Written by: David Wylie
It’s time for new wine at Tinhorn Creek. The winery has put out many different award-wining wines, including its Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards produces about 40,000 cases each year from its harvest.
All of Tinhorn’s wines evoke the unique terroir of the region: the sage-covered desert terrain.
There are some great opportunities this fall to try their vintages. The winery is again hosting events as part of the popular Okanagan Fall Wine festival.
Grazing in the Vineyard
On September 29, Tinhorn is holding its 2019 Grazing in the Vineyard event from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Enjoy a hike through the Tinhorn vineyard with viticulturist Andrew Moon, while sampling wines from Tinhorn and canapés from Miradoro Restaurant. It’s a chance to learn about vineyard practices, sustainability and the new Golden Mile Bench sub-appellation. Afterwards, there’s a three-course lunch by Miradoro. Tickets are $65.
Guest Chef Dinner
On October 5, the Guest Chef Dinner will be held at Miradoro Restaurant at 6:30 pm.
It will be an evening of exceptional food and wine, as chef Jeff Van Geest invites a guest chef into the Miradoro kitchen to partner on a delicious and unique multi-course gourmet dinner paired with Tinhorn wines.
Seating is limited so call or email Miradoro to reserve a spot today. Tickets are $95, plus tax and gratuity. There is a shuttle service from Penticton available for $20 per person.
Dining at Miradoro
The popular Miradoro Restaurant is a partnership between Tinhorn Creek and BC culinary legend Manuel Ferreira. The restaurant features panoramic views of the valley below, clean lines and a comfortable atmosphere.
With an emphasis on seasonal products and a commitment to sustainable practice, the menu at Miradoro is a study in culinary creativity. From the authentic forno oven to a diverse wine list (including library wines), this is an excellent place for food lovers to indulge.
The restaurant is open from March through December.
Tastings at Tinhorn
If you’re just visiting for a sip, Tinhorn has a variety of tasting tours. The guided winery tour runs daily and costs $20 a person. See the winery, vineyard and barrel cellar. It’s a glimpse into the winemaking process and takes about one hour.
Every Friday and Saturday, Tinhorn runs Let’s be Franc! This guided tasting tour explores Cabernet Franc. The cost is $40 a person and takes about 90 minutes. There’s room for two to six people.The Oldfield Reserve Tasting & Cellar Tour runs Friday through Sunday. It’s a rare opportunity to taste a barrel sample. The tour takes about 90 minutes and costs $40 per person. There is space for two to 12 people.
Drop-in tastings are generally offered from 10 am to 7 pm daily (until 4 pm from November to February).
Join the Crush Club
Tinhorn’s Crush Club is a great way to get VIP treatment. Membership includes a complimentary reception and advanced seating at Tinhorn’s concerts, free tastings at the tasting room and 10 per cent off the food bill when dining at Miradoro. Members also have access to special, small-lot wines and pre-releases.
Tinhorn’s Summer Canadian Concert Series comes to a close on September 14 with 2019 headliner Bedouin Soundclash. The reggae and ska band based out of Toronto was formed in 2001 and has released four studio albums. Tickets are $75. Shuttles to and from shows are available from Penticton and Osoyoos for each concert; they are $20, return trip and include a glass of wine at the concert.
Expect more great concerts next summer.
How to Get There
Tinhorn is located on a hillside overlooking vineyards, sagebrush and the old mining creek that is its namesake. The winery is located south of Oliver, BC, at the junction of Highway 97 and Road 7 in the famed Golden Mile Bench wine-growing district. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards spans 150 acres of prime agricultural land on two very distinct benches.
To reach Tinhorn call 1-888-484-6467, email winery@tinhorn.com or visit tinhorn.com. Reservations at Miradoro Restaurant can be made by calling 250-498-3742 or emailing info@miradoro.ca.