Sunday, October 18, 2009
Hillside Estate Winery Penticton BC
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Soaring Eagle Estate Winery
It is the business and home of Keith and Lynn Holman. Belly up to their tasting bar and meet two of the most interesting and engaging people in the wine business. Their Winemaker Bernhard Schirrmeister has created a riper fuller style of wine using later harvest, lees contact, and low barrel aging to enhance but not to interfere with what nature provides. Lees Contact is particularly effective at modifying wood tannin astringency by binding with free ellagic tannins, thus lowering the proportion of active tannins. Thereby, improving the balance of fruit, wood, bacterial and yeast aroma, and flavor notes in the wines he produces.
Search tip: Type "Soaring Eagle Winery" in the Google Custom Search and click the "The Web" tab.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Okanagan Wine Festival 2009 Hester Creek Winery
The Tasting room and wine shop were beautiful with a gourmet kitchen to die for. They regularly invite gourmet chefs to cook and pair wine with various dishes. A must see on my next trip to the Okanagan Valley. Maybe, I will return in April when they release their latest white wines. I think a stay at one of their Villas may be just what I need to evaluate their new wines. To check out their web page type Hester Creek Winery into the Google Search in the top right corner and click on “The Web” tab.
Okanagan Festival 2009 Gehringer Brothers Winery
Highway 97 at Road # 8 south of Oliver, BC. Winemakers Walter and Gordon Gehringer (two brothers) have consistently produced handcrafted wines winning numerous awards. Walter graduated from the University of Geisenheim in Germany with an engineering degree in viticulture and oenology. Gordon graduated with a degree from Weinsberg in West Germany in the Wine Masters Art. The present vineyard site was purchased in 1981 and the winery was built in 1985 and produced the first vintage that same year. They are best known for their Rieslings and offer dry, medium, and private labels as well as superb ice wines. They produce wines in the German style and are best known for their white wines. As far as I know they do not have a website. Their tasting room is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Ph# 250-498-3537. 
2008 Auxerrois ($14.09). Auxerrois Blanc is a French grape that is named after the city of Auxerre in Burgundy, France and is also widely grown in Germany and Luxembourg. This wine has a delicate fruit taste with a soft mellow acidity rich in subtle flavors and finished in an off-dry style. A wine that is widely accepted by people with different preferences. A great accompaniment to seafood especially scallops and shellfish as well as cream sauce dishes. Serve slightly chilled. This was a unique wine that I had not previously tried so I purchased a bottle.
2008 Schonburger/Gewurztraminer ($15.09) This is a classic Schonburger/Gewurztraminer made in the old German tradition. The flavors profiles of these two varieties truly complement each other. Schonburger contributes a delicate spice and subtle muscat (light orange) highlights that are evident throughout. Gewurztraminer supports this wine with an added dimension of spice and a crisp lively acidity. The fruit flavors are tropical reminiscent of papaya, passion fruit, and lychee nuts. The sweetness is completely balanced by the wines flavors. Great as an aperitif (served before the meal with an appetizer) and can be served with fruit and cheese or with lighter foods. Serve slightly chilled. This is a medium-dry wine.
Okanagan Festival 2009 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, 32830 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver, BC, V0H1T0. Take Hwy 97 south from Oliver turn west on number 7 road follow signs. Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery has been a fixture on the western side of the Okanagan Valley since its opening in 1995. Tinhorn Creek own and operates about 100 acres of vineyards in the Okanagan Valley on two different sites. The 89.5 acre Diamondback Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench is planted with Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, and Syrah vines. The 30.5 acre Tinhorn Creek Vineyard where the winery is located is planted with Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Kerner, Pinot Noir, and Merlot vines.
They allow both guided and self guided tours of their winery. They name their fermentation tanks for people who helped them get the winery up and going. On the Saturday afternoon when I was there they were hosting an outdoor dinner and concert for the members of their wine club and celebrating the release of their 2007 vintage wines on the opening weekend of the Okanagan Wine Festival. There was a very large turnout for this celebration.
For those that live in Canada you may wish to join their “Crush Club” where they will give you a 15% discount on a case of wine; however, you must pay the shipping cost. See their web site for details. In the Google Custom Search (top right), type in Tinhorn Creek Winery and choose “THE WEB” tab.
Their wine tasting room is open from: May – Oct 10am – 6pm. / Nov – Apr 10am – 5pm. Ph # 250-498-3743 / 888-484-6467
Okanagan Festival 2009 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Wines
Sunday, October 11, 2009
South Okanagan Vineyards in BC Canada
The South Okanagan Valley is the heart of the grape growing area in British Columbia. Roughly 60% of the total grape acreage for all of BC is found between the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos. The vineyards you can see in the photo are a part of the growing area called the Golden Mile. Wineries such as Tinhorn Creek, Gehringer Brothers, Hester Creek, Inniskillin Okanagan, Golden Mile Cellers, and Antelope Ridge are all found in the Golden Mile portion of the Okanagan Valley. There are many other smaller independently owned vineyards in the Golden Mile that sell their grapes to wineries throughout BC. On the West side of the valley in the Golden Mile area grapevines are planted in gravelly soil with some clay and sand. The lake you barely see in the back ground is Osoyoos Lake (looking south). The vineyards on the left side of the photo (eastern side of the Okanagan Valley) are the vineyards of the Black Sage Bench (spot the patches of dirt of the feed lots against the eastern mountains and Black Sage is just to the right of them over the hill). Black Sage is one of the largest grape growing areas in British Columbia with over 1500 acres of vineyards. Black Sage Bench Vineyards on the east side of the valley grow in deep deposits of sand. In the 1980s the majority of this area was planted with Hybrid grapes. The 1988 free trade agreement between Canada and the United States saw the implementation of a major vine pull out program. During the grape pullout program of 1988, most of the vines were taken out and replanted with Vinifera (Old World) types of grapevines or classic European grape varieties. Some of the more successful wineries in the Black Sage Bench are: Burrowing Owl Vineyards, Black Hill Winery, Desert Hills, Silver Sage Winery, and Carriage House Wines. The mountains on the opposite side of Lake Osoyoos are actually in Washington State (USA). The desert terrain of the Oliver area actually extends south through eastern Washington, Oregon, California, and Mexico. The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s only desert pocket. Although the vines in this area have more than enough sun light to ripen every year the average rainfall is only 9 inches per year. In order to survive most grapevines need around 18 – 22 inches of rainfall each year. That is why all the vineyards around this area are irrigated.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Okanagan Wine Festival 2009 Oliver Information Center
This was the first time I attended the Okanagan Wine Festival. I started on Saturday afternoon at the Oliver information center that was closed on Saturdays and Sundays; however, this map outside the information center helped me orientate myself in the area. The information center is located one block east of the main road (Hwy 97) and there were signs on the highway directing me to the information center. I returned later in the week and found the staff very knowledgeable and patient with tourist like myself. The October 2009 calendar will help you see some of the events available in the southern portion of the Okanagan valley during the 2009 Wine Festival. This year I focused my efforts on the Naramata area and south to Osoyoos.
Okanagan Similkameen Wine Route map
The area between Oliver and Osoyoos is referred to as the Golden Mile because of the number of wineries and vineyards in a very short distance. Being smack dab middle of wine country I felt like a kid in a candy store. There were just too many wineries to visit in one trip; however, all the wineries we visited in this area had excellent tasting rooms and very knowledgeable staff. Many of the wineries had kitchens in their tasting rooms and invited celebrity chefs to cook culinary delights and describe how to pair the right wine with the food you are serving. They made some awesome dinners and lunches. However, reservations are required. This is definitely not the place to go if you are on a diet and I will spend most of the winter trying to lose the weight I gained this week. I will detail my experiences at the wineries we visited in future posts.
Okanagan Valley Winery Map
This photo gives a better view of the entire Okanagan Valley wineries and vineyards. It is not all inclusive but you can see that it might take me a few years to visit all the wineries and vineyards in this valley. I took a week off from work and was only able to visit about 15 wineries and purchased about 3-1/2 cases of wine to critique through the winter months. Tough job but I was willing to volunteer for this assignment. Wow, was it an expensive assignment but no regrets. I must say that my understanding of the many varieties of grapes and how the various growing conditions affect their taste have increased significantly from this week’s wine adventure. Having lived in southern California for about 15 years and drinking several different California wines I am surprised how the same types of wines have a very different taste between the two regions. The California wines are much bolder in taste than the Okanagan wines. So much so, that my wife did not like red wines when we lived in California but loves the same type of red wines from the Okanagan area.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Westham Island Winery How to find
Wesham Island Estate Winery is on Westham Island, in Delta, British Columbia. To get there from highway 99 go east on highway 10 (Ladner Trunk Road) through Ladner Village then turn right onto Westham road, cross the single lane bridge and the winery is on the left several kilometers from the bridge. Be careful the sign is simple it just says Winery and the boutique is a simple home converted into a store. Just simple hardworking people trying to make a go of it with a fruit farm and winery who make you feel at home while tasting their signature wines. The type of people I like to trade with and an example of why I started this blog. They also make some very good fruit wines definitely worth a return visit.
Search suggestions to copy & past into Google Custom Search (top right):
Westham Island Estate Winery Delta BC
Search suggestions to copy & past into Google Custom Search (top right):
Westham Island Estate Winery Delta BC
Westham Island Winery Delta, BC
The exterior of the wine boutique is equally simple as it is an old single story home converted into a Wine Boutique. But do not be fooled by the simple exterior it is beautifully decorated inside and sales various local honeys, jellies, jams, and cheeses.
Westham Island Winery Jams and Jellies
If you are looking for unique jellies and jams this is the place. They have Pure Black Currant Jelly, Peach Jams, Pure Apricot Almond Jam, Pure Strawberry Jam, Pure Gooseberry Jam, Boysenberry Jam, Blueberry Jam, Cherry Jam, Rhubarb Ginger Jam, Rhubarb Raspberry Jam, and many others. You could easily have a different jam or jelly each week and not repeat any for a year. Sweet tooth heaven!
Westham Island Winery - Jammery Jam with Alcohol
Yes, they even have jam with alcohol. They also have several types of syrup such as Blueberry, Raspberry, Bumblueberry, Strawberry, and Tayberry syrups. Sorry, no alcohol in the syrups. These are not items you will find in the local supermarket or grocery stores. But they do add a little spice in your life and make for a unique shopping experience.
Westham Island Winery – Fruit Wines
Our purchase on this trip was a wine & cheese tote, spice cheese, Bries cheese, Boysenberry wine, Snogoos wine, and blueberry wine. The Boysenberry wine is a sweet after dinner desert wine. The blueberry wine is not as sweet but I like this wine after a hard day at work to relax before the meal or a lazy weekend afternoon. The SnoGoos wine is a blend of red and green gooseberries. The blend of red berries being sweet and the green berries being tart makes for a well balanced wine that is neither two sweet or to dry. I like this wine with pastas or pizzas.
Search suggestions to copy & past into Google Custom Search (top right):
Westham Island Estate Winery Delta BC
Westham Island Estate Winery Delta BC
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wellbrook Winery Summerfest 2009 Blueberry Mascot
Wellbrook Winery’s primary product is blueberries and their Summerfest 2009 featured blueberries. There was a blueberry bakeoff, blueberry pie eating contest, blueberry juice, blueberry jelly, blueberry wine, fresh blueberries, and various crafts featuring blueberries. Their blueberry juice and blueberry wine are my favorites and I purchased both at the Summerfest. Frozen blueberries are available year round in their winery. Blueberries are one of the top sources for antioxidants and should be a part of your diet. Wellbrook’s Summerfest is a community event with hundreds of volunteers. Thousands showed up for Wellbrooks Sumerfest event and I will mark it on my calendar so I can attend next year’s event. It was a very pleasant afternoon.
Wellbrook Winery Summerfest 2009 Kid Cadillac Band
The Kid Cadillac band was not doubt the perfect band for this event. The lead singer had a great voice and the band members harmonized well. They played a variety of rock and country oldies at a comfortable level that was well received by the audience. Their performance made for a very comfortable stroll through the various activities and crafts on display.
Wellbrook Winery Summerfest 2009 Kid Cadillac Band
Sorry, but I could not resist having my photo taken in front of a classic Mustang GT. This GT was nicely restored and well maintained. Believe me there were more than classic cars and blueberries at the show to excite me.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Blueberry Wine - The Fort Wine Company
Valley Girl brand Blueberry Wine from the Fort Wine Company is a very good wine. I paired it with some Holland Gouda cheese and Breton Garden Vegetable crackers. Awesome! I was skeptical about the fruit or berry wines; thinking they were just cheap wines. However, the blueberry wines are becoming my favorite after dinner wine. With all the antitoxins in blueberries there must be some health benefits in the blueberry wines. I mean, if red wine can be healthful then blueberry wine must have health benefits as well. Right? There are a lot of blueberry farms and several selections of blueberry wines to choose from in Fraser Valley in BC.
I found my thrill
on blueberry hill.
For you were my thrill
on blueberry hill.
Oh, too much thrill. I mean wine.
Red Wine and a Healthy Lifestyle
The benefits of moderately drinking red wine have been recognized for centuries. Though, not a drug, physicians have recommended red wine as a treatment for iron deficiency and anemia. Red wine increases the absorption of minerals and reduces the occurrence of sleep disorders. Consuming wine with meals aids in the digestive process, stimulate the intake of nutrients and lowers cholesterol which leads to a healthy heart.
Over the last 30 years hundreds of scientific studies throughout the world involving more than 1 million people have suggested that the moderate consumption of red wine (1 to 3 glasses/day) can extend your life expectancy by several years over the non-drinkers (abstainers). Moderate consumption of red wine assist in protecting against various types of heart disease and cancer and delay or reduce the risk of developing a range of other diseases. A glass of wine is defined as 5 ounces of wine containing 12% alcohol by volume (12%/vol).
Research over the last century has demonstrated how key organic compounds found in red wine provide additional healthful benefits not attributed to other alcoholic beverages. Other alcoholic beverages do not have the polyphenols that are found in red wines.
Wine’s Health Benefits Phenolics
Phenols are used by animals and microbes as a defense mechanisms and by plants as protection by stopping biologically active growth inhibitors. Since phenols are developed as a defense mechanism for plants the more stressed the vines are the more phenols the plants will produce.
Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds found throughout the plant kingdom being responsible for the blue to red colors in flowers, fruits and leaves. In grapes they develop during the stage when the skin of the grapes change color from green to red or black. As the sugars in the grapes increase during the ripening process so does the anthocyanins. In most grapes anthocyanins are found only in the outer cells of the grape skin leaving the grape juice inside virtually colorless. So it is the skin of the red wine grapes that give the wine its color.
Wine is a source for all the major classes of Phenolics which are preserved during the fermentation process of wine making. The ethanol produced during the fermentation process serves to boost the amounts of flavonoid phenolics present in the skins and seeds of red wine grapes. The phenolic compounds in wine include a large group of several hundred chemical compounds known as polyphenolics that effect the taste, color, and the way wine feels in the mouth (sometimes referred to as mouthfeel). This large group can be separated into two categories flavoniods and non-flavonoids. Flavonids include anthocyanins and tannins which contribute to the color and the way wine feels in the mouth. Non-flavoniods include stilbenes such as resveratrol and compounds derived from acids in wine like benzoic, caffeic and cinnamic acid. Phenolics are found in the skin, stems, and seeds of grapes. In wine making the process of maceration or “skin contact” is used to increase the influence of phenols in wine. The process of oak aging can also introduce phenolic compounds to wine, most notably of vanillin which adds vanilla aroma to wines.
This is way too much science. Bottom line is like most fruit the majority of the vitamins and healthy stuff is in the skin of the fruit. The processes used in making red wine captures as much of the healthy stuff as possible. So, let’s have at least one glass of red wine each day with a meal. I can live with that rule.
Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds found throughout the plant kingdom being responsible for the blue to red colors in flowers, fruits and leaves. In grapes they develop during the stage when the skin of the grapes change color from green to red or black. As the sugars in the grapes increase during the ripening process so does the anthocyanins. In most grapes anthocyanins are found only in the outer cells of the grape skin leaving the grape juice inside virtually colorless. So it is the skin of the red wine grapes that give the wine its color.
Wine is a source for all the major classes of Phenolics which are preserved during the fermentation process of wine making. The ethanol produced during the fermentation process serves to boost the amounts of flavonoid phenolics present in the skins and seeds of red wine grapes. The phenolic compounds in wine include a large group of several hundred chemical compounds known as polyphenolics that effect the taste, color, and the way wine feels in the mouth (sometimes referred to as mouthfeel). This large group can be separated into two categories flavoniods and non-flavonoids. Flavonids include anthocyanins and tannins which contribute to the color and the way wine feels in the mouth. Non-flavoniods include stilbenes such as resveratrol and compounds derived from acids in wine like benzoic, caffeic and cinnamic acid. Phenolics are found in the skin, stems, and seeds of grapes. In wine making the process of maceration or “skin contact” is used to increase the influence of phenols in wine. The process of oak aging can also introduce phenolic compounds to wine, most notably of vanillin which adds vanilla aroma to wines.
This is way too much science. Bottom line is like most fruit the majority of the vitamins and healthy stuff is in the skin of the fruit. The processes used in making red wine captures as much of the healthy stuff as possible. So, let’s have at least one glass of red wine each day with a meal. I can live with that rule.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Lulu Island Winery Richmond BC
Lulu Island Winery previously known as Blossom Winery invited me to their grand opening celebration on July 4, 2009. Their new location is 16880 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, BC. While their winery is located in Richmond their vineyards are located in the Okanagan Valley. Grapes grown in the Okanagan Valley region produce some of Canada finest wines. As you can see from their estate they have moved up into the big time. They are no longer the small mom & pop winery they were a few years ago. Their winery meets British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) standards. The winery was started in 1991 by two immigrants from Taiwan who moved to Canada looking for an opportunity. They have built an outstand winery and have a loyal clientele. Their main fortes are the icewines. They make several varieties that are very popular in Asia. A small bottle (375ml) can cost over $100. They make a killer Gewurztraminer that I enjoy late at night after dinner.
Lulu Island Winery Gewurztraminer and Merlot
At the Lulu Island Winery I purchased one bottle of Gewurztraminer white wine (750ml, 12.5% alc/vol.) for $16.75. Gewurztraminer is my favorite after diner wine. It is slightly sweet with a smooth finish and goes well with peanuts, cheese or blueberry pie. Since, I am a meat lover I purchased one bottle of Merlot (375ml, 13.5% alc/vol.) for $18.95. This wine had a slight hint of Oak and a nice balance of tannins made for a smooth Merlot taste. Through my wine adventures in Fraser Valley I have collected a rather large quantity of wine. I have had to reduce the quantities of wine I purchase at each winery. This is the only reason I did not purchase more wine at Lulu Island Winey. They have a large selection of wines to taste and sample.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wellbrook Winery Store
Wellbrook Winery has restored an old Grainery Store to house their wine store. Around the store are vintage tractors and other antique farm equipment. They have also restored an old farm house with antique furniture and a barn with century old beams and aged wood. But don’t be fooled, this is a working blueberry and cranberry farm. On, July 18th they will host their 5th annual Summer Fest with a classic car & motorcycle show, live music, barbeque, blueberry pie eating contest, and a blueberry bakeoff. They are located 30 minutes south of Vancouver at 4626 - 88th Street, Delta, BC.
Bremner’s 100% berry juice
Wellbrook Winery is owned and operated by the Bremner family. In addition to wine, they also sell 100% pure Blueberry Juice, Cranberry Juice, and Raspberry Juice under the Bremner’s label .
Desert and Table Wines
On this trip to the winery I purchased Blackberry Desert wine (c$22.12, alcohol 18%), Strawberry table wine (c$14.12, alcohol 11%), and BlueCranberry table wine (c$ 14.12, alcohol 11%). The staff was very pleasant and knowledgeable of the wine and history of the winery. Drinking berry wines is new to me but I will give it a go. I plan to return on July 18th for their Summer Fest. I cannot resist a good blueberry pie! :-)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Birchwood Dairy Farm, Ice Cream
What a find this was! Birchwood Dairy is a 210 acre farm, processing plant, and country story. They produce their own gourmet ice cream, milk, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and cheddar curd. I originally went there to find cheese made from happy cows to eat with my wine. However, their selection of ice cream was amazing and I was accused of drooling over the ice cream like most men would drool over a girly magazine. It was a difficult decision but I finally purchased some chocolate raspberry truffle ice cream to take home. Sooo, I put my diet on hold for the time being or at least until the ice cream runs out. Oh, did I mention that the ice cream was made from happy cows and cream from happy cows make happy and healthy people! By-the-way, the family and staff at Birchwood Dairy were very patient and helpful.
Located at 1154 Fadden Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Located at 1154 Fadden Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Birchwood Dairy Farm – Cheese & Fudge
I did purchase some Sun Dried Tomato Monterey Jack cheese, Smoked Holland Gouda cheese, White Medium cheddar cheese to go with my wine purchases. Oh, my god do they make good fudge. We purchased some Chocolate Covered Cherry fudge, Caramel Swirl fudge, and my favorite Pecan Dried Cranberry fudge (ecstasy)! Located at 1154 Fadden Rd, Abbotsford, BC.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Biodynamic Lunar Theory of Wine Tasting
Have you ever ordered your favorite bottle of wine at a restaurant and it not taste as good you remembered? Or invite friends over to share a new bottle of wine you have bragged about only to have the wine disappoint and embarrass you in front of your friends.
Maybe, it was not the restaurant’s or the winery’s fault. It may have been the lunar phase when you consumed the wine. According to the Biodynamic Lunar Calendar theory you should not drink wine on root days. It recommends that you drink wine on fruit days. Because I grew up in a farming community where I never planted a seed without consulting the Farmer’s Almanac first, I find the concept easier to accept than others. I have included a calendar marking the best (wine glass) and worst (wine glass & bottle crossed out) days to taste wine. Please let me know your experience on the best and worst days.
Maybe, it was not the restaurant’s or the winery’s fault. It may have been the lunar phase when you consumed the wine. According to the Biodynamic Lunar Calendar theory you should not drink wine on root days. It recommends that you drink wine on fruit days. Because I grew up in a farming community where I never planted a seed without consulting the Farmer’s Almanac first, I find the concept easier to accept than others. I have included a calendar marking the best (wine glass) and worst (wine glass & bottle crossed out) days to taste wine. Please let me know your experience on the best and worst days.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Farm House Natural Cheeses, Agassiz, BC
This is cheese from happy cows and goats. The cows and goats are allowed to grase in a relaxed atmostsphere. This is a family owned and operated farm that sells direct to the public. I bought Country Morning cheese, Gouda, Fromage Fraise (pepper cheese). The cheeses went very well with the Scarlet wine from River's Bend Winery. Hot fresh home made bread, fresh cheese from happy cows & goats, and a very good red wine in a swing on my balcony with a beautiful woman, over looking Minoru Park. I now know what a perfect moment feeeeeels like.
Limbert Mountain Farm, Agassiz, BC, Herb Plants
Limbert Mountain Farm, 5493 Limbert Road, Agassiz, BC. Claude’s great grandfather purchased the farm in 1902 and the mountain that is adjacent to the farm is named after his great grandfather. Claude was a stunt man in the movie industry and now he and his wife runs the farm, restaurant, and gardens. They specialize in herbs and organic gardening. You can buy herbal plants & vegetables from the knowledgeable owners of the farm. I bought a lemon Verbena herb (smells like lemonade when you rub the leaves) and a Genovese basil.
JD Farms, Specialty Turkey, Langley, BC
As I was traveling between wineries I came across a turkey farm that sold their own farm raised products. A quaint small Bistro, Deli, and store where they sold frozen turkeys, turkey pies, Jalapeno turkey stick (my favorite), berry jams, and pickled vegetables. JD Farms is family owned and operated at 24726 – 52nd Avenue Langley, BC. I have returned several times to trade with them. Definitely worth a stop.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wine purchased at The Fort Wine Co.
We purchases a blackberry wine 18% alcohol, a raspberry wine 16% alcohol, a blueberry wine11% alcohol, and a red cranberry wine. The cranberry wine has an 11% alcohol content and I plan to mix it with Sprite, 7UP or Canada Dry Ginger ale. The wine ranged from $16 to $20 per bottle; however, some of the bottles were only 375ml. Most wine bottles contain 750ml of wine. The hostess was well informed on the history of the farm and knowledgeable very about the wine she served and I plan to return to this winery in the future.
The Fort Wine Company, Fort Langley, BC
Located at 26151 – 84 Avenue, Langley, BC. This winery started out as a cranberry farm supplying cranberries to Ocean Spray Company. As the economies changed in both the US and Canada the owners of the farm decided to try making wine. They soon learned that cranberries is not a good fruit to make wine from and has since migrated to other berry wines.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
River's Bend Winery, Surrey, BC
May 24, 2009
British Columbia wine tour in Surrey. My first stop was the River's Bend Winery at 15560 Colebrook Rd., Surrey, BC. They have a large selection of Reds, Whites, and Blushes. I purchased 5 bottles of wine from Jacquie our host at the wine tasting. The wines that I purchased ranged from $10 to $22 Canadian and there was no charge for the tasting. The wines were the blending of several different grape varieties that had a smooth and soft taste. You do not need an aerator to drink these wines. Definitely a winery I plan to visit again in the future.
British Columbia wine tour in Surrey. My first stop was the River's Bend Winery at 15560 Colebrook Rd., Surrey, BC. They have a large selection of Reds, Whites, and Blushes. I purchased 5 bottles of wine from Jacquie our host at the wine tasting. The wines that I purchased ranged from $10 to $22 Canadian and there was no charge for the tasting. The wines were the blending of several different grape varieties that had a smooth and soft taste. You do not need an aerator to drink these wines. Definitely a winery I plan to visit again in the future.
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