(photo: Maureen Ratzlaff (L) enjoys entertaining visitors in the wine shop.)
Visiting Recline Ridge Vineyards & Winery in Tappen in the Shuswap is a unique experience. “There are many special things about our winery,” says owner Graydon Ratzlaff. “The location is beautiful, the wine shop is a wonderful place, and the patio is a special place to soak in the view and enjoy a glass of our wines. “
Graydon and wife Maureen also enjoy chatting with visitors because they enjoy meeting people. “We love to tell our story and we also love to hear their stories.”
Recline Ridge wines of course are also special. “Our wines represent the best cool-climate varietals,” says Graydon. “Crisp, clean, highly-aromatic and fruit-forward wines are what we are about.” The vineyard is very well maintained and their goal is to grow the highest-quality grapes, even if it means sacrificing on yields.
The list of awards for Recline Ridge’s wines over the years is extensive. Recently, 2011 Hawk’s Haven won a Silver at the Okanagan Wine Festival and 2012 Bacchus garnered a Silver at the East Kootenay Wine Festival.
New spring releases will include the new 2013 Bacchus and 2011 Marechal Foch. Some new wines will also be introduced in the spring and summer of 2014.
A visit to Recline Ridge is a definite “must-do” when you are in the Shuswap area. Graydon says that the passion they bring to their business is noticed by their customers, “it shows, and we know our customers look forward to this.”
~ Dona Sturmanis