Our scenic sensory tastings on the deck are a great success again this year," says Tyler Galts, Chief Operations Officer at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, referring to the second year of this special food and wine tasting experience.
For $18 visitors can enjoy exceptional older vintages from Quails’ Gate's library matched with 3 food items and a priceless view of Okanagan Lake. "Tasting rooms can be really busy and so we just wanted to give people an experience that was a little slower with some unique, older wines," explains Galts. Quails’ Gates’ most experienced wine shop staff is even on hand to talk about the wines and the food combinations.
No doubt that experiencing the older vintages from Quails’ Gate's library helps bring out a new level of appreciation. This summer the mainstay vintages for this event were pulled from the 2003 and 2004 vintages although some wines from the late '90's have been known to emerge. "The wines vary. They'll change the tastings through the summer based on different wines and the food items available," says Galts.
So how is the 2012 vintage going to stack up? "This year we're expecting a good harvest," says Galts. "May was off to a great start. June wasn't great. That effected everyone a little bit but I think we're in good shape."
Look for new vintages of Merlot and Old Vines Foch (both from 2010) to be released this fall along with some great events including the Winemaker's Dinner on September 27th and the Guest Chef Dinner featuring Chef Frank Pabst from Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar on October 6th.
Visit Quails’ Gate and the Old Vines Restaurant in West Kelowna year round or online at quailsgate.com.
~ Luke Whittall