Anthony Gismondi: More places to visit on a wine tour of the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys

Article content

We wrapped our tour at Adega on 45th Estate Winery, on the east side of the Osoyoos Bench. Adega is honouring its original owners and the broader Portuguese community that helped shape the modern region through what it calls Portuguese light hospitality, a sharing culture rooted in warm welcomes and traditional foods. New offerings include a wine-forward cocktail program and a build-your-own charcuterie plate that features local products alongside Portuguese-inspired fare.

Article content

That’s it for now, but know we have only scratched the surface of what awaits in B.C. wine country this summer and fall. Be curious; a winery is waiting for your next experience.

Article content

Article content

Weekend wine picks

Article content

Article content

Blue Grouse Estate Siegerrebe 2024, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Article content

$29.99 | 88/100

Article content

UPC: 696852117340

Article content

The Siegerrebe grape sits outside the mainstream varieties in B.C., but it plays to Vancouver Island’s strengths of aromatic lift, moderate alcohol, and easy charm. At Blue Grouse, the Siegerrebe is sourced from BG Ranch in the Cowichan Valley. It is fermented and aged in neutral French oak barrels, with some lees stirring to build body and mouth feel. Its strength lies in the opening: A mix of fragrant citrus, spicy lychee, and dried apricot. The palate is dry, vibrant, and expressive, showing lemon, lychee, and slightly bitter citrus rind in the finish. Try something hyper-local and different.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Dirty Laundry Unoaked Chardonnay 2025, Washington, United States

Article content

$20.99 | 88/100

Article content

UPC: 696852210454

Article content

Melon and white flowers draw you into this fun “unoaked” Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel. Winemaker Mason Spink keeps it fresh by avoiding oak and concentrating on the mineral and flinty edges to add some complexity. On the plate, melon and Golden Delicious apple flavours rule. A summer white, the wine pairs well with lightly grilled fish, poached prawns, and summer salads, or with a sharper cheese to complement this refreshing, session-friendly wine perfectly.

Article content

Article content

Jabber The Winemaker The Blend Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile

Article content

$21.97 | 90/100

Article content

UPC: 850038330002

Article content

We’ve known Kim Crawford for decades, but the man who put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the world map has long since moved on. When he and his wife sold the winery to Constellation Brands, they also sold the rights to his name. Known as Jabber to friends, Crawford may be making his best Sauvignon yet under his Chilean label. Drawing on granitic soils, red clay, black chalk, hillside sites, and three Casablanca microclimates, he crafts a consistently bright, citrus-driven Sauvignon with a tight mineral edge, a hint of reduction, and less biting acidity. Think Chilean Sancerre with a touch more ripeness. Ready for any shellfish and priced to steal.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Le Cinciole Rosato Organic 2025, Tuscany, Italy

Article content

$31 | 90/100

Article content

UPC: 8032755100423

Article content

This is grown-up Tuscan rosato, not a carefree summer sipper. Made from high-altitude, organically grown Sangiovese in Panzano’s Conca d’Oro, it’s pale copper-pink with aromas of wild strawberry, sour cherry, dried herbs, and faint mineral notes. Brisk, bone-dry, and savoury, with lively acidity, it has a refreshing wet-stone finish. Think Provençal in tone but Italian in attitude, with structure over sweetness, only at Nook restaurants.

Article content

Article content

Black Hills Nota Bene Hiatus Collection Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon – Cabernet Franc 2024, Oregon, United States

Article content

$70 | 91/100

Article content

UPC: 058976503483

Article content

The 2024 Nota Bene marks a break in continuity for this iconic B.C. red. Severe winter damage in 2023 and 2024 accelerated replanting in the Black Hills’ vineyards along Black Sage Road near Oliver, forcing winemaker Ryan McKibbon to create the Hiatus Collection by sourcing fruit from The Rocks District AVA on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley. The cross-border blend is a 43/34/23 mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in a completely different style. It has a certain elegance and leanness you don’t get in the Okanagan version. It’s a very drinkable, classy red blend with more plum and cherry, and a subtle savoury/umami component to add complexity. The finish is dry, with a bit of acidity ushering through the mineral ending. It lacks a bit of the heft of the B.C. version, but it has a bit more polish. Drink through 2029.