Chef Butters usually does the blog, but this week, I thought I would share some of the highlights from my recent trip to the South Okanagan for a little perspective on the “liquid” side of RauDZ© Regional Table.

Although we have over 110 labels in the restaurant with a large focus on Okanagan wines, I like to keep in touch with what the wineries are doing and search out new gems for the restaurant. 

We are blessed with so many wineries in the Okanagan that my planned two-day trek to the South included only 10 wineries, making it feel like I barely scratched the surface.

I started out from Kelowna with a gorgeous drive up and away from the busy highway and into the lush orchard and wine growing regions of Summerland with Giants Head Mountain as the first step up the wine ladder.  My destination: Dirty Laundry … a relatively new winery with an intriguing name and even more interesting history.  The winery was named after a dry cleaning business that operated in town a long time ago. But the dry cleaning business was only one facet of what was going on.  Above his dry cleaning business was an illegal casino and brothel, which quickly became known by those “in the know” as "Dirty Laundry".

I loved the integration of the Dirty Laundry marketing efforts from the iron gates at the entrance with the old steam iron logo, to the laundry hanging in the tasting room, to the labels of their wine.  Next time you’re looking at a bottle of Dirty Laundry wine take a good look at the steam (I won’t give you any more clues … but it’s worth the second glance).  The wine highlights at Dirty Laundry are the 2008 Hush beautifully packaged in the clear glass bottle which allows the gorgeous rosy hue of this wine to show through.  Sweetness balanced by medium acidity will make it a great wine shortlist for the summer wine list.  With the 2007 Bordello I loved the long cocoa vanilla finish - another short-listed wine – it should pair beautifully with Chef Butters BBQ Lamb Double Chop & Tenderloin with Gnocchi and an Oyster Mushroom & Arugula Sauté´. 

Next I departed Summerland and continued south to Hester Creek.  Nestled among 85 acres of rolling hills along the Southern Okanagan's prestigious "Golden Mile", this is one busy winery.  They are in the midst of expansion plans that include a new barrel room, tasting room, small conference rooms for meetings and an exhibition kitchen where Chef Butters has been challenged to a “risotto” throwdown.  I enjoyed the 2007 Cabernet Merlot and the 2005 Reserve Merlot - both deserve to be on the short list - amazingly well priced for the quality level I tasted in the glass.

Hopping back into the SUV I headed down the winding road to Blue Mountain Winery. It was so wonderful re-connecting with this wonderful family whom I consider to be one of the pioneers of viticulture in their area of the Okanagan Valley.   Along with exceptional terrain, owners Jane and Ian Mavety credit their success to the integrity of their estate. To the Mavety family, "estate" means more than the piece of land; it extends to the practice of both viticulture and wine making by the same owner-operators. Their wines are superb! They stay true to the family's 30-year history of wine making by traditional methods.   I was struck by how beautifully 'groomed' the vineyards are, where just that morning they had been out 'tucking under' the vines.  The 2007 Pinot Noir and 2006 Stripe Label Chardonnay are on the short list.  

From Burrowing Owl I headed to Spirit Ridge, which was to be my home for the night.  Surrounded by a dramatic sun-drenched landscape, I had dinner at Passa Tempo Restaurant.  The house-made strawberry ice cream was definitely a highlight (along with the view). 

Next morning, I arose, ready to tackle more wineries as I made my way home.

Before leaving Spirit Ridge I wandered into the Nk’Mip tasting room next door.  Although still early in the morning it was surprisingly busy. I have their chardonnay on our ‘by the glass list’ and it is wonderful paired with our RJB Signature Dungeness Crab Cake with Salsa Verde.

After a leisurely breakfast, I loaded up the car with my cases of wine and headed out for another day of tasting.   A huge sign "Twisted Tree Vineyard - this way!" greeted me at the ‘T’ intersection as I exited Spirit Ridge Resort.  Even if I didn't have the winery of my list of 'must stop & taste' I would have been drawn in by their creative invitation.  The 2007 Six Vines, a blend of the 6 permitted Bordeaux varietals definitely made the short list.    

My last stop was at Road 13 Winery where they buck the trend both in architecture and winemaking.   No Tuscan theme here (which seems to be a preferred style for wineries in the Okanagan) as I was greeted by a castle-like structure complete with drawbridge!  When tasting, I appreciated their 'no apologies' for their aged in oak chardonnay (this in the day when I am seeing prolific offerings of ''un-oaked chard' from so many wineries!).

The trip was everything (and more) than I hoped for.  It’s these mini-explorations of our own backyard that reminds me of the great spot we live in, here in the Okanagan and why Chef Butters and I decided to plant some roots here.

My hosts were generous with both their tastings and their knowledge and for that I say ‘thanks.’

I am still working on integrating some of my new finds into the wine list but I encourage you to get out there and taste, and discover some of your own new favourites.

                                           - Audrey