Ask Co-Owner Joe Zuppiger what makes Arrowleaf Cellars one of Lake Country’s most popular winery destinations and he talks about the unique soil and the moderating influence of Okanagan Lake. “The lake is so deep that it works like a heat sink,” he explains. “Good airflow draws the heat up the west-facing slope, protecting the vines from frost damage.” But Joe also alludes to the glorious view, the perfect setting for a gourmet picnic paired with Arrowleaf`s finest, crafted by Joe and his wife Margrit’s son, Swiss-trained Manuel Zuppiger. Here is a sampling:
2011 Snow Tropics Vidal $15.99
A delightful summer sipper at its freshest and most vibrant. Flowery nose expresses white peach, melon, nut and white pepper. Off-dry palate suggests white peach, pineapple, cantaloupe, lime zest and exotic spice braced by mouth-watering acidity.
2011 First Crush Rosé $14.99
A delicious blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. An intensely fruity palate exhibits aromas and flavours of strawberry, cherry, red apple and watermelon with a dash of ground chili pepper.
2011 Pinot Gris $16.99
A super fresh white wine with exquisite aromas and a rich, creamy palate. It delivers lovely flavours of white peach, pear, pineapple and grapefruit peel with lively acidity balancing a note of softness.
2009 Solstice Pinot Noir $25.00
Delivers intriguing flavours suggesting plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit, and notes of mocha, black pepper, espresso coffee bean and smoky oak.
2009 Merlot $18.99
A robust red wine with rich, tasty flavours hinting dried plum and cherry, notes of coffee bean, earth, cedar and tomato puree backed by chalky tannins.
2009 Solstice Reserve $28.00
A powerfully-built red made from a mix of Merlot and Zweigelt. It exhibits bold flavours of dried raspberry, plum and cherry, with nuances of dark chocolate, earth and black pepper, supported by firm tannins.
~ Michael Botner