Viticultural practices that are safe for salmon? Absolutely! Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has just been formally certified ‘Salmon Safe’ by the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Though 400 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, the Okanagan River Sockeye Salmon habitat is impacted by watershed management practices up and down the valley. The winery is helping sustain this iconic species through its extensive use of farming and viticultural best practices.
The Foundation’s audit of the winery showed that it met government regulatory requirements as well as its habitat-specific requirements, which cover sustainable farming practices and watershed management. Key amongst these practices are: effective pest management that reduces chemical contamination, reduction of soil erosion and run-off, nutrient management that eliminates fertilizer contamination of groundwater, and controlled use of irrigation. In addition, river water intake is fish-safe through the use of screening, and biological diversity is encouraged by planting native species in the vineyards.
Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek recently won the prestigious Vancouver Magazine’s Best Winery/Vineyard Dining Award in April. Long known for its outstanding cuisine and views, Miradoro Restaurant features rustic, Mediterranean-inspired, seasonal menus. Miradoro’s ‘Ocean Wise’ certification (serving sustainable varieties of seafood) further demonstrates the winery’s commitment to the protecting the environment and its various eco-systems.
Music fans will continue to enjoy the Canadian Concert Series and pig roast fans will also be pleased with the addition of this event in the Amphitheatre on July 8 during the Summer Wine Festival. Stay tuned to the winery’s website at www.tinhorn.com for further updates on special events.
Stop by Tinhorn Creek to sample and purchase its wonderful new 2011 releases:
Pinot Gris $17.99
Showing citrus, pear and melon notes, backed up with fresh acidity.
Gewürztraminer $17.99
Fragrant spice and floral nose, balanced with clean acidity on the palate.
Oldfield Series 2Bench White $22.99
Chardonnay dominates this blend of 5 varietals yielding a food-friendly wine with fruity aromas.
Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé $22.99
Pale salmon color and strawberry notes on the palate; production is limited so it will be available only at the Wine Shop.
The 2008 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir and its 2Bench Red were Finalists in 2012 Spring Best of Varietal Wine Awards.
~ Allison Fader