There's nothing quite like being in the Okanagan during harvest (or any wine region for that matter), although the valley is particularly beautiful at this time of the year.
After a promising start, due to some localized hail and unusually torrential rains, the vintage has turned out to be more challenging than expected as growers keep a wary eye on the weather for the next few weeks.
Okanagan Wine Festivals (thewinefestivals.com) this week prefaced the upcoming signature fall festival with a bit of a fanfare.
We've known all along that B.C.'s burgeoning wine industry does a fair bit for the economy, but a new report suggests that festivals and wine tourism contribute some $139 million in economic impact annually to the Okanagan, and that the average visiting Okanagan wine tourist drops a significant $475 per day on lodging, wine and cuisine.
Part of the reason for that surge is thanks to the arrival of quality accommodation, which for the most part particularly in the south Okanagan was lacking a decade ago. Now the south has spread its wings thanks to a number of premier properties such as Osoyoos Watermark Beach Resort, which epitomizes the levels of comfort and convenience now available.
Recently the lakeside Watermark has upped its game, in part thanks to the arrival of well-travelled chef Jonas Stadtlander, who brings a welcome, local twist to the resort's buzzing wine bar and patio.
You may recognize the name: Jonas is the son of Michael Stadtlander, founding father of Canada's early farm-to-table movement.
His tapas-styled offerings roam from superb panseared local beef with shallot jus to seared spiced Albacore tuna with local greens, and include an excellent tasting plate with house-made chicken liver mousse, artisan cheeses and more.
The wine list yields no shortage of good local drops and the hotel now partners with respected Orofino winemaker John Weber to make its own label, including a well-structured "Really, Really, Red" blend of Similkameen Syrah, Cab. Sauv and Merlot.
Among the most polished in the valley, Watermark's very well appointed, fully self-catering suites, pool and spa (not to mention a range of well-priced packages, including electric bicycle tours) make it more than a good reason to head "down south." Plus, this time next year, you'll be able to hop a twice daily shuttle direct from Kelowna (watermarkbeachresort. com).
Aside from must-sees, such as Tinhorn Creek (Miradoro continues to shine) and Stoneboat (who holds the distinction of making the world's only and excellent Pinotage icewine), there's a clutch of very worthy newcomers to visit.
Call ahead for Culmina, the Triggs family's stunning estate, which has raised the bar yet again both in the bottle and out.
Go by to taste their superb, mineral-streaked, Burgundian-inclined Chardonnay (91 points, $26) and floral, juicy, acidwrapped Saignée 50/50 Cab. rosé.
Not to mention the 2011 Hypotheses (91 points) already reviewed here. Or just go buy them online if you can't get there (culmina. ca).
The south valley's other rising star, though early days, also merits attention.
Although co-owner and winemaker Bertus Albertyn is most known for his recent sojourn at Burrowing Owl (he also helped out at Culmina), his experience spans the globe, with stops in Hermitage, Italy, and elsewhere, as well as in his native Stellenbosch.
There's a distinct house style at work at his Maverick Estate, which manifests itself in wines that are immensely well balanced and textured, yet still subtle in approach. Phone ahead to taste his textbook tropical-toned, far from grassy Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($17.99, 90 points); brightly toned, rose petal and citrus-tinged Origin 2012 (Gewurz. Sauv. Blanc) $16, 90 points; red-andblack fruit, meaty-topped, well-rounded Maverick 2011 (60/40 Syrah/Cab. Sauv) with juicy spicy, smoky and berry notes wrapped in elegant tannins. Another deal at $24 (90 points).
Next year there'll be a Pinot Noir, a méthode traditionelle sparkler, and the following year: Syrah. No surprise: These (for now) small-production wines are going fast. Coming soon: a tasting room, and, later, a cellar. Unquestionably, one to watch.
