The weather is going to be glorious this weekend.
All the more reason to revel in late-summer splendor.
And that includes drinking wine like it's summer -- whites, roses and light reds on the patio, beach, boat, picnic or barbecue.
Here are 7 bottles made by Okanagan wineries that fit the bill.
- We're going to have a bit of an ode to Pinot Gris right here, right now.
It is the most planted white wine grape in the Okanagan and produces a quaffable style of wine with a pear-peach-lemon-lime profile that's a real crowd pleaser.
The deep freeze of January 2024 means there were no Okanagan grapes to make Okanagan Pinot Gris in the fall of 2024.
So, Okanagan wineries looked south to Washington state to buy grapes that could be made into Pinot Gris in the Okanagan style -- fresh, fruity and fun with some texture.
The Outbound Series 2024 Pinot Gris ($21) from Naramata Bench winery Red Rooster achieves exactly that with aplomb.
- Sandhill Destination Series 2024 Pinot Gris ($22)
Washington state grapes, Kelowna winery.
The aromas and flavours here lean to white peach and lemon peel.
Yummy.
- Tinhorn Creek 2024 Pinot Gris ($24)
Again, Washington state grapes, but from an Oliver winery.
Awesome mouth feel and delish.
- Gray Monk Limited Edition 2024 Pinot Gris ($21)
More Washington state grapes, crafted by the Lake Country winery.
This one capitalizes on a crunchy pear-and-lime profile.
- Liquidity 2024 Rose of Pinot Noir ($30)
Grapes from Oregon, winery in Okanagan Falls.
A combination of fermentation and aging in stainless-steel tanks, concrete vessels and neutral French oak barrels gives this pink both freshness and complexity.
- Laughing Stock 2024 Rose ($25)
This Naramata Bench winery was able to get enough Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from South Okanagan vineyards in the fall of 2024 to make a tart and delectable rose with aromas and flavours of cherry, plum and pomegranate.
- See Ya Later Ranch 2023 Pinot Noir ($23)
This is the only red on the list and it's a light one that can be sipped on its own on the patio or paired with salmon or pork that comes off the barbecue.
Look forward to a strawberry-cherry-and-toasted oak profile.
Extend your summer
"Who says summer is over?" asks Wine Growers British Columbia.
The group that represents wineries in the province is making that question part of its 'Extend Your Summer' campaign.
The promotion urges you to continue planning trips and wine touring as you would in the summer, enjoying an unhurried pace, warm weather, welcoming tasting rooms and add-on activities like hiking and biking.
Check out https://winebc.com/ for inspiration.
Steve MacNaull is a NowMedia Group reporter, Okanagan wine lover and Canadian Wine Scholar. Reach him at [email protected]. His wine column appears every Friday afternoon in this space.
