Our next stop takes us to one of the oldest vineyards in B.C. (British Columbia). Across Lake Okanagan from Cedar Creek and a little to the north sits the Quails’ Gate Winery. This alluring property sits at the base of Mt. Boucherie on a perfect vantage point over the lake. The Stewart family has owned this land for generations, and has been producing traditional wine grapes since the early 1990s. Since that time they have made a name for themselves as one of the most recognized producers of fine B.C. wines.
Quails’ Gate produces a variety of great wines, with German classics like Dry Rieslings and Gewurztraminers along with the more ubiquitous New World standbys of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The real treat, however, is a little known grape called Marechal Foch or simply Foch. One of the few remaining growers of Foch in the world, Quails’ Gate uses this simple grape to produce a deep, dark, purple-black wine. Picked from 45+ year old vines (hence the “Old Vines” moniker), this grape provides a wine with an utterly unique flavor combination of black cherries, chocolate, earth and tobacco. Available as part of their Stuart Family Reserve collection, this wine appears in my cellar year after year and is my wife Kasia’s all-time favorite B.C. wine. The rest of the Family Reserve wines are also great, with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay rounding out the party.
The winery itself is quite impressive, with a large tasting room and shop overlooking the vines and lake. The Old Vines Restaurant at the Winery is also well situated for great views of the lake from the large patio and dining room. The food and service is top-notch, and is the perfect place to end a long day of wine tastings.
As always, watch for more features on Quails’ Gate wines going forward.
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot, Old Vines Restaurant is the perfect destination. Be prepared to sip delicious wine and talk and laugh the night away. Superb.