Blake Allen
Nestled in the foothills along Upper Bench Road, just minutes from downtown Penticton, lies Four Shadows Winery. This family-run boutique winery is a gem that’s not so hidden these days.
After nearly a decade of growing award-winning grapes for other wineries, owners Wilbert and Joka Borren decided it was time to craft wines under their own label, which they launched two years ago. With an already heavily decorated portfolio of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and two styles of Riesling, they certainly have started off on the right foot and are poised to continue their upwards trajectory.
The wine shop is open for tastings, both indoors and outside among the vines. Don’t delay your visit too long as wine sells out fast around here. Their rosé was gone long before the summer ended last year, and their iconic blue-bottle Riesling is likely soon to follow. Grab a bottle or two now, because hidden gems like this don’t stay hidden very long.
This fall, stock up on their 2019 Merlot, a crimson red wine with a complex body of plum and subtle hints of raspberries. It’s gentle on the palate and full-bodied enough to warm the brisk winds of a cool autumn evening.