In BC’s world of fine wines, you don’t have to be the biggest to produce outstanding vintages. Such is the case at Edge of the Earth Vineyard, located 30 km. North of Vernon near Armstrong, on the ancestral shores of Okanagan Lake. Edge of the Earth has been in operation for 10 years under the care of the Niles family. The winery itself is attached to their home overlooking the sloped vines. Proprietor Russ Niles says they produce “handmade wines of distinction from sources we know and trust.” From a portfolio of about a half dozen wines, Niles says Edge of the Earth 2008 Pinot Noir Icewine and their Marechal Foch would be considered their signature wines. Their Mostly Merlot is also a notable choice that enjoys widespread popularity. John Schreiner, one of Canada’s foremost wine writers and author of 15 books, tastes and evaluates all of Edge of the Earth’s wines prior to their releases. Here’s what he has to say about the 2008 Pinot Noir Icewine: “A fleshy wine with attractive strawberry notes, this wine is beautifully balanced so that the bright acidity offsets the concentrated sweet fruit of icewine. The finish is long and clean.” Schreiner is also a fan of the Mostly Merlot, which is 70% Merlot from Okanagan Falls along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. As Russ Niles notes “We are very family-based. It’s not a hobby, it’s a vocation,” he says. ~ Deanna Rainey