Hillside Winery on the Naramata Bench was the last winery on my wine-tasting tour. The founders of the winery were Vera and Bohumir Klokcka who had emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1979, buying the property but did not plant the first grape vines till 1984. Although no longer owners, I’m told that winemaker, Kathy Malone, still talks with Vera, who is now living in the Maritimes. One of the great achievements of Hillside Winery, “In 1989 Hillside, together with Lang Vineyards and Wild Goose, lobbied the Provincial Government to bring about the Farmgate Winery Policy that was instrumental in changing the B.C. Wine Industry. The new policy allowed small vineyards of five acres or less to not only produce wine but also to sell it directly from their premises.” (Hillside Winery). Although I did not have a chance to speak with Kathy during my tasting, I was told that she has many stories about the winemaking history here in British Columbia as she has been around for many, many (not saying how many) years. If you need some background about BC wine history, contact her.
Let me now tell you about the wines I tasted.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Hillside Winery Muscat Ottonel 2022 (BC $26) – A deeper, bright lemon colour. Bright rose petals and citrus aromas. Lightly round with a light mouthfeel. Medium sweetness. Oranges and stone fruits with honey on the mid-palate. Medium acidity. There is also a light acidic prickle and some pepperiness. A dry finish with some grape stem. 
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Hillside Winery Chef’s Whites 2023 (BC $35) – This wine is a collaboration between Kathy, the winemaker, and Chef Evan Robertson. Chef’s Whites refers to a chef’s uniform, but is also a white wine. Fun. It is a blend of 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 38% Semillon, and 17% Chardonnay. It has a medium intensity, bright lemon colour. Nice ripe pears and apples on the nose. Medium-plus body, lightly round with higher acidity. Ripe stone fruit flavour with a touch of honey. Bright acidity. Some bitterness and honey on the finish.
Hillside Winery Gamay Noir 2021 (BC $45) – This wine comes from their Founder’s Block and is a single vineyard wine. It has a medium-intensity clear garnet colour. Light intensity juicy berry nose plus touches of red cherries and spice. Dryish with a round, light mouthfeel. Ripe raspberries and other juicy berry flavours. Fruity. Medium-plus acidity and medium-minus intensity tannins. An off-dry finish. I think this wine would be a perfect pairing with blue cheese. –
Hillside Winery Cabernet Franc 2019 (This wine is a Wine Club Exclusive) – It has a medium-plus, clear garnet colour, consistent from rim to core. Light red cherry and oak aromas. Dry, medium body, with a lean mouthfeel. Higher acidity and light tannins. Candied cherries on the palate with tart fruits on the finish. Medium-plus length. Lots of tasty fruit flavours. –
Hillside Winery Viognier 2022 (BC $28) – Medium-intensity bright lemon coloured. Lighter aromas of ripe stone fruits and honey. his wine is dry and smooth with a lightly round mouthfeel. Higher acidity. Juicy fruits, tropical fruits. A touch of chai spice. Tart finish with citrus and citrus pith.
Hillside Winery Gewurztraminer 2022 (BC $22) – It has a medium-intensity, clear lemon colour. Nice aromas, medium intensity, of roses, lychee and honey. Dryish, with a medium-minus body and light mouthfeel. Smooth. Pears, grapefruit, floral and sweet spices on the palate. Some apple at the very end. A drier finish. Tasty.
Hillside Winery Occhi Dolci Vineyard Merlot 2022 (BC $50) – A deeper, dull garnet colour. Nice, deeper, black fruit, sweet spices. and a touch of capsicum on the nose. Off-dry, or fruity, medium body, soft but supported by medium-plus acidity. A mix of tart and sweet cherries and a touch of capsicum. Light tannins. Medium length with tart berry fruit on the finish.
Hillside Winery Mosaic 2017 (BC $70) – from their Icon Collection, this wine is a Bordeaux blend of 33% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Petit Verdot. It has a medium-plus dull garnet colour. Light intensity sweet ripe cherries. Light body, off-dry with a smooth, soft mouthfeel. Red cherries, candied cherries, and touches of plums, raspberries, cassis and oak on the palate. Medium acidity and tannins. Medium length with a dry finish. A mix of sweet and tart red cherries on the finish. –
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
All these wines are available for order online via the Hillside Winery website.
