There will be events all summer long at Desert Hills Estate Winery. Chris Temos, the marketing director, is buzzing about the new lineup of events that will feature a theme party each month. Following up on their successful Mirage Release party in June, July will feature an Arabian Nights-themed party that will have many surprises to entertain guests. August will treat guests to a Blues Night complete with authentic southern barbeque and a Chicago blues band.
At any time of the day, all summer long, the Desert Hills Wine Shop will be the focal point for wine lovers. Guests can relax on oak barrel furniture on the patio and enjoy high quality charcuterie featuring local, organic fresh cheeses, meats, breads, mustards and spreads as well as olives and pickles to enjoy in the summer sun. In addition to the wine shop, the barrel cellar has been reorganized to accommodate groups for library tastings and private events. There is nothing more refreshing that a wine tasting in a cool barrel cellar during the hot summer months.
Behind the scenes, winemaker Anthony Buchanan is working on the 2015 reds while preparing for the coming harvest. A tank sample of the Gamay shows beautifully concentrated fruit flavours and silky smooth texture that have made this wine a standout for this variety in BC.
2015 Unoaked Chardonnay
Pronounced aromas of white peaches, melons, and apple skins and flavours of soft peaches, ripe ambrosia apples, and baked pears make this a beautifully intense wine.
2015 Gewürztraminer
This wine has big aromas of lychee nuts, perfume, and violets and is lightly off-dry on the palate. The big flavours continue with more lychee, perfume, flowers, and stone fruits.
www.deserthills.ca
(pictured: winemaker Anthony Buchanan)
~ Luke Whittall