Whirlwind Okanagan Trip Wine Tasting Experiences – Meyer Family Vineyard

On our whirlwind Okanagan trip we prioritized our wine tasting experiences. You know it’s amazing what you can pack into two days if you have the right incentive. The right incentive for me is always the opportunity to taste the yummy wines of British Columbia and this recent trip was no exception.

I am a huge fan of BC Wine and a personal favourite is Riesling. Lucky for me BC wineries make some of the best Riesling you will ever taste. My very first destination on day two was Meyer Family Vineyards. I enjoyed tasting their Gewürtzraminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir on this visit.

The wine was crafted from a southwest-facing heritage block of vines planted on our estate McLean Creek Road Vineyard in 1994 with cuttings hailing from Germany. The vineyard is comprised of alluvial and glacial deposits making up a mix of gravel and sandy loam and is well-suited to this variety, allowing us to craft a beautifully aromatic, food-friendly Gewürztraminer. Drink now through 2020.

Winemaker: Chris Carson

Awards:

Bronze Medal, National Wine Awards of Canada, 2017

Reviews:

John Schreiner – John Schreiner (Apr 2017) : 88 pts

Retail: $18.00 (online)

Our belief in focusing on varieties and wines that we feel are best suited to the Okanagan and the individual terroir of each vineyard has led us to make this very small batch of Riesling from a single vineyard planted in 2005 on the Naramata Bench’s Fleet Road. The wine went through an indigenous fermentation, is citrus and mineral-driven on both the nose and palate, and pairs with a wide variety of foods.

Winemaker: Chris Carson

Awards:

Bronze Medal, National Wine Awards of Canada, 2017

Retail: $20.00 (online)

My travelling companion just happens to be a Pinot Noir lover so I definitely took him to the right place. Meyer Pinot Noirs are in a class by themselves and we both were delighted to taste the newest releases.

Winemaker: Chris Carson

Winemaking notes: We used 15% whole clusters in this beautiful single vineyard wine from our home vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The wine went through a wild fermentation process before being transferred to 100% French oak (25% new) for 11 months. Approachable, softer and more fruit driven than previous vintages. Fruit forward with notes of plums, figs, violets, barnyard and caramel. 650 cases produced. Enjoy this wine now or cellar for 10 or more years.

Retail: $40.00 (online)

Winemaker: Chris Carson

Winemaking notes: The Pinot Noir “Old Block” as it is affectionately called, is one of the original vineyard plantings in 1994 and is part of the largest block of Pinot Noir at our estate vineyard on McLean Creek Road. The wine spent 11 months in 100% French oak barrels (30% new). This year we produced only 350 cases of the 2016 “Old Block” Pinot Noir and we are so excited to offer you advanced access. We recommend that you wait a couple of months before opening this wine, and if you are patient like her, this wine has all the components to allow it to age gracefully, up to 10+ years.

Retail: $50.00 (online)

When visiting the Okanagan, 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 no more than three maximum, and if a winery lunch is on the agenda, no more than two winery tastings.

Tasting notes courtesy of Meyer Family Vineyards.