We left the wonderful Spirit Ridge this morning for a quick drive to Penticton and another day of day drinking! Our tastings were in Summerland which is a little north of Penticton – the middle circle on my map.
Joan and I did yeowomen’s work today, visiting four wineries and tasting 25 wines! We awarded a few 5’s and even purchased a few bottles of wine. All of these wineries are small and do not produce enough to send to the BC liquor stores. They survive on wine clubs, on local restaurants and on private purchases. The exception is Thornhill which sells wine through Save-On Foods. I have a list of the stores that carry their wines if you are interested.
First up – Haywire Winery
Haywire has a new tasting facility which is lovely and airy, with seated tastings indoors. They welcomed us with a frizzante (fewer bubbles than a champagne) then delivered a flight of six wines. Labels are laid out on the serving tray as you can see above. You can click on the photo for a larger version.
I gave the 2022 Pinot Gris and the 2021 Haywire Gamay 5/5. In spite of a 4.5/5, Joan purchased a bottle of the Gamay. I am sorely tempted to join Haywire’s wine club: three deliveries a year, 6 bottles of your choice in each delivery costing $200. $33.33/bottle is more than I usually pay, so I think I will remain tempted.
Fun fact: pinot gris and pinot grigio are made from the same grape using different yeast which accounts for the difference in taste.
Next up: SummerGate Winery, an organic winery
This organic winery is beautifully located high on a hill. We sat outside with the owner, watching the swallow-discouraging falcon kites flying, and learned about organic wine making. SummerGate has not previously produced reds, but has some pinot noir grapes ripening this year and plans to branch into them. I quite liked these 6 wines, giving the Kerner Frizzante a 5/5 and all the others 4/5. Joan purchased a bottle of 2022 Muscat Ottonel despite her 4.5/5 rating.
Third stop – Thornhaven Estates Winery
Thornhaven Estates Winery has a view to die for! It is on a hill with vineyards and orchards spread out below. Sadly the tasting of 8 wines was indoors at a counter. It seems that the license determines where the wine can be poured. We could sit outside but would have to come back in for each new wine. I imagine that’s why SummerGate poured all the wines inside and brought them out as a flight.
I really liked the 2022 Rosé and purchased a bottle for sipping on a warm summer – I think there’s a bit of summer left! – evening. Joan was not as taken with these wines. They are available at Langley, Tsawwassen and White Rock Save-On Foods stores.
Another fun fact: syrah and shiraz are made from the same grape with different yeasts creating the different tastes.
Final winery – 8th Generation Vineyard
8th Generation Vineyard is a family busines, started in the 18th century in Germany, and it remains family-owned. One son ventured to the new world but remains part of the family enterprise. The photos on the washroom wall are of family members.
The setting is lovely. We sat on a deck looking down on a peaceful picnic area and tasted 5 wines. Two whites were served as a pair for comparison – a 2022 Blanc de Noir and a 2022 Pinot Meunier Rosé, both made from pinot noir grapes. Two reds were also served as a pair – a 2020 Merlot and a 2022 RedOne which is 100% merlot served chilled. In between the two pairs we sampled a 2021 Confidence Frizzante.
I gave the Pinot Meunier Rosé and the 2022 RedOne 5/5 and purchased a bottle of each. Joan was not so taken with these wines though she also awarded the Pinot Meunier Rosé a rare 5/5 but resisted a purchase.
Tomorrow’s tour is in the Okanagan Falls area. I have high hopes of shooting the falls for you!
“Here’s to friends and family who know us well, but love us just the same”
from Atlas Obscura, Raise a Glass to our Readers’ Favourite Drinking Toasts
On the Move 
Beautiful countryside! This sounds like a lot of wine!
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