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Robert's Report May 2019

Relaxation

Feeling stress is totally normal, but it’s not good for you, relaxation is vital for ensuring your health and well-being, as well as restoring passion and joy. For me, one of the best way to relax and enjoy life to visit a winery, sit on their patio in the company of others, admire nature, and sip wines.

That is exactly what we did on May 10th, Barbara and I headed along the country roads to Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery located in the Mt Lehman region of the Fraser Valley. One could not have asked for a more beautiful day.

By chance, we were greeted at the gate by the charming co-owner Allison Zimmerman who is adept at making visitors to the winery feel welcome.

After parking the car we met up with co-owner and winemaker David Zimmerman, he was working hard despite the heat, to take
care of the chores that come with owning a winery.

Once inside we were warmly greeted by tasting room host Brook. Brook is a charming new addition to the staff, and if how she provided five-star service is any indication, an asset. How guests are greeted is a very important component in the industry.

Barbara and I settled at the tasting bar, along with a friendly couple from Washington State who were on their way through Canada to the Okanagan. The four of us enjoyed tastings of outstanding wines which poured by Allison. This is quite an experience as Allison does an amazing job of describing the wines and the history behind the names.

Our tasting began with one of their lesser known varitals, Petit Milo 2016, a refreshing wine with honey and citrus notes on the palette, finishing with tropical aromas of guava and pineapple.

This was followed by the 2017 Fraser Gold Chardonnay, Allison calls it a fruit driven wine, and it is. I call it creamy smooth and delicious.

One of my favourites is the Sam and Issac Pinot Gris, not only do I enjoy the flavours, Sam was my dad's name and Issac is my uncle's

Next came a challenge for the four of us with the Petit Milo 2017. The challenge was which one is better, 2017 or 2016; both have the dominate honey flavour, I gave a nod to 2016, the others preferred the 2017.

Bring on the reds, Landing Road 2016 a very nice blend with a great aroma. The wine displayed rich flavours of chocolate, blackberry, and a subtle hint of oak. The blend is 65 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc.

Ah yes, the Lover's Lane Merlot, a must try wine for sure, it never disappoints!

Seaside Pearl's Royal Engineers 2016 Petit Verdot won a Silver at the Okanagan Wine Festival. We took a bottle home and will describe why it won such an esteemed award in Robert's Selections.

If you think the above were the only wines tasted you would be incorrect, but I suggest you drop by the winery to experience for yourself the excellent wines and wonderful hospitality!

Allison then invited us for some tasting directly from the tanks in the barrel room, she did not have to ask twice! Oh I must tell you they have a excellent Syrah on the way and also a very nice Rose'

After the tasting experience, Barbara and I settled on the back patio in the 28C degree shade, with a glass of wine and a cheese plate while our tasting companions continued on their road trip. Talk about true relaxation, we had the vineyard and Mt Baker for our view and complete silence. Relaxation and Tranquillity!

The afternoon flew by for Barbara and I as we relaxed and chatted with winemaker David, Allison, Brook, and other visitors who stopped in for tastings. Thank you Seaside Pearl for giving what was to us, a perfect day!

A family-owned and operated winery passionate about crafting small lots of artisan wines. Located at 5290 Olund Rd, Abbotsford, BC. Tasting Room hours are 12-6 pm at the time of writing.

Fraser Valley Wineries