The Nagging Doubt Winery is a micro-winery located in East Kelowna. Having heard good things from MyVanCity.ca contributor Sam, the Wine Teacher, we chose to visit them on our first day in town. Conveniently, the vineyard was less than a 15-minute drive from our accommodations in Lower Mission.
We were greeted by two doggos, Clover and Pinto, upon arrival. They ushered us enthusiastically into the tasting room, where owner and winemaker Rob Westbury guided our experience.
Rob and his wife Abby purchased the property, a former equestrian farm, in 2014. The stable, which has been converted into production facilities and also serves as the tasting room, still has the old hardware from the stalls. The space has a down-to-earth charm and its owners a dedication for making great wine at affordable prices. Of the 13-acre estate, five and a half acres have been planted with Rob’s favourite grapes.
We tasted five delightful wines on the portfolio:
The Nagging Doubt 2022 Bright Idea Sparkling is made of estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The nose is of sweet strawberries and cotton candy, but the palate is wonderfully dry and effervescent. It is one to sip with Sunday brunch or an afternoon with nibblies on the patio.
The Sidestep 2024 wines are made of Washington grapes but crafted in B.C. The Chardonnay was light and mineral driven, reminding me of Chablis, while the Viognier felt soft and fruity. Pair the former with seafood and soft cheeses, and the latter with hard cheeses and pasta.
From young vines on the estate, the Nagging Doubt 2022 Pinot Noir had been aged 12 months in 30% French oak and 70% neutral oak. It had notes of tart cherry and a hint of spice. A versatile red, it would go well with both light and meaty fare.
Last but not least was the 2021 vintage of The Pull, made predominantly with Merlot sourced from Oliver, and supported by Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Osoyoos. This was a big wine. My husband had a whiff and said: “There’s a lot going on here. I get tobacco, leather, spice, red fruit and currant.” I said: “This is a very good red.” We picked a bottle and while it is drinking well now, we plan to cellar ours for several years.
Thank you Nagging Doubt and Wines of B.C. for hosting us.
All images: @canadianne_eats
Contributor for MyVanCity.ca