May 2006 My Birthday at Tinhorn Creek

The majestic estate sits proudly on the hills over looking the Okanagan's Golden Mile. It can be proud of its wines, proud of its contributions to the community and Canada's wine Industry.

 

A spectacular panoramic views awaits as you step out onto the deck from the wineries tasting room.

The winery sits on what once was a gold mine. In 1995 partners Kenn Oldfield and
Bob Shaunessy build their winery Opening in May of 96.

As you can see May 2 is my birthday
As it just so happen my wife and I had been invited to stay at the Winery in their Guest suite. To me it was a very exciting birthday. I love waking up in the morning and been surround by the beauty of the vineyard

Immediately upon entering the winery we were greeted and welcome to the winery.
A reception that made my wife and I feel special! Although at this time we were meet by staff who did not know us and had no idea i was the gentleman on the welcome board.

Once it was establish who I was even more Tinhorn Employees came over to say hello

We would like to thank Kenneth Oldfield general manger, Jerralynn D'Alfonso,Concierge Services and the entire staff at Tinhorn for making our visit such a wonderful experience.

It did not take my dear wife long to find her way to the gift shop and tasting room.

I was busy taking pictures and tasting one of my favourite's - Tinhorn's Chardonnay. Barbara enjoys their Oldfield's Collection Merlot 2002

This is the grand view we had looking out the window of the guest suite.

The following morning I was given the grand tour of the estate by Kenn Oldfield, the Managing Partner.

Kenn went to the University of California at Davis to learn how to grow grapes. That was where he met Sandra, who was completing a winemaking degree. An effective professional team as well as husband and wife, the Oldfields have made Tinhorn into one of Okanagan's leading wineries. In the 2002 vintage, the winery produced about 41,000 cases of wine. *

The amphitheater host numerous events through out the warmer months.
This year Blue Rodeo and Prairie Oyster will be appearing.

There is also the Golden Mile Concert Club which brings in other great performers. This year the line up includes
Shona Le Mottee, Sweetpea Swing Band and the BIG DAWG BAND

The Barrel Cellar. Where modern technology keeps the wines at the perfect temperature and humidity. 15 deg C and 60% Relative Humidity

 

There are about 900 oak barrels. The room will hold 1000 barrels.

Tinhorn under the guidance of winemaker Sandra Oldfield has made the big change. No longer will the wines be corked. The screw top is in.

Sandra say the screw top allows every bottle to age more consistently. It also eliminates Cork Taint. The screw top captures more of the true fruitiness of the wine. The Stelvin screw top will allow for easier re-sealing of the bottle. It will no longer be necessary to store bottles on their side. If it's because of the romance of the cork you may want to consider that you are having dinner with the wrong person.

 

The Barrel Cellar located next to the winery. Future plans call for a restaurant to be build along side the cellar.

Unsurpassed
self-guided tours of the winery, demonstration vineyard and the barrel cellar are all offered. Original art is on display year-round.
Open daily 10am-6pm

Together general manger Kenn Oldfield and
winemaker Sandra Oldfield have put together a team at Tinhorn Creek that has established them as leaders in quality wines and hospitality

A Canadian success story

The genius of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is its ability to balance visitor services, education and activities with a serious passion for making wine **

Thank you Staff and Management Tinhorn Creek

For more on Tinhorn Creek click here

additional photographs