West Kelowna is home to some of the biggest names in Okanagan’s wine industry. Some are known to many outside the ‘industry’, while some, like Karnail Singh Sidhu, are best known to those ‘in the know’.
Held in high regard by the Okanagan wineries and beyond, Sidhu truly is “the viticulturist’s” viticulturist. The Kalala Organic Estate Winery proprietor’s kind and humble nature belies the fact that he is one of the most esteemed names in organic farming throughout North America. Sidhu’s award-winning Organic Estates wineries of Kalala, 3 Cru and Dostana are a testament to his expertise.
With three wine labels available at one convenient location, a visit to Kalala is an opportunity suitable for any palate, or budget! As of the 2012 vintage, the grapes used in every bottle of wine comes from Certified Organic vineyards. The Kalala brand represents the largest production – winemaker Tibor Erdelyi creates nearly a dozen reds, whites and icewines produced primarily off the Sidhu family’s 17-acre vineyards located on site, with 80 additional acres in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. 3 Cru is a fun, cost-conscious brand offering two selections of blended wines: Nomad (white) and Traveller (red). Dostana represents the smallest lot production, and its single vineyard, terroir-driven, quality wines will entice any wine connoisseur. Recently, Dostana’s Chardonnay and Kalala’s Riesling were picked ‘runner-up’ for best of varietal at the Canadian Oyster Wine Competition.
Step off the beaten trail and make tracks to Kalala. Discover their well-earned reputation for yourself: you’ll always want to return.
~ Sarah Willard