Anthony Gismondi: Okanagan is open for business. You should check it out

Article content

Meanwhile, in Lake Country, Dennis O’Rourke and a large crew of construction workers are putting the final touches on O’Rourke Family Estate, located at 50.10 degrees latitude on the shores of Okanagan Lake at Carrs Landing. No words can fully describe what has come to fruition at the one square kilometre site, with some of it planted to high-end Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, except to say it is a unique undertaking now open to the public by reservation. O’Rourke Family Estate is best described as a destination resort with a winery, and it continues to grow daily.

Article content

Multiple outlying accommodations are spread throughout the property. The winery is surrounded by meeting rooms, underground tunnels, a large indoor crush pad, a high-end restaurant, Row 188, several outdoor patios and a giant amphitheatre with sightlines south all the way to Kelowna. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper suggested the estate would be perfectly suited to holding a G7 conference, given its wealth of facilities, hilltop location, water access, seclusion and more.

Article content

O’Rourke is preparing to open a 500-seat indoor theatre, styled after the famous West End London stages and capable of hosting a small Broadway play, cementing PFE as a year-round attraction. O’Rourke began just down the road at nearby Peak Cellars, where OFE winemaker Stephanie Stanley also oversees a rich collection of wines and an on-site restaurant open seven days a week that locals have adopted as their own most nights. If you haven’t guessed by now, the Okanagan remains open for business.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Weekend wine picks

Article content

Article content

Milton Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, South Australia, Australia

Article content

$24.99 | 89/100

Article content

UPC: 9327243000811

Article content

From Thorn-Clarke’s Milton Park label, the 2021 Cabernet comes from a highly lauded vintage that seems to have added a polished, glossy exterior to this cab. The fruit is ripe and lifted in that leafy Oz Cabernet way, with cassis, blackberry, and dark plum laced with spicy, dried herbs, subtle leafiness, and a sweet cassis and vanilla finish. Juicy and rich, yet with enough acidity to stay bright throughout the palate. A solid, reliable Cabernet best with a T-Bone steak with mushrooms or an old, sharp cheddar.

Article content

Article content

Izadi Larrosa Negra Garnacha Rioja 2022, Rioja, Spain
$28.99 | 91/100

Article content

UPC: 8423302169114

Article content

Larrosa Negra showcases the juicy, fruity character of garnacha. The wine is fresh, medium-bodied, and packed with raspberry, cherry, and blueberry, with pleasant spice on the finish. Ready to drink, it pairs well with chicken, lamb chops, or vegetable lasagna.

Article content

Article content

Maverick Estate Winery Renegade 2022, Okanagan Valley
$40 | 91/100

Article content

UPC: 626990356141

Article content

Article content

The ’22 Renegade continues a succession of releases that suggest this label is the real thing. It is a refined blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, offering aromas of red currant, black cherries, cedar, and dried herbs. The palate has an attractive ripe plum and spice character, enhanced by plush, soft tannins. Fresh and balanced, this is a versatile, food-friendly, juicy red with a savoury finish. Drink now or hold; you won’t be disappointed.

Article content

Article content

Foxtrot Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine 2020, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley
$50 | 92/100

Article content

UPC: 626990418993

Article content

The inaugural Foxtrot sparkling wine is a stunning Blanc de Noirs, shimmering in the palest shade of pink and animated by a mesmerizing stream of exceptionally fine bubbles that rival some of Champagne’s best. Fresh, energetic, and intriguingly complex, it offers an early glimpse of the exciting future taking shape at this small Naramata Bench property under winemaker Jacq Kempf’s stewardship. Already among the province’s best sparkling wines, it suggests the best is yet to come.

Article content

Article content

Fort Berens Late Harvest Riesling 2025, Lillooet
$20.99 | 90/100