Winter is a time when winery staff get to relax (a little) and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Stephanie Van Dyk, Winemaker at Kalala Organic Estate Winery, said that crush was calmer in 2012 than it has been the past few years, but there was still much to do. With rain in June and warm temperatures in September there was no rush to pick, but wet days in October meant taking a break so the grapes came in from the vineyard slowly with harvest continuing through November -the icewine and late harvest grapes are next. The Kalala team produced 15,000 litres of dessert wines last year.
Now that winter is upon us, Stephanie suggests trying these wines for winter sipping or gifting over the holiday season.
2011 Late Harvest Viognier – 500 mL – $18.95
Using Naramata fruit, this unique dessert wine offers fruity aromas and flavours of honeysuckle, citrus and melon. Pair it with custard desserts for a decadent treat.
2008 Merlot Icewine – 200 mL – $29.75
This winter specialty uses grapes from Oliver. It offers the perfect taste of winter cheer to share on a cold day, with spicy cinnamon and cocoa flavours.
You can stop by the winery on the Westside Wine Trail to taste Kalala’s wines. The winery is open Wednesday through Sunday in the winter, from 11 – 5. Icewine tastings are available for a $3 donation supporting the Junior Diabetes Research Fund and building a school in Kalala, India.
~ Kristin Peturson-Laprise