of our most fun experiences.
2020 Vintage Notes: This classic Alsatian influenced Gewurztraminer has an immensely floral nose full of white blossom and lychee aromas with hints of guava. On the palate it begins with a rush of lychee and mango, lush with tropical fruit flavours, and a moreish finish of honey and ginger.
Kalala Rosé
Kalala Organic Estate Winery in West Kelowna was one of the first to dive into the certified organic winemaking and viticulture world. Owner/certified organic viticulturalist, Karnail Sidhu, is a third-generation organic farmer and he and his family offer visitors a lovely farmgate winery experience.
2019 Vintage Notes: A unique blend of Gewurztraminer, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir and Merlot, this rose features aromas of strawberry, raspberry, lemon zest and honeysuckle. On the palate, it has a light sweetness, with bright acidity & flavours of watermelon candy, and lemon.
Sperling Vineyards Brut Reserve
Sperling Vineyards is home to one of Canada's most celebrated winemakers, Ann Sperling who is also one of Kelowna’s highly respected pioneer farming families. Ann’s legacy in our winemaking world will also be that of her bold vineyard transition to biodynamic farming and winemaking. It’s the holidays, so why not splurge for a special bottle?
2011 Vintage Notes: "The nose displays brioche/leesy/smoky/mineral notes with bright citrus, toast, apple skin and fresh, fresh, fresh waves of salinity. It’s electric on the palate with tiny, persistent beads of bubbles and electric acidity to accentuate the freshness in the mouth. Shows tension and finesse with perky citrus and apple notes on a crisp and perfectly dry finish. I suspect this highly stylistic bubbly will gain fat and more complexity if you allow it to age in your cellar. A wonderful drop.” 92 pts -Michael Godel, Wine Align
