Along the beautiful vineyard, orchard and winery-lined Black Sage Road in Oliver, which is toted as the “Wine Capital of Canada,” you’ll find the 20-acre Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery. The picturesque Mediterranean-style patio is licensed so you’ll want to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along with the array of award-winning wines and wine country view.
Winemaker Michael Ferreira was most recently awarded the 2014 Best of Varietal Wine for Merlot at the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society this spring for the Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery Merlot 2009. This well-rounded red wine with soft tannins can be enjoyed now and over the next five years. With intense aromas of vanilla, black cherry, cinnamon and clove accentuated with flavours of black pepper and chocolate on the finish, it is great on its own or with grilled meats. Snap it up while you still can.
Join Quinta Ferreira for its third Annual Paella and Wine event, July 13, for a fee of $20. At this great outdoor event featuring live music, Chef Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro Restaurant will prepare paella over a live flame. For details and ticket information, sign up for its newsletter and follow Quinta Ferreira on www.facebook.com/QuintaFerreira and on Twitter @QuintaFerreira.
In the wine shop, you’ll find a full range of reds such as the Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and whites including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier as well as sumptuous blends and refreshing rosé. Check out the extensive display of awards, for example, the highly acclaimed Obra-Prima 2008 which was a Double Gold Winner at the 2013 All Canadian Wine Championships. While at Quinta Ferreira, view the fine art images of resident artist Carmen Tomé. The wine shop is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
~ Roslyne Buchanan