While the vines in the Okanagan are just showing promise of the wines to come, wineries are busy readying the past few years’ vintages for release as the many wines have only now had enough time in bottle to reach the maturity required before they are deemed ready. At Dirty Laundry Winery the 2013 Double Gold medal award Winning Pinot Noir has been sold out for a while, but the winery has only now declared the 2014 Pinot Noir ready after 17 months in barrel; all French Oak, of which 30% was new. Barrel samples have been rave worthy, as the 2014 season was exceptionally good for Pinot Noir.
Dirty Laundry Winery’s patio currently seats 100, but they’ve found they need a little more room to accommodate visitors, especially during the busy summer weekends with live entertainment attracting crowds each day from 1-4 pm. The Friday Lobster Lunches starting July 1, are also a huge draw, so be sure to reserve, they are held from 12-2 pm for just $34.95. Build your own picnics are available daily. The tasting bar will also accommodate more wine samplers at one time and will now have a permanent roof for those days when it’s a little too bright or on the off chance there’s rain.
If you’ve been to the winery you may have witnessed the passing of the Kettle Valley Steam Train, and the interest of perhaps taking a ride has been mentioned by guests, so there is now a program whereby any purchase made in the wine shop will entitle guests to a discount card for a ride on the train. Stop in for the complimentary winery tours from June 13th, which take approximately 30 minutes on any Monday through Friday at 11:30 and 2:30 pm daily, and follow that with a train ride.
Stay a while at the winery as this season Dirty Laundry is adding a second rental property in the vineyard. The house will be known as the “Parlour House” and they are planning for July 1st opening. Guests will enjoy stunning views of the lake, vineyards and trestles and have access to the outdoor pool and beautiful grounds. Check out their website for more details.
2014 Pinot Noir
Dark cherry and plum aromas give way to a rich, smooth mouth feel; the wine is a perfect companion to roast duck or a summer salmon barbeque.
~ Cassandra Anderton