Our Top 8 Wines for Easter Weekend
Whether you’re celebrating this Easter long weekend with friends, family or both — we have curated a list of wines that will impress the hosts, conquer the self-proclaimed wine snob and appeal to the masses, alike. And if you’re in the Okanagan and surrounding area, you’re in luck — all wines on our list are hand-picked from each of our beloved wineries, which by the way, are all opening their tasting rooms this weekend. If you are looking for something fun and interactive to do over the holiday weekend, stop in, say ‘Hi’ and drink some wine with us! Hoppy Easter from us at OWI 🐣
Culmina Winery: 2013 Hypothesis
Deep in colour and intensity, Hypothesis represents the Triggs’ culmination of efforts to create an icon quality wine from select micro blocks off their Golden Mile Bench estate. A rich, bold, and terroir-driven blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, Hypothesis displays abundant spice, floral, and dark fruit aromas, enveloping the palate with its dense structure, toasted oak, fine tannins, cassis flavours, and a long, persistent finish, to create a wine of outstanding power, beauty, elegance, and style.
Painted Rock: 2016 Red Icon
This wine invites you in with rich aromas of blackberry, dark plums, cassis and sweet spices. The palate, with its velvety tannins and high acid, offers bold and juicy black fruit layered with pepper, baking spices, vanilla and chocolate. Those who cellar this wine will be rewarded.
Poplar Grove: 2017 Blanc de Noirs
Pale coral plunges into the glass. A compelling aroma of candied berries mingles with pink grapefruit to awaken the senses. Our 2017 Blanc de Noirs is a classic, dry Rosé with alluring flavours of crunchy strawberries, watermelon and rhubarb. A summer sipper perfect for enjoying under the sun on the beach, boat or barbecue.
Haywire: 2015 Pink Bub
A limited amount of Pink Bub is made with grapes grown on our Summerland and Oliver vineyards with secondary fermentation taking place in charmat tanks. We add a drop of red wine to the dosage to give Pink Bub its lovely pink hue.
Hints of wild strawberries with a touch of sweetness and mouthwatering acidity; the body is fresh and lively with lovely depth.
Checkmate Winery: 2015 Capture Chardonnay
The natural ferment contributes a lifted, aromatic, complex nose. The palate opens with apple, mandarin, spice and creamy stone fruits yet remains delicate with a long finish.
94pts
"The wine begins with aromas of citrus and orchard blossoms. On the palate, flavours of apple, citrus and peach mingle with a buttery note. The finish is fresh and lingering." –John Schreiner
Martin’s Lane: 2014 Naramata Ranch Vineyard Riesling
“From their 10-30 year old vines on their Naramata vineyard and from ancient granite soils, this ripe peach, pear butter, full bodied riesling carries mango, mandarine and pulpy lime along a softer, cold cream palate to a grippy finish. Wild yeast ferment adds some herbal interest. Tasted July 2016.” –Treve Ring, winealingn.com
Summerhill: Cipes Brut NV
A true Okanagan Valley classic, winning gold medals every year since first released in 1992. Made in the traditional method from organic Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.
Aromas of apple, lime, pear, almonds and grapefruit. On the palate Cipes Brut exhibits crisp acidity, a soft, creamy mousse, and a long finish.
50th parallel: 2015 50thParallel Estate Unparalleled Pinot Noir
Dried cherries, sage and intense ripened red fruit present a symphony of flavours immediately upon entry. Rose hip and black tea underscore the berry flavours adding complexity and mystery. Liquorice root and tactile components of slate compliment the smooth but structered tannins to drive an everlasting rich finish.