The wine caves at Seven Stones have become the coolest place to party in the Similkameen Valley. Literally. At a constant temperature of 10 degrees in the winter, it’s chilly down there. After a successful first vintage in the new facility, it’s time to celebrate with a whole season of parties.
Leading it off on May 4th will be the annual “Sip Sip Syrah”, a luncheon event from 12-2pm in the caves featuring Syrah. This year, there’s a twist. “It will be a glimpse into the 2012 Syrah before it’s bottled,” says owner George Hanson. Attendees will get to sip Syrah straight from the barrel. While this wine won’t be released in bottle for some time, a preview sample reveals that the dark plum, rich cocoa, black liquorice and toasty oak flavours of this wine are refined enough for savouring over lunch at this special event.
On May 10th “Watermark in the Caves Wine Maker’s Dinner” will feature Chef Jonas Stadtlander from Watermark Beach Resort. Dinners in the caves are always a special event and only 50 tickets will be available for this extraordinary culinary experience. Tickets for both events can be purchased by contacting George at 250-499-2144.
2012 Rosé
Made from 100% Pinot Noir grown specifically for making rosé, it received 30 hours of skin contact before being run off. Aromas of sour cherries, orange rind, fennel and earth progress to a palate of dried cherries, apricots and liquorice. A perfect wine for charcuterie if ever there was one.
2009 Meritage
51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot make up this beautifully rich wine. A brightened, Reserva-like hue to the rim colour shows that this wine won’t hide those dark cherries, chocolate, coffee, and baking spice flavours.
~ Luke Whittall