We are who we are,” Recline Ridge owner Graydon Ratzlaff says, “a cool climate vineyard that makes the best of what our region has to offer.”
And the Salmon Arm area has plenty to offer – for winemakers who can bring out the flavours and aromas of grapes like Kerner, Siegerrebe, Ortega and Marechal Foch.
Judging by a tasting of the full lineup at Recline Ridge, the winery has this cool climate thing nailed. Clear, crisp and wonderfully aromatic, the white, red and rosé wines are consistently well-made expressions of their varietals.
Visitors to the wonderful wine shop (perhaps BC’s only log building that has been to Japan and back!) will find an excellent selection of wines to choose from – 6 whites, 1 rosé, 3 reds and 2 dessert wines.
Among the favourites are:
Shuswap Serenade
A blend of Madeleine Angevine and Madeleine Sylvaner grapes. Versatile, pairing nicely with seafoods, poultry, most cheeses or perfectly lovely on its own.
Siegerrebe
A Gewürz/Mad Angie cross. Creamy and well balanced with a long finish. Pairs with seafood, cheeses and curries, and a nice patio sipper, too.
Make Me Blush Rosé
A Pinot Noir/Marechal Foch blend. Cries out for a hot summer day.
Ridgeport
Made from Foch, this fortified sipper is meant for evenings. With chocolate!
And don’t miss out on the new Kerner. The last two vintages have sold out quickly.
“We are friendly and approachable,” Graydon says. “My wife Maureen and I love what we are doing and hopefully that shows.” It most certainly does!
~ Lorne Eckersley