DAY FOUR:: August 5th, Inniskillin Okanagan, See Ya Later, Penticten's Visitor Centre and A fine Orofinno Dinner!
Good Bye Spirit Ridge: We checked out of our room at Spirit Ridge and made our way to Inniskillin. I truly liked our suite and would have like to learn more about this fine resort.
Seeing Light At Dark Horse Vineyard!!
Greg and I arrived at Inniskillin Okanagan early that morning. When we parked, we noticed these unusual creatures, which looked like ground hogs, up high among the rocks. They turned out to be Marmots and I guess, lived a similar life to ground hogs. Greg attempted and I believe succeeded in getting them on film while they perched over top of us. Interesting Creatures !
Why Inniskillin Okanagan Makes Great Wine!
Inniskillin Okanagan (and many other vineyards for that matter) is located in an area that is at the same latitude as the Rhine Valley in Germany and Champagne. However, it also lies on the most northerly part of the Sonoran Desert which is an extension of the Mexican desert. It is also a great deal drier than either the above two areas and Niagara,cool in winter and warm in summer. The dryness as seen with Osoyoos Larose, helps against disease and similar problems. The extremes are also carried on in the summer with warm days and cool nights which are important facts in the obtaining of adequate sugar (warmth) and acidity (cool evenings).
Vineyards
There are three main vineyards: Dark Horse, Bull Pine and Discovery. We saw the Discovery Vineyard while visiting with Troy just of Hwy 97 at his work depot. Bull Pine Vineyard has a two hundred foot perch over looking Lake Osoyoos at the southern tip of the Okanagan.
The Dark Horse Vineyard is an exceptionally beautiful piece of property at Inniskillin proper.
We met Audrey Silbernagel, Guest Services Supervisor who took us to the Gazebo located at the foot of Dark Horse Vineyard. There we tasted some wines. There was a phenomenal Chenin Blanc and a delicious Rose. Then came the Icewines, which were just great---especially the Tempranillo Ice Wine. The Discovery series of wines is truly amazing and reflects the on going research by Inniskillin into experimenting with new varieties and blends.
Discovery Series
Inniskillin makes some great wines from the flavourful and light Varietal Series, to the fuller and richer Reserve Series, to the Single Vineyard and Disovery Series. The Discovery Series really interests me since it features unknown territory so to speak where varieties that are unexplored are grown in small lots, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, Marsanne Rousanne and Sangiovese are a few of the grape varieties. I suggested some Portuguese grapes such as Baga, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional, Castelao and Arinto as a possibility.
As usual, Sally Sharpe was along with coffee and shortly after came Del Rollo and Andrew Cane.
I met Andrew Briefly some time ago but I knew Del well. We met some years ago while he was still the Mnager of the Jackson-Triggs Boutique in Ontario. His electric personality and tremendous energy quickly catapulted him into the light. He was very active with the Hospitality Industry throughout North America and has since risen to become the National Hospitality Director for Vincor, Canada. He continues to progress forward in the business and I wish him all the luck.
Del and I did a little interview walking among the vines at Dark Horse. We chatted about the vineyard and its formative soil aptly called "Ratnip" and consisting of stones, sandy loam and loamy sand. We also chatted about how he got into the business and his future. He also advised me that one of my most favourite people, Donald Triggs had his new vineyard just over the hill. Called Arise Vineyards. I informed Del of some of my ideas regarding new grape varieties that I think would grow well in the Okanagan/Osoyoos areas. Nice Chat. Greg and I continued to film until the time to say See Ya Later!
See Ya Later Ranch
We decided to take the scenic route to See Ya Later Ranch which was a high climb over some very scenic territory. We passed some very interesting and unusual lakes that had a white shoreline but not white like coral sand but white like chemical. It turns out that they are called Alkaline Lakes and the deposit caused by evaporation is the left over minerals. The water is poisonous due to its extreme alkalinity. Beauty in this case can be deadly!
We finally got to See Ya Later where we met the Chista-Lee McWatters-Bond, daughter of former owner and wine icon, Harry McWatters and there also, Sally Sharpe. I began thinking that Sally was actually one of several clones that ran around being Sally Sharpe. Del and Andrew also came for lunch as did Derek Kontkanen and several other winemakers.
We introduced to ranch winemaker Mason Spink who prepared us for a food and wine match and later on another wine tasting of See Ya Later wines. We also discussed the reason for the name over a glass of See Ya Later Brut Sparkling.
The Major
Major Hugh Fraser (1885-1970) was an educated World War One veteran who, after some time in a prisoner of war camp, came to the Okanagan for a visit and ended up staying. He purchased a property on Hawthorne Mountain and lived there becoming a pet philanthropist as well as community organizer. He had a penchant for dogs, allowing them to roam freely around his property. He would bury them when they died-----putting their names, birth and death dates on headstones. These are still there to this day. Later on in life, he became active in the SPCA (Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals). Many of the SYL Ranch wine names are dedicated to the dogs that Fraser knew i.e. Jimmy My Pal, Nellie, Ranch Rover etc.
Just as a point, when we were there filming, a member of the SPCA was there with a lovely dog which took away our hearts. Had we not been some 3500 kilometres from home, I am sure that the dog would have come back with us.
The name "See Ya Later" has a couple of significant meanings. One refers to the fact that his fiance (spouse) came to live at the farm and found life so demanding that she basically said "See Ya Later!" The other and seemingly more factual (not to mention less sad) refers to how he signed off on his favourite past time of writing letters. He said simply, "See Ya Later" and shortened that to SYL.
The ranch name was later changed to "Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards" but later changed back to "See Ya Later". By any name, the property is a splendid piece of work and absolutely dazzling with sheer geographic beauty. It was one of my favourite spots and I do intend to return.
Harry McWatters
One cannot talk about "See Ya Later" or any wines in B.C. without mentioning the name that has become an Icon of B.C. Wine. Harry McWatters founded B.C.'s first estate winery in 1979 and went on to become a living legend in the trade. He has affected all aspects of the B.C. wine trade environment as well as many non wine related issues. His daughter Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond, carries on the tradition. Mr. McWatters now works as a consultant with a consulting firm that he founded.
Wines Tasted
On Arrival
See Ya Later Brut: Very refreshing, yeast, apple/citrus on nose with pear/apple/citrus on palate. Very small, lasting bubbles and clean crisp finish. Nice wine at any time!
With Lunch: Cheese and Vegetable Platters
SYL Pinot Gris: Great with both cheese and veggies. Wine had meadow fruit flavours such as peaches, sweet apple and pear. Some vanilla spice and I noted some herbal characteristics with my grilled veggies. I'm not usually a PG fan but I like this one.
SYL Pinot Noir:Nice wine with the meal. Red fruit on nose with a hint of vanilla spice and pleasant red fruit flavours on palate with vanilla wood finish. Some herbal characteristics noted with veggies and cheese but not a predominant taste/flavour.
Wines Tasted In The Vineyard
SYL Jimmy My Pal: A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Semillon (about one third each). On the nose of mangoe, pineapple, apple and pear with similar flavours on the palate. Nice acidity on the finish.
SYL Ranch Rover: A blend of Shiraz and Viognier aged in French and American Oak. Lovely wine for grilled meat and/or that special steak. Nose of Cherry, vanilla and pepper spice with similar flavours including some black fruit.
SYL Nellie: A blend of Gamay, Cabernet and Gewurztraminer, Nellie is a pleasant fruity wine made for summer fun and relaxation. Raspberries, strawberries and melons abound and would be fine either on its own or with light salads, meats and fowl.
Off To Summerland Water Resort and Joy Road Catering
We begrudgingly said "See Ya Later' to SYL Ranch and made our way to Summerland Water Resort in Penticton. The drive as usual was enertaining in sheer beauty of the landscape and lake. We registered and then went to meet Dana Ewart and Cameron Smith for a gourmet dinner under the stars.
We dropped in at the Penticton Visitors' Centre and met Kelly Reid withwhom we were going to go sight seeing the next day. The Visitor's Centre also has examples of most of the Okanagan's fine wines available for purchase. A wealth of information, any visitor to this area must visit this centre prior to any activity or risk missing out on some serious fun!
Sally Sharpe---remember her? Sally left us a couple of bottles of SYL Brut to enjoy on our arrival and of course, Greg made sure that our enjoyment was captured on film. Soon it was time to eat and eat we did. However, I got the surprise of my life!
On coming to B.C. I had in mind to contact a certain John Webber, owner of Orofino Winery. I had tasted a bottle of his Cabernet in 2006 and had to have his winery in my book called "Rendezvous for Dinner" where I matched 50 of my favourite wineries with meals.
You can imagine he surprise I had when he was to be the guest winemaker at this event.
Here is a description of the meal and the accompanying wines.
First Entree: Orofino Riesling with:
Organic beer fed pork on apple chips with green onion and ginger
Peaches withbasil and Canadian prosciutto
Second Entree: Orofino Chardonnay with:
Qualicum bay scallops pan seared in beurre noisette
Corn, cippolini, Pancetta hash with cauliflower puree
Third Entree: Orofino Pinot Noir with:
Homemade venison sausage with heirloom beets, pickled gooseberries and taragon
Main Course: Orofino Beleza with:
Wild boar, charcoal grilled shoulder & roasted leg
Tomato and zucchini gratin with oregano
Olive tapenade aioli
White beans with summer savoury, slivered garlic,
capers and pine nuts
Market greens
Dessert: Late Harvest Muscat with:
Balaton cherries from the lavender farm with chocolate mousse and hazel d'entelles.
The wine and food matches were superb and Greg and I met some very interesting and pleasant people including some fine folks from the Netherlands. Cameron and Dana were lovely people who certainly know how to cook and their business atop of God's Mountain Estate is truly beautiful as a venue for not only having a delicious and relaxing meal but also for the breathtaking view of the lake below.
Wines Tasted At The Joy Catering Dinner
See Ya Later Brut: An excellent way to start any evening! The SYL Sparkling Brut made in the same way as the French Methode Champenoise is the perfect sparkler with fine small bubbles and great flavour. The acidity helps clear the palate for the meal to come and the bubbles serve to provide an atmosphere of fun!
Orofino Riesling: An exceptional wine with orchard/tropical fruit on the nose and the same on the palate. Great spice helps provide further complexity. The wine has a fine developped acidity that refreshes the palate and leaves a long lasting finish.
Orofino Chardonnay: Vanilla, peach, pear some manderin orange on the nose with butterscotch, subtle vanilla wood and mango on the palate. A fine rich acidity with a lingering finish.
Orofino Pinot Noir: Smoke, plum, cherry, wood spice, earth on nose with combined ripe black/red fruit on palate. Medium to full bodied with ever so lingering a finish that I find typical with John Webber's wines.
Orofino Beleza: A block buster of a wine! Black cherry/blackberry, plum, black currant on the nose. It evolves if allowed to develop in the glass to ripe red fruits with coffee, cocao, chocolate. On the palate, full bodied with vanilla wood spice, chocolate, coffee and plenty of dark ripe fruit. Lingering finishes of pepper and ainise. A tremendous wine that knows power. This wine was made for game such as venison, moose, boar, elk and like.
Orofino Late Harvest Muscat: On the nose blossom/floral scents with nutmeg spice. On the palate some lychee nut, mandarin orange and nice acidity.
End Of Day Four
Seeing Light At Dark Horse Vineyard!!
Greg and I arrived at Inniskillin Okanagan early that morning. When we parked, we noticed these unusual creatures, which looked like ground hogs, up high among the rocks. They turned out to be Marmots and I guess, lived a similar life to ground hogs. Greg attempted and I believe succeeded in getting them on film while they perched over top of us. Interesting Creatures !
Why Inniskillin Okanagan Makes Great Wine!
Inniskillin Okanagan (and many other vineyards for that matter) is located in an area that is at the same latitude as the Rhine Valley in Germany and Champagne. However, it also lies on the most northerly part of the Sonoran Desert which is an extension of the Mexican desert. It is also a great deal drier than either the above two areas and Niagara,cool in winter and warm in summer. The dryness as seen with Osoyoos Larose, helps against disease and similar problems. The extremes are also carried on in the summer with warm days and cool nights which are important facts in the obtaining of adequate sugar (warmth) and acidity (cool evenings).
Vineyards
There are three main vineyards: Dark Horse, Bull Pine and Discovery. We saw the Discovery Vineyard while visiting with Troy just of Hwy 97 at his work depot. Bull Pine Vineyard has a two hundred foot perch over looking Lake Osoyoos at the southern tip of the Okanagan.
The Dark Horse Vineyard is an exceptionally beautiful piece of property at Inniskillin proper.
We met Audrey Silbernagel, Guest Services Supervisor who took us to the Gazebo located at the foot of Dark Horse Vineyard. There we tasted some wines. There was a phenomenal Chenin Blanc and a delicious Rose. Then came the Icewines, which were just great---especially the Tempranillo Ice Wine. The Discovery series of wines is truly amazing and reflects the on going research by Inniskillin into experimenting with new varieties and blends.
Discovery Series
Inniskillin makes some great wines from the flavourful and light Varietal Series, to the fuller and richer Reserve Series, to the Single Vineyard and Disovery Series. The Discovery Series really interests me since it features unknown territory so to speak where varieties that are unexplored are grown in small lots, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, Marsanne Rousanne and Sangiovese are a few of the grape varieties. I suggested some Portuguese grapes such as Baga, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional, Castelao and Arinto as a possibility.
As usual, Sally Sharpe was along with coffee and shortly after came Del Rollo and Andrew Cane.
I met Andrew Briefly some time ago but I knew Del well. We met some years ago while he was still the Mnager of the Jackson-Triggs Boutique in Ontario. His electric personality and tremendous energy quickly catapulted him into the light. He was very active with the Hospitality Industry throughout North America and has since risen to become the National Hospitality Director for Vincor, Canada. He continues to progress forward in the business and I wish him all the luck.
Del and I did a little interview walking among the vines at Dark Horse. We chatted about the vineyard and its formative soil aptly called "Ratnip" and consisting of stones, sandy loam and loamy sand. We also chatted about how he got into the business and his future. He also advised me that one of my most favourite people, Donald Triggs had his new vineyard just over the hill. Called Arise Vineyards. I informed Del of some of my ideas regarding new grape varieties that I think would grow well in the Okanagan/Osoyoos areas. Nice Chat. Greg and I continued to film until the time to say See Ya Later!
See Ya Later Ranch
We decided to take the scenic route to See Ya Later Ranch which was a high climb over some very scenic territory. We passed some very interesting and unusual lakes that had a white shoreline but not white like coral sand but white like chemical. It turns out that they are called Alkaline Lakes and the deposit caused by evaporation is the left over minerals. The water is poisonous due to its extreme alkalinity. Beauty in this case can be deadly!
We finally got to See Ya Later where we met the Chista-Lee McWatters-Bond, daughter of former owner and wine icon, Harry McWatters and there also, Sally Sharpe. I began thinking that Sally was actually one of several clones that ran around being Sally Sharpe. Del and Andrew also came for lunch as did Derek Kontkanen and several other winemakers.
We introduced to ranch winemaker Mason Spink who prepared us for a food and wine match and later on another wine tasting of See Ya Later wines. We also discussed the reason for the name over a glass of See Ya Later Brut Sparkling.
The Major
Major Hugh Fraser (1885-1970) was an educated World War One veteran who, after some time in a prisoner of war camp, came to the Okanagan for a visit and ended up staying. He purchased a property on Hawthorne Mountain and lived there becoming a pet philanthropist as well as community organizer. He had a penchant for dogs, allowing them to roam freely around his property. He would bury them when they died-----putting their names, birth and death dates on headstones. These are still there to this day. Later on in life, he became active in the SPCA (Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals). Many of the SYL Ranch wine names are dedicated to the dogs that Fraser knew i.e. Jimmy My Pal, Nellie, Ranch Rover etc.
Just as a point, when we were there filming, a member of the SPCA was there with a lovely dog which took away our hearts. Had we not been some 3500 kilometres from home, I am sure that the dog would have come back with us.
The name "See Ya Later" has a couple of significant meanings. One refers to the fact that his fiance (spouse) came to live at the farm and found life so demanding that she basically said "See Ya Later!" The other and seemingly more factual (not to mention less sad) refers to how he signed off on his favourite past time of writing letters. He said simply, "See Ya Later" and shortened that to SYL.
The ranch name was later changed to "Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards" but later changed back to "See Ya Later". By any name, the property is a splendid piece of work and absolutely dazzling with sheer geographic beauty. It was one of my favourite spots and I do intend to return.
Harry McWatters
One cannot talk about "See Ya Later" or any wines in B.C. without mentioning the name that has become an Icon of B.C. Wine. Harry McWatters founded B.C.'s first estate winery in 1979 and went on to become a living legend in the trade. He has affected all aspects of the B.C. wine trade environment as well as many non wine related issues. His daughter Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond, carries on the tradition. Mr. McWatters now works as a consultant with a consulting firm that he founded.
Wines Tasted
On Arrival
See Ya Later Brut: Very refreshing, yeast, apple/citrus on nose with pear/apple/citrus on palate. Very small, lasting bubbles and clean crisp finish. Nice wine at any time!
With Lunch: Cheese and Vegetable Platters
SYL Pinot Gris: Great with both cheese and veggies. Wine had meadow fruit flavours such as peaches, sweet apple and pear. Some vanilla spice and I noted some herbal characteristics with my grilled veggies. I'm not usually a PG fan but I like this one.
SYL Pinot Noir:Nice wine with the meal. Red fruit on nose with a hint of vanilla spice and pleasant red fruit flavours on palate with vanilla wood finish. Some herbal characteristics noted with veggies and cheese but not a predominant taste/flavour.
Wines Tasted In The Vineyard
SYL Jimmy My Pal: A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Semillon (about one third each). On the nose of mangoe, pineapple, apple and pear with similar flavours on the palate. Nice acidity on the finish.
SYL Ranch Rover: A blend of Shiraz and Viognier aged in French and American Oak. Lovely wine for grilled meat and/or that special steak. Nose of Cherry, vanilla and pepper spice with similar flavours including some black fruit.
SYL Nellie: A blend of Gamay, Cabernet and Gewurztraminer, Nellie is a pleasant fruity wine made for summer fun and relaxation. Raspberries, strawberries and melons abound and would be fine either on its own or with light salads, meats and fowl.
Off To Summerland Water Resort and Joy Road Catering
We begrudgingly said "See Ya Later' to SYL Ranch and made our way to Summerland Water Resort in Penticton. The drive as usual was enertaining in sheer beauty of the landscape and lake. We registered and then went to meet Dana Ewart and Cameron Smith for a gourmet dinner under the stars.
We dropped in at the Penticton Visitors' Centre and met Kelly Reid withwhom we were going to go sight seeing the next day. The Visitor's Centre also has examples of most of the Okanagan's fine wines available for purchase. A wealth of information, any visitor to this area must visit this centre prior to any activity or risk missing out on some serious fun!
Sally Sharpe---remember her? Sally left us a couple of bottles of SYL Brut to enjoy on our arrival and of course, Greg made sure that our enjoyment was captured on film. Soon it was time to eat and eat we did. However, I got the surprise of my life!
On coming to B.C. I had in mind to contact a certain John Webber, owner of Orofino Winery. I had tasted a bottle of his Cabernet in 2006 and had to have his winery in my book called "Rendezvous for Dinner" where I matched 50 of my favourite wineries with meals.
You can imagine he surprise I had when he was to be the guest winemaker at this event.
Here is a description of the meal and the accompanying wines.
First Entree: Orofino Riesling with:
Organic beer fed pork on apple chips with green onion and ginger
Peaches withbasil and Canadian prosciutto
Second Entree: Orofino Chardonnay with:
Qualicum bay scallops pan seared in beurre noisette
Corn, cippolini, Pancetta hash with cauliflower puree
Third Entree: Orofino Pinot Noir with:
Homemade venison sausage with heirloom beets, pickled gooseberries and taragon
Main Course: Orofino Beleza with:
Wild boar, charcoal grilled shoulder & roasted leg
Tomato and zucchini gratin with oregano
Olive tapenade aioli
White beans with summer savoury, slivered garlic,
capers and pine nuts
Market greens
Dessert: Late Harvest Muscat with:
Balaton cherries from the lavender farm with chocolate mousse and hazel d'entelles.
The wine and food matches were superb and Greg and I met some very interesting and pleasant people including some fine folks from the Netherlands. Cameron and Dana were lovely people who certainly know how to cook and their business atop of God's Mountain Estate is truly beautiful as a venue for not only having a delicious and relaxing meal but also for the breathtaking view of the lake below.
Wines Tasted At The Joy Catering Dinner
See Ya Later Brut: An excellent way to start any evening! The SYL Sparkling Brut made in the same way as the French Methode Champenoise is the perfect sparkler with fine small bubbles and great flavour. The acidity helps clear the palate for the meal to come and the bubbles serve to provide an atmosphere of fun!
Orofino Riesling: An exceptional wine with orchard/tropical fruit on the nose and the same on the palate. Great spice helps provide further complexity. The wine has a fine developped acidity that refreshes the palate and leaves a long lasting finish.
Orofino Chardonnay: Vanilla, peach, pear some manderin orange on the nose with butterscotch, subtle vanilla wood and mango on the palate. A fine rich acidity with a lingering finish.
Orofino Pinot Noir: Smoke, plum, cherry, wood spice, earth on nose with combined ripe black/red fruit on palate. Medium to full bodied with ever so lingering a finish that I find typical with John Webber's wines.
Orofino Beleza: A block buster of a wine! Black cherry/blackberry, plum, black currant on the nose. It evolves if allowed to develop in the glass to ripe red fruits with coffee, cocao, chocolate. On the palate, full bodied with vanilla wood spice, chocolate, coffee and plenty of dark ripe fruit. Lingering finishes of pepper and ainise. A tremendous wine that knows power. This wine was made for game such as venison, moose, boar, elk and like.
Orofino Late Harvest Muscat: On the nose blossom/floral scents with nutmeg spice. On the palate some lychee nut, mandarin orange and nice acidity.
End Of Day Four
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 2:17 PM
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