Cheers friends, Happy Wine Wednesday. I am so excited to share my experience at O'Rourke;s Peak Cellars with you today. This week I am headed out to Lake Country. Lake Country is a short drive from Kelowna and it is a must see on your next wine adventures. O'Rourke's Peak Cellars in located in Cars Landing, and is 100% estate produced. The 300-acre property has panoramic views of surrounding orchards, vineyards, rolling mountains and the glistening water of Okanagan Lake. Inspired by Europe’s most famous wineries, the property features 300 metres of winding tunnels and 12,000 square-feet of cave space to store and age wines. The wine portfolio
includes complex, bright and exciting wines. The estate-grown portfolio showcases Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Rosé, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Noir.
Lets get to some wine tasting. The winery offers a variety of different wine experiences that can be booked online. We did the seated wine tasting as well as the Seated Wine and Cheese Tasting.
Who doesn't love wine and cheese right? The tasting consisted of 4 wine choices paired with 3 delicious cheeses, you can experiment with the tasting and I think it is a great way to taste wine.
Check out all the other wine experiences offered HERE.
I want to take you through the wine we tasted since I am sure you guys are here for wine. The winery portfolio has all white wine and one red wine, now thats my kind of winery since you guys all know that I love white wine. Our wine tasting included....
The 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé is a bright and cheerful pale rhubarb and pink salmon colour. The aromatics steer you towards red licorice, raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate and black currant, with a delicate hint of nectarine.
On the nose expressive passionfruit, orchard blossom, apple and fresh Bartlett pear. Full bodied with prominent flavours of apple and pears with a subtle touch of baking spices. Fresh acidity gives the wine direction and a spicy twist on the finish.
Exhibits classic aromas of fresh savoury citrus, tropical fruit and gooseberry, accented with garden-like aromas of fresh herbs and spices, blossoms, tomato tops, cucumber water and a minerality.
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Intense aromas of butterscotch, green apple, lime and citrus, rounded out with a light mineral note and hints of white blossoms and vanilla. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine delivers a gentle toastiness, delicate flavours of Meyer lemon, a round and soft mouthfeel with a fresh but lingering finish.
Filled with aromatics of lemon, lime, pear, grapefruit, honey and an intriguing floral note that soars above the fruit. On the palate, flavors of lime, lemon, pear & honeydew melon with a distinctive minerality derived from our granitic soils. The finish is dry and fresh.
Aromatics pack a full punch of big red fruits: bing cherry, dark cherry, cherry halls, chocolate covered cherry, cassis and black currant. The berry characters are accented with welcome complexities of eucalyptus, clove, allspice, rosemary, oregano, earthy forest floor, with just a hint of a floral note.
Let's talk favourites now, both of my favourites are whites, I really loved the 2017 Chardonnay, it was so fresh and loved the hints of vanilla. The other favourite was the 2018 Pinot Gris. I think this is such a great patio wine, it has the perfect combination of fruit and acidity.
I encourage you all togo and check out their wine portfolio HERE and pick up some wine. I have a discount code for you to get 10% off you wine order. Use code "CUPCAKES10%"
They also offer a wine club that gives you exclusive offers and access to exclusive events. The wine club also includes 6 bottles of wine 2 times per year, 15% off wine purchases, 10% off in the Garden Bistro, wine pick up parties and boat launch access with shuttle service to the winery. Wine shipped to your door 2 times per year plus all the perks.... SIGN ME UP PLEASE!!!
Where there is wine there is amazing food. The Garden Bistro currently offers 40 scenic seats on the vineyard-side patio with breathtaking views of surrounding orchards, rolling mountains and Okanagan Lake. An onsite ½ acre organic vegetable garden and two greenhouses, only steps away from the Bistro, gives our culinary team the most fresh veggies and herbs to incorporate into his daily menu showcasing true local flavours; the ultimate farm to table experience ALL year round! We had a chance to tour the vegetable garden, such a expansive operation, seeing where they food on your plate comes from makes everything taste that much better. They offer tours though the garden so be sure to check it out.
The menu is designed to complement the wines, and explore seasonal flavours through the guests’ palate. These flavour combinations and ingredients pair beautifully with the unique taste our aromatic white wines they offer. I highly recommend the pizza, they have a outdoor pizza oven and the pizza is to die for. They also offer a happy hour from 3-6 pm daily and if you want some entertainment there is Live music on Wednesday and Sundays June through till September 13th.
But wait there is more... there is also a guesthouse that can be rented for your next Okanagan getaway. The newly renovated 5 bedroom log home is available for rent now, check it out HERE. Luxury accommodations in a vineyard, YES PLEASE.
Whats in store for the future of O'Rourkes Peak Cellars? It seems like there are big plans for the second winery which is set to open in the summer/fall 2021. The new space will be over 70,000 square feet with the direction of wine maker Nikki Callaway the winery will emphasize on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There will be a new tasting room, event space, restaurant overlooking the lake as well as on site accommodations. I cannot wait to visit this amazing new winery next year, it sounds like it will be a destination you do not want to miss.
Cheers friends!!!!
