Off the Grid 2022 Goat Rodeo
A wild and creative wine
Wine: Off the Grid 2022 Goat Rodeo
Winery: Off the Grid Organic Winery
Why drink it: Sometimes in life, it’s good to try wines that challenge the stereotypes of what a modern wine is. This is one of those wines, made from Sovereign Coronation grapes. One for orange wine and natural wine fans, it is, as the name suggests, wild and creative and interesting and fun. It’s tart, a bit tannic, with wild strawberry, grape and apple flavours and aromas.
Incidentally, as of press time, this West Kelowna winery is for sale. The same family has owned this land for more than 100 years. I wish them luck with whatever they do next. I have enjoyed visiting and I hope the next owner keeps the goats.
Pair with: Charcuterie, funky cheeses
Price: $27
Music pairing: Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyonce
Haywire 2021 Pinot Gris (Switchback Vineyard)
Fragrant, fruity Pinot Gris
Wine: Haywire 2021 Pinot Gris (Switchback Vineyard)
Winery: Okanagan Crush Pad, Haywire
Why drink it: This spring, Haywire has launched a free new program just for Okanagan residents. Haywire Certified Local membership unlocked free tastings for each member plus up to three guests in the winery’s fab new tasting lounge, a discount on any product at any time, early notices for special events and more.
And with that card, you can save on wines such as this fragrant, fruity, creamy Pinot Gris made from grapes grown in Haywire’s estate vineyard. Winemaker Matt Dumayne whole-bunch pressed the grapes, then fermented the wine naturally and let it rest on its lees before bottling.
Pair with: Roast chicken or turkey, soft cheeses and a fresh baguette.
Price: $29.99
Music pairing: Here Comes the Sun, by The Beatles
Foolish Wine Co., 2020 Hooligan Meritage
Scrappy, seriously tasty wine
Wine: Foolish Wine Co., 2020 Hooligan Meritage
Winery: Foolish Wine Co.
Why drink it: Mike and Melissa Coghill’s family started Yellow Dog Brewing in Port Moody, and then moved to the Okanagan to expand Yellow Dog. They co-own Neighbourhood Brewing with John and Jessie Main in Penticton — and now the two families have Foolish Wine Co. in the District Wine Village, too.
Winemaker and grower Brett Thiessen is part of the Foolish Wine team and he made this wine from grapes inherited when they bought the winery that is now Foolish. From what they know, it is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly sourced from Nk’Mip, plus Merlot from Bordertown in Osoyoos. There’s some Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc in there, too.
“This blend put up a fight, hence the name Hooligan,” says Thiessen.
It may be scrappy but it’s also seriously tasty, with good tannic structure—not too overwhelming, great notes of dark red berries, dried savoury herbs, a hint of smoke and cocoa. Other wines include a bright, refreshing Tempranillo-based rosé, as well as Spark, a sassy Sauvignon Blanc. The marketing, as you’d guess, is also sassy: “Come and get a little Foolish with us!”
Pair with: As the word Meritage suggests, this Hooligan pairs with big steaks, roast beef, lamb, burgers, that sort of thing.
Price: $29.99
Music pairing: The Boys are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy
Black Hills Estate Winery Sparkling Brut
Gold medal bubbles
Wine: Black Hills Estate Winery Sparkling Brut
Winery: Black Hills Estate Winery
Why drink it: Winemaker Ross Wise picked the best Chardonnay (the predominant grape in the blend) from Hidden Terrace Vineyard and Pinot Noir from above Skaha Lake to create this fine sparkler. Made in the traditional method (same as Champagne in France), it is fresh and frothy, with notes of toast, Meyer lemon and red apples. Not surprisingly, it was gold medal winner at the 2023 WineAlign Awards.
Pair with: Smoked salmon or sushi
Price: $55
Music pairing: Oiseau (featuring Bertrand Belin) by Laurent Bardainne and Tigre d’Eau
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