Tag: Hillside Winery

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…

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,…

Do you gift BC wine to others, or for yourself, during the upcoming holidays?  I reached out to our BC wineries asking what deals they are offering people for the holidays.  Here is my list. If there are any other BC wineries that would like their holiday offerings added to my list, please comment below or email contact@mywinepal.com. ~~~ Hillside…

Canadian Thanksgiving 2021 is going to be very different this year for many of us who are accustomed to getting together with our parents, brothers and sister, and maybe aunts and uncles for dinner. Just like Thanksgiving 2020, but now that many of us have been vaccinated we can open our bubble a little.  I’ve checked through my BC wine…

It was about 18 months ago since I, and other wine trade people, were able to get together and taste BC wines.  We all arrived wearing masks. Some of us with different haircuts, glasses, etc., so you may have to guess who some of the people are.  Luckily we were able to connect and share a few stories before we…

Here I have two bigger red wines from Hillside Winery, located on the Naramata Bench. One is their Heritage Series Cabernet Franc 2017, while the other wine is their Merlot Malbec 2018. The former is under cork while the latter is screwcap. These are two good indications of whether these wines are ready to drink now or can benefit from…

Recently I tasted a bottle of Pinot Noir and one of Pinot’s siblings, Pinot Gris, coming from the Hillside Winery which is located on the Naramata Bench north of Penticton. Both bottles were provided with screwcap closures. Their Heritage Series Pinot Gris is of particular interest to me as it is partially fermented in oak barrels (25%) and left to…

BC has a favourable climate for aromatic white grapes, such as Gewurztraminer and Viognier. I received a sample of Hillside Winery‘s Heritage Series wines to review, with two of them being from these aromatic varieties.  Their Heritage series wines are meant to showcase the nuanced flavours and elegant styles of the Naramata Bench. I see a label refresh for the…

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessening of restrictions people will want to meet and move about.  Dr. Henry has asked people in BC to travel within our province.  During the summer many people travel to the Okanagan where there is an abundance of sun, fresh tree fruits, beaches, and wine.  Other areas across the interior, the Fraser Valley and…

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…