Building on the last “Back to VQA” wines that were featured on MyVanCity we are pleased to present three more VQA wines that are perfect for summer.
These three wines are all perfect as your summer companion. From just sitting on the deck. soaking in a lakeside view, to enjoying a BBQ on a hot day, these Hester Creek varietals are the perfect addition for your summer enjoyment.
These wines don’t whisper they proclaim summer to be in full swing.
2025 Rosé Cabernet Franc
This is a cult favourite. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc with extended skin contact, this wine is known for its disctinctive deep pink hue, amazing aromatics and luscious mouthfeel. Perfect for any patio.
Tasting Notes
The nose is bright with strawberry, rhubarb, ripe raspberry and pomegranate. The palate is full, showcasing ripe strawberry, rhubarb, a hint of cinnamon stick. This slightly off dry offering would pair well with a fennel salami, spicy sopressata and Saint Agur blue cheese.
Vineyard Notes
The 2025 season at Hester Creek will go down as one of the best vintages the Okanagan Valley has seen to date. The season was the perfect union of growing conditions; consistent heat with no extremes, low disease pressure, no spring frost and Growing Degree Days (GDD) of 1859, the highest ever recorded in the Okanagan Valley. Early bud break couple with warm summer days allowed the grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and retain acidity, producing wine that is balanced with intense flavour. The vineyards that were damaged during the winters of 2023 and 2024 were able to recover and produce beyond expectation with favourable growing conditions yielding a larger than average harvest of exceptional fruit. The 2025 harvest started on August 27 with Gewürztraminer for our Ti Amo and finished November 6 with Syrah. After the challenging 2023 and 2024 growing seasons, this spectacular 2025 harvest is the vintage we were all hoping for.
Winemaker Notes
Our unique Rosé is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes that were sourced from growers in the South Okanagan. The grapes were hand harvested at the end of September. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed and then underwent a short maceration of three days to bring out the iconic hue of this Hester Creek favourite. Once crushed, the wine was cold settled and racked into stainless steel for a slow cool fermentation of 25 days. The winemaker was careful to leave a small amount of residual sugar to ensure a luscious mouthfeel.
2025 Rosé Pinot Noir
In contrast to the Cabernet Franc Rosé, this rosé is crafted in the lighter Provençal style. Using only 100% Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from the south Okanagan and ensuring minimal skin contact, this Rosé Pinot Noir will satisfy all traditional Provençal Rosé lovers.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of tart strawberry, currant and rhubarb lead to a fresh crisp mouth filling palate with hints of caramel, rhubarb pie. Vibrant acidity lends itself to a food pairing of a classic Niçoise salad.
Vineyard Notes
The 2025 season at Hester Creek will go down as one of the best vintages the Okanagan Valley has seen to date. The season was the perfect union of growing conditions; consistent heat with no extremes, low disease pressure, no spring frost and Growing Degree Days (GDD) of 1859, the highest ever recorded in the Okanagan Valley. Early bud break coupled with warm summer days allowed the grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and retain acidity, producing wine that is balanced with intense flavour. The vineyards that were damaged during the winters of 2023 and 2024 were able to recover and produce beyond expectation with favourable growing conditions yielding a larger than average harvest of exceptional fruit. The 2025 harvest started on August 27 with Gewürztraminer for our Ti Amo and finished November 6 with Syrah. After the challenging 2023 and 2024 growing seasons, this spectacular 2025 harvest is the vintage we were all hoping for..
Winemaker Notes
Hester Creek’s Provencial-style 100% Pinot Noir Rosé is a true expression of the South Okanagan. The grapes come exclusively from one vineyard in the south Okanagan where they are grown and harvested to our specifications. On September 15, the grapes were hand harvested, transported to the winery and destemmed that same day. The grapes were then rested for three hours on their skins to extract the defining, yet subtle hue typical of a Provence-style wine. The wine was gently pressed off and cold settled for two days, racked into stainless steel tanks and cool fermented for 30 days. The wine was further aged for over four months in tank before being filtered and then bottled on February 13, 2026.
2025 Riesling
Crisp and inviting, enjoy this Riesling now or let the flavours develop over time. With a touch of residual sugar, this wine is the perfect pairing with sweet and sour prawns and all your favourite Asian dishes.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of crisp apple, honeysuckle, lavender and melon lead to flavours of honey crisp apple, honeydew melon and rue flower. Our Riesling is an ideal accompaniment to sweet and sour prawns and all oriental cuisine.
Harvest & Viticulture Report
The 2025 season at Hester Creek will go down as one of the best vintages the Okanagan Valley has seen to date. The season was the perfect union of growing conditions; consistent heat with no extremes, low disease pressure, no spring frost and Growing Degree Days (GDD) of 1859, the highest ever recorded in the Okanagan Valley. Early bud break coupled with warm summer days allowed the grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and retain acidity, producing wine that is balanced with intense flavour. The vineyards that were damaged during the winters of 2023 and 2024 were able to recover and produce beyond expectation with favourable growing conditions yielding a larger than average harvest of exceptional fruit. The 2025 harvest started on August 27 with Gewürztraminer for our Ti Amo and finished November 6 with Syrah. After the challenging 2023 and 2024 growing seasons, this spectacular 2025 harvest is the vintage we were all hoping for.
Winemaking
The grapes for this vintage were sourced from trusted growers in the south Okanagan. They were hand harvested on October 17, 2025 and immediately transported to the winery where they were destemmed and gently crushed the same day. The wine was cold settled for one day before being racked into stainless steel tanks. After a slow cool fermentation for 36 days the wine was aged a further 2 two months in tank. The wine was cross blended, filtered and bottled on February 26, 2026.
Hester Creek is your ultimate wine experience in the South Okanagan.
Indulge in the warm hospitality of Hester Creek Estate Winery with vineyard views, luxury accommodation, fine dining and award-winning wines for every occasion. Our team looks forward to welcoming you.
WINE SHOP
Daily | 10:00am – 6:00pm for complimentary tasting experiences and shopping.
SIP
Hester Creek Estate Winery | Golden Mile Bench, South Okanagan | BC Wines
TERRAFINA
Daily | 11:30am – 4pm | 5pm – 8pm
NEW Summer Menus Available
THE VILLA
Open for the season.
We look forward to your stay!
CELEBRATING 58 YEARS OF HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY
As one of the oldest wine properties in the South Okanagan, we are graced with historic vineyards and a modern winery. We welcome all guests to visit our Wine Shop, dine at Terrafina, participate in events, stay at The Villa, and experience the stunning views from the Golden Mile Bench.