Written by: Lesley Buxton
As its name implies, Red Rooster is a rare bird. The celebrated winery renowned for its down-home hospitality, award-winning wines and killer views of Okanagan Lake is definitely distinct in all the best ways. Heads up folks, things are about to get even better. This June, Penticton’s Smuggler’s Smokehouse is coming to the winery.
Barbecue and Wine
It’s the perfect pairing — barbecue and wine. Just think of the endless possibilities. It’s a fabulous opportunity to gather your friends together and experiment with your favourite combinations. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, one of Red Rooster’s wine experts will be happy to advise you. There are no bad decisions with these kinds of ingredients. Whenever you visit Red Rooster, you have the chance to try select wines from the limited edition Rare Bird Series, only found at the winery.
Smuggler’s Smokehouse is the brainchild of chefs Shayna and Josh Shulman. The couple has worked together for five years and they have over 30 combined years of experience in the culinary industry. When they decided to launch their own eatery, they quickly decided on a smokehouse because of its broad appeal. After all, who doesn’t love barbecue? All that spice and smoke.
Time Well Spent
Smoking meat is a skill that takes years to perfect. The Smuggler’s Smokehouse team is committed to perfecting its techniques and knowledge, continually tweaking recipes, smoke and cook times, as well as investigating the very best smoke for each type of meat.
Typically, smokehouse cooking is known for its low and slow methodology. Meat is cooked using low temperatures, meaning the food takes a substantial time to cook, ensuring flavours are locked in and the meat is succulent and tender. All the meat served at Smuggler’s Smokehouse is seasoned and smoked to perfection in-house, using local fruit wood. The meat is supplied by Two Rivers Specialty Meats, in Vancouver., which is known for supplying only the highest quality of locally, ethically and sustainably raised products. There is no use of hormones, chemicals or food additives ever.
Made in the Okanagan
All sides and sauces are made in-house from scratch and with plenty of love. The breads are made at Wouda’s, Penticton’s favourite bakery, well-known for its old family recipes. Their famous gluten- and dairy-free cheesecakes are made fresh in Penticton by Gratify. These satisfying treats are both delicious and good for you. The delectable ice cream is hand-made by Dutchmen Dairy in Vernon, once cited by The Vancouver Sun as “BC’s Best Ice Cream.” Like the folks at Red Rooster, chefs Shayna and Josh Shulman want everyone to feel at home when they visit the winery’s new eatery. It’s their aim that diners leave feeling the love that was put into their meal.
Become Part of the Flock
Introducing Red Rooster’s latest wine club adventure, The Whole Flock. Designed especially for those who don’t like to be pigeon-holed, and
who can’t quite decide which wine they like best, it guarantees wine lovers the chance to enjoy handpicked wines from both the Rare Bird Series and Classic Wine Series. After all, everyone knows half the fun of drinking wine is discovering different varietals and vintages.
Other perks of membership to The Whole Flock include exclusive access to the winery’s Club Member’s Lounge, 15 per cent off specialized tastings in Sensory Tasting Room, free shipping on 12 bottles or more, and 15 per cent discount in the Smuggler’s Smokehouse. These are just a few of the fabulous incentives. Major advantages include behind-the-scenes access to winemaker Karen and her roosters, as well as receiving six bottles (three varietals, two of each wine), specially selected by the talented winemaker. In addition, members enjoy invites to elite, member-only events.
A Feather in Red Rooster’s Cap
In May the results of the Best of Varietals were announced during the 25th Annual Spring Okanagan Wine Festival. Red Rooster wowed judges, taking home a Gold for its 2017 Rare Bird Series Pinot Noir, and three Silvers for the 2018 Pinot Gris, the 2016 Rare Bird Series Meritage Blend and the 2018 Rare Bird Viognier.
Come taste these delicious wines for yourself and learn what makes Red Rooster so exceptional.