Good news! No sudden cold snaps, severe frosts or unpredictable climate events. In short, during the winter of 2025, Mother Nature has been playing nicely with others. 

A good reason, as if any is needed to enjoy a British Columbia grown sparkling wine. Go ahead, pop the cork and pour a flute of Hester Creek Estate Winery香蕉视频直播檚 2021 Old Vines Blanc de Blanc. A traditional Brut style, this Blanc de Blanc is 100 per cent Blk 4 Old Vines Pinot Blanc.

If you haven香蕉视频直播檛 been paying attention, the 2021 growing season was very warm, but on the bright side, it resulted in Hester Creeks香蕉视频直播� Golden Mile Bench white wines exhibiting intense aromatics and toasty, citrusy flavours. For a wonderful way to start your day, pour yourself a flute to enjoy alongside a plate of your favourite eggs benedict, roasted potatoes and toast. 

Now, back to the reality of winegrowing in B.C.

Climate events of the winters of 2022 and 2024 dramatically effected the vines across the Okanagan, resulting in a reduced harvest. Hester Creek Estate Winery香蕉视频直播檚 president and viticulturist Mark Sheridan tells us while they have had to replant parts of their vineyard, the majority of their vines are in recovery. As only those possessing a farmer香蕉视频直播檚 genetic makeup could manage, Mark keeps a positive perspective, adding that 香蕉视频直播渙ther those two bad winters, weather-wise over the past thirty years, winegrowers from Oliver to Osoyoos in the South Okanagan have been very lucky.香蕉视频直播�

But supplement those reduced harvests they must. Keeping a steady source of fine wines in mind, Hester Creek has sourced premium quality grapes from Washington State.

香蕉视频直播淲e had an incredible opportunity this year to source premium-quality grapes from the Columbia Valley and like we always say, outstanding wine comes from outstanding fruit," said assistant winemaker Brooke Jesus, adding "all the winemaking was done by our team at Hester Creek, so everything you see coming out of our Columbia Valley Collection is true to our style. We cannot wait to share them with you.香蕉视频直播�  

The Columbia Valley Collection, as they will be known and labelled, will include a first for Hester Creek, a Sauvignon Blanc. Release is scheduled throughout the summer of 2025 with the Chardonnay and Columbia Collection red wines being released in the autumn of 2025.

But don香蕉视频直播檛 fret, in the meantime we can enjoy Hester Creek香蕉视频直播檚 2023 Chardonnay. This Wine-Align Gold medal winner is 100 per cent South Okanagan Chardonnay grapes.

A complex wine, it香蕉视频直播檚 gently oaked, smooth, with aromas and flavours reminding one of a key lime pie. One of the nicest Chardonnays I have experienced in some time. I savoured a glass with my Friday night fish and chips and a side of creamy coleslaw.

A resident of Qualicum Beach, Chris Herbert is a wine enthusiast who enjoys sharing everything that B.C. wines have to offer. He looks forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments via email at spillthatvino@gmail.com.