When a log home bound for a Japanese family didn’t quite make it there, it ended up at Recline Ridge Winery and was converted to house their charming wine shop. Recline Ridge is about 15 minutes west of Salmon Arm, and is one of the true gems in the Shuswap. The Ratzlaff family, who has set out to produce outstanding cool climate wines, purchased it in 2010. Already, they are well on their way to reaching their goal.
Recline Ridge wines made their public appearance with the opening of their Wine Shop in 1999; grapes had been growing in the area since 1994. They grow about 7.5 acres of grapes on site and also work with growers in the Shuswap, Carr’s Landing and Oliver.
Proprietor Graydon Ratzlaff says that their signature wines include the Marechal Foch and their Siegerrebe.
“The Siegerrebe has a very fruit forward and floral aroma, with hints of tropical fruit, citrus, apricot, peach, pineapple and honey. It has a long finish and intense flavour. It’s a great patio wine and pairs well with curries and bold, spicy food,” says Ratzlaff.
In 2011, Recline Ridge introduced 5 new wines to add to their existing portfolio of 8 wines. That included their Bacchus as well as the Hawk’s Haven, a red blend of Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch.
“We also introduced our Blush last year…we called it ‘Make Me Blush.’ It came out at the beginning of August and was an immediate hit. It was our most popular wine in our patio area,” Ratzlaff said.
Ratzlaff’s background includes a great deal of experience in the food industry, and calls himself “an Aggie at heart.” The family left their home in Langley to take on Recline Ridge, which he describes as their “lifestyle improvement project.” So far, so good…so very, very good!
~ Deanna Rainey