British Columbia’s winemakers put out a bounty of delicious wines to enjoy year-round, but there’s something about that summer sun and the flavours of the foods of the season that work so well with bright, drinkable white wines.
Here are three of our favourite B.C. white wines we suggest sipping on this summer:
See Ya Later Ranch 2014 Gewurztraminer
For those who prefer a sweeter touch to their white, the 2014 Gewurztraminer from the Okanagan Valley’s See Ya Later Ranch is a perfect fruit-forward wine that pairs easily with some of summer’s most sensational dishes and big flavours. This wine moves easily from the social hour to the dinner table, thanks to its ideal balance of crisp and sweet. Look for tastes of lychee and melon in this very summery white.
Retails $14.29 at BC Liquor Stores.
The Hatch 2013 B Yanco
The Hatch is a noteworthy winery out of Kelowna that is getting a lot of buzz this season. Their B Yanco is a blend of Pinot Blanc (grown on their estate vineyard in West Kelowna) and Viognier (grown in Osoyoos). This is a delicate wine, but also quite robust, thanks to its balance of fruit and acid. It’s a great way to get to know The Hatch–and be charmed, to boot, by their beautiful label artwork, sure to be a conversation starter when you’re sharing the bottle with friends or a date.
Retails $13.99 through The Hatch.
Nk’mip Cellars 2014 Winemaker’s Dreamcatcher
While Nk’mip Cellars‘ rosé is a popular warm-weather pick, their vibrant, bright, crisp Dreamcatcher is an exceptional white wine that makes for dreamy summer sipping. Dreamcatcher is stunningly smooth, and boasts a blend of chiefly Riesling with Chenin Blanc. It has a cheery acidity and a hint of citrus, but finishes with a clean sweetness. Enjoy this with some seafood or lighter veggie-centric fare, or just sip this one on its own.
Retails for $14.79 at BC Liquor Stores.
Bottle images via See Ya Later Ranch, The Hatch, Nk’mip Cellars