Impeccable whites, grandiose reds and their ‘Ambassador’ port-style wine round out Desert Hill’s (DH) portfolio. Since 2003, the Toor family has made award-winning wines at their Oliver location.
Three brothers – Randy, Jessie, and Dave, grew their winery from the ground up. Grape farming since the mid ‘90’s, they have established a top quality winery with consistently delicious products.
Many of the DH wines are lovingly crafted into small lot vintages by winemaker George Phiniotis with many selling out before their wine shop season ends. DH wine club members receive priority access on new releases, and special ‘members only’ small lot and library wines. Upcoming wines on the ‘exclusive list’ include Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, a 50/50 Cab-Syrah, and a partner to ‘Ambassador,’ an Orange Muscat-based version inspired by those from California and Australia. For on-line and tasting room wine purchases, members receive a 10% discount on new releases, and a 5% discount on library wines and tasting room merchandise. Free shipping across Canada on full-case (12 bottle) orders. Additionally, members receive exclusive invitations throughout the year to barrel tastings, winemaker, social and educational events.
For the 2014 Cactus White (tank sample) vintage, Phiniotis added Muscat to DH’s popular blend featuring Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Viognier. Last year’s version received ‘Best of Class’ and ‘Double Gold’ at the Northwest Wine Summit, and this one is even better! New this year, both Cactus White and its counterpart, Cactus Red, will be available in 16L bag-in-the-box packaging, perfect for restaurants, weddings and epic celebrations.
~ Sarah Willard