This year, British Columbia’s wine country faced a devastating frost that damaged many vineyards’ crops. But in true Canadian spirit, these wineries have pivoted, offering unique experiences to welcome visitors.
Whether you’re planning a last summer getaway or looking forward to the harvest season, our next guest will give you some great ideas.
Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com.
Welcome, Natalie.
Great to be back with you! I always say that when life gives you lemons, make limoncello—but when life gives you frost, well, it turns out you can still make some pretty incredible wine experiences in B.C.
Let’s start with Summerhill Pyramid Winery. How are they adapting to the challenges this year?
Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna, British Columbia, is truly rising to the occasion. Summerhill has an iconic four-storey pyramid where visitors can enter into a sacred geometry chamber with dimmed lighting and soft music.
Inside they can sit down surrounded by wine aging in barrels and focus on their breath or meditate — because let’s face it, nothing says “inner peace” quite like knowing there’s superb wine nearby.
The winery’s restaurant Natures Table features 100% organic, local cuisine. That’s where you can enjoy their Summerhill Pyramid Sparkling Wine among other wines.
Feel free to take a sniff or sip.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Blanc De Blanc
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada
This is truly one of Canada’s best bubblies, with a crisp, refreshing notes of green apple, lemon zest, and a hint of freshly baked bread. I’d pair this with a chilled summer gazpacho bursting with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil.
Meditation and wine? That sounds like the perfect way to find your balance in challenging times! Now, let’s move on to Cobble Hill. What’s happening there?
Cobble Hill Winery in the Cowichan Valley of Vancouver Island is brand new winery that just launched this year.
You can catch the last weekend of the Cowichan Valley Wine Festival and visit the winery where guests can stroll through their vineyards, waving fields of perfumed lavender or and perhaps lose themselves in their outdoor labyrinth—don’t worry, the wine will find you eventually!
They have a beautiful patio where guests can bring picnics, kids, cats, dogs and of course, their wines like this Kismet.
Feel free to take a sniff or sip.
Cobble Hill Winery Kismet
Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Kismet is an aromatic blend of tasty BC gapes with notes of ripe pear, lychee, and a whisper of jasmine with a lime-zest finish.
The palate is off-dry with a refreshing acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. I’d pair this with a seared halibut fillet topped with a zesty mango salsa, served alongside grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon butter.
That sounds absolutely delightful! But what if red wine is more your style?
Cobble Hill has you covered there too! They offer a Zweigelt, among other reds.
Feel free to take a sniff or sip.
Cobble Hill Winery Zweigelt
Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This Zweigelt is a medium-bodied red with aromas of black cherry, violets, and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, it’s juicy with soft tannins and a pleasant spiciness on the finish.
I’d pair this with a plate of slow-roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction sauce, served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots.
You’re making me hungry! Let’s move to Summerland. What’s happening at Garnet Valley Ranch?
Natalie: Garnet Valley Ranch is really thinking outside the box. They offer guests tours of their 320 acre-property on electric golf carts. This includes the vineyards, sprawling organic vegetable gardens, vibrant lavender fields and a bustling bee farm.
We have their beautiful Pinot Noir.
Feel free to take a sniff or sip.
Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir
Summerland, British Columbia, Canada
This Pinot Noir is elegant and earthy, with aromas of ripe strawberries, forest floor, and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, it’s silky with flavors of red cherries, mushrooms, and a touch of vanilla from oak aging.
I’d pair this with an herb-crusted roasted rack of lamb, served with rosemary-infused new potatoes and grilled Mediterranean vegetables.
That sounds like an unforgettable experience! Finally, what’s happening at Poplar Grove?
Natalie: Poplar Grove Winery in Penticton is making the most of their stunning location by hosting creative events such as gourmet dinners with Michelin-starred chefs, Rosé Gardens in which guests enjoy different Rosés with food while entertained by Opera Kelowna and Syrah at Sunset with nine other wineries while guests graze from multiple food stations and get their groove with a live DJ.
You’ll definitely get into the groove with their Pinot Noir.
Feel free to take a sniff or sip.
This Pinot Noir is a beautiful ruby color with aromas of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, and a hint of earthy mushroom. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish with notes of baking spices.
I’d pair this with a cedar-planked grilled salmon fillet, topped with a wild berry compote, served alongside a quinoa pilaf studded with toasted almonds and dried cranberries.
Natalie, these suggestions are fantastic! Any final words of wisdom for our viewers?
Natalie: As the great wine writer Alexis Lichine once said, “Wine is the only antidote to the rising tide of technology.” But I’d add that it’s also an antidote to adversity. This summer, I encourage everyone to visit BC wine country and order wine directly from the wineries.
Your support will help these wineries bounce back, and you’ll create some wonderful memories in the process. So here’s to raising a glass, embracing the unexpected, and always finding a reason to celebrate!
Thank you, Natalie! Where can we find you and these wines online?
Natalie: On Instagram, I’m at @NatalieMacLeanWine and online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
