Returning visitors to Hidden Chapel Winery near Oliver will no doubt miss the ever-popular and beloved German Shepherd winery dog, Max. Since Deborah Wilde, co-owner, established Hidden Chapel in 2009, Max was a key component of winery life at the picturesque setting. Max loved greeting guests, playing with visiting children while their parents tasted, guiding people to visit the hidden chapel, and performing guard dog duties.
Wilde explained, “Sadly, on January 8, 2018, family, friends and staff had to say goodbye to beloved, 12-year old Max as he departed to Doggy Heaven, where he is chasing pinecones with his family and friends that left before him.”
Wilde says, “He’s in Doggy Heaven because everyone knows all dogs go to heaven! In memory of Max and all dogs who have left this earth and crossed the rainbow bridge, Hidden Chapel plans to release a special wine.” More details on the wine will be announced when it’s ready for release.
To be released this spring, is Hidden Chapel’s second vintage of its popular, sparkling wine called Made of Honour. It’s perfect for any celebration or just sipping on the patio on a summer afternoon. This sparkling wine is a Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon blend with rich, cherry notes on the palate. Retail is $25.10 before taxes.
The Flying Nun, which was last released as a 2012 vintage, will also be resurrected this year. It is a drier blend, predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Riesling. This wine has grapefruit on the palate with a hint of green apple on the nose; it’s great for pairing with food! Retail is $17.30 before taxes.
The tasting room, wine shop and chapel are open daily from 10am to 5pm, April through November. Visit hiddenchapelwinery.com for more information and to order wine online.
~ Roslyne Buchanan