Our #FavouriteThings – Summer Sipping with Quails’ Gate Gewürztraminer

This delightful Summer Sipping recommendation is a full bodied, flavourful, aromatic favourite – Gewürztraminer. This off dry German style wine is often suggested for a pairing with Asian or spicy foods. My personal favourite pairing is with strong flavoured cheeses like French camembert (Saint Albray or similar St. Andre), tomato based antipasti or a black olive tapenade, Italian salami (Genoa, Finocchiona, or Soppressata), prosciutto and rich creamy patés. Add a warm summer day and a patio and you have an all around winner.

2017 Orchard Block Gewurztraminer

The Orchard Block is made in the traditional Alsace style; aromatic, fuller in body and intensely flavoured. This Gewürztraminer comes from a single vineyard planted in 1989 and located on the corner of Boucherie Road and Mission Hill Road. This unique site was originally one of the family’s peach and cherry orchards.

True to its varietal, this off dry wine has pronounced aromas of rosewater, lychee, white peach that are balanced with subtle notes of spicy spring herbs. On the palate, the wine is elegant and rich with a complex mouthfeel and long, fresh finish. Its elegant dry style makes our Orchard Block Gewürztraminer a versatile food wine. Try pairing with Asian cuisine, including chicken Satay and roasted or grilled meats with fruit sauces or chutneys. This would also be a lovely pairing for your holiday turkey dinners.

Vintage:2017

$20.99 at the vineyard or online store

Quails’ Gate Winery 3303 Boucherie Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Z 2H3

Before you go: Do your homework and a bit of research about the wineries you wish to visit. Check the winery website to find out their months, days and hours that their Tasting Room is open. Know if you need to book your tasting in advance of your visit. Many wineries are now so busy there may be times that they are unable to accommodate you. It will be a much better visit if you have a confirmed appointment. Be on time. Expect to pay for your tasting, some, but not all wineries refund all or a portion of the fee if you purchase wine. Plan ahead for a designated driver or use the services of a wine tour company. Limit the number of wineries you visit in a day. A more leisurely timeline will increase your enjoyment. For the best overall experience, I like to limit my daily visits to three, maximum two wineries if a winery lunch is on the agenda.

My favourites cheeses are available at Les Amis du Fromage located at 1752 West 2nd Avenue.

Salami, prosciutto and patés are available at Oyama located on Granville Island in the Public Market.

Tasting notes courtesy of Quails’ Gate Winery.