In a valley resplendent with beautiful wineries, lush vineyards and sumptuous award-winning wines, Hester Creek Estate Winery in the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile stands out as one of the finest.
As the director of hospitality Roger Gillespie points out, Hester Creek beckons with immaculately appointed grounds that are perfectly suited to a relaxing afternoon of food and wine and offers an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike.
“People think they have been transported to the Tuscan countryside. We are surrounded by 105 acres of estate vineyards and you’ll be welcomed by our modest but attentive guest service team.”
Roger says they have some fabulous new releases to mark the beginning of summer. The 2014 Judge – their premium red Bordeaux-style red blend, was just featured in John Schreiner’s new book, Icon. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the wine is aged 24 months in oak, the last 12 of which are the final blend. The Judge has consistently been considered one of the top iconic British Columbia wines.
Look for the newly-released 2015 Syrah Viognier, which is predominantly Syrah with a small percentage of Viognier. Enjoy a personal visit to Hester Creek to pick it up – it is well worth the visit! A Rhone style wine, it has violet floral notes on the nose; lovely gaminess and an earthiness that represents the terroir of the South Okanagan. Last year, the 2013 vintage won a Lieutenant Governors’ award. The Syrah Viognier is perfect for a summer barbecue with a nice marbled rib eye steak, game meats or a roasted leg of lamb.
The Hester Creek Trebbiano and Rosé are Roger’s recommendations for great summer sippers, and his personal favorite is the rosé. Perfect for charcuterie, it contains hints of juicy strawberry and rhubarb.
“This relatively full-bodied rosé is big enough to go with blue cheese and salami and is equally delicious for just sipping around the pool,” Roger says. The Cabernet Franc Rosé sells for $19.95.
The Trebbiano is clean and crisp with grapefruit, tropical notes and gooseberry. This is the only Trebbiano sold in the valley and it retails for $23.95.
Drop by Hester Creek for a complimentary wine tasting between 10 am and 7 pm. There are also a variety of customized tasting opportunities, including one which features a tour of the vineyards and cellar. Check their website at www.hestercreek.com for details of tours, tastings, wines and events.
A trip to Hester Creek brings you to their much-lauded on site restaurant, Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ. A gorgeous Tuscan-style restaurant nestled amongst the vines and replete with a sun-drenched patio and a breathtaking view, you’ll discover some of the South Okanagan’s finest cuisine.
The newest partnership at Hester Creek Estate Winery involves RauDZ Creative Concepts, led by partners Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao. RauDZ is at the forefront of the culinary scene in BC, and is also home to one of Kelowna’s finest restaurants.
Roger Gillespie is no stranger to Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao, having worked with them many years ago at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. As Roger says, “These relationships started strong and have endured,” he said.
The summer entertainment calendar is packed with don’t-miss events. All summer, Hester Creek features live entertainment Saturdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Well-known local musicians are featured, including Ari Neufield, Aidan Mayes and Mandy Cole, and Kelowna’s Joshua Smith. Guests can choose from a wide array of locally hand-crafted cheeses and deli offerings, or bring along a blanket and enjoy a picnic on their gorgeous grounds.
From July through September, Terrafina by RauDZ is offering Tuscan-style locally sourced spit roasted barbecue lunch each Friday on their private patio. And the daily food and wine pairing features three Hester Creek award-winning wines, each paired with its own food offering for $10 per person. It is the perfect light introduction to the art of food and wine.
The accommodations at Hester Creek are, simply put, spectacular…and booked well in advance. For a treat you’ll never forget, check online for available dates. Whether it is the surroundings, the wine, the food, the accommodations or the ongoing festivities, Hester Creek offers the quintessential true wine experience.