An Introduction to Wineries, From a Newbie's Perspective
The thought of going to a winery use to intimidate me, having preconceived ideas they were more suited for the typical wine pretentious types (eek, I know, BAD!) and thinking they’ll know, I know nothing of wine! Gasp the horrors! However, to my delight and surprise, those thoughts didn’t last long when we stopped into our first winery on a whim on a winter getaway to Kelowna!
First, Rod and I took advantage of the offseason, when wineries are less busy for our visit. Wineries are at half-staff at this time of the year (December - April), with a decrease in visitor’s it made for a less intimidating experience for this newbie.
Mission Hill Estate Winery in winter, Image by @LorraineMMarie
Each winery we visited, was friendly with quick hello’s, not unlike walking into any retail store. At our first tasting, I was given the spittoon. I asked if I had to spit the wine out, as I really wasn’t sure what to do. Our host, kindly told me, while it’s good practice if you’re sampling a lot of wines to become comfortable with it, it wasn’t a requirement. (thank goodness) as I’ve never been comfortable spitting in public (fear the dribble), made more awkward with having a person stare at me while I do it.
At every tasting we had a lot of fun, met some new people and had some great conversations with fellow travellers we met, surprisingly many from our home city of Edmonton and our neighbouring city of Calgary!
As we sampled wines, each of our serving hosts often shared stories related to the vineyard or wines being served. Something I found really intriguing and engaging while we sipped our selections, learning new facts about a bottle of wine or the story behind a brand, or vineyard. Wines may be related to an idea, or a significant event such as Hatch wines smokey bottle of BSV 2015 Desert Valley Cabernet Franc, acquiring its unique taste from the devastating 2015 fires that swept through the region giving the wine a very smokey flavour.
Image by @lorraineMmarie
Wineries are Affordable
Tours costs can vary not only in pricing but in options during the summer months. Some like Mission Hills offer cooking classes that vary extensively or you can take a bike ride through the vineyard over at The Vibrant Vine. It is suggested during peak times to book in advance. In the offseason, most wineries are open for tastings, may hold limited events but many do maintain regular hours from 10 till 5:00 PM but check ahead to confirm.
When you’re going in for a wine tasting they will offer you a “flight of wine” I was clueless as to what this was, but our lovely host at Wards Cidery quickly filled us in. A flight of wine is a group or selection of wines to be sampled.
A Flight of Wine varied but most were in the range of $6.00 to $10.00. Over at the Hatch, they offer a flight for free! The catch is, they’ll choose the wines they’ll be serving you that day. The bonus for me with their choosing at the Hatch was I didn’t pigeon hole myself into only trying wines I was familiar with. Like solely sticking to Rose.
When you purchase a flight of wine, most wineries will refund the difference you’ve paid for the tastings on your purchase of a bottle of wine! They will typically let you know when you’re making your Flight purchase.
Tastings and Tours at The Vibrant Vine , Image by @lorrainemmarie
LESSON’s LEARNED
Wineries are fun
Wineries are affordable
Wineries are meant to be experienced
Wineries are full of history and wonderful stories.
WINERIES WE STOPPED IN AT:
The Hatch, located at 3225 Boucherie Rd, Kelowna, BC
The Hatch, located at 3225 Boucherie Rd, Kelowna, BCI loved the style of Hatch Wineries, it’s low-key and comfortable, feels more like a quant pub then a winery! This is the perfect winery to head to, if you’re a newbie like myself. Staff are fun, engaging and they offer 5 tastings for free.. the catch is it’s their choice as what’s on the menu.. you won’t be disappointed!
Mission Hill - this is the upper crust, the creme’ de ‘ la creme of wineries in Kelowna, with a long history and well-established family estate, beautiful grounds with an amphitheatre, a bell tower (chimes on the hour), restaurants, offer tours, cooking classes and host local community events throughout the year.
Located at 1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna. MISSION HILL WINERY
Tip: They offer a complimentary glass of house wine as you walk through their gift shop. Pricing in tastings varied.
Grizzli Wines, Located at 2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna.
Their wines are only available for purchase in-house. During our tasting, I tried the Blueberry Wine with my flight..and loved it. My one regret I should’ve purchased a bottle! Next time, which means I’ll have to go back for it. I did buy a bottle of Viognier, which I also loved! GRIZZLI WINERY
The Vibrant Wine Located at 3240 Pooley Road, Kelowna
This little winery opened in 2010 as a hobby and a little retirement project for the family. However, they quickly grew following a wine bottle labelling mishap that resulted in their winery being entered into World Wine Competition in 2013 in Geneva Switzerland, resulting as the Winner of the 2013 “Best White Wine in The World”. They are unique, as each bottle of wine has a unique and vibrant art piece printed on the label by artist, Phil Lewis. THE VIBRANT VINE
Wards Cidery/ The View Winery Located at 2287 Ward Rd, Kelowna.
Wards Cidery and View Winery hold a long family history, the founding family member arrived to Canada in 1918 following the World War, settling in Kelowna. Five generations later, Wards Cidery and View Winery are still run by the Ward Family. This winery has won many awards for their wines and ciders, which we loved, purchasing their Bling Wine in a handy 6 pack (perfect for time up at the trailer) it was their Cider that we really loved, purchasing both the Picker Hut Cider and a Warm Winter Spice Apple Cider.
p.s This is a dog-friendly winery (on leash), so no need to leave Fido in the car!
This post is not sponsored, reviews are our own.
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