If you are a fan of Chardonnay or Pinot, you probably know of Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls. Since 2006 they have been producing stellar examples of these varietals. Certainly they have many fans in the professional wine world, as illustrated by the many awards and very favourable reviews from esteemed wine writers such as Jancis Robinson and Beppi Crosariol of the Globe & Mail.
JAK and Janice Meyer are thrilled at the recognition their wines have received. The 2010 Tribute Chardonnay from their Naramata vineyard was awarded Best Oaked Chardonnay in Canada and BC Wine of the Year as well as one of the Top 5 Whites in Canada with the Canadian Wine Awards. The Windsor Square also reviewed the Tribute Chardonnay as its Number 1 choice in its Best Whites category for 2012. The 2010 McLean Creek Chardonnay was also recognized, Vines Magazine giving it the Top Chardonnay title.
Pinot Noir is known as the heartbreak grape but there is only love at Meyer for this finicky varietal. Not only did the 2010 McLean Creek Pinot Noir receive accolades and scores of over 90 from reviewers such as David Lawrason of the National Post (92) and Robert Stephen of Windsor Square (95, Best Red Wine of 2012), the 2010 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir was also the only Canadian Pinot Noir included in the International Value Awards, being listed in the Top 10.
Meyer Family Vineyards is responding to the popularity of their wines by expanding their markets. They are now in distribution in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Japan, with Quebec and the U.K. in progress. For die-hard fans, the best option is to join the wine club. Members receive exclusive offerings and new releases, and can choose from wine packages chosen by Winemaker Chris Carson to be sent directly to them. Visit www.MFVwines.com to register.
If you haven’t sampled Meyer Family Vineyards’ classic styling of these varietals it is something to put on your spring “to do” list, or you will be missing out on a good thing. Visit the winery tasting room for your best chance to try all current releases.
~ Kristin Peturson-Laprise