(pictured: Co-owner Dawn Lennie with just released Gin and Vodka.)
One of the exciting new entrees to the Naramata wine tour isn’t wine at all – it’s spirits! Opening this year, Legend Distilling is the collaboration of husband and wife team Dawn and Doug Lennie, who bring their previous business expertise to their new family owned operation. With craft distilleries exploding in the US, this seemed like the right opportunity and when the right property in Naramata became available they jumped at it. Part of the fun and adventure with creating their spirits is to tell a story with each one. Located on the former site of the local doctor, it only makes sense that one of their first offerings is the ‘Doctors Orders’ Gin.
Served in fun jugs reminiscent of prohibition, the gin and their ‘Shadow in the Lake’ Vodka (named after one of the most famous legends of the Okanagan) are the first spirits to be offered this summer. With a spectacular patio overlooking Okanagan Lake and an amazing distillery with gorgeous copper and stainless stills–they offer tours for the thirsty for knowledge and a cool tasting room using repurposed materials that offers tastes for those thirsty for artisan spirits. Legend will add whisky after it’s aged in barrel for three years, and fruit infused spirits using local ingredients as they come into season.
“One of the exciting things for us is the fun of experimenting with our local ingredients,” says Dawn. We can’t wait to see what future Legends are born!
~ Terry Meyer-Stone