The grapes are in at most wineries and harvest has shifted to winemaking. It’s a wonderful time to visit wineries that remain open to watch production in process and enjoy an in-depth tasting.
The Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) launched a campaign to “Fall for BC Wine” this season by choosing BC wine at liquor stores and restaurants, and by visiting BC wine country. As part of the campaign and to thank the community for its support, WGBC wants to “recognize deserving individuals who went above and beyond during this recent wildfire season, with one lucky community hero set to wine an all-expenses paid VIP trip to BC wine country in November”. For details, visit the WGBC website and follow @WinesofBC on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.
“If people are looking for ways to support local, the best way is to simply buy BC,” says Joanna Schlosser, Co-Owner and CEO Niche Wine Company. “Those purchases not only a regenerative effect on small, local businesses but the community as a whole.”
Your biggest dividend in doing so is the experience. Taste the quality of BC wines and get to know the amazing individuals involved with making it. The wine industry has developed dramatically and BC wines hold their own in competitions worldwide.
My ‘Grape’ Work at SummerGate
This season I did something that I’ve wanted to do for years. I joined the family and team at SummerGate Winery in Summerland to take part in the harvest. It was ‘grape’ work at its finest and I highly recommend if you have not already done it, to put it on your list for next season. The opportunity takes many forms at different wineries across the Okanagan Valley. Sometimes it is pay-to-play purchase to reap the experience. At SummerGate, the rewards are generous when you donate some sweat equity and your time.
We were encouraged to arrive early to enjoy coffee or another beverage along with some baked goods and other breakfast fare to fortify our energy before the work began. About 40 or 50 individuals answered the call and convened on the patio of the picturesque winery. As we enjoyed our delectable treats, Proprietors Gillian and Mike Stohler provided us with protective gloves, sturdy clippers and a crash course on how to pick grapes in an orderly manner.
Out to the vineyard at 8 am, we were given pails to capture the Riesling grapes and assigned vineyard rows to work as a twosome. Thanks to the lovely three ladies who adopted me into their group since I was solo!
Stunning weather and gorgeous fall leaves made the task a joy. Suddenly it was 10 am and time for a break with more refreshments. While it was projected lunch would be sometime after 1 pm, many hands made light work. The SummerGate team gauged the speed and prepared lunch early. We returned to find Kerner wine chilled in buckets with wine glasses set up at the picnic tables. We were tantalized by fine aromas of the barbecue and were treated to scrumptious Caesar salad, potatoes baked to perfection, and expertly grilled beef tenderloin steaks. What a delicious reward!
Adding to SummerGate’s generosity, we each left with a gift bag containing two bottles – Kerner and in keeping with the varietal we picked, Riesling.
One fellow who regularly volunteers for SummerGate’s harvest told us the previous picking had culminated in a delectable lunch with a superb lemon chicken as the highlight meal.
About SummerGate Winery
The Stohlers started SummerGate in 2009 in Summerland with a vision to create premium wines using estate-grown grapes. Using natural techniques in the vineyard, grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed with wines slowly fermented in small batch stainless steel tanks.
Needing a breather after a challenging year, SummerGate closed October 1. Watch for it to re-open late November and early December to participate in Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive Light Up the Vines events.
Okanagan Fall Wine Festival
Okanagan Wine Festivals invites you to experience the best of Okanagan’s wine culture at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival on October 27 to 28 and November 3 to 5. At Après Crush sip, savour, and celebrate as you explore a diverse selection of exquisite wines along with small bites. Or travel the wine route amidst the stunning autumn backdrop and experience harvest at our partnering wineries with your TASTE Passport. October 28 and 29.
Get in on the fun and check out this season’s events at https://www.thewinefestivals.com/events/index/
