The fall weather has presented many challenges to the wineries in the Okanagan and Gina Mitchell, Winemaker at Oliver Twist is one of many that are doing consecutive crushes of both whites and reds.
Gina is proud of the new releases and is passionate about creating exceptional, hand-crafted wines including aromatic fruit-forward whites, rich and flavourful reds and of course their flagship wine, Oliver’s Choice Kerner.
Featured on WestJet’s Encore flights since July 1, is the 2011 off dry white wine “French Embrace”, a bright, fresh, and fun combination of two French grapes, Chardonnay and Viognier. Mingled together, they create characteristics of pineapple, strawberries, melon, white peaches, kiwi fruit, and spice. This is the taste of “sunshine in a glass,” great for sipping or perfect paired with any lighter fare. It took Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championship.
The dessert style wine “Rosado Splash” a blend of Syrah and Viognier is lovely and I’m told that it also makes a great vodka martini.
The winery’s Flagship Kerner wine “2012 Oliver’s Choice”, a customer favorite, pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken and ham, great for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The 2009 Merlot was released just in time for the Fall Wine Festival. Other continuing favorites from Oliver Twist are Patio Passion and the 2010 Syrah. Be sure and purchase some of these wines for Christmas giving.
The Mitchells stated the winery is open year round with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Winter hours are 10 AM to 5 PM. They also carry local artisans’ works for sale. Drop by and enjoy the winery’s festivities at the “Winter in Wine Country” annual event November 22, 23 and 24.
The winery website has been updated and a wine club added. Join the newly launched Twist Club and receive a 10% discount on membership purchases! Additional information available at olivertwistwinery.com.
~ Dee Newman