Two Wineries. Two Regions…Similkameen and Lillooet
The SHOW
Every day 100’s of wine fans get in their cars and drive into the Okanagan to discover wine country. Good on you.
Many of them drive right through the Similkameen Valley and past some of the best vineyards in the country. Orofino, for example.
Some of those same well meaning wine fans head East through the Frazer Canyon and may have no idea that if they hang a left at Lytton they can head North into BC’s most promising new wine region and Fort Berens Estate Wines.
John Weber – Orofino
This week we drive around with , sit down with and talk to John Weber, the co-owner and driving force behind Orofino in the Similkameen Valley.
John at Harvest 2019
John will take us to his latest planted vineyard, The Passion Pit. It was a gravel pit that Cawston teens hung out in.
He tastes us through his blend White Bridge, his Cab, Syrah, Gamay and his award winning Bordeaux blend Beleza!
Also a word about Row 14 the new restaurant in the neighbourhood.
ROW 14
It’s been launched to great success by Clippers Organics.
Here’s a tip: Orofino have two of the sweetest suites anywhere. Best of all you are right in the vineyard and looking down on the crush pad.
Highly recommended.
https://www.orofinovineyards.com
Rolf de Bruin – Fort Berens Vineyards
Rolf de Bruin
Fort Berens Estate Winery is a culmination of the dreams, vision and pioneering spirit of several entrepreneurs. It was founded with a pioneering spirit and forged on the road less traveled. The winery is owned by a team of eight individuals who share a common belief in the incredible winemaking potential of British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon and a shared vision to make Fort Berens into one of Canada’s leading producers of fine wine.
The voices and faces wine fans see and hear most are Rolf de Bruin and
Partner Heleen Pannekoek.
Just in case you missed the news and as if you needed another reason to drive up to Fort Berens…have a look at this
As voted on by the public, the Best of BC Wine Country 2018 included the following regional awards for Fort Berens:
Fort Berens Estate Winery Riesling – Best BC White Wine
Fort Berens Estate Winery Rosé – Best BC Rosé Wine
Fort Berens Estate Winery – Best BC Winery Tasting Room
The Kitchen at Fort Berens – Best BC Winery Restaurant Showcasing Local Food
That’s what you call a sweep!
Rolf and I will talk about his Rose, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and a white blend Camels White. The new estate vineyards they’ve planted and their partnership with vineyard Cliff and Gorge
Rolf shares plans for a 10th anniversary bubble. Created by winemaker Jim Cambridge who crafted it with a combination of fruit from Fort Berens and their neighbours.
Watch for releases now labeled Lillooet VQA
Fort Berens wines are well worth the drive and everything in their portfolio is priced under $20.00 at the winery.
You just might want to join the wine club.
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:
Next week – The Cowichan Wine Festival
And soon the 7th annual
Food. Fishing. Friends. Fluids field trip
