(pictured: Assistant winemaker Nikolas Kruger bottling 2013 Autumn Gold.)
Congratulations to Wild Goose Vineyard’s (WGV) winemaker Hagen Kruger and his son, assistant winemaker Nikolas Kruger for their 2013 Mystic River Pinot Blanc winning both Double Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) and Best of Varietal at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. Additionally, their 2012 Classic Riesling received the distinction of being the top dry Riesling at the Riverside International Wine Festival, leading to a prestigious accolade from the International Riesling Foundation.
“It’s a real honour to receive these awards,” says GM Roland Kruger. “We’ve been producing Riesling since 1984, since day one. Our vines are really coming into their own. We’re so impressed with the flavour profiles.”
The Kruger family has recently launched their “Vintner’s Club,” WGV’s first wine club chock-full of great incentives. The family is encouraging visitors to come by the wine shop, learn about the wine club and take advantage of a variety of tasting room specials, such as exclusive library wine releases and tasting room only wines.
Additionally, WGV’s Smoke and Oak Bistro is officially up-and-running, having kick-started on May long-weekend to rave reviews. Southern comfort soul food served with traditional German side dishes are the talk of the town. Chef Sarren Wolfe and his über-friendly team are excited to share their delicious menu, featuring southern-style BBQ items produced on their Tennessee-made BBQ/smoker/rotisserie unit. Open daily, 11 – 4.
“People are loving the food, the feedback has been awesome” says GM Roland Kruger. “Sitting on the balcony, overlooking the vineyards of Okanagan wine-country – it’s got such great ambiance to enjoy a glass of wine and get a bite to eat at a reasonable price.”
Many fun events happening this summer and fall at WGV. Two special notes include an Elvis Presley tribute artist this summer and the ‘Beale Street Festival,’ held Saturday October 4, 12-3. This festival celebrates the roots of blues music with food and wine pairings to match. Saturday October 4, 12-3. Check the winery’s online events calendar @ www.wildgoosewinery.com.
2013 Classic Riesling $19.00
Produced from 30-year-old vines, this off-dry Riesling features loads of Granny Smith apple and citrus. Amazing with schnitzel, pork, chicken and cheeses.
2012 Stoney Slopes Riesling $20.00
30-year-old south facing vines produce the flint, apple and mineral notes on this fine white. Incredibly long finish.
2013 Botrytis-Affected Riesling Dessert Wine $40.00
Only 3 times in 30 years have conditions existed for WGV to produce this nectar worthy of the gods. Rich, succulent and highly aromatic.
~ Sarah Willard