I debated whether or not I was going to do a review of this winery. I greatly enjoy the character of the smaller wineries and their willingness to push the boundaries. Providing reviews of these players makes sense to help get the word out about these smaller players. However, I'm a fan of the Canadian wine industry as a whole enterprise, with my focus on BC. Therefore, I need to include these more prominent players. This brings us to Quails Gate Estate Winery, one of the big players central to this review. As is my custom, let us look back at their history first. I firmly believe in understanding and knowing their history to appreciate their wines.
Quails' Gate Winery has a rich history that spans multiple decades. Established in 1956 by the Stewart family, they recognized the potential of the Okanagan Valley's unique terroir for winemaking.
At first, Quails' Gate primarily focused on growing and selling table grapes (Grapes intended for consumption while fresh). Then, in 1989, the family made the innovative decision to transition their vineyards to wine grape varieties, marking the beginning of a winemaking journey.
Quails' Gate Winery, operated by the Stewart family, has since become renowned for producing elegant wines that capitalize on the distinctive characteristics found in the Okanagan Valley. They have embraced sustainable practices, recognizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
Their commitment to quality has been recognized with numerous awards, solidifying their status among Canada's premier wineries. Quails' Gate continues to innovate, crafting a diverse portfolio of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and many more, each highlighting Okanagan Valley's unique attributes.
Like all of Canada's premier wineries, Quails' Gate offers visitors an exceptional experience. The winery's picturesque location offers breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake, and its gorgeous tasting room and restaurant provide opportunities to savour their wines alongside delicious culinary creations.
With a remarkable history, commitment to quality, and stunning setting, Quails' Gate Winery stands as an inviting gem on the Canadian wine landscape, welcoming wine nerds and enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty and flavours of the Okanagan Valley.
Being in the class of Canada's premier wineries, I chose to experience one of their more unique tasting experiences. So, what tasting experience of theirs caught my eye? Of the four listed, I couldn't resist the Wine & Cheese Paired Tasting.
Explore three classic wine and cheese pairings hosted by one of our senior wine educators and discover for yourself just how dynamic and delicious this duo can be.
All four experiences require booking. The description even had the information to allow 45 minutes for this experience - this is listed for each tasting. My party had arrived early, so we did a bit of exploring. Walking down a path between the structure housing the Old Vines Restaurant and the building housing the wine shop and tasting spaces, you are greeted by a quaint waterfall. Continuing along, the path opens out to rows of vineyards in front of you, a well-secluded patio to the restaurant on your left and behind you to the right is the open balcony where you can have a tasting while looking out onto Okanagan Lake. I continued exploring and found two little "huts" where a group enjoyed an outdoor tasting. Continuing on the path, I found it ended at a vast open green space. I later learned that this is their outdoor amphitheatre area. It is beautifully crafted to have the lake and mountains frame the backdrop behind the stage.
But exploring the facility is not why I'm here…so I'm back to the host stand for my tasting reservation. We are taken through the wine shop and down a hallway to a private tasting room. An elegant room with portraits of the Stewart family throughout their generations adorn the walls (It was so bright and sunny a day that it was crazy hard to get good pics of the portraits minimizing the reflected light). Two walls are collapsible and open onto the balcony with lake views. On the patio, I noticed small high-top tables scattered along and guests getting escorted to them for the regular tasting experience available if you walk in.
As I settle at the stand-up table for my reserved tasting, I quickly notice the first lovely touch, the personalized place setting for my party. Our wine host is pouring the final wine as we enter and settle at our table. Another great attention to detail is that the last wine being poured was only done as we entered to preserve its perfectly chilled temperature. Even the culinary team incorporated this personalized attention to detail - the cheese platter presented portions of each cheese for the four people in my group. All of these touches are great, elevating the overall experience.
Our wine host is Katrina. She does present herself as very knowledgeable and well-spoken when offering the wines. She gave some great information on the wines. The approach for this tasting was much more hands-off than what I'm used to. In such an elegant setting surrounded by pictures of preceding generations of Quails Gate winery owners, this was a more refined tasting experience. My energy level ended up reflecting this more serene style to a tasting that involves a brief intro and some extra information on the wine, and then the wine host fades into the background.
The more critical question is…how are the wines?
2022 Clone 49 Riesling: The wine was poured once we arrived. This clone is Alsatian in origin. An area in France that borders the home of Riesling…Germany. Grown in South Kelowna - a place that is showing excellent conditions for exceptional Rieslings. This version delivers some classic qualities common to Alsatian rieslings. Acidity that is mouthwatering and complimented by tart green apple and citrus fruits. Only on my last sip did I notice a floral note. When still chilled, this wine is hard to ignore. The aroma seemed electrified to keep pulling you back in for more. A flinty minerality is dancing in the background. This wine begs to be enjoyed on a hot summer day on a patio. It has excellent potential with food but can easily be enjoyed independently.
2020 Stewart Family Chardonnay: Katrina was proud to point out that this wine won Platinum at the BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards in 2023. This is their flagship white wine with grapes grown on Mount Boucherie. This wine gets the royal treatment and produces a lovely white wine. It is fermented in new and neutral barrel, allowing it to go through malolactic fermentation to create an elegant Chardonnay. Katrina described it as "elegantly oaked." On the nose, I was greeted by the aromas of vanilla and peach blossoms. Looking at it in the glass, I was captivated by its luxurious golden hue. Its colouring was like that of honey. It has a buttery and creamy richness on the palate. Unfortunately, this was where it lost me. I'm not a big fan of this buttery quality that some Chardonnays have. But in the spirit of objectivity, I'll continue. Additional peach flavours lingered with this well-crafted wine's exceptionally long finish. Oddly enough, I enjoyed this wine with the blue cheese the most. This is a wine that is better enjoyed with a lovely meal.
2020 Stewart Family Pinot Noir: The grapes for this are sourced from their estate vineyard across the street on the slopes of Mount Boucherie. A point of pride for this wine is that the vines date back to the 1970s. With this amount of age, these vines produce grapes of beautiful complexity and lengthy age-ability - this vintage can be enjoyed now through 2036! The flavours in this wine are exquisite—juicy red fruit with a white pepper finish. The tannins reminded me of a cherry pit. The acidity had mellowed in the glass but was still present and accounted for. Structurally, this wine is well crafted and a delight to enjoy. The Brie and goat cheese were my favourites to enjoy with this.
2021 Merlot: These grapes are sourced from their West Kelowna estate vineyards. I loved the berry aroma I was getting from this. The palate has flavours of cocoa, dark berries and fruit, green pepper, and hints of anise on the finish. This wine's silky tannins and long lingering finish scream for food to add to the overall beauty of this wine. As I tested this with the cheeses, I was impressed with its chameleon-like costume change. It was enjoyable with all the cheeses but in uniquely different ways. My favourite wine and cheese combinations were blue and goat cheese. This wine was also structurally crafted for lengthy age-ability. Enjoy now through 2031.
2021 Late Harvest Botrytis Affected Optima: Gifted an extra tasting treat of their dessert wine. Botrytis is a good mold that pulls water out of the grape, further concentrating its flavours. Beautiful floral aromas that will grab you and pull you in. On the palate, it is sheer decadence. Gooseberry and nectarine are balanced out by its acidity. Not a cloyingly sweet dessert wine. But the acidity gives it an approachability for continued enjoyment. The balanced acidity also allows this wine to be enjoyed now through 2030. This wine with the blue cheese provided an unparalleled decadence.
I am so glad I chose to experience one of their unique tasting experiences. This allowed us to have a space to ourselves to enjoy. If you're planning a visit to Quails Gate, I'd highly recommend booking ahead for one of these unique experiences. The wines are exceptionally well crafted. Doing a regular walk-in tasting will still have you enjoying great wines. The beautiful crafting displayed in their wines is a testament to the family history in agriculture that led them to become a sparkling jewel in BC's wine landscape. I will certainly be coming back for more of their Riesling.
Cheers 🥂
-BC Wine Nerd
Website: Quails Gate Winery
Instagram: @quailsgate
Address: 3303 Boucherie Rd.
Phone #: 250-769-4451
Tasting Experience Fee: $50.00/guest
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