With wines flying off the shelf and into the arms of eager customers, it’s a wonder that Gina and Trevor Mitchell are able to keep up with their many duties at Oliver Twist Estate Winery. “I have exciting news, though,” Gina said during a short break in July. “Denice Hagerman has come back to play. She says retirement was too boring!” Hagerman was the original winemaker at Oliver Twist, and served as a mentor to Gina.
New releases this fall will include 2013 Merlot/Cabernet Franc. “It takes two,” says Gina. “You know the ones. The dynamic duo that’s always finishing each other’s sentences? Here they are in wine form. Seductive and perfumed with notes of violets, summer berries and toasty vanilla, Merlot brings richness and body to Cabernet Franc’s sturdy core. Ripe fruit flavours and a floral bouquet make this ruby hued blend a match made in heaven for tender lamb, juicy prime rib, rich pasta, or wild venison.”
Soon to come is 2013 Viognier, a Silver Medal winner at the National Wine Awards of Canada 2014, about which Gina says, “Everyone needs a holiday. And Oliver Twist’s Viognier makes the perfect tour guide. An exotic excursion for your palate, this dry white brings a tropical splash of papaya, honeydew and mandarin, mouthwatering white peach and mango, and a lingering white flower finish.”
Always enthusiastic, Gina still manages to kick her eagerness up a notch when she talks about the September 13th Lobster on the Beach fundraising event on Osoyoos’s Gyro Beach. “It’s a blast! Fresh lobster from PEI, music and great people, all to raise funds for Rotary Club projects. Don’t miss it!”
~ Lorne Eckersley