One delighted visitor to the Recline Ridge said sipping their Maréchal Foch was like “getting a great big warm hug”.
It’s not only the wines that put a smile on your face at this beautiful winery in the Shuswap Lake country. Owned by Graydon and Maureen Ratzlaff, Recline Ridge is a relaxing, family owned operation dedicated to bringing out the very best from cool climate varietals that love this northern district. Every bottle is bursting with passion and pride.
As the crowded medal shelf in the tasting room shows, every bottle is also brimming with quality. Recently, their huggable 2009 Maréchal Foch and their fruit-forward 2010 Hawk’s Haven blend of Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch captured Silver Medals at Oregon’s prestigious SavorNW competition.
While the Recline Ridge reds are now getting the attention they richly deserve, the well-established whites need no introduction. Savvy wine lovers have always lined up for everything from the explosive (if unpronounceable) Siegerrebe to the delightfully refreshing Bacchus.
Best of all, these low alcohol, high acidity wines are food-friendly. You’ll discover they pair wonderfully with seafood, chicken, cheeses, and Asian dishes. Maureen cooks extensively with them and is always willing to share her delicious recipes. We can only hope she and Graydon will consider writing a Recline Ridge cookbook one day soon.
If your travels take you down the TransCanada Highway, or you tire of drifting along on your Shuswap houseboat, drop into Recline Ridge. One sip and you’ll understand what winemaking integrity tastes like.
Photo: Greydon Ratzlaff (left) and Vineyard Manager/Winemaker Jesse Steinley (right) on their licensed patio.
~ Barry Potyondi