Valerie van der Gracht 
Long Beach Lodge Resort is situated on Cox Bay and the first thing that captures your attention is the miles of west coast beaches and the surrounding rugged, yet incredible, scenery. This is where all your troubles, foes and cares slip away and you start to relax and enjoy the atmosphere that comes included with every stay.
Wild Goose Autumn Gold has previously been my “go to” Wild Goose wine. I love it still but sometimes a change is as good as a rest, although I will always have at least one bottle handy. Which one is this season’s favourite?
With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced cuisine this is the domain of Executive Chef Shaun Snelling. In the year that Snelling has been at the helm of this iconic dining room changes have come about with a nod to tradition and an eye to the appeal of local, haute cuisine while retaining favourite dishes.
“Just join the Vanessa Vineyard‘s wine club and never worry about buying any other wines again, their wines are that good.” Sam Hauck, the Wine Teacher
The Similkameen is all about the individual site with differing climates and winds, often too much wind. Every vineyard differs from the next. At Clos du Soleil the vineyard has been organic for the past ten years with biodynamic practises contributing to soil health.
The tasting started with a welcoming glass of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards 2015 Blanc de Noir which was light and tasty with yeasty and citrus notes. Light and Dry.
The project will not be completed until 2020 but it was interesting to view in the construction stage. When we were there in May the amphitheatre was taking shape and the exterior patio next to the restaurant had just been completed.
Many of the wines were what the producers consider to be “premium” wines. The majority of the wineries are located in the Western Cape.
My favourite thing to do after I’ve completed my tasting is to buy a glass of a Meyer wine, one I had enjoyed that day at the tasting.
As tempting as it was to just repeat our wonderful dinner from the Fall we decided to give the new Spring menu items a try this time and pair with the recommended wine flights. The menu changes with the seasons but you can expect it to always be at the peak of freshness.