It isn’t hard to imagine an adult version of Oliver Twist Estate Winery’s namesake holding out his glass, pleading, “Please sir, I want more.”
With flavours as elegant as the bottle’s label, Oliver Twist’s French Embrace has taken the wine world by storm. Winemaker Gina Mitchell’s luscious Chardonnay/Viognier blend, with its pineapple, strawberry, melon, white peach, kiwi and spice characteristics, was a Double Gold medal winner in the platinum judging Wine Press Northwest Best of the Best competition. It also brought home a Gold medal from the 2013 All Canadian Wine Championships.
As good as 2013 was for the winery that Gina and her husband Trevor own, the couple is equally enthusiastic about 2014. Trevor’s passion for restoring vintage cars will translate into a Shine and Wine Show at the winery during the Spring Wine Festival. Gleaming hot rods and roaring muscle cars will be the attraction, and a live band, delicious food and Oliver Twist wines will complement the theme.
Spring is in the air at the winery, and Gina teases about upcoming releases that she isn’t quite ready to reveal. But she is ready to admit that some “first ever” blends and varietals will be among them, and that should be sufficient to keep locals’ and visitors’ interest through the early part of 2014.
“We have had lots of good feedback from out Twist Club members,” Gina says about the recently formed wine club. And for good reason—members get a 10% discount on their club purchases, along with many other benefits. Some wines will be available only to members, who also get notice about new releases and wines that are nearly sold out. Check the web site for details.
~ Lorne Eckersley