One Day Tour - Eclectic Characters

The boutique wine business attracts the type of people who'd be considered "eclectic" by any standards due to the all-encompassing nature of a vocation that requires you to be equal parts farmer, marketer, chemist, small business owner and public relations guru. Some folks are born into the business and others find their ways to it from varied backgrounds. A common thread amongst the personalities at the center of your favourite boutique winery is a desire to communicate the story behind the wine and entertain. The following wineries all offer unique and diverse experiences when visiting; eclectic characters all.

 Working from North to South along Highway 97, the wineries to visit are:

1. Hidden Chapel Winery
2. Fairview Cellars
3. Stoneboat Vineyards
4. Rustico Farm and Cellars

  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

One Day Tour - South Okanagan

Touring the South Okanagan can be dangerous. Firstly, you'll likely overspend your established budget twofold due to all the amazing wine on offer. Secondly, the physical beauty and tranquility of the region may entice you to peruse the local real estate listings looking for a property with enough land to start your own winery. And thirdly, your realization and disbelief that Oliver, "Canada's Wine Capitol", has no wine store to speak of may drive you to quit your job and turn your quaint dream of running a wine shop into a reality. Been there, almost done that.

This tour is designed as a loop, starting at the south end of the Black Sage Bench, up through Oliver and then back down the Golden Mile Bench. Perfect if you are staying in Osoyoos. I have left off some fabulous wineries due to the limitations of a one day tour and due to the fact that I haven't been to visit every winery yet myself (there are so many to explore).

Visit:
1. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
The only thing that detracts from the beautifully situated winery, tasting room, hotel and restaurant is the outline of the massive buses perched in the parking lot that unload large groups of thirsty folks who fill-up the wine shop. My recommendation, should you find yourself queued behind a large group of mega-coach-tasters, is skip ahead to #2 on the list and then come back. It will be worth the effort as Burrowing Owl produces excellent wines, year after year and offers one of the best views of the entire valley. Photo opp anyone?
Key wines to try:
Pinot Gris 2010
Syrah 2011 2012
Meritage 2006 2007 2011
Cabernet Franc 2004 2008 2009 2011 2012
Athene 2011 2012

2. Desert Hills Estate Winery
Although Desert Hills has been around for a while the family-owned winery has yet to establish itself with an obvious notoriety or identity. However, they have gained acclaim and recognition for a few of their single varietal wines and Meritage blend making it well worth the visit. Taste for yourself and perhaps bring home a wine you wouldn't likely have been introduced to.
Key wines to try:
Viognier
Gamay 2008
Syrah
Mirage

3. Black Hills Estate Winery
Although the most famous of the Black Hills wines, Nota Bene, sells-out every year, you can still get a taste of this cult favourite wine by visiting the tasting room in person and signing-up for the "tasting experience" tour ($20 a head). Visit the winery's website for booking information.
Key wines to try:
Syrah 2009 2011 2012
Alibi 2009 2012 2013
Nota Bene 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

4. Stoneboat Vineyards
At some point I will have to stop referring to Stoneboat Vineyards as an up-and-coming winery. For the meantime, the moniker fits as some folks still haven't heard of them or have yet to visit. Go already! They produce exceptionally well-priced aromatic whites and medium-bodied reds.
Key wines to try:
Chorus 2008 2009 2010
Pinot Noir 2007 2009
Pinotage 2007 2008 2009

Optional Add-on (if you have time):
Not ready for a bite to eat yet? Have time to squeeze in an extra winery? If "yes" then drive over to Le Vieux Pin and taste their new Rhone Valley wines and well made entry level blends.

Drive to Oliver

5. Fairview Cellars
After driving up to Oliver, and perhaps stopping for lunch along the way, head towards the Fairview Golf Course (follow the signs), take a right and head up the hill a ways to Bill Eggert's Fairview Cellars. If there is a sign blocking the entrance to the long driveway, then he's not home (or not available) if there isn't then head on up to the tasting room where you will be warmly greeted and regaled with entertaining opinions and stories. You will also be tasting some of the best Cabernet-driven blends in BC and an under-appreciated Sauvignon Blanc.
Key wines to try:
Sauvignon Blanc 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Two Hoots 2004 2008 2009 2010 2011
The Bear 2003 2004 2007 2008 2009 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 2010
Madcap Red 2007 2008 2011

6. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Heading south along the Golden Mile Bench will lead you to Tinhorn Creek (again, follow the signs). Tinhorn's tasting experience is threefold: a large tasting room, a self-guided tour of the facility and, new this year, a restaurant. Two tiers of wines await you: great value varietals and the premium Oldfield Series. There should be something for everyone in your group.
Key wines to try:
Oldfield Series 2Bench White 2009
Cabernet Franc 2007 2008
Oldfield Series 2Bench Red 2007
Oldfield Series Syrah 2007

7. Hester Creek Estate Winery
A small re-branding effort is underway at Hester Creek: primarily, slick new labels and new wines. A good result all-round but the most significant upgrade is the overall improvement in quality of the entire portfolio. It doesn't hurt that the wines are well priced too.
Key wines to try:
Pinot Blanc 2009
Trebbiano
Reserve Cabernet Franc 2008
The Judge 2007

8. Road 13 Vineyards
Ending your busy day of wine tasting at Road 13 Vineyards will be just what the doctor ordered. They have a picnic license for their property which means you can purchase a bottle and actually drink it outside while you sit and enjoy the view of the valley from, nearly, the exact opposite spot you were at when your adventure began at Burrowing Owl that morning. Apropos, don't you think?
Key wines to try:
Chenin Blanc
Honest John's White 2008 2009
Honest John's Red 2008
Pinot Noir
Jackpot Riesling 2009
Fifth Element 2005

Optional Add-on (if you have time):
If you managed to visit 60% or more of the above wineries in one day then consider yourself a real pro. If, for some miraculous reason, your designated driver is still speaking to you and willing to make one more stop, then head down from Road 13 back on to the highway and stop in to visit one of the new kids on the block, Cassini Cellars. Great Syrah, Red Blends and Chardonnay wines await you.

Happy touring,
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

One Day Tour - Niagara Peninsula

A one day tour of the wineries of the Niagara Peninsula doesn't do the amazing region justice, but that may be all the time you have. Eventually, as our own exposure to the peninsula wines increases, we will split this list into a full day in Niagara-On-The-Lake and the Niagara Escaprment, but for now consider the following concise list the highlights.

Seeing all of the wineries of the Niagara Peninsula is impossible - and honestly, seeing half of the wineries I've listed below will be tough enough. Paruse the list and pickout the wineries that seem to the most interesting to you. Depending on where you're staying, you may want to switch to a reverse order. I would recommend starting further away from where you're staying and working your way "home".

Start in Niagara-On-The-Lake

Visit:
1. Jackson-Triggs Niagara
Might seem strange to start with the flagship winery of the Vincor wine world, but its very conglomerate-ness is the reason to visit. You can taste and purchase the fantastic Le Clos Jordanne portfolio in the JT tasting room along with their complete proprietary line-up of wines. For fun, ask one of the tasting room staffers to explain the difference between the Black, Black Reserve, Silver and Gold series of wines. Look for the tiny plume of smoke that will inevitably escape from their ears.
Key wines to try:
LCJ Village Reserve Chardonnay 2007
LCJ Talon Ridge Pinot Noir 2007
LCJ Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir
LCJ Le Grand Clos Chardonnay

2. Stratus Vineyards
Just up the road from JT and a favourite of IconWines.ca. A stunning and gorgeous tasting room to visit - especially if you like ultra-modern design. You'll be paying for your tasting flight - a common aspect of winery visits in Ontario - but it will be worth it. Winemaking (and branding) at its finest is on display. Back vintages are often available for the blends - the varietals tend to sell-out each year. Their proprietary red blend was our 2010 Icon Wine of the Year. Winery also produces a second label called Wildass which others less expensive options.
Key wines to try:
Red 2007
White 2006
Cabernet Franc 2007
Chardonnay
Red Ice Wine 2007

3. Coyote's Run Estate Winery
Coyote's Run is situated on St. David's Bench and offers an intriguing tasting room experience where you can sample, side-by-side, varietal wines from two unique vineyards that make up the bulk of their portfolio. They also produce some fun white wines that make for excellent cottage patio fare.
Key wines to try:
Pinot Blanc 2009
Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir
Black Paw Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2007 2008
Meritage

4. Château des Charmes
Not far from Coyote's Run, also on the St. David's Bench, is the massive Château des Charmes winery and visitor's center. Their portfolio of wines is equally massive, but their are real gems hidden inside. They conduct tours daily and if you or your group are looking to add that experience to your wine tour then this is the place to do it.
Key wines to try:
Estate Bottled Aligoté 2008
Gamay Droit 2008
Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2006
Paul Bosc Estate Riesling Icewine
Equuleus 2007

Optional Add-on (if you have time):
Head east from Château des Charmes to the Niagara College Teaching Winery where many Canadian winemakers learn their trade. The college offers multiple tours and has an on-site wine shop that sells the winery's student participant wines.
 
Drive East to Vineland
 
5. Tawse Winery
In recent years, Tawse Winery has elevated its stature to one of the best wineries in Canada. Any trip to the Niagara Peninsula demands a stop at Tawse to taste their exquisite vineyard specific varietal wines and their above average entry level "Sketches" label. Was named the 2010 "Winery of the Year" by Wine Access magazine.
Key wines to try:
Quarry Road Chardonnay
Sketches of Niagara Riesling
Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2007
Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2008
Meritage

6. Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery
Many of the world's celebrity fronted wineries serve-up boring and predictable plonk. Not so for the Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery product which produce a number of quality single varietal wines and blends. That said, part of the draw is the kitsch association to one of Canada's true icons.
Key wines to try:
Founders Series Riesling
Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc
Estate Series Cabernet Merlot

Drive East to Beamsville

7. Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery
Hidden Bench produces ultra premium, small lot wines and have been gaining an international presence by entering Decanter's International Wine Awards competition and faring well.
Key wines to try:
Estate Chardonnay 2008
Tete de Cuvee Chardonnay
Felseck Vineyard Riesling
Nuit Blanche-Rosomel Vineyard

8. Thirty Bench Wine Makers
The best tasting experience (of many) at Thirty Bench is the side-by-side-by-side comparison of the three vineyard specific Rieslings grown on the property. Some of the differences are subtle and others are glaring - its a fun way to learn the affect that "terroir" has on the grapes and resulting wine. Thirty Bench also offer library releases of past vintages occasionally, so you never know exactly what will be available when you visit.
Key wines to try:
Red 2007 2008
Triangle Vineyard Riesling
Wood Post Vineyard Riesling
Steel Post Vineyard Riesling
Small Lot Cabernet Franc
Small Lot Chardonnay 2007

9. Fielding Estate Winery
The family-owned Fielding Estate Winery is a great place to end your tour of the Niagara Peninsula. The laid-back tasting room has a great view of the surrounding area and the friendly staff will treat you to a tasting of their multi-tiered portfolio of wines.
Key wines to try:
Viognier 2009
Meritage
Red Conception 2006
White Conception

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

One Day Tour - Central Okanagan

This wine tour focuses on the Naramata Bench and Okanagan Falls which I've summarized with the use of "Central Okanagan". Personally, I like to combine the two appellations when I visit as the drive between them is manageable and quite pretty. Plus, Okanagan Falls needs more press as it is a hidden gem of an appellation just off the highway that so many folks drive past without stopping when headed South to the Oliver wineries. The extra mileage may make your offer to be the day's designated driver costly to the personal relationships with your fellow tourers, but it will be worth it when you get home with all your wine-related loot. Start at the north end of the Naramata Bench and work your way south towards Penticton.

Visit:
1. Van Westen Vineyards
Look for the a-frame sign perched along Naramata Rd as an indication of availability or better yet, make an appointment. Winemaker and proprietor Robert Van Westen is passionate about his estate grown wines and the positive energy is infectious. A great way to start your wine tour. All of the wines are named with "V" words because... vell, vhy not?
Key wines to try:
Viognier 2008
Vino Grigio 2008
Voluptuous 2006

2. Lake Breeze Winery
Should you choose to take this tour in reverse order, then Lake Breeze would be a good place to end for a late lunch as their on-site, patio-style restaurant is excellent. The wines are very well made and their best releases speak to one of the Naramata Bench's strengths: top-notch white varietals.
Key wines to try:
Pinot Blanc 2008 2009
Gewurztraminer 2008
Bench White
Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc

3. Poplar Grove Winery
The Poplar Grove Winery is currently building a new facility which may effect its order in the day's tour (stay tuned). You'll get two wineries in one as the firm offers a second label called "Monster Vineyards" which are easy-drinking and more affordable. Also on offer is excellent handmade cheeses to enjoy with your wine.
Key wines to try:
Chardonnay 2008
Cabernet Franc 2006
The Legacy 2005 2006

4. Nichol Vineyard
Ross Hackworth owns and operates the ultimate boutique winery on the Naramata Bench offering excellent, well-made, estate-grown wines. The hard-to-find releases makes Nichol a must-visit winery on any tour through the Naramata Bench.
Key wines to try:
Pinot Gris
Cabernet Franc 2006
Syrah 2008
Pinot Noir 2008

5. La Frenz Winery
La Frenz has such a large portfolio of wines that if it were a restaurant's menu then Gordon Ramsey would be yelling at them to cut it down to less than half. But it's hard to argue with the success that Jeff and Niva Martin have created as a top producer of... everything. A must for every visit to the Naramata Bench.
Key wines to try:
Chardonnay 2008 2009 2010 2011
Sauvignon Blanc 2009 2011 2012
Montage 2007 2008 2009 2012
Shiraz 2006 2008 2010 2012
Grand Total Reserve 2006 2007

Optional Add-on (if you have time):
If you've been wise with your time and fancy a bite to eat then stop-in at Hillside Estate Winery to sample their wares and visit the top-notch bistro in the back.

Drive south to the Skaha Bench

Visit:
6. Painted Rock Estate Winery
Visiting the tasting hut (I hasten to call it a room) at Painted Rock is sometimes a time-share experience as folks wait to get into the cramped space. A more complimentary tasting room is planned that will match the quality of the wine but is a ways off. With any luck you'll visit when proprietor John Skinner is present and pouring the wines he's so rightfully proud of. Amazing views of Skaha Lake await you from the perfectly contoured vineyard.
Key wines to try:
Chardonnay 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Syrah 2007 2008 2009 2012
Red Icon 2009 2010 2011 2012

7. Blasted Church
Blasted Church wines are fairly easy to get a hold of as the BCLDB stores carry a few skus, however, the winery is worth a visit if for nothing else but the best view of Skaha Lake available. There is a reason the property is popular for weddings and receptions - it's breathtaking. Not that the wines aren't worth mentioning as well.
Key wines to try:
Hatfield's Fuse
Pinot Gris
Mixed Blessings

Drive to Okanagan Falls

Visit:
8. Stag's Hollow
Sure, you've seen one or two of their wines at the BCLDB and VQA stores, but unless you've visited the tasting room and tried the full range of wines, including their excellent Cachet line, you "don't know Stag". Great views of a very pretty hidden valley await you from the tasting room parking lot. Visit with the knowledgeable and passionate owners or catch a glimpse of their talented winemaker Dwight Sick at work.
Key wines to try:
Syrah 2008 2009 2010
Heritage Block 2007 2008 2010 2011
Grenache 2012 2013
Riesling 2013 2014
Syrah Rosé 2009 2011 2012 2013

9. Meyer Family Vineyards
Meyer produces some of BC's best (and most expensive) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines but they are expanding their portfolio with more varietal wines and are now offering "entry level" Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that are well worth the money.
Key wines to try:
Tribute Series Chardonnay 2007 2009
Micro Cuvée 2009
Maclean Creek Pinot Noir 2008
 
Optional Add-on (if you have time):
Head over to the other side of the valley to See-Ya-Later Ranch to enjoy an excellent line-up of well-priced wines and an amazing view of the valley. I place SYLR in the "Add-on" category as their wines are quite easy to procure via the BCLDB and VQA stores "back home".
 
Happy touring,
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca