Behind the Roaring 20s theme at Kraze Legz Vineyard and Winery in Kaleden is a steady stream of award-winning wines. Operating a winery with only occasional help in the vineyard keeps owners Gerry and Sue Thygesen busy year-round, but always offer an enthusiastic welcome a to a memorable destination only 10-minutes south of Penticton.
Kraze Legz and SKAHA Vineyards labels continue to impress in the marketplace, in competitions and with wine writers.
On a recent visit, BC’s venerable John Schreiner tasted shhh…2012 Merlot Icewine and declared it worthy of 95-96 points. Beautifully balanced, the Kraze Legz version starts with a burst of fresh strawberry freezer jam, becomes more complex with tastes of cherries, huckleberries with the viscosity of rich honey.
After last years win, the always popular SKAHA Unoaked Chardonnay follows up with the 2014 vintage making it all the way to final round of 30 at the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards. Juicy pineapple, stone fruit and lime.
SKAHA Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Franc (their first 100% varietal CAF) harvested a Gold Medal at the 2015 Northwest Wine Summit. Jammy blackberry, licorice, vanilla and spice.
The SKAHA Vineyard 2012 Rogue, a tawny style fortified wine sold out in just 10 days and the 2013 vintage to be release in October, already has a lengthy waiting list. Rich butterscotch, raisin, nut and oh so smooth!
SKAHA Vineyard labels have proved popular in restaurants and wine shops but don’t anticipate Kraze Legz wines disappearing any time soon.
“People expect the Kraze Legz experience when they come to visit the winery,” Sue says. “And this is where we sell most of our wine, so we certainly don’t plan to disappoint them!”
~ Lorne Eckersley