Every season has an end - for a harvest to begin. Embrace the process!" ~ Prophetess Dina ROLLE
Seasons of Change
Depending on where you are, each change of season means something different—an evolution from one stage to another. Just as tourism slowed down during the transition from summer to autumn, yet another shift has occurred here in Naramata. When local farmers began rolling up their sleeves to give one final push before Old Man Winter arrives. A time of preparation, reaping the rewards of previous months' work, and collecting the fruits of their labour.
Uncharted Territory
The Canadian wine industry remains somewhat of a secret throughout much of the world. Many people know that we grow grapes and produce wine, but many more are unaware of this. The main reason is export, or the lack thereof. Shelves across the globe remain stocked with wine from Australasia, South America, South Africa, the US and Europe.
But where are the Canadian wines?
They're right here, on our shelves and in our restaurants. Unlike in our fellow aforementioned wine-producing countries, Canadian yields are much smaller. But that's what makes us unique; after all, good things do come in small packages, don't they? What Canadian wine lacks in quantity, we more than make up for in quality, a quality we're proud of and prefer to keep close to home.
That means the flavours of the Okanagan Valley can be enjoyed right here in the Okanagan Valley. Our wines are as local as it gets, and they're fantastic!
Valley of Secrets
We've mentioned our stunning, sweeping landscapes in previous stories. Well, it's along this very backdrop that local businesses grow various stone fruits, hops, vegetables, and, of course, grapes. Our smaller yields of high-quality grapes are precious cargo, to say the least, and harvest crews have been carefully clearing the vines for the last couple of months. It's an all-hands-on-deck effort as grapes are picked, transported, sorted and pressed into the first stage of that taste-bud-tantalizing liquid known as Okanagan wine.
The juice is worth the squeeze."
After a busy season of managing the land and maintaining the crops, harvest is coming to an end, and anticipation is growing throughout the valley. An eagerness to taste the remarkable flavours of this season's whites and roses, which will be released next spring, while the reds are still a couple of years or more away.
It's time to wait. From grape farming to production, the process is delicate. It takes time, but the final result rewards a patient palate.
Is your mouth watering yet?
If you're as excited as we are, then it's time to plan your visit. Come and taste Canadian wine at its best. We'll be here waiting for you, and we'll be sure to save you a glass.
See you soon!
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