THERE’S A KIND OF HUSH AT DIRTY LAUNDRY VINEYARD
By Roslyne Buchanan.
Borrowing loosely from the lyrics of the old Herman’s Hermits tune, there’s a kind of Hush at Dirty Laundry Vineyard in Summerland. To come clean about it, there are now two selections in Winemaker Mason Spinks’ line of Hush.
White Hush was unveiled in October by Director of Sales and Marketing Paul Sawler on a gorgeous autumn day on the Patio at Dirty Laundry with Spinks on hand to speak to the winemaking. Amid a backdrop of fall splendour in the vineyards, guests at the exclusive release party were treated to generous pours of the new White Hush paired with cheese and selections of Dirty Laundry’s delicious Forno pizza and accompanied by the music of talented Mandy Cole. There was also an opportunity to clean up on some great door prizes featuring local partners. Plus, you could head inside to browse the merchandise and hear a Summerland history lesson during complimentary tastings of other Dirty Laundry wines.
The Hush White joins the wildly popular Hush Rosé 2018, which is a blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet combined with a cold soak of Pinot Gris on skins for 12 to 24 hours to maximize colour extraction and aromatics. With a delicate pink hue, it’s crisp and dry with bright and balanced acidity displaying ripe strawberries and pink grapefruit.
This latest creation of Hush White 2018 blends Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grapes sourced from Dirty Laundry’s Summerland vineyards. Move over Rosé because when you put White Hush to your lips “the only sound that you will hear” is wine lovers “fallin’ in love”. What’s not to love about a well-balanced blend with aromas of pear, lemon, honey and herbs? Flavours feature Meyer lemon, orchard fruit flavours and a hint of honey with an immediate effervescence on your tongue.
The label, of course, is in keeping with Dirty Laundry’s mischievous theming. On the back of the bottle it states: “During the gold rush era, our town’s laundry seemed innocent enough. Little did anyone know of the naughty business that went on behind the scenes. Perhaps it is best that we keep this little-known part of Summerland history as hush-hush.”
Provocative short quotes by famous personalities such as Mae West, Burt Reynolds and Rita Hayworth adorn the bottle in curvaceous lines just as on the Hush Rosé. The price point, too, won’t wrinkle your shirt at $18.99 for the Hush White, $19.99 for Hush Rosé.
Visiting the tasting room is always fun and tasty. Wine competition awards and TripAdvisor accolades confirm the wines are well crafted and a great addition to any cellar.
A covered tasting bar on the Patio also offers “Laundry Suds” craft beer available by the glass and in. Brewed by Bridge Brewing in North Vancouver especially for Dirty Laundry, the lineup includes Dirty Blond Kolsch, Brunette IPA, Red Head Wheat Ale, Full House Pale Ale, Scantily Clad Pale Ale, and Peaches and Cream.
Activities such as live music on the Patio, lobster dinners and elevated tastings get put stashed with the linens in the fall so check dirtylaundry.ca and plan now to include it to your summer itinerary. Don’t miss Bottleneck’s Drive Light Up the Vines festivities, November 23, and November 30 and December 1.
bottleneckdrive.com/events/light-up-the-vines/) in which Dirty Laundry is a keen player.
Featured photo: Covered tasting bar on the Patio at Dirty Laundry Vineyard offers “Laundry Suds” craft beer. Photo credit: Roslyne Buchanan.
