The violent, volcanic birth of our valley eons ago left in its wake an environment internationally renowned for wine. In the shadow of the valley’s most monolithic, and thankfully now dormant volcanoes, this history lingers in the soil, providing a terroir unique from the rest of the Okanagan. The grapes grown here exhibit this volcanic legacy in a way that is distinct from the rest of the valley, producing celebrated wines that stand apart.
This is the time of year when we squeeze the most out of what remains of our summer sun by escaping the crowds, sneaking in those final visits to our favourite wineries and grabbing the last of this year’s vintages. Tucked away just off the highway, away from the seemingly constant hustle and bustle of West Kelowna, Volcanic Hills has grown into a favourite among locals. It’s home to distinctive wines and a world-class restaurant, the Blu Saffron. It is the perfect place to soak up the sun’s rays on their outdoor patio that overlooks the lake.
It’s always good to keep an eye on the Volcanic Hills Facebook page to learn about upcoming events and specials. For the full Volcanic Hills experience, swing by during their Annual Open House on September 30, between 12 and 4 pm, to receive complimentary wine tastings and join a free tour of the cellars, barrel rooms and surrounding vineyards (starting at 12:30 and 2:30 pm). It’s an essential experience for budding connoisseurs to learn about how wine is grown and made, as well as the ancient art of coopering. You’ll also learn about the important role of terroir and what makes these volcanic hills so important in the production of this great wine.