It’s going to be a very busy Fall at Tinhorn Creek, with the harvest, crush and an exciting schedule of special events. First up is the Blackie and the Rodeo Kings concert on September 7 at 7 p.m. This renowned Juno-award winning Canadian band will be featured at the winery’s Grand Finale Concert of the season. Look forward to an energizing, roots-rocking evening of music and fine wine. (See www.tinhorncreek.com for details of all events.)
For an interesting and delicious treat, try the Chef vs. Chef Dinner on October 4. This special event showcases alternating courses by Miradoro Restaurant’s (Van Mag’s 2012 Best Winery Restaurant) Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest and Chef Adam Pegg of La Quercia (Van Mag’s 2013 Best Casual Restaurant) paired with Oldfield Series wines. Winemaker Sandra Oldfield and viticulturalist Andrew Moon will be there to discuss the production of fine wines.
Educational Vineyard Hikes complete with lunch at Miradoro Restaurant are scheduled for October 7, 8 and 9. Learn about viticulture, grape varieties and terroir from proprietor Kenn Oldfield as you tour the home vineyard on the Golden Mile, then enjoy the fine wines and fresh, local cuisine at Miradoro. Space is limited, so get your tickets early!
The ever popular Communal Table Dinners resume again on October 15 – held every Tuesday – running until mid-December. Served family-style, this is a great opportunity to make some new friends and enjoy new dishes and fabulous wines at Miradoro – a new theme every week, in a casual and fun atmosphere.
The recently-released 2012 Gewürztraminer ($18.49) is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It has a lovely nose of lychee and rose-petal, followed with balanced acidity and tropical fruit and a clean, lingering finish; great with Thai or Indian cuisine. Also, don’t miss out on the 2009 Oldfield Series Merlot ($29.99). This blockbuster wine blends Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah to yield a nose of soft fruit, black cherry and plum on the palate, integrating fine tannins into a wine of great structure and complexity. Its long finish will help it pair admirably with red meats, tomato-based pasta dishes and stronger cheeses.
~ Allison Fader