Robert Bell's Wines of Canada

 

Okanagan Trip 2020

Day Four

Ruby Blues
Ruby Blues Winery

 

After a relaxing morning at D'Angelo guesthouse we continued our Naramata Bench Tour. With so many new wineries and some old guard ones, it was very difficult to decide which wineries to visit. However, our first stop of the day would be the mother and daughter owned Serendipity Winery. Back in 2011 I believe I was one of the first to visit the winery.

Serendipity Winery

The patio is a new addition to the winery along with a brand new tasting room. We sat on the patio and enjoyed a tasting conducted by owner Judy Kingston. On our way to the patio we stopped to chat with Judy's daughter, the winemaker, Katie Kingston.

Judy Kingston
Judy Kingston

Judy presented us with eight high quality wines to taste. The 2019 Viognier was outstanding as was the 2013 Reserve Serenata. Judy was very diligent in following all COVID protocols.

Enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and Judy's presentation we ordered a charcuterie plate, enjoyed by all.

Serendipity Winery.

The winery has some expansion plans for the near future. One thing for sure, they will have to expand the parking lot to accommodate visitors.

Ruby Blues photo by Bob Bell Winesofcanada.com
Ruby Blues Winery

We were just out of the car before being warmly greeted by a staff member. Shortly afterward Prudence Mahrer, co-owner of the winery along with her husband Beat, greeted us. She led us to the outdoor tasting area.

Prudence Mahrer - Ruby Blues winery
Prudence Mahrer

One has to be impressed by Prudence and her knowledge and understanding of the Naramata Bench and the ability to grow perfect grapes here. Prudence and Beat were the original founders of Red Rooster Winery. It became so successful that Prudence could no longer do what she loved best, mingling with winery visitors, so they sold the winery and started a smaller one which became Ruby Blues. Its not about making money its about the enjoyment of bringing wine and knowledge to the people.

Our tasting began with a sensational 2019 For Ever Young Riesling. What flavours! Bursting with fruit the Riesling starts with intense aromas, that rise from the glass. On the pallet you explore primary fruit aromas of orchard fruit, like nectarine, apricot, green apple and pear. The wine has a remarkable crisp finish due to the higher acidity, typical for Riesling grapes from the Naramata Bench!

The cellar of wines is quite impressive. For the reds the Red Stiletto was amazing. Ruby Blues signature blend with a base of Syrah grown on the winery site. This blend also contains some Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot varieties. All of the grapes have been grown on the Naramata Bench and aged in American and French oak. 

We laughed and chatted our way through a few more delicious wines before Barbara discovered the gift shop LOL. Barbara loves winery gift shops.

Ruby Blues is the winner of four Lieutenant Governors Award of Excellence for Canadian Wines for their Viognier wine.

Now on to Deep Roots Winery. One of the newer wineries on the bench but very successful. The Hardman family has been growing apples in Naramata since 1919. Bryan and Debra Hardman believed in the potential of their land to produce quality grapes and began planting in 1996.


Bryan Hardman shows a photo of his vineyards

Our tasting experience was conducted by Bryan with assistance from Paul. It was a most enjoyable tasting as Bryan related to us his families history of farming and how he came to own a winery. Basically a story of necessity and hard work.

Deep Roots Winery Parentage Red 2016 was awarded Platinum at the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards 2019.

Lieutenant Governor’s Wine of the Year 2018 for their 2017 Syrah

Bryan's son Will the winemaker, joined us as we continued our tasting. Their Pinot Gris is very good as is their Malbec 2018

The deck provides a very nice view of the lake which on a clear day is spectacular.

It was now time to return to D'Angelo guest house for a relaxing dinner overlooking the vineyard and lake.

 

Day 5

Day 1 and 2 ~ Day 3

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