It's about making the absolute best of a bad situation.
We all know there was barely any grape harvest last fall in the Okanagan because a killing cold wiped out the buds on vines in January 2024.
Rather than call it quits for vintage 2024, Okanagan wineries rallied to source grapes from elsewhere so they could make wines, keep jobs for Okanagan winemakers and staffers and keep the Okanagan wine-sales and wine-tourism juggernaut going.
The first Okanagan winery to release 2024 vintage wines under this scenario is Hester Creek Estate in Oliver.
In an effort to get grapes as close and as similar to those regularly grown in the Okanagan, Hester Creek zoned in on Wasington state's Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area.
It's the state's largest grape-growing and winemaking region, running right down the interior of the state.
It's eerily alike the Okanagan in terroir, varietals and viticulture history.
"We are pleased to present you with a new tier of wines by our winemakers at Hester Creek: Columbia Valley Collection," said Hester Creek president Mark Sheridan.
"Our commitment to our loyal guests was top of mind in making this decision. We wanted to present them with a tier of wines that was true to our quality and stylistic standards."
The first four Columbia Valley Collection wines are now out and are available for sale online at https://store.hestercreek.com/Wines, at the shop at the winery and at select stores and restaurants.
- Hester Creek 2024 Pinot Gris ($20) Columbia Valley Collection
Crisp, light and bright with aromas and flavours of apricot, honey and a touch of herbs.
- Hester Creek 2024 Sauvignon Blanc ($20) Columbia Valley Collection
Classic Sauv Blanc with a gooseberry-grapefruit herbaceousness.
- Hester Creek 2024 Viognier ($24) Columbia Valley Collection
Exotic in aroma and taste -- floral and white pepper with peach and minerality.
- Hester Creek 2024 Rose of Cabernet Franc ($24) Columbia Valley Collection
A dark and complex rose serving up everything from cherry and strawberry to rhubarb and cream soda aromas and flavours.
Two other Columbia Valley Collection wines are available for sale only on Hester Creek's website -- 2024 Riesling ($25) and 2024 Rose of Pinot Noir ($28).
Certified Local
Living in the Okanagan has its advantages.
And Summerland's Haywire Winery's Certified Local Program just for Okanagan residents is one of them.
It's free to join at: https://haywirewinery.com/certified-local/
Once you sign up you have two free tastings at Haywire for two people per year between March 15 and June 15 and Sept. 15 and Dec. 31.
You'll also get special rates on additional tasings and early access to exclusive events and tastings.
If you decide to take the extra step and join Haywire's wine club, you'll also get a special gift from the winery with your second shipment of wine.
Haywire does it to celebrate the bond it has with the Okanagan community and thank people for supporting the local wine industry.
Last year, more than 500 joined the Certified Local Program and this year Haywire hopes for more.
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.
