Kidding aside, join Canada’s first Curds & Corks Club at Upper Bench Winery & Creamery and you’ll be treated like a “big cheese” to be first in line for Upper Bench wines and cheese. You’ll receive a wine shipment four times annually along with perfectly-paired cheese; special discounts year-round on additional wine purchases; complimentary wine & cheese tasting for you and three friends at the winery; plus exclusive access to pre-released wines, past vintages and members-only artisan cheeses. Given the accolades, for example in The Globe and Mail where wine contributor Beppi Crosariol gave two-in-a-row 90-point ratings for the 2012 Pinot Noir and the 2012 Merlot, you’ll want early access. Winemaker Gavin Miller notes, “In year three, our big reds are really coming in beautifully and you’ll want to put these on your list this summer.” Just released is a small lot Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that is another testament to Upper Bench’s minimalist winemaking techniques where the flavour is cultivated in the vineyard. Cheesemaker Shana Miller reports a launch in April or May of a firmer cheese thanks to adding another cheesemaker to the team last fall. See the website, facebook and twitter for details and updates such as the Naramata Bench Winery Association releases this April in Vancouver. Join “Roll out the Barrel” at Upper Bench, noon to 3 pm, May 9th, for the Okanagan Wine Festival. The patio opens fulltime May 1st and is now covered so rain or shine, linger to enjoy wine and cheese plates.
~ Roslyne Buchanan