British Columbia has a relatively new presence in the wine world, starting in 1990 in response to NAFTA, when trade with the United States opened up and whole new industries created. Up to this point in history the two areas mainly responsible for wine in BC, Vancouver Island and The Okanagan, was home to small family Vineyards. With the expansion of free trade, and some visionary winemakers moving to the area, the production of quality grapes expanded. Currently there are 148 Wineries in BC. The largest area of production is the Okanagan Valley, which is about a four hour drive from Vancouver.
The unique topography of the Okanagan creates entirely distinctive tasting wine. The 14, 000 feet elevations of the Cascade Mountains create a “rain shadow” of the colder, wetter weather from the west. This creates a hotter, drier climate, and statistically more sun than Honolulu, Hawaii. Although the Okanagan is Canada’s only true desert area, the close proximity to Lake Okanagan ensures ample fresh water for irrigation. The contrasting cold winters create a uniquely Canadian product, Ice Wine, created when late harvest grapes freeze solid on the vine, are quickly harvested, and the super-concentrated juice made into a rich, sweet desert wine.
The diversity of soil, altitude and temperature in such a relatively small area creates a perfect environment to grow many different varieties of wine as well. Sweet whites and big, rich reds can all grow in the same area, with astonishing results. Reflected in this is the wide range of varietals on offer at the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. For ten days in early October there are 165 events throughout the valley, focused on wine, food, education and the arts, and is a growing attraction for tourists and locals alike. Here is a condensed list of the Best of Class for this year’s 2008 Fall Wine Festival.
CHARDONNAY
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2006 Black Sage Vineyard Chardonnay
CHARDONNAY (UNOAKED)
Calona Vineyards 2007 Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay
GEWURTZTRAMINER
Wild Goose Vineyards 2007 Gewurztraminer
OPEN TABLE WHITE
Wild Goose Vineyards 2007 Autumn Gold
PINOT BLANC
Wild Goose Vineyards 2007 Mystic River Pinot Blanc
PINOT GRIS
Wild Goose Vineyards 2007 Pinot Gris
RIESLING
Wild Goose Vineyards 2007 God’s Mountain Riesling
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Mission Hill Family Estate 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2007 Dry Rock Sauvignon Blanc
WHITE MERITAGE BLENDS/VARIETALS
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2006 Black Sage Vineyard Meritage (white)
CABERNET FRANC
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2005 Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2005 Sunrock Cabernet Sauvignon
OPEN TABLE RED
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2005 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
PINOT NOIR
See Ya Later Ranch 2005 Pinot Noir
RED MERITAGE BLENDS
Nk’Mip Cellars 2005 Qwam Qwmt Meritage
SYRAH/SHIRAZ
Sandhill Wines 2006 Small Lots Syrah
BLUSH/ROSE
Wild Goose Vineyards 2007 Blanc de Noirs
SPARKLING
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2004 Stellar’s Jay Brut
MERLOT
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2005 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Merlot
LATE HARVEST AND DESSERTS
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2006 Late Harvest Riesling
OTHER ICEWINE
See Ya Later Ranch 2006 Ehrenfelser Icewine
RIESLING ICEWINE
Inniskillin Okanagan Winery 2006 Riesling Icewine
FRUIT WINE
