This is the first review of the season featuring two Little Engine Wines that match so well with summer. What goes best with sunshine, mountain views and long, slow days? Light, refreshing, delicious wines.
You are going to love these wines as much as I do. Just ideal for enjoying on the beach, by the lake, sitting on the patio or just about anytime that says relaxing.
Join me as we discover these wines together.
2025 ELEVATION WHITE
Summer in a glass!
TASTING NOTES
A fresh and expressive white with delicate aromas of ripe pear, kiwi, and honeydew melon, accented by fragrant orange peel. Silky citrus notes carry through the palate, complemented by a subtle hazelnut richness and a distinctive mineral salinity that adds sophistication and length to the finish. 57% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Gris, 17% Semillon Best enjoyed upon release through 2027 under ideal cellaring conditions.
VINEYARD NOTES
The 2025 growing season got off to a beautiful start, with a mild winter and no extreme cold events — a welcome relief for the vines. Bud break arrived right on cue in the third week of April on the Naramata Bench, and gentle spring temperatures encouraged strong, steady early growth. After the challenges of the previous year, it was incredibly encouraging to see such even, healthy bud break and balanced shoot development across the vineyard. Late spring rolled into a warm, vibrant summer that kept the vines thriving. With only a handful of days above 35°C, the season delivered consistent, uninterrupted growth. A touch of humidity kept us on our toes, making thoughtful canopy management essential to maintain airflow and fruit quality — hands-on work that always pays off in the glass. Then came a burst of classic Okanagan heat. Late August and early September brought a stretch of hot, dry weather, naturally accelerating ripening and leading to an early start for some varietals. The warm, dry harvest conditions were nearly ideal, allowing us to pick at peak flavour, with beautiful tannin maturity and concentration across the board. All signs point to an exciting vintage — one defined by balance, vibrancy, and exceptional quality from vineyard to bottle.
WINEMAKER NOTES
57% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Gris, 17% Semillon Grapes for this blend are entirely from Estate farmed vineyards on the Naramata Bench. Predominantly Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes were hand harvested and whole cluster pressed or pressed after overnight skin contact. Fermentations were long and cool in stainless steel tanks only to preserve delicate aromatics and flavours.
This is a wine I could enjoy anytime and any day. Soft floral notes of delicate Jasmine flowers that bloom only in early summer follow just a touch of old word. The wine presents as a delicate flower mixing with slices of Bartlett pear and a touch of lime.
So very fresh and juicy in the mouth with profound acidity that pops, making this the wine you have to have. A perfect apperitif wine that will also pair with light fare and seafood. Mandarin orange with a touch of raspberry. Light fruitiness. The citrus notes bring out that tiny bit of salty spice and minerality. Very tasty that’s leading to a smooth finish that keeps you coming back for more.
I love this wine paired with complimentary fruits. Try a salad of kiwi, cotton candy grapes with feta cheese and fresh slivers of lemon Basil topped with a rich olive oil.
$32.00 available online and at the winery
2025 ELEVATION ROSÉ
Light, clean, and beautifully balanced – perfect for warm-weather sipping.
TASTING NOTES
A fresh and fruit-forward rosé with pretty aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, and cranberry. Bright citrus runs through the palate, while orange peel adds a gentle, zesty complexity. Light, clean, and beautifully balanced – perfect for warm-weather sipping. Best enjoyed upon release through 2027 under ideal cellaring conditions.
VINEYARD NOTES
The 2025 growing season got off to a beautiful start, with a mild winter and no extreme cold events — a welcome relief for the vines. Bud break arrived right on cue in the third week of April on the Naramata Bench, and gentle spring temperatures encouraged strong, steady early growth. After the challenges of the previous year, it was incredibly encouraging to see such even, healthy bud break and balanced shoot development across the vineyard. Late spring rolled into a warm, vibrant summer that kept the vines thriving. With only a handful of days above 35°C, the season delivered consistent, uninterrupted growth. A touch of humidity kept us on our toes, making thoughtful canopy management essential to maintain airflow and fruit quality — hands-on work that always pays off in the glass. Then came a burst of classic Okanagan heat. Late August and early September brought a stretch of hot, dry weather, naturally accelerating ripening and leading to an early start for some varietals. The warm, dry harvest conditions were nearly ideal, allowing us to pick at peak flavour, with beautiful tannin maturity and concentration across the board. All signs point to an exciting vintage — one defined by balance, vibrancy, and exceptional quality from vineyard to bottle.
WINEMAKER NOTES
This is a Pinot Noir dominant Rosé wine. Grapes were hand harvested in mid-September to retain vibrant acidity and low tannins and then destemmed and pressed after minimal skin contact time. The fermentations were long and cool in stainless steel tanks to preserve delicate aromatics and flavours. The light watermelon hue is a result of less time on skins.
Does B.C. make the best Rosé wine? I think so and every style brings with it something special. This Rosé is no exception with its vibrant orangey colour in the glass.
I immediately detected my favourite Rosé scent of freshly picked strawberries. The lovely aroma leads to a dash of citrus and some light tropical notes that suggest what may be to come on the palate.
In the mouth flavours of pink grapefruit and the slightest hint of pineapple and coconut which captures you with its mix of flavours dancing along side brisk acidity that keeps the wine fresh and closer to light than medium in body. With just the right touch of boldness on the finish.
One of my theories of pairing is matching colours. I would pair this wine with a filet of Copper River Salmon, cooked french style, so its juicy and flavourful, with spring garden peas and steamed new potatoes. Go ahead and add fresh mint butter, the wine will add the finishing touch to a tasty summer pairing.
$34.00 available online and at the winery
ELEVATION TIER
A collection of playful, quality wines, made for spontaneous occasions. Elevation wines deliver quality while peeling back some complexity revealing refreshing minerality, brightness and juiciness.
Our wines are vegan — no animal fining agents are used — and we use minimal sulphites for clean, expressive results.
Wine notes courtesy of Little Engine Wines. My notes (in italics)
Images: MyVanCity. I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature.