The summer so far for Recline Ridge in the Shuswap has been “great” according to Graydon Ratzlaff, who owns the vineyards and winery in the Shuswap with his wife Maureen. “We’ve had lots of traffic in our wine shop from all over the world,” he says.
Big hits for Recline Ridge this summer have been 2013 Bacchus and 2011 Just Being Frank. In July, new releases will include 2012 Marechal Foch, 2012 Just Being Frank and the new 2014 Make Me Blush, a rose´.
The Shuswap winery now has a new winemaker—Jaime Flemke, who started with Recline Ridge in February of this year. “She comes to us with a solid background in viticulture and winemaking and is finding exciting potential with our cool climate varietals,” says Graydon.
Recline Ridge is known for its award-winning, fruit forward whites including Ortega, Siegerrebe, Bacchus, Kerner, and Shuswap Serenade (from Madeline Sylvaner and Madeline Angevine) and reds including locally-grown Marechal Foch, Hawk’s Haven (Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch), and Just Being Frank (Blaufrankisch). Although north of the 50th parallel, its vineyards enjoy sun-drenched days and cool evenings which maximize varietal character and set the stage for the production of wines noted for their clean sound structure, intense flavours, and perfect balance.
Enjoy the ambience of the tasting room and uniquely designed wine shop. The comfortable patio and picnic areas are available to enjoy a glass of Recline Ridge wine, and drink in the scenery of the region, overlooking the vineyard and site.
~ Dona Sturmanis