It’s been said that the season is never over until the birds say it’s so, and while the bite of autumn winds may be slowly filling the valley, the summer season is still in full swing on the northern fringe of Oliver at Hidden Chapel Winery. With harvest just around the corner, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes give purple freckles to the still lush greens of the forested gardens that adorn the property. Despite the chill in the air, it is still very much summer here.
The South Okanagan is more known for its reds, but at this cozy little tasting bar one will find a few treats that encapsulate the Okanagan’s favorite season. Like the Blushing Bride, a gorgeous, magenta coloured Rosé bursting with summer berries that’s perfect for patio get-togethers. Meanwhile, the St. Vincent Riesling-Viognier blend, named for the Patron Saint of Wine, perfectly captures an Okanagan day in a glass with its aromatic nose and hints of pear.
Of course, the nips of winter are in the air so should you be searching for a distinctive red to keep you warm you might prefer the 2011 Trilogy, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot blend that claimed Gold at the Spring Wine Festival this year. The leaves may be changing colour but here the gardens are a flutter with songbirds delaying the migration south a little longer. It would seem the birds have decided that at Hidden Chapel, summer hasn’t quite ended yet.
2015 Amazing Grace $25.00
Following a one-year absence, new business partner Rudy Tomazic & existing partner Deborah Wilde have resurrected this popular Riesling to Hidden Chapel. Slightly citric, distinguished by its hint of green apple, it’s not only an ideal summer wine but serves a good cause as partial proceeds from its sale go to cancer research.
~ Blake Allen