Sometimes people get intimidated when going wine tasting for the first time. The owners of Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery want to make people as comfortable as possible, whether it’s their first time or they’re frequent visitors.
“It’s not supposed to be intimidating. We have fun staff in the tasting room,” said Wilbert Borren, who owns the winery with his wife Joka. They offer unhurried tastings and even take the time to bring guests on a mini-tour when time allows.
Four Shadows is the first winery on Upper Bench Road leaving Penticton. It’s open for walk-in tasters, as well as bookings. A picnic and patio area offers expansive views of their 17-acre vineyard and Campbell Mountain.
Wines in Demand
Four Shadows quickly became known for their Rieslings and Rosés, which sold out last year.
Their classic Riesling is the top seller, and it’s liked by those new to wine as well as those with experienced palates.
The winery won medals this summer for their sparkling Riesling and their dry Riesling at the 2021 All Canadian Wine Championships.
Another standout wine from Four Shadows is the 2018 Merlot. This is what wine reviewer Leah Spooner had to say about it:
“Enticing red liquorice, vanilla and baked blackberry aromas give an engaging introduction to this unfiltered Merlot. A core of ripe fruit that includes blackberry, black raspberry and purple plums fills the palate and is embraced by lifting acidity and a soft but sturdy tannin structure. Waves of savoury notes of cooked mushrooms, earth and nutmeg come in on a memorable finish. Drink or hold.”
Hours and Contact
The winery is open seven days a week, from 11 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday and 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. To order online or join Four Shadows’ wine club, visit fourshadowsvineyard.com.