Tag: Bench 1775 Winery

The Fall release of BC VQA wines was in late September.  Due to skytrain issues getting to the venue, I did not have as much time to taste the new wine releases, so I concentrated on white wines.  There were also red wines, but not enough time to taste.  There are a few sparkling wines on this list, which you…

Zweigelt is a red grape that while not as obscure as the Blaufränkisch grape I wrote about earlier, is still relatively unknown in BC.  Only 0.7% of red grapes grown in BC are from Zweigelt.  This is a versatile and vibrant red grape variety, that is a cornerstone of Austrian viticulture. Named after its creator, Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, this grape…

It’s time for our BC wines to be recognized by our peers.  The results from the 2023 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards have been announced. Here is the press release.  Pick up the bottles that won as soon as possible as they will sell out soon! ~~~ (KELOWNA, BC) – April 18, 2023: On April 3 through 5, 2023,…

When we think about red wines of BC we think of wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah grapes.  But what about lesser known grapes such as Malbec?  How much single varietal Malbec wines are made in BC, or is blended with other grape varieties to make a “Meritage” wine? Malbec is a Bordeaux grape that needs…

Are you getting low on your BC wine supply at home?  I think most BC wineries are offering online shopping and delivery of their wines to you.  I was reminded of this by the Naramata Bench Wineries Association.  There is everything you may want here; big bold reds, delicate Pinot Noir, aromatic whites, and cheese! Yes, one winery here also…

Bench 1775 Winery, located on the Naramata Bench north of Penticton, had GM and winemaker Val Tait, join in the winter of 2012.  Her goal is to make pure, varietal-specific wines that reflect the planted clone varieties, the vineyard sites, and the microclimates of the fruit’s origin.   Val has a great resume, making wines at Poplar Grove, Painted Rock, and…

BC VQA wines are released twice a year; once in the Fall and then in the Spring.  The Fall wines tend to show more white wines, as well as Pinot Noir, while the Spring event has more red wines.  This tasting I was able to taste many fine white wines as well as some surprising reds.  The Okanagan Valley is…

Summer is nearly upon us, but the weather feels like it is already here.  Time to spend time on the patio with family and friends. And of course some nice chilled bottles of BC white wine.  Last week I attended the latest BLOOM BC VQA Spring Release Tasting, and tasted the newest BC white wines, and I have a few…