In a valley full of spectacular summer scenery, Gray Monk Estate Winery takes breathtaking beauty to a whole new level. Vineyards have begun to show signs of life, the beautiful hues of green that bear witness to the vintage that is yet to come.
Overlooking Okanagan Lake, Gray Monk Estate Winery is one of the busiest and most successful wineries in the Okanagan. They have a huge and loyal following, and their popular wines sell out very quickly. Aficionados know to purchase their Gray Monk wines fast to avoid disappointment!
Proprietor Trudy Heiss says their 2012 Pinot Gris is one of the more popular vintages released this year.
“The Pinot Gris has lots of fruit…it is a typical profile wine. And we’ve released our 2012 Ehrenfelser as well. They’re both selling like hotcakes.” Trudy said.
Gray Monk’s Grapevine Restaurant, now open for lunch and dinner, is a perennial favorite amongst Okanagan residents and their out-of-town guests. Surrounded by Trudy’s (self-professed flower-holic) signature hanging pots filled with bold, colorful geraniums and petunias, the patio overlooks lush vineyards leading down to Okanagan Lake. The menu is specifically designed to showcase local growers, pairing their foods with just the right wines.
Last year, Gray Monk launched a wine club for their loyal customers. With over 400 members already, it has been wildly successful. Every three months, members receive special offers for wines that are personally selected by the Heiss family. They also have first priority with new releases, last call wines and award winners. Wine club members also have first access to events held at Gray Monk.
Gray Monk was one of the first estate wineries established in British Columbia. They have come a long way in the past four decades, and now produce 81,000 cases of wine each year. And even that is not enough to meet the demand.
“Our most popular red is the Estate Merlot. Most of our reds are in the Odyssey line, which features smaller lots. We also produce great white and rosé sparkling wines. Our top white is our Pinot Gris, which is our signature wine,” she says.
A drive to Gray Monk Estate Winery takes you through the hills overlooking Okanagan Lake in Lake Country. From the drive itself to the great wines and food, a visit to Gray Monk is an ideal way to while away a summers day.
~ Deanna Rainey