Tere is a saying that good things come in threes, and that’s what you’ll find at Poplar Grove. If you combine their international award winning wines, stunning winery location and renowned Vanilla Pod restaurant, you have something very special indeed.
Poplar Grove’s new 9,500 sq ft winery located on Munson Mountain, overlooking downtown Penticton, opened last year and is far removed from its original location further up the Naramata Bench. If you haven’t been to the new Poplar Grove winery, then you are definitely missing out. When I spoke with Ian Sutherland, the Executive Winemaker, he was very excited about the prospect of the new restaurant and dining area. The restaurant will be open 7 days a week all year round for both lunch and dinner. Poplar Grove’s impressive portfolio of wines paired with Chef Bruno’s imaginative and creative cuisine promises to tantalise the taste buds. There is also a designated picnic area, which also has wonderful views of Penticton and Skaha and Okanagan lakes. The state of the art tasting room is modern, spacious and very appealing to the eye and will be offering all Poplar Grove’s current releases, which includes their signature Pinot Gris and limited release Chardonnay in the whites. For reds, be sure to try out the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and the superb Bordeaux-inspired blend called the Legacy. I would thoroughly recommend joining their wine club to help stock your cellar and to take advantage of any new releases such as their Blanc de Noir, a French term meaning "white wine from red grapes."
Whilst at Poplar Grove be sure to check out their second winery, the Monster Vineyard, just down the hill. The tasting room will be open for the busy summer season and will be offering a range of well made and easy drinking wines under the Monster label.
~ Mike Lee