...CAB...Quails' Gate

 Sip 2 of many delightful sips....

After leaving the wonderful estate vineyard that is Tantalus, we wandered up the hill a discovered a lavender farm. As it was late in the season, the blooms were mostly done, but we did pick up some loose buds for cooking, stems for chicken or fish skewers, and some delightfully scented honey. (Upon returning home, I made lavender fudge and lavender shortbread. – my palette again expanded.)

Crossing the Okanagan Lake and heading through West Kelowna, we were mesmerized by the beauty that is Quails’ Gate. Perched right on the lake, there is a grassy area where you can walk through some of the vines – on the sunny warm autumn day - the lake, the colours, the smells – it was one of life’s perfect moments.  Unobtrusively nestled into the hillside, Quails’ Gate has an office area and tasting hall is separated by a landscaped area leading to a delightful restaurant, Old Vines. When in Rome…one must dine – and we did. We enjoyed a delightful meal with a stunning view.

Not ever being in a tasting hall, we were a little intimidated at first, but the friendly folk at QG nurtured us through it. I tasted an unreal Old Vines Foch Reserve. I describe wine differently than the experts – they use terms like tobacco, berry, smoke, earth…blah, blah, blah…that usually sets me up for disappointment, because if I cannot pick up the hint of – say spice…I miss the rest of the taste. I‘m pretty simple – I like my reds smooth and even smoky and sometimes peppery and my whites clear, fresh and not too perfume-like. I am not a fan of sweet. In short – I know when it works for me. I think I experience tasting different – this vintage ‘filled my mouth’. It was very smooth and I believe I still have a bottle resting in the cellar. 

The Irish blood in my veins loves a good story, so when the QG tasting goddess started spinning one about the Chenin Blanc I was fully caught in her intricate web. Turns out, this delightful clear-not-too-sweet nectar was served to President Obama one his Canadian visits. The actual menu is on display as you enter the tasting hall – How cool is that! Stories make the experience and as an added bonus, really I enjoy this wine.

Because Quails’ Gate is a larger outfit, vintages are readily available in Alberta. 

Our next stop - Naramata Bench....

Meatgoddess recommendations: Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc and Old Vines Foch Reserve

Musical Pairings:
Quails' Gate - Chenin Blanc: Toshi Reagon  How Long
Quails' Gate - Old Vines Foch Reserve: B.B. King & Joe Cocker   Dangerous Mood