In the Shuswap near Tappen, you’ll find Recline Ridge Winery, a beguiling spot surrounded by mountains, hillsides and acres of vineyards. Sun-dappled days and cool evenings maximize the varietal character and set the stage for award-winning cool climate wines.
Proprietors Graydon and Maureen Ratzlaff say that they’re expecting harvest to be a bit early in 2016. As the crush pad is next to the wine shop, visitors can see everything that is taking place when they do a crush. A great viewing spot is their pristine picnic area, where guests are welcome to bring their own food and purchase wines by the glass or bottle.
Fall 2016 will see the release of the 2015 Bacchus, which Graydon describes as “off-dry, very pear-like with vanilla and a bit of spice.” He recommends pairing it with seafood or pasta. The 2015 Siegerrebe has very intense flavours and aromas, with tropical fruit, apricot, peach and a wonderful long finish which lends itself to bold, spicy dishes such as curries.
This past summer, the winery released the 2015 Hummingbird’s Kiss, a late harvest dessert-style wine consisting primarily of Optima with a hint of Bacchus. Medium-sweet, it is light, delicate and well balanced… just like the many onsite hummingbirds for which it is named. Recline Ridge is also about to launch the 2014 Ridgeport, a fortified red in a port-style. Both of these dessert wines are available for purchase only at Recline Ridge Winery.
~ Deanna Rainey