(pictured: Bill & Marina Knutson)
This year, it’s all about what is happening outside at Spierhead Winery in Southeast Kelowna. The vista surrounding the quaint winery is filled with the sights of early summer vines, and rich earth is awaiting the imminent arrival of about 9,000 Pinot Noir Plants spread over almost five acres. With the advent of the new grapes, the winery itself will be entirely surrounded by grape vines and apple orchards.
“We’ve had great success with our Pinot, so we’re going all in!” says Spierhead Proprietor Marina Knutson. “We’ve got a total of about 20 acres here. About 6 /12 acres are under vine now, and this year we’re adding the additional 5. Our plans include another 3 acres in the future. “
Another exciting new feature is the Demonstration Vineyard they’re planting next to the picnic area. There you’ll find short rows or Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, with self-directed tours offering unique insights to visitors.
This summer, Marina recommends their 2013 Rosé, a dry Pinot Noir rosé with hints of strawberry on the nose and a light cranberry finish on the palate. Very food friendly, it can be paired with Indian food, spicy foods, and salmon. Also a great sipping wine, it sells for $20.
The 2013 Chardonnay was very recently released. With 33% of the wine aged in French barrels, it is then blended with the remaining tank-aged wine. The Chardonnay is a delicious, lightly-oaked wine that pairs well with fish, poultry and any kind of seafood.
Spierhead Winery has a growing wine club featuring lots of new perks for their members. It is free to join and you’ll receive a quarterly shipment of hand-picked wines along with discounts at the winery and online.
~ Deanna Rainey