Visitors to Quails’ Gate Winery have always enjoyed the Old Vines Restaurant and Wine Bar run by the capable hands of Chef Roger Sleiman, but there is now have a second option at this scenic winery. The winery has opened up the Stewart Family Room to guests and is serving daily tapas, light bites and wine flights. They’ll be a few different salads, charcuterie and cheese; food for sharing alongside wines to match. A bit more casual than the restaurant, drop in and relax after your tour.
Chef Sleiman continues to focus on farm to table cuisine using the bounty of the Okanagan and his own estate herb gardens to craft menu items for both the Old Vines Wine Bar and the new Stewart Family Room. During the summer the “Dinner in the Vineyard” series continues with Cellar Door Club exclusive events on July 25 and August 24, 2013 and a dinner open to the general public on July 13 and August 8, 2013. The evening begins with wine and canapés in the vineyard where you’re introduced to the Quails’ Gate Winery Team and then continues with a winery tour and a multi-course wine paired dinner amongst the vines.
Spring releases at Quails’ Gate Winery included the great summer sippers the winery is known for – Chasselas/Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc and Rosé. The fall will see the 2012 reds making an appearance.
Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc 2012 $18.99
This wine is a lively, crisp number with lots of citrus aromas as well as hints of tropical fruit and some floral notes. On the palate again the citrus predominates as well as some peach and stone fruit flavours. There’s a bit of a minerality to this wine and a dry finish. Great with oysters, scallops and barbequed pork.
~ Cassandra Anderton