The wines are always simply superb. The winery restaurant, Old Vines, is one of the finest in BC and the vineyard and wine shop are nestled in the hillsides alongside Okanagan Lake. They are Quails’ Gate Family Estate Winery and they continuously offer wine enthusiasts, visitors and locals alike some of the very best that Okanagan Wine Country has to offer.
Director of Hospitality Bill Wightman and winemaker Nikki Callaway are just two of the reasons Quails’ Gate visitors keep coming back for more. The new releases are now coming out, and the 2015 wines are outstanding, Nikki says.
“In general, the 2015 harvest was exceptional. We experienced a lot of hot days and cooler evenings. The wines are vibrant, fruit-forward, clean and crisp. It really is a perfect example of an exceptional vintage.”
Bill outlines some of Quails’ Gate’s innovative programs for visitors.
“We are focusing on education,” he says. “Right now we’re running twelve classes for our Cellar Door Wine Club members and they’re selling out. We expect another twelve in the fall. A good example is our ‘Couples Counselling’ experience where couples can learn how to select their wines together.”
New Releases include their 2015 Rosé, Riesling, Chenin Blanc and the Stewart Family Reserve 2014 Pinot Noir. For more information on their vibrant Cellar Door Club, wines and touring program, visit www.quailsgate.com.
[pictured:winemaker Nikki Callaway_
~ Deanna Rainey