Because everyone needs a little Therapy” is the slogan at one of the great gems of the Naramata Bench. Visitors arriving at Therapy Vineyards get a sense of serenity from vineyards that slope downward to Okanagan Lake. They get treated like royalty in the welcoming wine shop and tasting room. And the luckiest get to call the vineyard home when they stay in one of the eight suites and rooms in the world-class Guesthouse.
Recent new releases include two wines that wine shop and guesthouse manager Nick Stulberg refers to as The Good and The Evil. The Good, he says, is an Artist Series Riesling-Kerner blend. The Evil is a wild fermentation Pinot Noir. Wild fermentation is a risky winemaking approach that relies only on yeasts that are found naturally on the harvested grapes.
“This Pinot is drinking nicely now and it will only continue to get better over the next year or two,” Nick observes. Both wines are priced at $24.00.
Also $24.00 is the 2011 Syrah, the winery’s first since 2008. It’s sure to be a popular seller.
Another sure hit is Freudified, a non-vintage Port-style sipper made from Merlot and Syrah. It’s a bargain at only $25.00, and will help bring back good memories of Therapy on a chilly fall or winter evening.
The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc drew the attention of the Globe and Mail’s Beppi Crosariol, who wrote, “This white is more like an invigorating smoothie served poolside at a spa resort than a visit to the shrink. Fruit-forward with flavours of peach and mango, it culminates with juicy acidity.“
Nick also singled out the newly released 2010 Freud’s Ego and a Pinot Noir-Merlot blend as worthy of mention.
Fall promises to be packed with excitement at Therapy. A “pre-tailgate festival party” will feature live music and beverages before guests head to Manitou Beach for the ever-popular Naramata Bench Tailgate Party.
And don’t miss Crush With Us, a Fall Wine Festival event on October 4-5, that invites visitors to spend a day in the vineyards or the winery, learning first-hand what goes into making great Therapy wines.
~ Lorne Eckersley