The winery is the hard earned dream of the Fiume family, Roberto and Sharon along with kids Antonio and Olivia, who began the commercial cultivation of their first grapes in 2014 with the help of the expert viticulturalist Dr. Alan Marks and the guidance of the celebrated winemaker Jim Faulkner. The property is deeply rooted in the wine growing history of the Okanagan Valley, and is home to stubby, thick-trunked vines that are more than 60 years old, the oldest in West Kelowna! On a sunny day, one can sit back with a picnic in the garden, and take in the vineyard while enjoying a game of backgammon in the warm lake breeze that wafts up the mountain.
But the winery is rooted in more than just the viticultural history of the Valley, it is also rooted in the family’s own Italian heritage. The labels pay tribute to Roberto’s family, who came to Canada from Napoli. An old, dapper portrait of Nonno (Grandpa) Luigi adorns the Pinot Grigio while the photo of a young Nonna (Grandma) Melina atop a red vespa marks the Rosatto (Rosé). It’s a winery which celebrates the importance of family, but as is the Italian way the Fiumes welcome everyone who comes through their doors into their famiglia.
And this hard work and dedication has already been well rewarded, as their first vintage received five major wine awards. The 2014 Pinot Rosé received Silver at both the BC and National Wine Awards. But it was the Pinot Nero that really captured the industry’s attention, taking home two medals at the All Canadian Wine Championships and National Wine Awards while receiving the “Best of Varietal” at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. The family has already opened its doors for spring hours (12 – 4, Thurs to Sat), and will return to Summer hours on the May Long Weekend. So with the warm weather upon us, why not come out and visit the old country, it’s just up the road!
2014 Pinot Grigio – $16.95
Again, this wine is made Italian-style, dry and fruit forward with a crisp finish. The nose offers lovely apple notes with citrus and the finish is surprisingly rich and buttery.
2015 Pinot Rosé – $19.95
Fun, refreshing and fruit forward, this delightful wine awakens your palate with hints of succulent watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, rhubarb, kiwi and wild cherry.
2014 Pinot Nero – $24.95
A beautiful ruby colour invites a nose of lovely strawberries followed by a rich, smooth palate with loads of depth and a lingering, earthy finish. John Schreiner gave this wine 90 points and perfectly described it as “a very pretty wine”.
www.ciaobellawinery.com
~ Blake Allen
Pictured: The Fiume Family: l-r Antonio, Sharon, Roberto, Olivia in front with winery dog, Bella.