Check Out These B.C. Wineries

This week we continue our tour of the Okanagan Valley in Eastern British Columbia. Here were some of my favorites wineries on a recent visit:

Desert Hills Winery – A smaller winery that produces a 2005 Gamay that’s incredibly full-bodied with black cherry flavors and hints of spice.

Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards – Spectacular views are offered at this very dog-friendly facility. I liked their See Ya Later Non-Vintage Brut and the 2004 Pinot Noir is also surprisingly good.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – I enjoyed a glass of 2005 Gewürztraminer from a beautiful patio and terraced gardens just off the tasting room that arguably provided the best views of the valley.

Fairview Cellars – This tiny winery’s 2002 Willow Hill Vineyard Late Harvest Merlot is truly unique. At only 8.71 percent alcohol, gentle fruit flavors and a soft, sweet finish, you’d swear you were drinking a white wine.

Gehringer Brothers – The 2005 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is a one-of-a-kind white wine with savory flavors of celery and asparagus. Also worth noting is the 2004 Ehrenfelser Icewine, with a subtle sweetness that belies its 23.6 percent residual sugar content.

Golden Mile Cellars – One of the nicest staffs I encountered during my visit. Their 2004 Chardonnay is lovely, with a good balance of citrus, apple and oak flavors.

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards – Some of the better red wines I sampled on my visit were poured here. Their 2002 Merlot is drinking awfully well right now and the 2003 Meritage is a knockout.