While the vineyards aren’t filled with plump grapes right now, this is a busy time for Larch Hills Winery, just south of Salmon Arm. A newly-installed bottling line has allowed for greater production of their award-winning cool climate wines.
Proprietor Hazel Manser says Larch Hills is open year-round, and many people also visit the area for the nearby cross-country skiing.
“We have some of the best cross-country skiing in BC,” says Manser. “Larch Hills is a four season destination. We ask that people give us a call if there has been fresh snow so we can advise them about access.”
Larch Hills owners Hazel and Jack spend a great deal of time in the winter working in the wine cellar, creating and bottling the new wines. They’ll soon release the 2015 Lemberger and their Grandview Bench; a very promising rosé will be available in the spring.
Hazel said 2015 was an outstanding year.
“The grapes were excellent. We don’t irrigate the vineyard so the long hot summer was quite a challenge at times, but the wine will be delicious!”
Their wines have created a lot of Larch Hills fans. Look for them at private wine stores in Revelstoke, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and the Okanagan.
~ Deanna Rainey