50th Parallel Estate Winery was created because someone had a unique idea. 50th Parallel’s genesis resulted from that idea being used as a pickup line on a houseboat trip that birthed a power couple in 2000. Fast forward eight years and the property that is now their estate winery was purchased and that pickup line became reality. Now Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel and Curtis Krouzel are the one-two punch behind one of the most exciting new wineries in the Okanagan Valley. The site has pedigree, having been a hybrid vineyard site for Ste-Michelle Winery up until the pull-out program 1988. The land remained unused until 2008 when Curtis and Sheri-Lee purchased it to start their Pinot Noir-focused winery.
To give you an idea of how much thought went into this winery, consider this. Because Pinot Noir burns easily in the sun, the rows are oriented at bearing 205 degrees South West which puts grape clusters in shade as the hottest daytime temperatures are reached between 1:00 and 3:00pm. There are many examples of their attention to detail, but you will need to take the “Grape to Glass Tour”. For $30 this exceptional tour includes a vineyard and winery tour, and tasting. Reservations are required so check their website for details.
Sheri-Lee is particularly excited to book special events at 50th. A dedicated space high in the vineyard is available for weddings and special occasions that has a view that you will be talking about for a lifetime. The facility is accessible by car, boat, or helicopter.
~ Luke Whittall