Painted Rock's New Digs

The parting sea entrance to Painted Rock's new tasting room.

Since it released its first wines to the public in 2009 (with reds from the fantastic 2007 vintage and a Chardonnay from 2008), Painted Rock has been a must-visit winery due to the extraordinary quality and collectability of the destined to be cult-collected wines. Prior to the opening of its new facility, a visit to Painted Rock consisted of cramming into a humble, small shack, originally procured as an employee break room, or by filing into the winery's cellar warehouse for a sip of the critically acclaimed portfolio. Now, the Penticton winery, situated beautifully along the Skaha Bench, can entertain patrons in a style better suited to match the prestige of the winery's building brand. They are promoting a high-quality, luxury product, with prices to match, yet, ultimately delivering on this marketing promise with exceptional wines, raising the bar of expectations for all Okanagan valley winery's looking to release ultra-premium wines. With the opening of their new tasting room and event facility, Painted Rock are also helping to raise the bar on the expectations of BC's wine tourists.

All photos by author.

Minimalist interior with a white wash affect drawing your attention to the branding.

Interior space effortlessly transitions to the exterior offering more seating and entertaining options.

Lower landing takes full advantage of the incredible view for weddings or similar formal events.

Walk the beautiful vineyard.

Ultra-modern styling on the building envelop.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Monthly Picks: October 2013

In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October. For the US, it's November. The origins, too, are different, but the modern day traditional meal and cultural experience are quite similar: family, friends and food. Our Monthly Picks list for October is focused on perfect pairings for the ultimate Thanksgiving meal, no matter when you celebrate it.

With Turkey

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir - $22
Deep, dark cherry and stewed plum aromas patrol the toasty oak nose supported by savoury sage and light spearmint notes. On the dry palate are pleasant, baked raspberry and cranberry flavours with savoury and earthy notes flowing through to the long finish. Mild-mannered tannins and refreshing acidity structure the palate nicely.
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JoieFarm 2011 Gamay - $25
A nicely rounded example of the spicy, juicy and funky Gamay grape offering impressive depth on the nose with wild raspberry, white pepper, stewed plum and cherry cola aromas. The palate follows-up with fresh, vibrant acidity, mild, fine tannins and a flavour profile that ranges from wild, alpine fruit to savoury notes like cured meats and smoked cedar.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2012 Grenache - $30
Brimming with layers of aromatic flowers, sweet spice and a medley of ripe, red fruit aromas on the sensual and feminine nose. The palate offers amazing continuity - the wine truly tastes like it smells - rich, feminine and complex with concentrated red fruit creating the perception of light sweetness through to the long, balanced, rounded finish.
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With Ham

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay - $14
Lovers of toasty, buttery Chardonnay look no further, this barrel fermented example offers all the big peaches'n'cream aromas you crave at the impressive under $15 price point. Has the richness to stand-up to the sweetness of ham dishes.
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La Frenz Winery 2012 Alexandria - $20
Peach, apple, apricot, citrus and stonefruit aromas and flavours round-out the profile of this joyous, off-dry wine suitable for Sunday brunches or dreary Winter nights when you're dreaming of the warmth of Summer.
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Erath Winery 2012 Pinot Gris - $20
Sourced from multiple vineyards and then blended to deliver a Pinot Gris with beautiful orchard fruit and light floral aromas on the nose followed by a dry palate with an even balance of rich, apple and pear flavours to vibrant acidity. The finish is long and tangy with hidden citrus and spice elements completing a refreshing experience.
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 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

BC Wine Deal: October 2nd

The following BC VQA wine prices have been reduced for September. Find them at participating BC VQA wine shops and BC Liquor Stores.

Andrew Peller Merlot was $14.99 is now $12.99
Andrew Peller Pinot Blanc was 12.99 is now  $10.99
Calliope Figure Eight was $17.95 is now $15.90
Cedar Creek Ehrenfelser was $18.95 is now $17.95
Cedar Creek Pinot Noir was $24.95 is now $23.45
Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon was $16.99 is now $14.99
Inniskillin Pinot Blanc Reserve was $13.99 is now $12.79
Inniskillin Pinot Noir Reserve was $18.99 is now $17.79
Jackson Triggs Reserve Riesling was $13.99 is now $11.99
Jackson Triggs Viognier was $13.99 is now $12.49
Kalala 3 Cru Wanderlust was $16.90 is now $14.90
Mission Hill Chardonnay Five Vineyards was $14.99 is now $13.99
Mission Hill Pinot Gris Reserve was $19.99 is now $18.99
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Noir was $18.99 is now $16.99
Open Merlot was $14.99 is now $8.99
Open Sauvignon Blanc was $14.99 is now $8.99
Perseus Merlot was $21.99 is now $19.99
Prospect Merlot/Cabernet was $14.99 is now $13.99
Prospect Pinot Blanc was $13.99 is now $12.99
Prospect Riesling was $12.99 is now $11.99
See Ya Later Pinot Gris was $19.99 is now $17.99
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc was $20.00 is now $14.99
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc was $13.99 is now $11.99
Summerhill Baco Noir was $24.95 is now $22.95
Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer was $18.49 is now $17.49
Wayne Gretzky Chardonnay was $15.99 is now $13.99
Wayne Gretzky Merlot was $17.99 is now $15.99