The Similkameen continues to spread its wings, with the news that temporarily shuttered Herder Winery has been purchased by Corcelettes Winery.
The small, family-owned producer is in the process of moving to Herder, on the western upper bench of Keremeos. I was lucky enough to visit and taste at Corcelettes last summer and was duly impressed. The winery has a good history, strong connections in the area and no shortage of know-how. My hunch is that with their own expertise plus the assistance of Sharon Herder (who's staying on during the transition), the new venture will emerge as a flagship destination for the blossoming valley.
Charlie Baessler, Corcelettes' co-owner and winemaker, is confident the new facility will elevate the wine touring experience, with a patio and par 3 golf course, all with commanding views, in addition to the tasting room.
Baessler worked at Herder in the early days, and over the years has also worked for Burrowing Owl and nearby Clos du Soleil. Discussions are also underway to incorporate Herder's successful Josephine red blend, possibly along with other labels, into the expanded Corcelettes portfolio.
Also good news is Corcelettes' decision to join the Similkameen Wineries Association, which should prove a further boost to the growing small region that's making a name for its distinctive wines. For many visitors arriving in the valley from the Lower Mainland, Corcelettes will be their first stop. My hunch is it will fast become a flagship destination.
Fresh into the new year, I am dusting off my snowshoes in preparation for the 17th annual Okanagan Winter Wine Festival (Jan. 16-25).
The annual Sun Peaks wineathon is truly unique and has come a long way since those early days when icewine was all the rage. And, indeed, when icewine was the sole focus of the event. The festival now encompasses all kinds of food, wine and other wintertime activities.
This year sees some 30 wineries in attendance, with myriad events throughout the resort's picturesque, quite-European feeling Alpine village.
The lineup includes Comforts of Grilled Cheese Wine, a moonlight snowshoe tour through beautiful forest trails, with mulled wine around a campfire and a five-course tasting menu. Explorer Evening has stories of local fur trading history and all the colourful characters of the time.
Word is that snow conditions are beyond superb, with a ton of powder.
Find full event details at thewinefestivals.com.
Former Okanagan Crush Pad winemaker Michael Bartier has turned his attention back to the family business, and with solid results. Here's a couple to watch for from granite, calcium and limestone-strewn Cerqueira Vineyard just south of Oliver. Bartier Bros Semillon 2013 Okanagan Semillon plantings are few and far between but this offering shows just how well it can be done. Up-front citrus and mineral followed by balanced fruit and acidity with tropical hints and a crisp, clean close ($19.90, winery, 90 points). Bartier Bros Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2013 Notable for its texture and mouthfeel, with forward tropical and stony notes followed by a firmly viscous palate, vibrant acidity and solid structure, distinctive minerality and a lengthy, mouth-filling chalky finish. Think scallops with cream sauce or grilled chicken with celeriac purée ($26.90, winery, 91 points).
Belly's Budget Best Finca Las Moras PAZ Malbec 2012 Everyday Malbec gets
kicked up a notch with this juicy, plummy and chocolate-toned drop with easy tannins and polished structure from Argentina's Luan de Cuyo region (BCLS $18.90, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
