By Blake Allen
Far from the busy highway, nestled between a sea of vines and an authentic Neapolitan garden, sits Ciao Bella Winery, a family-run winery in West Kelowna celebrating its five-year anniversary this year. If an escape to the Italian countryside is what you’re looking for, then look no further than West Kelowna.
With the wine shop now open at Ciao Bella, guests can sample award-winning wines or just relax in the garden with a glass of wine in their own little corner of Italy.
Wine Shop Open
The wine shop is now open and pouring Ciao Bella’s newest wine, the Pinozannte: a traditional Italian-style sparkling wine that’s perfectly paired with an Okanagan summer. Guests here are always welcomed into the famiglia by the Fiumes – as was celebrated winemaker Jim Faulkner, who has worked with the family to ensure the wines are made using traditional Italian styles. The new cellar, tucked away on the other side of the vineyard, is fitted with the newest ecologically sound technologies. This ensures that even more wine will soon be pouring from this celebrated little corner of Italy.
Must-Try Wines
2018 Pinot Grigio: A classic off-dry white with strong notes of green apples and apricots complemented by a calming citric nose.
2019 Rosé: A perennial favorite for picnics and trips to the beach. Well known for its distinctive fruitful aroma and bold array of citric flavours.
2017 Pinot Nero: The subtle flavour of cherries accompanies the more prominent profile of dark chocolate. There’s a reason Ciao Bella has been recognized as the home of BC’s best Pinot Noir in the past, and this vintage is a fine illustration of why.
Pinozannte: This Italian-style sparkling wine bursts onto the palate with citrus notes and a smooth hint of honey to finish. Pop a bottle and enjoy la bella vita.