An elegant Chardonnay, an estate-grown Pinot Noir and an award-winning Bordeaux-style wine blend make for the perfect holiday gifts to give…or give yourself! British Columbia’s Iconic Wineries is determined to fulfil your holiday wish list with its collection of celebrated wineries showcasing the finest wine, on-site experiences and wine memberships throughout Canada’s acclaimed Okanagan Valley.
Nestled deep among the mountains of British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley is a rare natural gem and one of the world’s last, great undiscovered wine regions. Ancient glacial activity has left a stunningly beautiful divide filled with the highest concentration of different terroir in the winemaking world. The dramatic and challenging continental climate requires viticultural and winemaking skills of the highest calibre, producing world-class wines in a truly world-class way.
Whether you’re gifting, a wine club membership or planning a trip this holiday season, the Okanagan should be at the top of your list! Here are four celebrated wineries to get your holidays started.
1. Mission Hill Family Estate
Mission Hill 2019 Oculus
If there’s one wine that is the ultimate expression of the Okanagan Valley, the 2019 Oculus from Mission Hill Family Estate is that wine. This complex Bordeaux-style wine is the result of meticulous grapes selection specifically nurtured for this rare wine. This Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a touch of Petit Verdot and comes 100% from their Osoyoos Vineyard. A powerful, fresh and elegant structure, the Merlot puts forth red and blue fruit flavours. The Cabernet Franc adds herbaceous undertones and the Cabernet Sauvignon supports a long and sultry finish.
Mission Hill Family Estate Wine Club
Mission Hill offers amazing winery experiences and a tiered wine club that will ship you six bottles of wine three times a year. For more information on wine, experiences or membership, visit: missionhillwinery.com
2. Martin’s Lane Winery
Martin’s Lane Winery 2020 Naramata Ranch Pinot Noir
Coming to us from the bench area of the Naramata region, this Martin’s Lane Naramata Ranch Pinot Noir comprises grapes from two distinct vineyard parcels. The region’s high elevation and meandering transitions through the geologically diverse terrain presents constant demands and, as a result, unique and intriguing expressions in wine. This combination of geography and Dijon clones presents a floral wine with intensity and grace. After spending 17 months on French and Austrian oak, a spicy and seductive aroma pairs perfectly with its fresh and juicy palate.
Martin’s Lane Wine Club
Martin’s Lane Winery offers a bi-annual wine club with your choice of six or 12 bottles of wine shipped twice a year, with additional perks. For more information on wine, experiences or membership, visit: martinslanewinery.com
3. Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Cedar Creek Estate Winery 2021 Platinum South Kelowna Slopes Pinot Noir
The block of Pinot Noir used in Cedar Creek’s Platinum South Kelowna Slopes wine grows uniquely on a northwest slope, keeping it cool and allowing for a later-than-usual harvest often well into October. This particular vintage had a very intense growing season with unprecedented midsummer heat, leading to exceptional colour and flavour development. Hand-picked, this 100% pinot is fermented in a mixture of concrete and stainless steel, with gentle oak ageing. Earthy with notes of dark fruit and soft, balanced tannins.
Cedar Creek Estate Wine Club
Cedar Creek offers two versions of their wine club. The 50 Acre membership will ship you six bottles of wine three times a year, and the Aspect membership ships four times per year. For more information on wine, experiences or membership, visit: cedarcreek.bc.ca
4. CheckMate Artisanal Winery
CheckMate Artisanal Winery 2020 Fool’s Mate Chardonnay
This exciting Fool’s Mate Chardonnay wine is a testament to what can occur when you bring the best of the best together. A showcasing five distinct vineyards, this elegant chardonnay is barrelled in French Oak and demonstrates a rich and complex body, with notes of stone fruit. Lucious aromas of orchard blossom and melon are followed by a long and sophisticated mineral finish.
CheckMate Wine Club
CheckMate offers two levels of wine club membership. Choose between 6 or 12 hand selected bottles shipped to you twice per year. For more information on wine, experiences or membership, visit: checkmatewinery.com.
