Who knew that rain in B.C. would be so welcome?
Last week’s Similkameen BBQ King event took place against a backdrop of six weeks of scorching temperatures and a weekend of lightning strikes.
The rain held off for a while, but eventually a downpour had everyone running for shelter. And I heard not one single complaint, which says a lot about the character of this distinctive corner of B.C. wine country.
Much like the small region itself, the Similkameen BBQ King contest has matured, attracting a range of food and wine entries that truly underscore what’s happening in the area. The venue itself is quite beautiful: The Grist Mill is a slice of heritage, lovingly restored. (If nothing else, go for the excellent hard boiled egg and avocado sandwich on the freshest of bread, made with flour ground on site.)
The Grist Mill’s own chef Natasha Schooten was crowned the 2015 Similkameen BBQ Queen for the Best Wine and Food Pairing of the night (judges choice), as well as for the Most Creative Dish.
Her slow-smoked short ribs with smoky sweet apricot barbecue sauce on zucchini nann bread was served with a smartly conceived yellow tomato, blueberry, basil and pico de gallo (salsa) that was a shoo-in with Corcelettes 2014 Oracle Rose. That was good to see as well. Earlier this year, the Corcelettes crew took a leap of faith, purchasing the Herder Winery & Vineyards, which enjoys a commanding valley view from Upper Bench Road.
Corcelettes 2014 Zweigelt Rosé is a deliciously juicy drop, with bright strawberry and grapefruit notes and plenty of heft (90 points, $17-$20). Try it with grilled fresh Sockeye. Also worth a nod is Corcelettes Gewurztraminer 2013 Accolade, a classic expression that sports an intriguing banana twist to its lychee and rose petal tones, full fruited but well balanced with a dry end (91 points, $17-$90.
The BBQ King’s People’s Choice pairing award went to chef Chris Boehm of Penticton’s Burger 55 for his braised short rib and Qualicum blue cheese stuffed AAA beef burger with blueberry basil apricot jam, shallot root beer barbecue sauce, topped with a delicious truffle parmesan zucchini wedge. It was well matched with Orofino 2012 Scout Vineyard Syrah.
There is no shortage of worthy stops in the valley. Ever fancy starting a winery? Stop by Rhys Pender and Alishan Driediger’s Little Farm Winery (open sporadically, but usually Saturday) to see just what starting a winery entails.
The couple juggle family and a busy work schedule with working in the vineyard they planted from scratch and running the winery. They’re already known for their extraordinary, shiste-mineral Mulberry Tree Riesling (92 points), and their “regular” Riesling 2013 is evolving nicely.
But you’ll also want to check out their green apple, mineral and slate-toned 2014 Chardonnay (92 points), or Blind Creek Cabernet Franc Rosé 2014 (from just across the valley), with quince and marmalade aromas and even a sneaky hit of jalapeno in the background (91 points).
Nor is Similkameen only about grape and fruit wines. Turn off the main Highway at Lowe Drive and follow the signs to find Twisted Hills Craft Cider, where cider maker Kaylan Madeira and partner Jo Schneider are producing some excellent, true apple ciders. Dry styled Pippin’s Fate is a superb quencher on a hot day, while
Tangled Rose (which blends organic cider apples with organic Santa Rosa plums) make for a delicious stand-in for an off-dry rosé).
Similkameen has plenty going on, enough to warrant staying a couple of nights, if not more. For comfortable, modern rooms with sweeping valley views and superb organic breakfast fare, book in to Tree to Me. Even if you’re just passing by, drop in for excellent organic produce, good espresso, homemade preserves and more, or plan to take in the Lavender Festival, Aug. 8.
For more information on the valley check out similkameenwine.com.
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
