Larch Hills Winery Blog

How Cool Shuswap Climate Contributes to Great Wines

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:24:18 GMT

Cool climate wines create unique conditions that influence the characteristics of each varietal. Grapes in cooler climates ripe slower than those in warmer climates, which results in higher acidity and lower alcohol content.

The impact of cooler climates on grape cultivation and winemaking is why Salmon Arm wineries in BC have become a popular attraction for wine tastings, tours, and adding wines to your collection.

So, let’s dive into how cooler climates affect grapes, winemaking, and why these wines have become increasingly popular.

How Does Cool Climate Affect Wine?

A region's climate significantly impacts grape cultivation and wine making practices, which is why warm and cool climate wines vary significantly.

Grapes in cooler regions ripen slower, which allows for the development of more complex flavours and aromas. It’s common for a cool climate wine to end up with a fruitier flavour profile than warmer regions.

Cool climates in the Shuswap region in BC are ideal for wine varietals that already exhibit crisps, fruity, and fresh profiles, such as Chardonnay, Riesling , and Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noirs can also benefit from cooler climates by developing a complex and acidic profile, making them a highly sought-after cool climate wine for many enthusiasts.

Understanding the Concept of Terroir

Cool climate wines are often described by their terroir — but what does that even mean? And how does it relate to cool climates?

The French term translates to “a sense of place.” In the context of wine, this means the specific varietal tastes the way it should, considering where it was grown.

You can think of terroir as an acknowledgement of the unique climate the grapes were grown in and that they appropriately affected the taste of the wine. For example, if someone says a cool climate wine has a great terroir, it tastes like the grapes were grown in a cool climate.

Conversely, if a cool climate wine ends up tasting like a Napa Valley wine, you could say it has a bad terroir, even if it still tastes good. Ultimately, terroir considers the overall art of winemaking, including the climate, soil composition, winemaking practices, and local flora.

Climate and Grape Preservation

Climate plays a critical role in wine quality. That’s why certain regions worldwide become popular with winemakers — they have ideal conditions for growing and preserving grapes.

An ideal wine climate balances temperature, rainfall, and sunlight to support healthy grape growth and ripening. Too much heat can cause grapes to ripen too quickly, while too much cold can prevent ripening altogether.

Winemakers adapt to the unique conditions of individual climates for grape cultivation, preservation, and winemaking practices. The end result is a unique varietal that speaks to the climate region itself. Check out grape varieties that grow in northern BC

The Influence of Shuswap Lake on Vineyards

Wineries near Shuswap Lake benefit from the lake’s ability to naturally regulate the local climate. The lake helps create milder winters and cooler summers, helping extend growing seasons and protect wines from extreme winter weather.

Shuswap is located between the Canadian Rockies and the Monashee Mountains, contributing to its unique soil composition. Composition in the region is surprisingly diverse, ranging from sandy to volcanic, often contributing to a sought-after minerality profile.

Additionally, to make the most of the region's unique characteristics, an artisanal approach to winemaking has become the standard for wineries in the region.

BC QVA Certification and Its Importance

The British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance (BCVQA) certification is crucial to guaranteeing that wine is made with 100% British Columbian grapes that meet specific standards.

Earning a BC VQA certification is a rigorous process that involves testing and auditing a winery's practices. Certified wineries have demonstrated high standards of viticulture and winemaking. The certification strives to ensure the BC wines' quality to help support the local economy, represent the region, and promote global recognition.

Shuswap Wineries Producing Great Wines

The unique climate of Shuswap has resulted in several wineries near Salmon Arm BC, each producing outstanding wines. Some of our neighbours excelling in the art of winemaking are:

Celista Estate Winery: A Journey from North to Wine
Recline Ridge Vineyards: A Family Affair
Sunnybrae Vineyards: A Blend of Nature and Wine
Ovino Vineyards: A Glimpse into Glacier-Carved Landscape
Marionette Winery: European Training Meets Local Production

Together, we’ve formed and continue to advance the art of cool climate winemaking in our unique slice of BC.

Spotlight on Larch Hills Winery

Larch Hills Winery is a popular Salmon Arm winery in the Shuswap region. Our unique position in the region has informed our artisan approach to winemaking. As a cool climate winery, we specialize in distinctive wines like Ortega and Siegerrebe that reflect the region’s terroir.

We’re also family-owned and operated, committed to sustainable practices, and strive to provide a fantastic visitor experience for wine tours or a trip to stock up.

Want to learn more about our winery or schedule a tour? Check out Larch Hills Winery today to explore the wonderful world of cool climate wines.

Fall Food and Wine Pairings: A Guide to Seasonal Delights

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 20:03:30 GMT

Fall in Salmon Arms is a favourite season for many. Leaves transform into beautiful colours, temperatures drop to cozy sweater weather, and harvest season fills us with pumpkins, squash, apples, and, most importantly, wine grapes. With comforting aromas and flavours, autumn is the perfect time for wine and food pairings .

Read on to discover some of our favourite fall wine and food pairings, plus tips on serving and autumn presentation.

Fall Flavours and Wine Pairing Tips

Some popular ingredients associated with fall are apples, spices, and pumpkins. Let’s see how these three flavour profiles interact with wines such as Gewürztraminer , Rosé , and Merlot and wine and food pairings that go with them.

Gewürztraminer Pairings

This white wine has a prominent spiciness with a floral bouquet reminiscent of rose petals - notes of crisp almonds and tropical fruit shine through with a slight sweetness and dry finish.

Apples: Gewürztraminer's tropical fruit and floral notes complement the tartness and sweetness of apples, while the slight sweetness of the wine balances the acidity, making it a great wine and food pairing. This wine pairs well with apple recipes, such as:
Baked brie and apple chutney
Apple pie
Apple crisp
Fall spices: The natural spiciness of Gewürztraminer aligns well with the fall trio of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. Gewürztraminer wine and food pairing is perfect with:
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin pie
Apple pie
Pumpkin: Gewürztraminer enhances the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with its spicy, floral notes. This wine and food pairing is ideal for:
Pumpkin soup
Pumpkin risotto
Pumpkin ravioli

Rosé Pairings

Rosé wine is either sparkling or still and ranges from dry to sweet, but flavour-wise, it typically has red fruit notes like raspberry and strawberry with citrus and floral undertones and a clean finish.

Apples: A semi-sweet or dry Rosé can compliment the apple’s natural crispness and balance its tartness and sweetness. This wine pairs nicely with apple dishes like:
Waldorf salad
Gouda quesadillas with apple
Apple-cheddar kabobs
Fall spices: The red berry notes and citrus undertones of Rosé elevate the warm spices in fall recipes, making it a great pairing with:
Roasted root vegetables
Holiday turkey
Blue cheese
Pumpkin: A dry Rosé offers a refreshing contrast to the earthy flavour of pumpkin and pairs beautifully with dishes like:
Pumpkin lasagna
Pumpkin mac and cheese
Pumpkin hummus

Merlot Pairings

Merlot is a medium to full-bodied red wine full of rich cherry, plum, and blackberry flavours with hints of almond, cocoa, spice, and a smooth, soft finish.

Apples: Merlot’s velvety, dark-fruit character bodes well with apple-based recipes like:
Apple stuffed pork chops
Pork tenderloin and apple sauce
Baked apples
Fall spices: The light chocolatey, and gentle spice notes of Merlot complement warm fall spices. This wine and food pairing goes well with:
Hearty beef stew
Rack of lamb
Italian tomato-based dishes

Pumpkin: Merlot balances the earthy richness of pumpkin with its deep fruitiness and silky smooth finish, making it an excellent match for:
Pumpkin fettuccine
Pumpkin gnocchi
Pumpkin chili

Cabernet Sauvignon Pairings

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, plum, and notes of pepper, tobacco, and sometimes green bell pepper.

Apples: The robust nature of Cabernet can pair with savory apple dishes.
Apple and blue cheese-stuffed pork loin
Beef and apple stew
Fall spices: The peppery notes in Cabernet can complement hearty dishes with fall spices.
Spiced lamb shanks
Beef bourguignon with star anise
Pumpkin: Cabernet's depth can match well with hearty pumpkin dishes.
Pumpkin and beef curry
Pumpkin and lentil stew with smoked paprika

Serving and Presentation Tips

Enhance your wine and food fall pairings by serving your wine at the perfect temperature, in the proper glassware, and with seasonal ambiance.

What is the Perfect Temperature?

Serve wine at the right temperature to fully experience its flavours, aromas, and nuances.

White wine: Refrigerating white wine for one to two hours before serving allows it to reach an optimum temperature of 10-13°C (50-55°F).
Red wine: Storing your red wines in a cool, dark place will keep them at their perfect serving temperature of 18-19°C (65-67°F), typically slightly cooler than room temperature. Open your red wine at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the air to revive the flavour characteristics.
Rosé wine: Refrigerate your Rosé wines and serve them chilled at a temperature of 7-12°C (45-53°F), slightly lower than your white wine.
Sparkling wine: Champagne and other sparkling wines are best served well-chilled to a temperature of 4-7°C (45-55°F), and once opened, keep it on ice to stay chilled.

Which Wine Glasses Do I Use?

Yes, the glass makes a difference in your tasting experience.

White wine: Wine glasses featuring the traditional U-shaped bowl with a slightly narrow top concentrate the aroma, allowing you to experience the delicate nuances with every sip. Use medium to small glasses so your wine doesn’t warm before finishing.
Red wine: Wine glasses for red wine have a larger bowl for aeration to help release the flavours and aromas. The glass size can vary for full-, medium-, and light-bodied reds. Full-bodied wines with high tannins need a larger bowl to help soften their mild bitterness.
Rosé wine: Glasses for rosé wine should have similar qualities as white wine glasses since they’re both served chilled. Rosé has a higher tannin content than white but not enough to need aeration, so a bigger bowl isn’t necessary.
Sparkling wine: Flute glasses, with their elongated shape, concentrate the bubbles, sending the effervescence to the narrow opening, allowing you to experience delicate aromas with every sip.

How Do I Set My Table For Autumn?

Everything always tastes better when you love your surroundings. Set your fall table with warm, cozy features to give your guests a sense of seasonal charm.

Tablecloth and placemats: A tablecloth with fall colours like burnt orange, dark red, or earthy browns and contrasting leaf or acorn-shaped placemats are a nice seasonal touch.
Centrepieces: Fall flowers, gourds, pumpkins, fall leaves, or a cornucopia with harvest decor make stunning autumn centrepieces.
Tableware: Use wooden charger plates under your dinner plates and add decorative fall-coloured napkin rings to your cloth napkins, or purchase disposable napkins with a rustic fall design.
Glassware: Choose your wine glasses according to your wine choice; use coloured glasses for water and tea and coffee cups with fall designs.
Place cards: Tie a leaf-shaped place card to each wine glass with some twine to add a personalized, fall-themed touch.

Add Decadent Wines to Your Fall Feasts With Larch Hills

Autumn meals taste better when served with family, friends, and a perfectly matched wine. When food and wine balance each other out, neither overwhelms the taste of the other. When considering your wine pairings, remember that red wines are more bitter, white and Rosé are more acidic, and sweet wines have mainly sweeter notes.

Explore our selection of Merlot, Rosé, and Gewürztraminer wines today.

What's Happening in the Shuswap Community this September

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:35:14 GMT

Smoke. Heat. Fire. Loss. What a summer this has been.

The 2023 wildfire season has claimed first place for the worst on record in British Columbia. In August, residents and tourists stood helplessly as wildfires covered the Southern Interior region with flames and thick, dark smoke. Many lost their homes, pets, jobs, and community.

Larch Hills Winery sends special thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to those displaced by losing their homes, properties, or businesses. We also profoundly admire the volunteers and first responders working tirelessly and relentlessly to bring the fires under control while supporting communities and neighbours in need.

Wine Tastings in Shuswap Impacted by Wildfires

Wildfires, thick smoke, and travel restrictions in the Similkameeen, Okanagan, and Shuswap regions are affecting the wine industry.

“These wildfires not only have an impact on wine tourism but also the livelihoods of winery staff, many of whom have been evacuated themselves,” Wine Growers British Columbia said in a statement.

Evacuation orders have now been issued in B.C.’s Interior by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and Cheslatta Carrier Nation because of the Wells Creek wildfire, covering 79 square kilometres and listed as out of control. These orders came only a day after the Central Okanagan Regional District lifted orders for 50 properties in West Kelowna and other wildfire areas and downgraded them to alert status.

While dozens of people in the Kelowna, Kamloops, and Shuswap regions can return to their homes, according to regional fire officials, residents may need to leave again on short notice.

Even before the travel bans, wineries were experiencing a soft tourism season throughout the entire region. In many cases, over half of a winery’s sales are stemming from online orders. Many people are asking how the wildfires affect the wine grapes. Some varieties, like thin-skinned red wine grapes, are susceptible to smoke damage; however, wine produced from this year’s grapes shouldn’t have a smoky taste. To be sure, winemakers send grape samples for analysis and after testing, they address any identified issues.

As of September 3, there are 20,011 properties on evacuation alert and 405 properties on evacuation order in the West Kelowna area.

Shuswap Stands Strong After August Wildfires

Northern winds blew the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire into Scotch Creek, 100 kilometres northeast of Kamloops, B.C. Walking through neighbourhoods, you’d think a hurricane ripped through with several trees ripped up by their roots.

But then you see ash, giant heaps of rubble, and metal scraps scattered across communities, a devastating reminder of all that was lost, including the Scotch Creek Fire Department building, the Gingerbread Tea House, the North Shuswap branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, and several homes, businesses, beloved pets, and countless wildlife. Thankfully, no human deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Yet, the rallying cries of “Shuswap Spirit” and “Shuswap Strong” after Blue Rodeo’s performance of “We Are Lost Together” display the community's resolve to get past this heart-wrenching tragedy together.

Although we missed many events throughout August , including Roots and Blues, September will see some familiar ones return, including:

Fungi Fest: September 15th to 17th, Sicamous Legion. fungifestival.com
Terry Fox Run: September 17th, Blackburn Park. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Run, walk, wheel, or bike.
The Shuswap Writer’s Group: September 20th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piccadilly Mall
SWG Coffee House: September 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at United Church
Rhapsody in Blue - Kamloops Symphony Orchestra: September 24th @ 3:00 p.m. Nexus at First (United Church) kamloopssymphony.com
Seed saving presentation: September 26th @ 6:00 p.m. - Learn how to gather your favourite vegetable, fruit, and flower seeds for next year’s garden

Supporting Shuswap Communities

As the wildfires continue their destruction, Wine Growers British Columbia asks people to support wildfire relief efforts through the United Way, Canadian Red Cross, Mamas for Mamas, and Central Okanagan Food Bank.

The Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) Emergency Response Fund is also in place to support those affected by the wildfires. This initiative will help communities recover and rebuild in the face of this disaster.

SASCU has also partnered with SCF by dedicating $25,000 to match the Emergency Response Fund donations. Contribute your donation by:

Visiting any Salmon Arms Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) branch
Sending an e-transfer to: info@shuswapfoundation.ca with the memo “SCF Emergency Response Fund”
Through the CanadaHelps online platform: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/shuswap-community-foundation/p2p/emergency-response-fund/

Every little bit helps. Please join us in spreading the message and supporting the recovery of our Shuswap communities.

Looking for current information on wineries, tours, and tastings?

Get in touch

Why August is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Vineyards in Salmon Arm

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:27:28 GMT

With the Okanagan Valley producing many wine varieties and over 85% of B.C.’s wine, it’s no surprise that Salmon Arm is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.

Especially when the warmth of summer coincides with the midst of flourishing nature, creating a picturesque backdrop of vibrant foliage. And not to mention the excitement of the upcoming harvest season.

August is the perfect time to visit vineyards in Salmon Arm and savour a glass of wine . Keep reading to learn why.

Optimal Climate and Conditions for Wineries in Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm sits on an arm of Shuswap Lake in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. Located North of the Okanagan Valley, Shuswap experiences higher annual precipitation levels than other B.C wine regions, making irrigation needs minimal. Some vineyards don’t water their vines at all!

Shuswap wineries predominately grow cool-climate grapes, but the influence of Shuswap Lake provides each vineyard with its own microclimate, giving unique character to its wines and creating exceptional flavours. In August, the climate and conditions in Shuswap are typically dry and warm, with long, sunny days and cool nights that help preserve grape flavours.

Explore the Wine-Tasting Experiences and Events Available in Salmon Arm in August

The Salmon Arm region is an ecological gem with over 100 acres of vineyards supplying grapes to various local wineries . Amongst its natural habitat, you’ll find grassroots communities with charming boutiques and cafes and an inspiring artists' culture. Salmon Arm attracts countless tourists throughout the summer as they gather for boating, fishing, and camping, the August music extravaganza known as the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, and of course, our famous wine-tasting tours.

Catch other exciting events happening in Salmon Arm this August:

Dinner Theatre at R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum: August 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, and 27th between 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Walk Of The Woods - Tree Costume Making And Stilt Walking Workshops : August 13th between 11:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m at the Salmon Arm Wharf, 750 Marine Park Drive, Salmon Arm, British Columbia
Art Exhibition - Le7 Tmicw (Good Earth): August 15th -19th, 22nd - 26th, 29th, 30th, and 31st between 11:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m Salmon Arm Arts Centre, 70 Hudson Avenue Ne, Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada
Downtown Salmon Arm Farmers’ Market: August 12th, 19th, and 26th between 9:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. Ross St. Plaza, Hudson Avenue, Salmon Arm, British Columbia
Wednesday On The Wharf: August 16th, 23rd, and 30th between 6:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m Marine Park, 750 Marine Park Drive Ne, Salmon Arm

Visit Vineyards During the Harvest Season

August, when the vineyards are full of ripe grapes that create an enchanting scenery, is also the beginning of the magical harvest season when harvesters pick, sort, crush, and set grapes to ferment. August is a popular time to visit wineries near Salmon Arm, B.C., with the intoxicating aroma of fresh grapes filling the air, the immersive vibrancy of the winemaking process, and harvest festivals that offer wine tours, tastings, and fun events.

Plan to Visit Salmon Arm Vineyards This August

Experience the different wines of the Shuswap region this August with Salmon Arm winery tours. Customizable packages include:

2 - 5 guided local tours
A charcuterie platter or artisan lunch
Sit-down or vertical tastings
Stunning scenery as summer winds down and the beauty of fall starts settling in
Live entertainment
And more

Make Larch Hills Vineyard Part of Your August Wine-Tasting Experience

Larch Hills Winery is an escape from the ordinary. We’re a family-run, land-based winery and vineyard just south of Salmon Arm, using only the finest British Columbian-grown grapes for the best-tasting wine . Our unique climate and landscape create an irresistible setting, especially as we head into fall.

Begin your tour by experiencing the different flavours and tastes found only at Larch Hills Winery.

Learn more

From Vine to Glass: The Journey of BC's Malbec Wine

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:31:32 GMT

When considering BC’s red wines, we typically think about Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah grapes rather than lesser-known varieties like Malbec — which is on the rise.

Originating in France, Argentina now grows three-quarters of the world’s Malbec grapes. Since environmental factors play a significant role in the success of their growth, BC has comparable growing qualities to the high-altitude region of Mendoza, Argentina.

In this article, we discuss the journey of BC’s Malbec Wine, including the growing process, harvesting, fermentation, delicious food pairings, and more.

Vineyard and Grape Growing Process

Malbec grapes are small with a deep dark colour and are quite sensitive to environmental hazards, like frost, rot, and pests. They require a long growing season and sufficient heat to ripen to their fullest and become more than just a blending grape. Growing in high altitudes, as in Argentina, gives the grapes the exact conditions to make a superb single-varietal wine.

Another area that’s ideal for producing Malbec wine is British Columbia , with its environmental elements (terroir), including:

Soil
Weather
Climate
Sun
Proximity to a body of water
The slope of the land
Altitude

The high-altitude vineyards in BC produce top-quality Malbec grapes for four main reasons:

Slow fruit maturation leads to more concentrated flavours — warm days and cool nights
Dry conditions avoid vine rot. BC wine country gets less than 100mm of rain yearly
Ideal soil mixture for cool weather grapes
Fertile water from glacier runoff and snow melt

Harvesting and Crushing the Grapes

The grapes must be destemmed and crushed to start the winemaking process. Crushing breaks the grape skins and pulp without cracking the seeds to create grape juice.

The traditional crushing method is called “grape stomping” or “grape-treading” and involves stomping grapes with bare feet. Most winemakers today use machines to destem and crush the grapes, and then the fermentation process begins.

Fermentation and Aging

Fermentation begins when added yeast turns natural sugars into alcohol. For Malbec red wine , reassembly is often necessary — extracting components from the grape skins.

To complete the reassembly, a vintner uses a pump to take the liquid from the bottom of the vat and mixes it with the top layer (usually skins and seeds). This helps extract more flavour and colour from the skins and homogenize and aerate the fermenting grape juice.

At the beginning of the fermentation process, reassembly occurs twice a day but becomes less frequent as fermentation progresses.

Transferring the Malbec into oak barrels takes place at the end of the fermentation process and is a critical step in the final taste and aroma of Malbec wine.

How Do Oak Barrels Help Malbec Wine?

Original winemakers stored, transferred, and sold their wine in wooden barrels purely out of necessity since glass bottles didn’t come about until the 1600s. In modern times, oak barrels are solely a matter of taste and contribute to Malbec wine’s success in three significant ways:

Allows slow introduction of oxygen into the wine, which smoothes out the taste by cutting the acidity and bitterness
Provides an environment where malolactic fermentation (a metabolic reaction) can take place, giving the wine a creamier taste
Adds robust flavours and aromas such as vanilla, smoke, coconut, and clove

Tasting and Pairing

Malbec doesn’t have a long finish, unlike Cabernet Sauvignon. This makes lean red meats, rustic aromas, and funky tastes the perfect pairings with the flavour characteristics of BC's Malbec wine:

Fruity notes: Plum, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, pomegranate, and raisin

Other notes: Milk chocolate, mocha, leather, cocoa, tobacco, black pepper, and molasses

Oak: Dill, coconut, vanilla, chocolate, and mocha

Tannin: Medium

Acid: Medium

Other Malbec wine pairings include:

Meat: Beef brisket, duck, chicken leg, ostrich, lamb, pork shoulder, and buffalo
Herbs and spices: Smoky or earthy aromas like thyme, paprika, cumin, rosemary, parsley, juniper berry, vanilla bean, clove, garlic, green onion, shallot, and bbq sauce
Cheese: Rich and funky soft to semi-firm goat’s milk and cow’s cheeses
Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, red and green bell peppers, beets, onions, potato, arugula, and kale

The Future of BC's Malbec Wine

Although Malbec grapes have their own unique characteristics and production methods, optimal growing, aging, and storing conditions play a crucial role in the final quality of the wine.

Production methods include everything from site selection and environmental growing factors to extraction, fermentation, and oak maturation to yield flavours and aromas of dark fruits like plums, red and black cherries, chocolate, and more. With medium to firm tannins, Malbec wine pairs well with hearty meals, including your favourite BBQ.

Wines made from Malbec grapes are enjoyed across the globe for their ripe fruit and well-structured and youthful characteristics. The best examples of Malbec wine are typically aged in new oak, though many winemakers are experimenting with gentler extractions to create lighter, more floral styles to sip on.

Shop the best Malbec Wine in Canada now.

Celebrate Canada Day With Live Music at Our Salmon Arm Winery

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:26:29 GMT

Join us on July 1st as we celebrate Canada’s birthday with wine and live music at the #1 Salmon Arm Winery in North Okanagan.

Larch Hills is proud to present the incredibly talented Marv Marchura , a singing guitarist mixing new and classic country, folk, rock, and blues songs that represent his likeable and personable shows.

“A crowd favourite.”

“A winning singer and talented guitar player.”

"One-of-a-kind, energetic, artistic, and engaging performer.”

Summer 2023 Upcoming Events at Larch Hills Winery in Salmon Arms

We’re kicking off the month of July by featuring live music from Marv Marchura, evening wine and cheese pairings, and more.

July 1st — Live Music from Marv Marchura

Marv Marchura’s music, described as “Neo-Folk,” follows the modern singing-songwriting traditions of famous artists like John Denver, Ian Tyson, and Gordon Lightfoot. His “Western Canadian Roots” music is rooted in the people, land, and history of Western Canada. Since moving to Vernon, BC, in 2013, Marv has been travelling all across the Okanagan and Thompson Valleys, entertaining enthusiasts with his talent as a singing guitarist.

With many years of performing experience, Marv enjoys entertaining audiences of all ages in restaurants, pubs, concerts, patios, winery events, festivals, and even homes! He doesn’t use any backing tracks or other electronic aids like tablets or lyric sheets — instead, he keeps things simple by engaging audiences using only his voice, guitar, connection with the crowd, and the unique needs of the venue and show.

Professionally performing since he was a teen, Marv has released many singles and four acclaimed CDs and published 20+ songs in Nashville. He’s performed at countless Western Canadian music festivals throughout his career, including the Edmonton Folk Festival.

Want a sneak peek? Stream Marv’s Western Canadian Roots music through Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more.

Dates TBD — Evening Wine and Cheese Pairings

Bring your family and friends together over fine-tasting wine, good food, and great times at our wine and cheese pairing events held throughout the month of July. Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about hosting fabulous dinner parties, from choosing various cheeses to pairing them with the best wines .

Serving a cheese plate with mild and medium cheese? Go with a lighter wine, like Gamay or Pinot Noir. Cabernet is a definite go-to for rich, creamy, and full-flavoured cheese. And there’s so much more to learn, experiment with, and enjoy!

Stay tuned for more details.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Our Venue and Location

Larch Hills Winery is an escape from the ordinary. Our winemaking approach is a little different from the rest. Nestled in the highest hills of Northern British Columbia, we choose our grapes for their impressive ability to thrive in unusual conditions.

As a family-run, land-based vineyard and winery, we challenge ourselves every day to offer something new to the Canadian wine landscape. We proudly make all our products from 100% BC grapes, either from our main vineyard just south of Salmon Arm or from vineyards we contract from further south in the Okanagan Valley. Learn more about grape varieties that grow in Northern BC.

We only use the finest selection of grapes so that you can expect the best quality wine taste.

Larch Hills Winery

110 Timms Road,

Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2P5

Open 7 Days a Week, Year-Round.

Need to get in touch? Call or email us at:

250.832.0155 or info@larchhillswinery.com

The History and Origins of Pinot Gris Wine and How It Got to BC

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:25:10 GMT

Lovers of white wine are likely familiar with Pinot Gris, especially those who live in British Columbia. This varietal has rapidly grown in popularity in BC since its introduction in 1976 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Now, pinot white wine is commonly found in wine cellars, restaurants, and wine tastings due to its unique flavour that pairs with a wide range of meals.

Keep reading to learn more about Pinot Gris, how it varies from Pinot Grigio, and how it became popular in BC.

Introduction to Pinot Gris Wine

Pinot Gris is a rich, full-bodied white wine with extra sweetness and an oily mouthfeel. It often pairs with roast meats, creamy pasta, and even spicy Southeast Asian dishes.

What’s the Difference Between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

It’s easy to confuse Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, considering their names, but what’s actually the difference? The Pinot Gris grape and Pinot Grigio grape are actually one and the same — they are genetically identical.

Pinot Gris is from France, while Pinot Grigio is across the border in Italy. The primary difference is when the grapes are harvested. Pinot Grigio grapes are harvested earlier than Pinot Gris grapes.

And that simple difference is enough to create two popular varietals from the same exact grape. Additionally, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio demonstrate the complexity of winemaking: harvesting is a precise science with minimal room for variation.

The Origins of Pinot Gris and Its Spread to Okanagan, BC

Pinot Gris has been cultivated in the Alsace region of France for decades as wineries have perfected grape growing techniques, harvesting times, and winemaking to produce a wine that has become popular worldwide.

So how did Pinot Gris Canada get its start and rapidly grow in popularity? Let’s explore how the varietal migrated from France to BC.

The Rise of Pinot Gris as a Popular Varietal in BC

Pinot Gris BC got its start in 1976 when the first 50 vines came from Alsace, later known as the Becker Project. Dr. Becker was the director of grape breeding at Germany’s Geisenheim Institute, who recognized the Okanagan Valley offers an ideal climate for Pinot Gris grapes.

Dr. Becker was absolutely correct, and Pinot Gris flourished in the region. Wineries took hold of the new introduction, and consumers appreciated the new local varietal.

Now, all these years later, Pinot Gris made in BC, has taken on a life of its own with many distinct attributes from its French origins.

The Unique Characteristics of Pinot Gris Grown in BC

Is Pinot Gris made in BC different from wine made in France? Initially, they were quite similar. But wineries have created their own winemaking practices, creating a unique flavour for BC Pinot Gris.

A Pinot Gris made in the Okanagan Valley is vibrant, acidic, and has a unique mouthfeel compared to its French counterpart. Additionally, specific wineries include their own ingredients in the winemaking process that may make it sweeter, fruitier, or oaky.

You can find a BC Pinot Gris suited for a wide range of meals, especially pasta and seafood. In addition, specific wineries have evolved their winemaking practices to produce a Pinot Gris suitable for red meats, spicy dishes, or a simple salad.

Book a Wine Tour at Larch Hills Winery

Larch Hills Winery grows a wide variety of wines ready for you to explore during our wine tours and events. We love sharing the art of winemaking, hosting wine tastings, and introducing beginners and aficionados to our own varietals.

Are you looking for a memorable event for your next trip? Book a wine tour at Larch Hills Winery today for an unforgettable experience.

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What's New at Larch Hills Winery

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:57:36 GMT

It has been a cool start to our Spring season here at the winery. In April we continued to move through our vineyard and prune our vines back. This year we are faced with the challenging reality that here, like much of the Okanagan Valley to the South, we are seeing potentially devastating damage from the cold weather we experienced late last year and throughout the winter. The beautiful weather that extended our growing season last fall and allowed us to ripen our grapes after a sluggish, cool start to the growing season gave way and we moved into winter almost overnight. The late harvest combined with the early onset of winter conditions did not give the vines much time to move into dormancy which will also have lowered the cold hardiness of the buds across the board. We have taken a conservative approach to pruning this year leaving lots of extra buds/canes. I’m expecting a lower crop yield this year than usual, but that usually means we can expect more concentrated and expressive wines next year. Crossing our fingers and hoping for the best!

On the winemaking side of things, we have released our 2022 vintages of our Ortega , Siegerrebe , Pinot Gris , Malbec and Tamarack Rose . 2022 was a great year for winemaking. Crop yields were good to above average for most varietals and the nice weather late in the fall delivered ripe concentrated fruit. I’m very excited about our Ortega and Siegerrebe this year, they are the most aromatic and expressive wines we’ve seen in the past five vintages, and both greatly benefitted from a normal growing season last year.

Next month we will be releasing our 2022 Semillon , first vintage of Petit Verdot, and finally have our Sparkling Rose back in stock! Wine club members will receive an email granting early access to the release of the Petit Verdot and Sparkling Rose. The Petit Verdot will be sold exclusively at the winery.

I’m looking forward to writing more of these monthly email updates which I plan on including what we have going on in the vineyard and as well as different aspects of winemaking.

Exploring the Health Benefits of Moderate Red Wine Consumption

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:26:12 GMT

People have been enjoying wine for thousands of years. And it’s no wonder why — continued research suggests moderate consumption of red wine offers several health benefits, from delaying dementia to cutting the risk of arthritis, eye troubles, and more.

While more research is necessary to understand better which wines provide the most benefits, it’s important to know that regularly drinking wine isn’t for everyone, nor is it essential for maintaining good health. So if you aren’t already a wine lover, these aren’t reasons to start a new fad. You can reap similar benefits by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

For those who do enjoy the occasional glass, let’s talk about some of the health benefits of drinking red wine in moderation.

What are Some of the Benefits of Moderate Red Wine Consumption?

Red wine has long been thought to have heart-healthy components. Although not completely understood why, studies show that the alcohol in wine combined with the antioxidants can help prevent coronary artery disease, which leads to heart attacks. Moderate wine consumption is also good for the circulatory system and can protect against gallstones and type 2 diabetes. Let’s break down a few more benefits of drinking wine.

Moderate Wine Consumption May Help Delay Dementia

There are neuroprotective benefits to partaking in a daily glass of wine, such as lowering the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's. A study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that people who drink wine in moderation are two times less likely to develop dementia.

Researchers hypothesized that flavonoids have an antioxidant effect which may be responsible for lowering the risk of dementia. Red wine is high in these compounds, which may also account for the lower risk of other cerebrovascular diseases and stroke.

Cut the Risk of Arthritis

Swedish researchers have found that consuming five to 10 glasses of wine per week may reduce the chances of developing arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, by up to 50% compared to the risk to nondrinkers.

Wines, particularly red wines, have a compound called resveratrol with potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, the concentration of resveratrol largely depends on where the wine is made and the grapes used .

Other studies show that drinking wine in moderation increases bone density in older women, lowering their risk of osteoporosis.

Keep Colds and Flus Away

The Mayo Clinic says that if you already have a cold, you should avoid alcohol altogether, as it can contribute to dehydration. However, if you’re a wine drinker, you’re less likely to catch those dreaded cold and flu germs. Spanish studies show that those who drink at least eight glasses of wine per week are 50% less likely to get sick when compared to those who drink spirits, beer, or no alcohol at all.

Boost Eye Health

According to a study done in Iceland in 2005, additional benefits of red wine include cutting the risk of developing cataracts in half compared to non-wine drinkers. Another study in the United States found that drinking wine in moderation reduced the chances of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Looking to Expand Your Wine Palate?

The occasional glass of wine is good for your health, but not all are equal. Most blends contain the same makeup, but the unique compounds, fermentation processes, and how healthy the soil where the vines grow can play a significant role in obtaining any health benefits.

Larch Hills Winery—the #1 Salmon Arm winery in the North Okanagan, proudly uses grape varieties solely grown in British Columbia, and leaves no vine unturned to bring you exclusive wines you won’t find anywhere else.

Shop now

Everything You Need to Know About Maréchal Foch Wine (Food Pairings & More)

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 17:53:14 GMT

Maréchal Foch wines range from a light red comparable to Beaujoulais to fuller wines with deep, dark colours and unique character.

If you’ve never tried this full-bodied flavour, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Maréchal Foch wines.

Introduction to Maréchal Foch Wine

Maréchal Foch is a hybrid French red wine grape that produces various wines. Its origins date back to France in 1910 when Eugene Kuhlmann crossed a Native American Vitis and Gold Riesling to create the original “Kulmann 188-2”. This variety made its way over to North America in 1946 and was renamed Maréchal Foch, honouring the prominent French General of the First World War, Marshall Ferdinand Foch.

Today, you’ll find Maréchal Foch grapes across southern Ontario and Quebec, Nova Scotia, and BC’s Okanagan Valley . Those in the U.S. will find it most notably in Oregon and Minnesota.

Characterisics of Maréchal Foch Wine

Maréchal Foch is similar to Baco Noir, as it benefits from growing in cooler temperatures and is remarkable at surviving even the harshest growing conditions. It’s also disease resistant and avoids the “musty” or “foxy” aroma in many American hybrids. Instead, Maréchal Foch has jammy, dark-fruit flavours associated with black fruits, like blackberry and black cherry and earthy characters, like spice, smoke, and a lingering vanilla undertone.

Maréchal Foch Tasting Notes

Wines crafted from Maréchal Foch grapes are usually full-bodied and often aged with oak. The grape produces a deep purple-toned red wine with strong acidity and smooth, mild dry tannins for a juicy, well-rounded finish. This wine opens with rich aromas of tobacco, cherry, and hints of coffee. Sometimes you may find aromas of mocha, bitter chocolate, or toasted wheat. Flavours depend on variety, as darker types can have a more robust, wilder flavour.

Best Food Pairings for Maréchal Foch

Due to its acidity, Maréchal Foch is a food-friendly wine that pairs well with many meals:

Steak with sautéed mushrooms
Grilled salmon
Roasted beef
Lamb
Duck
Moderate curries
Traditional pasta dishes
Strong cheeses like blue cheese
Sausage and mushroom pizza
Chocolate desserts, like mousse or brownies

Decant your Maréchal Foch for at least an hour before serving to enhance your tasting experience.

A Suggested Recipe and Preparations for Pairing with Maréchal Foch

Try this delicious Maréchal Foch Lamb Recipe for a taste your guests are sure to love:

Cover centre-cut lamb loins with steak seasoning
Dredge them in a mixture of cream, flour, and egg, then bread them in Panko crumbs
Sear lamb loins until crusted brown
Place them in a glass dish with 1 clove of diced garlic and a ¼ onion
Cover and oven bake at 325°F for 20 minutes

Cheese Sauce:

Saute a clove of garlic with ⅛ of an onion
Add blue cheese and whipping cream, and stir until thick
Put lamb loins on heated plates and add the cheese sauce

Drizzle:

Take ¼ cup of Larch Hills Winery’s decadent Maréchal Foch and add 2 teaspoons of sugar. Heat until you have a syrupy consistency.
Drizzle the Maréchal Foch sauce over top of the lamb loins and crumble a little blue cheese to taste

Pair your entrée with carrots or green beans, white potatoes, and an oil and vinegar salad complemented with diced red onion.

Best Occasions to Serve Maréchal Foch Wine

Whether gathering with friends to celebrate a special occasion or settling in for an intimate meal, Maréchal Foch wine pairs well with a wide selection of flavours and tastes. Medium-bodied with rich cherry flavours, our Maréchal Foch is mild on the palate with light tannins, pairing well with flavorful dishes or extravagantly self-indulgent on its own.

Try it today

Tips For Visiting Local Wineries In Salmon Arm

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 01:42:04 GMT

Salmon Arm, British Columbia, is a small city in BC’s interior in the Shuswap region. The surrounding vineyards and wineries fit right in with the Salmon Arm independent film society , the farms and artisan food producers, and the scenic countryside.

What's in this article

The Shuswap region has some beautiful scenery and many attractions for the outdoor enthusiast such as hiking trails or sandy beaches, but your visit to Salmon Arm wouldn’t be complete without a trip to some of their local wineries.

Popular Wineries Near Salmon Arm, BC

Situated in the northern tip of the Okanagan wine region, the cooler climate has a hand in creating exceptional wines. Each winery has its own distinctive microclimate and unique soil blends left behind from glaciers long ago. As a result, the family-run wineries of the Shuswap region produce award-winning delicious wines that satisfy all your senses. Read more here about wine grape varieties that grow in Northern BC

While there are many wineries near Salmon Arm, here are some of the more popular ones:

How to Get to Wineries Near Salmon Arm

There are a few ways to access Salmon Arm’s wineries throughout the Shuswap region:

Highway #1 and along the shores of Shuswap Lake
Highways 97A & 97B
Salmon River road

Pro tip: If you’d rather join a wine tasting tour and not worry about driving, hire a professional tour guide specializing in winery tours.

A Day Trip Tour of the Wineries Near Salmon Arm

Indulging in a Salmon Arm winery tour is a great way to experience the different wines of the Shuswap region and enjoy a fantastic time in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.

Guided local tours offer customizable packages which can include:

2 - 5 winery tours that include an artisan lunch or a Charcuterie Platter
Vertical or sit-down tastings
Live entertainment
Breathtaking scenic views
And more

Highlights at Different Wineries

The following family-owned wineries are all too happy to have you visit, learn about their artisanal wines, and join them in their tasting rooms.

Larch Hills Winery boasts the highest elevation vineyard in BC at 2480 feet. Their products are strictly made with 100% BC grapes and have won multiple wine awards . Their signature wine is the Ortega .

Marionette Winery is situated on a beautiful south-facing slope that shares its panoramic view of Mount Ida.

Baccata Ridge Winery is located on steep south-west facing slopes and is blessed with mineral-rich soils. Blueberry and honey wines are their specialties.

Recline Ridge Vineyards and Winery boast spectacular views of Mount Tappen and Mount Bastion from its licensed picnic and patio area.

Tips for Visiting Local Wineries

Whether you prefer making your own schedule and touring local wineries at your leisure or hiring a professional to ensure you appreciate the entire experience, here are some valuable tips to make the most of your tasting tour:

Eat: Alcohol hits you hard and fast when your stomach is empty. So be sure to have breakfast and lunch.
Drink water: Wine dehydrates you, along with the hot afternoon sun. Bring water to keep you hydrated.
Keep your schedule light: Don’t overbook. You want to relax and enjoy the experiences, not rush through them.
Plan ahead: Make sure the wineries are open and accepting walkups.
Take lots of pictures: There are so many beautiful views you’ll want to remember.
Share tastings: There is enough wine in a tasting for two to sample, so you can share if the tasting fee exceeds your budget.

Larch Hills — British Columbia’s Rich Wine Country

Vineyards and wineries in and around Salmon Arm produce some of the world’s finest wines that compete on par with international wines. The unique landscape and climate make for an irresistible setting you must experience.

Start your tour by exploring the different tastes and flavours at Larch Hills Winery today.

Get in touch

Brilliant Christmas Gifts for Wine Lovers Who Have Everything

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 18:18:32 GMT

Christmas is the season of giving and togetherness, making it the perfect time to give the gift of wine. Do you have a wine lover on your list? Finding the perfect Christmas gifts for a wine lover can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Wine and Christmas pair perfectly; keep reading to learn how you can perfect gifts for the wine enthusiast in your life.

A Complete Guide to Christmas Wine Gifts

How do you hone in on the best wine Christmas gifts? Let’s tackle this important question with a complete question-based wine gift-giving guide.

What Gift Should You Give a Wine Lover?

When shopping for a wine lover, you have two primary ways to go: wine or wine accessories.

Wine accessories make an excellent gift with a strong chance of being well-received. Wine glasses, wine storage cases, or a unique wine-opening tool are all excellent choices for the wine lover in your life.

If you’d like to give wine itself, read on to learn more about finding the right choice.

How Do I Pick the Right Wine for a Gift?

If you have a strong understanding of the types of wines the person loves, you can find a well-reviewed bottle of the varietals they love. You don’t necessarily need to know the exact varietals they appreciate, but understanding if they like red wines or white wines will help ensure you pick the right wine.

What Type of Wine Makes the Best Gift?

You can either buy a full bottle of a wine you believe they’ll love, or you can buy several smaller bottles and give them a wine tasting as a gift. You can even find wine sampling gift sets from some retailers.

The important thing to remember is that wine lovers have unique tastes, so if you aren’t exactly sure what they prefer, a wine tasting set or series of small bottles is a great way to go. You also might want to consider giving a wine club membership as a holiday gift.

Best Christmas Gifts for a Wine Lover

What are some great gifts for a wine lover? A few items worth considering are:

Wine glasses
A large bottle of varietals you know they’ll enjoy
Several smaller bottles or a wine tasting kit
Wine storage
Unique wine openers

Ultimately, the right choice depends on the wine lover in your life. Some aficionados are highly selective, making wine accessories a safer choice. However, if you have a strong understanding of their preferences or know they appreciate a range of options, the wine itself is a great way to go.

What are the Do's and Don't of Holiday Wine Giving?

Wine isn’t like other gifts; there are a few specific things to know about wine giving. Let’s quickly go over some do’s and don'ts of gifting wine.

Do store the wine properly before gifting, which is typically at room temperature or cooler and outside of direct lighting.
Don’t pick obscure wines that run the risk of not being appreciated while also costing too much.
Do present the gift and your chosen wine wrapping at the right moment . For example, right before Christmas dinner is an excellent option.
Don’t spend too much time worrying about if they’ll love the wine itself; as long as you’re close to their preferences, it’ll be appreciated.

Shop Larch Hills Winery to Find the Perfect Okanagan Wine Gift

Are you ready to find the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life? Okanagan wines include a wide range of wine varietals so you can find the perfect choice for the enthusiast in your life. Browse Larch Hills Winery’s store today to pick the perfect gift.

Wrap Up Holiday Gift Giving with Okanagan Wines

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 01:45:39 GMT

The season of giving is quickly approaching — have you made your list? Wines can be an excellent gift idea for anyone on your list who appreciates wine, either as an aficionado or just enjoys a glass of wine with dinner .

Okanagan Valley wines have a global reputation for their unique tastes and a wide variety of options to choose from. You’ll find exciting Okanagan white wines and the best Okanagan red wines to suit everyone on your gift-giving list.

Read on to learn how to hone in on the perfect wine and learn some creative ways to gift wines to your friends and family.

Making Your Top Okanagan Wines List

One great thing about the Okanagan wine country is the variety of wines made within the region. The unique climate and geographic location make the stretch of land amenable to growing and creating exceptional wines. There’s something for everyone, whether they like bold reds or sparkling wines .

Okanagan and Shuswap wineries, including Larch Hills Winery, are famous for the following wine varietals:

Riesling
Syrah
Chardonnay
Cabernet
Merlot
Gruner Veltliner
Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine enthusiasts on your list likely have specific preferences, while general appreciators will be happy with most options. You can tactfully bring up wine in conversations to hone in on the right option for everyone on your list.

Ways to Gift Okanagan Wines to Your Loved Ones

Once you’ve chosen the best Shuswap wines for everyone on your list, the next step is deciding how to give them as gifts. Of course, you can certainly show up to the holiday gathering and hand them a bottle, but also consider some of the below gift giving ideas:

Put a basket together: Buy food and snacks that are known to complement the type of wine you’re gifting. Then, put everything together in a nice basket for an excellent gift.
Wrapped in Paper: Choose wrapping paper with a pleasing design and pick out a bow. The receiver might know its wine before they open it, but the surprise of the brand and varietal will remain.
Give a Wine Tasting: You can either host a wine tasting or buy a selection of smaller bottles to gift together. This idea is excellent for anyone who either appreciates wine or wants to learn more about them.

Give the Gift of Wine This Holiday Season — Larch Hills Winery

Larch Hills Winery is a premier winery in the Okanagan Valley known for our variety of high-quality wines.

Visit our online wine store today to find the perfect option for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

What Are the Advantages of Being a BC Wine Club Member?

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 02:52:37 GMT

Joining an Okanagan wine club feeds your natural curiosity for wine knowledge, experience, and tasting.

Being a BC Wine Club Member gives you access to wines you may never try otherwise, complimentary wine tastings, priority reservations, special member discounts, and mouth-watering meal ideas to pair with your award-winning wines.

Keep reading to learn what it means to be part of a wine club, why it’s worth being a member, and what membership benefits and savings could look like for you.

What is the Purpose of a Wine Club?

A wine club provides an opportunity for increased knowledge of everything wine , no matter your level of expertise.

They offer access to wines you haven’t tasted and some of your longstanding favourites and will often hold exclusive events in the wine country, including tastings and other cultural experiences. BC wine club members receive premium-quality wine three or four times per year, depending on membership level.

What are the Benefits of a Wine Club Membership?

Aside from having curated shipments of the finest wines shipped straight to your door, a wine club membership gives you exclusive access to:

Members-only private wine club events
Merchandise and wine at members-only prices
New wines not available to the public
Exclusive wines and reserve collection not sold anywhere else

Hand-picked world-class Okanagan wines chosen just for you

Is it Worth Being a Member of a Wine Club?

Everyone’s different, so it depends on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. Is it discounts on quantity or high-end quality you seek? Choosing a vineyard with wine you love at prices that fit your budget definitely makes it worth the membership.

How Much do I Save by Becoming a BC Wine Club Member?

Most wine club memberships offer an average of 15% off suggested retail prices and sometimes offer higher discounts on specific bottles throughout the year. Shipping charges are always extra, so don’t neglect to add those in when reviewing listed prices. You can shave off the shipping charges if you live close enough to pick up your favourites from your local vineyard.

Join Larch Hills Winery’s BC Wine Club

Enjoy award-winning wines from Larch Hills Winery by becoming a BC Wine Club member and receive your favourite wines throughout the year at discounted rates. Your discount also applies to further purchases from our winery, excluding food and individual glasses of wine.

Choose the membership level to suit your experience, then sit back, relax, and taste the difference quality makes.

Learn more

White Wine vs Red Wine Taste: What’s the Real Difference?

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:21:21 GMT

It’s been an argument for centuries — which wine is better, red or white?

They’re both made with grapes, but that’s where the similarity ends.

The type of grapes, where they’re grown, and how they’re fermented and processed can determine which wine satisfies your palette better.

Differences Between Red and White Wines

Red and black grapes make red wine, and white grapes make white wine, and that's the obvious difference between the two types of wine. The skin and seeds from red or black grapes produce tannins during the fermentation process, which gives red wine its pucker power and colour.

Some common red wine grapes are:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux Blend
Pinot Noir
Sangiovese

White wine stays white because of the removal of skins and seeds before fermentation. Some typical white wine grapes are:

Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio
Chardonnay
Riesling

Learn more about different types of wine grape varieties that grow in our Northern BC region?

Differences in wine fermentation process

Stainless steel vats and cast iron vessels hold the grapes during the fermentation of white wine to prohibit oxidation which, if allowed, would diminish the fruity and floral notes. White wines win the hearts of many with their floral bouquets, fruity aromas, and robust acidity.

Red wine uses oak barrels to hold the fermenting grapes. These barrels are porous and allow oxygen to weaken the floral and fruity notes and lower acidity while changing them to a smoother, rich, nutty flavour. Red wine lovers can’t get enough of the velvety-soft, rich and smooth flavours that red wine offers.

Health Benefits

White wine is naturally lower in sugar than red wine, so it’s a great choice for people with diabetes, low-carb dieters, or anyone who prefers less sugar content. Red wine may have more natural sugar, but it also contains polyphenol resveratrol, an antioxidant known to decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol while improving blood vessel function. If you are concerned about cholesterol levels, you may want to consider red wine. While both white and red wine provide some health benefits, keep in mind that drinking wine in excess can have negative health consequences.

Red and White Wine Food Pairings

Selecting the right bottle of wine to go with your meal can enhance your flavour profile.

Red wines pair marvelously with fatty meats like:

Ribs
Pork
Hamburgers
Steak
Lamb

White wines pair nicely with foods like:

Cheese
Poultry
Vegetables
Sweet desserts
Fish

So, is it Red or is it White?

Whatever your preference, Larch Hills has you covered.

We use superior grapes grown in the cooler climates of the highest hills in Northern BC. The result? The best wines you’ll ever taste.

But don’t just take our word for it — shop our wine selection to discover the delectable tastes you’ve been missing out on.

How to Enjoy Red Wine in the Summer

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:24:38 GMT

While it's true that chilled rose or sparkling wines are most often preferred in the summer months, there’s never a bad time to enjoy some fruity red wine under the sun. After all, a glass of red is the perfect companion to have during the summer evenings.

But what are some must-try red wine recommendations to enjoy in the hot weather. And more importantly, can you serve them chilled?

Should Red Wine Be Chilled?

Yes! In fact, many sommeliers and wine enthusiasts recommend chilling some varieties of red wine lightly before drinking.

Chilling summer red wine at the temperature of 55-60 degrees emphasizes the hints of tannins and oak in the taste profile, so it’s advised to choose simple and relatively unaged bottles of wine. Specifically, look for a wine that aims more for fruity flavors — as opposed to savory ones — when it comes to chilling.

The ideal temperature range for summer reds is around 55 to 60 degrees. Place a wine bottle in the fridge for about 30 minutes prior to serving for best results. Just don’t overdo it because too much cooling can blunt the flavour and aroma.

What Summer Red Wine Should I Serve to Friends, Guests, or Even Myself?

Whether it’s a special occasion or a warm, relaxing evening, easy-drinking red wine served slightly chilled is the perfect option for a fun day. Some of our suggestions are below.

Cabernet Sauvignon

While many think that only light-bodied red wine is ideal for chilling, it turns out that there are exceptions to that rule. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that works wonders when lightly chilled, especially during a hot afternoon. Chilling improves the individual flavours of the wine, which would otherwise become blurred when the temperature is too high. The ideal temperature recommended for serving full-bodied wines is between 59-68 degrees.

Cabernet Sauvignon itself boasts flavours of cherry with a bit of almond. It’s often served with beef and pork but can certainly stand up on its own as a refreshing summer beverage.

Malbec

A staple of French winemaking, Malbec is a fruity wine with a strong focus on berry flavors with a hint of tannins, and a brief chill in the fridge or the ice bucket brings those fruity aromas right up to the top. Serve it with blue cheese or other unique dishes at your next gathering.

Merlot

This medium-bodied, dry wine is yet another example of a red wine that’s best served chilled to enhance its flavour profile. Attractive aromas of blackberry and cherry make this wine feel fresh on the palate. Merlot ’s subtle taste allows it to work well with many food pairings, including beef, lamb, and pork to smoked vegetables and even chocolates.

Don't Forget White Wine

Looking for a white wine option? We've got you covered. On a hot summer day, you can never go wrong with pinot gris .

This delicate wine pairs perfectly with appetizers, pork roast, or can be enjoyed perfectly on its own.

Ready to order? Larch Hills Winery has you covered with our collection of high-quality wines . Browse today to find that perfect summer wine.

What to Wear to a Wine Tasting Event

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 12:39:58 GMT

Attending a wine tasting event is an exciting opportunity for wine enthusiasts to taste delicious wines while visiting BC wine country.

But if you’ve never been to a wine tour before, the experience may seem a bit daunting.

Not knowing what to expect - or wear - can quickly turn that excitement into intimidation.

Read on to learn the best tips for going to a wine tasting trip with confidence.

What to Expect at a Wine Tasting Event

Wine tasting events allow wine lovers to sample a range of wines. The events may be more formal such as seated dinners or fundraisers, or they may be more like a weekend wine tour with live entertainment , where the guests mill about informally, enjoy a glass of wine while taking in live music

Most tastings will have more wine than you can possibly try in only a few hours. If you can get a list of the wines or producers ahead of time, it’ll be easier to go in prepared. A good plan is to start with lighter varieties like sparkling wines, then move on to tannic reds and richer whites.

If you’re not attending a formal dinner, some wine tasting events offer hors d’oeuvres, but don’t depend on this — have a light dinner before arriving so you’re not tasting wines on an empty stomach. Drink water in between tastings to stay hydrated, and don’t forget to spit! The buckets are there for a reason.

What to Wear to a Wine Tasting Event

Here are some tips to ensure you dress for the occasion:

Wear dark colours to hide any spills. Some wine tour outfit ideas are dark wash jeans, or dress slacks
Avoid dangling sleeves to prevent spills
Tie back long hair to make it easier to spit
Always ensure you have a free hand to use (don’t carry around a clutch or your phone, a purse with straps is best)
Wear comfortable and preferably closed toed shoes — flats or low heels are best
Blue jeans pair nicely with a blouse and wedges
Find a balance between being under and overdressed. Not sure? Bring a spare pair of shoes, a dressy scarf, and fancier earrings so you can alter your look when you arrive
Avoid wearing perfume, cologne, and scented body products— they interfere with the subtleties of a fine wine
Button-down shirts, khaki pants or jeans, and golf attire are excellent choices for men
Wear layers so you can adjust accordingly

Looking to Taste the Best Wines in BC?

Escape from the ordinary with the family-run Larch Hills Winery — the #1 Salmon Arm winery in the North Okanagan, proudly using only grape varieties that grow in British Columbia .

Book your wine tasting tour or private event today.

Wine Grape Varieties That Grow in Northern BC

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 22:07:59 GMT

One of British Columbia’s most prominent contributions to Canadian culture is its wealth of award-winning wines.

Thanks to the region’s ideal climate, with an average summer temperature of 21 °C and maximum temperatures of up to 40 °C, the Okanagan Valley has quickly become an ideal place for winemaking — one where many grape varieties actively thrive.

Did you know that there are dozens upon dozens of different types of grapes in BC that are used to make a number of varietal wines? Here are only a few of them.

Agria

Also known as the Turan grape, this dark wine grape commonly found in cooler climates is well known for its color and sugar content. Agria grapes can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest especially.

Blattner

Here’s a rather uncommon grape that’s fortunately found a home in the coastal areas of British Columbia. It produces a lovely white wine with notes of apple and honey, though red variations are also available.

Blattner was originally developed by and named after a Swiss winemaker. Today, it’s popular for its fast ripening process and resistance to diseases. Shuswap winery in BC has been experimenting with it recently.

Marechal Foch

This red grape variety has an interesting history. It was actually named after a Frenchman named Ferdinand Foch, who’s well-known for contributing to the armistice at the end of World War I.

The grape itself is fungal disease resistant and does well in a colder climate, but its small size makes it susceptible to birds. Either way, Marechal Foch grows in the North Okanagan and is known throughout British Columbia for rich blends of dark color and full flavor.

Merlot

Probably one of the most well-known red wines to come out of BC, Merlot grapes are a dark blue and produce wines with hints of plum and berry.

If you’ve ever blended wines before, chances are you’ve run into Merlot wine at least once. Fun fact: the name likely came from an early French word for “young blackbird.”

Ortega

Many wine producers in the north Okanagan Valley region in British Columbia say this region has the perfect climatic suitability for grape growth — so it's no wonder the Ortega grape thrives here.

Ortega wine is a sweet white wine often used in blending. Taste-wise, it has an aroma of peach.

Originally coming from Germany and Canada, Ortega ripens early and is resistant to cold temperatures and frost.

Siegerrebe

Siegerrebe was first discovered by German viticulturist Dr. Georg Scheu, and is best described as a cross between madeleine angevine and gewürztraminer grapes. Translated, its name means “victory vine.”

Found in England, Washington state, and British Columbia, these grapes often produce white and dessert wines. Learn more about the history and food pairings of Siegerrebe wine .

Get First-Hand Experience with BC Wine at Larch Hills Winery

Looking for the best BC wines? Look no further than Larch Hills Winery.

Larch Hills is a family-run vineyard and winery located in Salmon Arm. Our wines are proudly made from British Columbia grapes. If you’re interested in more grape varieties like these, join our Wine Club , check our online wine store , or contact us today .

Shuswap Wine Tours with Live Entertainment: The Perfect Long Weekend

Tue, 10 May 2022 13:53:15 GMT

Wine tastings are an excellent way to spend a weekend year-round, but there’s something extra special about visiting your favourite local Salmon Arm winery in the summer. The welcoming weather and delicious wine are the perfect duo to create a memorable experience and enjoy all that BC northern wine country has to offer.

Shuswap wine tours are an excellent way to explore the wide variety of wine offerings throughout Okanagan. You’ll visit award-winning wineries near Salmon Arm and taste incredible wines while taking in live music and enjoying time with friends, both old and new.

Let’s explore the world of Shuswap wine tours and see why a wine tasting in BC is an excellent idea for long weekends.

Why Summer is the Perfect Season for Shushwap Wine Tours in BC

Shuswap is at the northern tip of Okanagan and creates a cooler climate, perfect for the grapes that grow in the area. Shuswap wineries benefit from unique microclimates that help these family-owned vineyards create exceptional Merlots , Ortegas , Rieslings , and Siegerrebes .

Wineries near Revelstoke have a diverse selection of wines to suit any preferences. So whether you want to relax with a glass of red wine or wind down with a glass of white wine , enjoying the beautiful setting of north Okanagan, you’ll find high-quality wine at every stop on your wine tour.

Live Music and Wine Friends: The Perfect Summer Weekend

Summer warms up the Okanagan area just enough to make wine tastings an incredible outdoor experience. Add in live music, and you’ll be treated to a long weekend that you’ll never forget.

Are you new to wine tastings? Don’t worry; our wine tour guides will help you every step of the way. Make sure you dress for comfort, especially something for the warm weather that we’ll be enjoying.

Every Salmon arm winery that you visit will give you new opportunities to ask questions, try a new wine varietal, and learn proper wine tasting techniques. For example, you’ll learn how sniffing the wine before you taste it will help enhance the flavor and decide whether or not to spit each sip.

Book Your Long Weekend Wine Tour Today

Are you looking for something fun to do over the long-weekend this year? Why not enjoy your long weekend with comfortable weather, live music, and plenty of wine with a Salmon Arm wine discovery tour.

Larch Hills Winery’s experienced wine tour guides are ready to help wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike. So, contact us by phone at 250.832.0155 or email us book your wine tasting tour today and be treated to a dream summer tour.

Best Canadian Wines to Serve with Ham for Easter Dinner

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:08:05 GMT

Some occasions call for a feast, and Easter is definitely one of them. The fantastic dishes in a typical Easter dinner present an excellent opportunity to experiment with wine pairings.

There’s no denying having wine for Easter is a great choice, but taking a little extra time to find the right Canadian wines to go with your dishes will make it even better.

If you’re wondering what wine goes with ham, don’t worry, we’ll give you a few options. You can pick one wine to go with your main dish or go even further and have a selection of wines that match everything on the table.

Put on your sommelier hat because we’re about to explore some of the best wines to pair with your Easter feast.

Excellent Pairings for Common Easter Dishes

Should you pick a Riesling or Ortega white wine for your table? It all depends on what dishes you’ll be serving, how it’s prepared, and your preferences.

Ham

Proper pairing begins by considering the flavor profile of the dish. For example, ham has delicate flavours and is nearly always salty and savory. Some chefs prepare ham with sweeter flavours to balance the inherent saltiness, such as honey, pineapples, cloves, or brown sugar.

So, what’s the best wine to pair with ham ? An ideal pairing is a light, fruity, and subtly sweet wine. Options can range from white wines to rosé, and even low-tannin reds can work. Some excellent options are:

Riesling: We can’t say enough about Riesling’s versatility. It generally has a touch of sweetness and is often fruity, making it a great wine with ham dishes. A bonus of Riesling is that it will likely pair well with other dishes on the table due to its unique flavour profile. At under $16, it is one of the more affordable bottles of white wine.
Gewurztraminer: Gewurztraminer wine might be more to your liking to bring out the savoriness of the ham. Much like Riesling, it’s also a sweeter white wine. But its unique floral elements can complement ham, potatoes and spring vegetables.
Rosé: Consider a sparkling rosé to add some excitement to the meal. No rule says sparkling wines can only be served with desserts. Make it your Easter ham pairing and have a unique experience.

Notice how we didn’t suggest any reds? Reds' high acidity and tannin content typically don’t work well as a wine pairing with ham. However, it’s perfectly fine to explore the world of reds if you prefer them over lighter wines; just aim for low tannin wines.

Rack of Lamb

Ham is the typical main course, but a rack of lamb might grace your table. Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon can really shine with roast lamb. If you're looking for a solid white wine, Gewurztraminer is an excellent choice to bring out the savouriness of lamb.

Deviled Eggs

Eggs, in general, are considered difficult to pair but not impossible. Deviled eggs work well with a high-acid bubbly wine. If the yolks are extra creamy, pick a fruity wine. Consider Riesling BC or a bubbly rosé that can work well with deviled eggs.

Mashed Potatoes

Potato dishes are commonly found on Easter dinner tables. Mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes are pretty standard, so what wine should you use? Siegerrebe full body could go well with potato dishes, especially mashed potatoes.

Keep the type of gravy in mind, however. Dark gravies will dramatically change the flavour profile, and then the side might work better with reds.

Pea and Pecorino Salad

Every feast needs some type of salad. Pea and pecorino salad is a great Easter dish, but the pecorino can make pairing a challenge.

Aim for mineral-driven wines to accentuate the pecorino while still letting the peas shine through. A nice Chardonnay has aromas of citrus or yellow apple with just enough mineral dust to work wonderfully with pea and pecorino salad.

Have a Memorable Easter Dinner with Perfect Wine Pairings

You now know the best wine with ham pairing, as well as other Easter dishes beloved by Canadians across the country.

The only question that remains is how many types of wines will you serve? A versatile Riesling made in a cool climate will work with most dishes, but having a rose or red on hand will give guests more options.

Explore Larch Hills Winery’s diverse wine store to pick out your favourites and prepare your feast.

What Foods Go Well with Riesling? Top Tips for a Delightful Meal

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:34:20 GMT

One of the best parts about wine is its ability to pair well with specific foods to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the meal. Yet, wine pairing can often be daunting, and some wine appreciators are hesitant to experiment when pairing wine with food. It’s understandable — nobody wants to ruin a meal with a bad pairing.

Riesling wine is a fine choice for creating a memorable meal. Riesling wine is known for impressively walking the line between acidity and sweetness. The exact balance varies by winemaker and region, which has led to a staggering number of Riesling varietals to explore.

What does Riesling pair with? Some sommeliers consider Riesling pairing a no-fail option due to its versatility to pair with a wide range of foods. Riesling can pair with spicy foods, pasta, desserts, and even seafood. So let’s dive into the world of Riesling wine and discover why it’s such a unique and adaptable varietal.

About Riesling Wine

Riesling can be dry, off-dry, or sweet. It all depends on the region where the grapes were grown and how the wine was made. The Riesling grape is unique because it doesn't mix well with other grapes. This attribute has made Riesling stand on its own and encourages winemakers to explore everything the grape is capable of.

The Riesling grape can grow in wine-friendly climates around the world. Germany is the most popular region, but the grape has since spread to wineries worldwide. Regional terroir influences can result in a light to full-bodied wine, alongside varying levels of acidity and sweetness.

The most famous and commonly found Riesling style is semi-sweet with fresh acidity and subtle sweetness. It usually has notes of jasmine, citrus, or beeswax. However, the dry style has recently grown in popularity.

Why is Riesling so Popular in Dining Rooms?

Riesling’s flavor profile diversity is largely why it’s become famous around the world. Different winemakers produce unique Rieslings, and wine enthusiasts love exploring the unique tastes and aromas.

However, all Riesling wines have one thing in common: they are known as refreshing. Who doesn’t want a refreshing wine with their dinner?

Riesling wine pairing covers nearly the entire spectrum of food favorites. White wines, in general, are pretty adaptable, but Riesling is generally more adaptable than even Gruner Veltliner food pairing.

Should Riesling be Served Chilled?

It’s essential to learn how to serve Riesling before diving into specific pairings. Do you drink Riesling cold or at room temperature?

Unsurprisingly, the answer is chilled, or room temperature are both acceptable. Riesling keeps showing us how adaptable the varietal is. Other wines have much firmer rules about serving temperatures, but Riesling can be served however you please. Some sommeliers will swear by serving it chilled, but it’s also excellent at room temperature.

Riesling wine pairing will typically dictate the temperature, but it’s generally based on personal preference. For example, did you dislike how it paired with spicy Thai cuisine? Try it chilled next time and see if that’s more to your liking.

Excellent Riesling Food Pairing Options to Explore

What food goes with Riesling wine? Now that you know how to drink Riesling let’s get into the specific Riesling food pairings you might want to consider for your next meal.

Finally, a Wine for Spicy Foods

Some might say spicy foods are impossible to pair, but others would say spicy foods are the perfect companion for Riesling wines. Sweet Riesling wines, such as German Riesling Auslese, are ideal for spicy food pairings.

Indian food, and Thai, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines are all known for offering spicy dishes. However, it’s worth noting that these cuisines do a lot more than use peppers; most use a unique blend of spices to achieve wonderful flavors. Despite the variety, sweeter Rieslings will generally work well with these types of dishes.

This pairing works because of the subtle sweetness. A sweet wine might harshly contrast with the spicy, while highly-acidic wines usually overpower the subtle undertones of these dishes.

Riesling is a Charcuterie Plate’s Best Friend

You better believe that cheese with Riesling is a perfect match. Pick an off-dry Riesling with a hint of sweetness, then pair it with pungent washed-rind cheeses. Taleggio, Munster, Raclette, and Morbier are typical pungent cheeses that pair wonderfully with Riesling.

Is Riesling a Dessert Wine?

Riesling can undoubtedly be a dessert wine. Sweet style Rieslings will complement many sweet dishes, but this will vary based on your preferences. Lighter dishes such as berry desserts or apple pie are typical crowd-pleasers that work well with Riesling.

If you love sweetness, explore all types of desserts with sweet Rieslings. Since Riesling is typically a bit more subtle in its sweetness than other sweet wines, it generally won’t overpower desserts.

Riesling is Perfect for Casual Meals, Too

You don’t need to save a nice glass of wine for a night out at a fancy restaurant; Riesling works wonderfully with many casual meals. For example, it’s an ideal BLT wine pairing, including potato chips on the side.

Salads and vegetable-heavy dishes work perfectly with an off-dry Riesling. The refreshing nature of Riesling can work wonderfully with crisp vegetables. Vegan and vegetarian dishes can work well with Riesling, but it will certainly depend on the exact dish. Some Indian vegetarian options might overpower Riesling wines, while other dishes will work perfectly.

Can Work with Pasta, But Use Caution

Riesling might seem like a one-size-fits-all wine, but it still has limitations. For example, pasta entrees with a typical tomato sauce and fresh herbs can certainly work well with a sweeter Riesling, but heavier and more complex sauces may overpower the delicate Riesling flavor profile.

Where Can I Buy Riesling in Salmon Arms?

You can see why Riesling wines have exploded in popularity; they work with nearly everything. Rieslings come in a diverse range of flavor profiles that lend themselves to specific pairings. You can explore these differences to discover your favorite pairings.

Where can you find Rieslings in Salmon Arms? Larch Hills Winery is a top winemaker in the Salmon Arms, with a diverse selection of premium wines. Explore our shop today to discover your next favorite white wine.

Best Okanagan Cheese and Red Wine Pairings - Our Top Picks

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 15:43:27 GMT

Red wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, but you can’t mix just any red wine with any cheese. Some experts consider pairing wines and cheeses as harder than pairing wines with food. The difficulty is largely attributed to how few elements there are on a mixed plate of cheeses as opposed to a meal.

The secret to pairing red wines and cheeses is considering how the tannins will influence the taste of the cheese. Red wines are rich in tannins, so when paired with the wrong cheese, wine lovers will end up tasting tin foil instead of a delicious combination.

Wine pairings are a bit of a science and a bit of trial and error. Since every red wine and every cheese is of varying quality, focus on the high-quality Okanagan cheese and wines to ensure the best experience possible. Even the best cheese to pair with red wine might be unimpressive if it’s a low-quality cheese.

Today, we’re going to discuss red wine and cheese pairings for you to explore, or to try out at our winery in Salmon Arms, British Columbia. Which is the best Okanagan cheese that pairs well with red wine? It ultimately depends on both the wine and the cheese. Remember that your results may vary based on personal tastes and the quality of the wine and cheese.

Best Merlot and Cheese Pairings

Merlot is arguably one of the most popular red wines on the planet, so it’s a perfect place to start. Merlot is typically known for dominant flavors such as plum, chocolate, and cherry.

Cow’s milk cheese and sheep’s milk cheese are both considered a great match for a Merlot pairing. The following cheeses are well worth trying with your favorite Merlot :

Brie
Cheddar
Parmesan
Tangy Swiss Gruyere
Italian Gorgonzola

Try any of the above cheeses with your favorite bottle of wine to experience a whole new flavor profile that is the result of the Merlot and the chosen cheese blending together. Merlot cheese pairing will likely take some trial and error to find your favorite pairing, make sure to focus on the above suggestions.

Excellent Red Wine and Cheese Pairings to Consider

What other cheese and wine pairings are worth your time? Below are a few more red wine pairing options to explore. The best cheese that goes with red wine will depend on the red wine you choose as each will have its own best pairing. Let’s go over a few more common cheese pairings to help you discover your next favorite pair.

Cheeses for Malbec

Malbec has a few options to explore when looking for the best cheese to pair with red wine. The main thing to keep in mind with Malbecs is their fruity flavor and sweetness. Fresh cheeses higher in acidity work great with sweet wines. There are several varieties of cheese that work amazingly well with Malbec , such as asiago, colby, cheddar, gouda, and some blue cheeses.

Cheese and Cabernet Sauvignon

What’s the best Cabernet Sauvignon cheese pairing? Cabernet Sauvignon has a long finish, earthy notes and vibrant acidity, so it requires a cheese with complex flavors that pair well with this savoured wine, such as cheddar. However, richer cabernets will likely pair better with aged Gruyere. Younger cabernets have lighter tannins, which works well with gouda. Older cabernets with soft tannins also pair well with gouda but you may prefer to explore a sheep’s milk cheese such as Comte.

Cheeses for Lemberger

Lemberger wines are known for having light fruity flavours that last a long time. It’s common for the aroma to have hints of bananas, cocoas, plums, and blueberries. Many aficionados know that Lemberger is an ideal wine for meats. However, there are plenty of excellent cheeses to explore as well. Lemberger wines pair perfectly with gouda, Piave, pepperjack, and feta.

You Can Become a Red Wine and Cheese Expert

Wine and cheese can be a heavenly match, but they can also be a nightmare from hell. Heed the advice in this post and you’ll be off to a great start pairing your favorite wines with the right cheeses to really bring out the flavor of both.

Are you interested in having a wine tasting with a professional cheese pairing? Salmon Arm Winery regularly hosts wine tastings to help you develop your palate and simply enjoy a new experience.

Looking for the Best Wines to Drink in the Winter? Here Are Our Top Picks

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 17:52:37 GMT

Despite what you’ve heard in the past, heavy-bodied reds and chardonnays do not define the winter wine genre.

The truth is, there are various drink options to keep you extra warm by the fireplace on cold nights, and we’ve put together this list of four of our favorite winter wines to keep you snug this season.

First, we’ll outline the qualities of good winter wine. After that, we’ll introduce each of our hand picks, followed by a basic description, wine specs, and recommended food pairings.

When you’re finished reading, we encourage you to share some of your favorite seasonal wines and food pairings with us on social media so we can add them to next year’s list.

Characteristics of a Good Winter Wine

If we’re being honest, everybody has a different opinion about what makes a good wine, and we respect everyone's personal preference. But when it comes to what makes you feel warm and cozy on a cold winter evening, you might be surprised to learn there’s a lot of wine drinkers who turn to a top-notch bottle of white wine over the traditional red.

We’re not saying to break tradition, but instead, there are plenty of other perfectly-good options for exceptional winter wines. Three common characteristics of a good winter wine (in our opinion) are moderate sweetness , low to medium-body , and easy pairing , as broken down in the four wine selections below.

Best Winter Wines: Our Hand-Picked

Favorites From BC

1. Riesling

Riesling is one of the best white wines for winter drinking, and its origins are in Germany. It’s a variety of cool-climate white grape, which grows in the Okanagan wine region, and is known for its aromatic qualities and high acidity.

Rieslings are an excellent winter wine because they have a diverse profile meaning they pair well with a wide variety of food items , perfect for the holidays. Expect this wine to taste dry, semi-sweet, sweet, or sometimes sparkling.

Description: Our Riesling has beautifully-balanced sweetness and acidity with hints of grapefruit, making it one of the most popular options for good white sweet wine.

Specs: Vintage 2018

Alcohol: 12.6%

Suggested food pairing: Light meat, seafood, spicy foods, General Tso’s chicken

2. Merlot

Merlot is one of the best red wine varieties available during the cold months. Blackberry and rich cherry flavors burst with hints of almond Merlots are the perfect choices for a relaxing and casual dinner.

Description: Our Merlot is among the best Okanagan red wines with attractive blackberry and cherry bouquets, rich cherry flavors, and hints of almond.

Specs: Vintage 2019

Alcohol: 11.5%

Suggested food pairing: It’s the perfect wine to pair with beef, lamb or pork dishes. Think beef steak,grilled/roasted lamb, braised pork, or small bites like mushrooms, pretzels, cheese , and chocolate.

3. Malbec

The Malbec is a purple grape variety of French origin characterized by deep rich color and strong, flavorful tannins. Malbec wine production takes place in Argentina, California, France, Chile, to name a few.

Cool-climate Malbecs make for exceptional winter wines because of their fuller body and smooth taste profile. Think notes of black cherry alongside tinges of raspberry alongside a mouthfeel of silky chocolate.

Description: Intense berry flavors combined with mild tannins make this a fruit-forward, crowd-pleasing red wine perfectly suited to warming up around the fire with friends and family.

Specs: Vintage 2019

Alcohol: 12.3%

Suggested food pairing: Pairs perfectly with lean red meats and funky flavors like blue cheese.

4. Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer is a fragrant white grape variety with pink to red skin color and origins in Alsace on the border of Germany-France. It grows best in cooler regions, notably Canada, Germany, the USA, Switzerland, and northern Italy.

The best Gewurztraminer grapes grow in cold climates, making it one of mother nature’s best white wines for winter. This Okanagan white wine comes in dry, semi-sweet, or sweet and takes on a noticeably aromatic profile marked by lychee.

Description: Very noticeable spiciness with a bouquet reminiscent of roses. Crisp flavors of almonds and tropical fruit with a dry finish.

Specs: Vintage 2019

Alcohol: 11.2%

Suggested food pairing: Great with heavily spiced dishes, especially food from the Middle East, Thailand, and Morocco—anything with pepper, ginger, sesame, and soy. This aromatic wine also pairs well with German classics like sauerkraut and sausage, wiener schnitzel, and pork chops.

Buy Your BC Wines Online from Larch

Hills Winery Today

There’s no shortage of great BC wines available online. And, thanks to our winter wines list, you now know what wines are best for social gatherings, specific food pairings, and more.

Are you looking to purchase the best Okanagan red and white wines? Larch Hills Winery has everything you need (and more)—all available for purchase online.

Browse our BC wine store today to order your favorite winter wines!

Tips on How to Smell Wine and Develop Your Wine Sniffing Skills

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:16:35 GMT

Wine tasting is a fun and exciting hobby that exposes you to a plethora of wines that each contain a unique flavour profile and aroma. Unfortunately, wine tasting can often be intimidating to newcomers because it seems complicated and confusing.

You can consider wine tasting a four-step process:

Look
Smell
Taste
Analyze

Many people start wine tasting because of the taste. However, smelling is an important part of the tasting process and will enhance your enjoyment of the entire process. It’s time to focus on the second step and help you get started truly enjoying the complex notes found in wine aromas.

Why Do People Smell Wine?

Your sense of smell is profoundly connected to your sense of taste. The ultimate purpose of smelling wine is to prepare your brain to process the actual taste. You can experiment with how smell impacts your taste buds by plugging your nose and eating a strawberry. Open your nose halfway through and you’ll immediately notice deeper and richer flavors from the strawberry.

Wine smelling has become an integral part of the overall wine tasting experience. It has gone well beyond simply preparing your brain for the flavour and has taken on an entire life of its own. Many wine enthusiasts consider the wine’s aroma when deciding if they like it, basing their decision on much more than just taste.

Where Do Wine Aromas Actually Come From?

The aromas from wine come from the ingredients used to create it. Wine, of course, is typically made from grape varieties, but other ingredients create the unique smells and flavors that draw people to certain wines. Different varieties of grapes also produce their own aromas.

Additionally, the aroma from many wines will change as it ages. Some notes will become more prominent with time, while others may disappear entirely. Wines that are stored in oak will also take on unique notes.

We will dive deeper into the specific categories that create wine aromas in the next section. For now, it’s important to understand that the ingredients and winemaking processes determine the aromas that affect the appreciation of wine.

It’s Time to Start Appreciating the Smell of Wine

New wine tasters are often confused about exactly what they’re supposed to be doing when smelling wine. Let’s go over a brief process to follow:

Gently swirl the wine, which releases aromas and will create a richer scent
Stick your nose as far into the glass as you can and close your eyes
Breathe in deeply
Think about what you’re smelling

The last step is where newcomers often get confused, what should you be thinking about? Remember that the aroma is indicative of wine tasting notes, so try to isolate specific notes.

Start with big broad categories and then narrow things down as you improve your wine tasting skills. If you start trying to isolate a subtle cherry flavor, you might get frustrated. However, if you simply focus on if the wine smells fruity or not, it’ll be easier to narrow things down as your nose becomes more sophisticated.

Wine aromas can be separated into three main categories:

Primary Aroma: These major aromas are what many you’ll focus on at first and typically include fruits, floral, and herbal notes.
Secondary Aroma: There are seemingly endless winemaking practices out there and each of them creates a unique aroma. You may not notice these aromas as strongly during red wine tasting sessions, but white wines often contain yeast-derivatives such as cheese rinds and nut husks that produce notable aromas.
Tertiary Aroma: The last category comes from how the wine has been stored and how long it has aged. Most of these aromas are considered savory, such as cedar, cured leather, autumn leaves or dried fruit.

You’ll start by focusing on the primary aromas and it might take some time before you can pick up secondary or tertiary notes. As you keep attending wine tasting events and develop your taste palate, you will also develop an appreciation for specific aromas. Eventually, you’ll have an idea about how a wine is going to taste only from smelling it.

Take Wine Sniffing Further With Expert Wine Tasting Tips

Wine sniffing is a difficult skill to develop. Most people haven’t had any specific hobbies or interests that include analyzing scents, so it’s a difficult skill to develop. The following expert tips will help you overcome some roadblocks and become a skilled wine sniffer:

Move beyond the “wine smell”: People who never or rarely drink wine often say that it all smells the same. While true that there is a general scent common amongst many wines, diving deeper into this scent is where the appreciation begins. In the beginning, alternative between short sniffs and long sniffs to help get accustomed to the smell.
Keep swirling your glass: Swirling releases aroma compounds and creates a much richer smell. Swirling might seem simple and obvious, but it’s an entire art itself that you’ll develop as you continue to attend wine tastings.
Take a large sip followed by smaller sips: Taking a sip of wine helps validate what you experienced when sniffing. Take a large first sip followed by smaller sips to isolate specific flavors that will then relate to what you smelled.
Order flights to advance faster: Many wine bars and wineries allow you to order a flight of wine. A flight of wine contains smaller portions of multiple wines. Tasting (and sniffing) different wines back to back develop your senses and highlight the differences between them.

Remember that your terms are based on experiences: Don’t think that you’re wrong if you smell something that others don’t - the way you describe smells is based on what you’ve smelled before. You are likely still correct if what you experience doesn’t match up with others.

Your Wine Tasting Journey Begins with a Single Bottle

Wine tasting is a wonderful hobby that exposes you to one of the most culturally significant beverages of all time. You’ll experience a breadth of smells and flavors that aren’t found anywhere else. Read one of our earlier posts for things you should know before going to a wine tasting event

Over time, you’ll discover flavor profiles and aromas that you crave and others that you avoid. The entire journey begins by buying a bottle of our high-quality wine and fully appreciating it.

White Before Red? In What Order Should I Taste Wine

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 18:48:16 GMT

Do you ever host a formal wine tasting event and you’re left struggling to determine the ideal tasting order? Don’t worry, even some of the most hardcore wine tasters are left wondering how to serve their wines for maximum impact. We’re here to help.

In reality, wines can be consumed in any order. However, the tastes of some wines will diminish the flavors of following wines, sometimes washing them out entirely. Understanding how to weave your wines together to form a cohesive wine tasting order will increase everyone’s enjoyment.

Should you drink a glass of white wine before red wine ? Yes, and there’s a lot more to consider, too. Today, we’re going to go over red wine vs white wine taste and other important attributes that should be considered when crafting your wine tasting order.

What Is the Ideal Wine Tasting Order?

The best way to learn how to order your wines is to follow a few simple rules that are based on the color and flavor of the wine. You could try to memorize a long list of varietals of recommended wine orders, but following a few basic guidelines is much more straightforward.

Begin with Sparkling Wines

If there are any sparkling wines on the agenda, move them to the front of the line. There are many sparkling white wine types and all of them should be imbibed first, regardless of varietal. Sparkling wines and rose wines are usually considered apéritif wines, and are incredibly light. Despite being quite sweet wines at times, they will not leave a lingering taste or otherwise overwhelm the palate. Instead, they’re a great way to kick off the event.

White Before Reds

Now for the infamous guideline: drink your whites before reds. Red wines will always leave a thick taste, regardless of varietal. There are many types of white wine and they should all come before any reds. White wines have fewer tannins and will prime the palate for sampling darker options, rather overwhelming the palate.

What about the white wine tasting order? And how should you order the red wines? This is where the rest of the rules below come into play. You’ll need to understand the flavor notes of all of your wines to accurately follow the remaining guidelines.

What if you start with reds? The strong, thick flavors of red wines and the higher alcohol content have the potential to make the taste of white wines that follow incredibly washed out. In some cases, leading with reds will often diminish the wine aromas of white wines and make them completely flavorless.

Light Body Before Heavy Body

At this point, you’ve split your tasting offering into two primary sections, red and white. Now it’s time to arrange the tasting order within those sections to maximize that taster’s experience.

A light body and sweet wine should lead the charge with a heavy body wine following behind. Alcohol is one of the primary attributes that determine the body of the wine. Higher alcohol wines can often wash out the ability to fully appreciate lighter body wines. Tasters might not fully appreciate the nuanced notes of a Pinot Noir or a Pinot Grigio right after they’ve sipped on a heavy body Cabernet.

What is the body of a wine? It is often described as the feeling of the wine in your mouth. You can think of it similarly to skim milk vs. whole fat milk; they’re going to feel different when consumed. This is especially true in the world of wine where keeping wines in your mouth to appreciate the flavor is a normal part of a wine tasting. Don’t neglect the importance of the wine body in your tasting order.

Dry Before Sweet

Leading with sweet wines will result in drier wines tasting way too acidic. It’s a result of the stark contrast between these two flavor profiles. All types of dry red wine that are set aside for your wine tasting should come before the sweet wines.

Red wine types are often described as dry and contain substantially fewer residual sugars than their sweet counterparts. It’s important to note that sometimes a type of wine that is technically described as dry can end up tasting quite sweet due to the inclusion of ingredients that give off a sweeter flavor profile, such as floral or fruity ingredients. If the actual taste is a bit sweeter, it should come after the drier wines, even if it is described as a dry wine.

Young Before Old

Younger wines have not had the time to develop the complex flavor profiles that are found in older wines. Starting with older wines has the potential to render younger wines unimpressive, even if they’re otherwise delicious wines. This rule is true among all of the different types of white wine and should heavily influence your wine tasting order.

Finalize with Fortified

There are many types of red wine and white wine to explore and many of them are fortified. A fortified wine describes any type of wine that has had a distilled spirit added. The entire purpose is to increase the alcohol percentage of the wine.

Wine tastings should always end with fortified wines. The artificially inflated alcohol content leads to these wines overwhelming the palate and severely diminishes the flavor of any wines that follow.

As an aside, there are plenty of world-class fortified wines to explore. Fortified wines often have the reputation of being cheap and of poor quality, but that’s not always true. There are plenty of winemakers who have mastered that art of wine fortification and they deserve their acclaim.

Your Wine Tasting Can Be a Resounding Success

Abiding by these rules can be difficult, but properly ordering wines for your private wine tasting will greatly improve the experience of your guests. Our wines are made from grapes that grow in cooler climates, which is the case with the fascinating North Okanagan wine region.

Our public wine tasting Vancouver is expertly crafted to abide by all of the above rules to provide an amazing experience. Shop our wine selection to discover a world of amazing wines.

Best Local Wines in the Okanagan Valley Region

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:56:45 GMT

Hidden in British Columbia resides a tantalizing landscape composed of lakes, grasslands, valleys, and mountains known as the Okanagan Valley. This region stretches 250 kilometers from north to south, and in addition to the stunning views, the region is packed with wineries, creating the ultimate wine tour dream location. Wine aficionados from around the world visit this region to have an unforgettable wine tour experience.

With over 186 licensed wineries located throughout the diverse Okanagan Valley landscape, there’s no shortage of amazing wines to explore. The unique climate and diverse landscape have allowed vineyards and wineries to reliably produce high-quality wines. From our Salmon Arm winery in the north to Osoyoos wineries in the south, the diverse wines from Okanagan Valley are sure to delight.

Today, we’re going to explore why Okanagan Valley is an ideal location for viticulture and winemaking and highlight the absolute best local wines from this unique region.

Why is Okanagan Valley Good for Wine?

Grapes only grow in a handful of regions due to their unique requirements for reaching maturity and being viable for winemaking. While most people think of warm climates when thinking of vineyards, some grape varieties can grow in cool environments. The Gewürztraminer grape, for example, actually thrives in cool climates.

A grapevine needs the right amount of heat, water, and sun while it’s growing, but the plant must also have an adequate dormant phase. Grapes that are grown in cooler climates do not ripen as quickly as grapes in warm climates, which creates fewer natural sugars and increased acidity. Due to its differences, wines made from cool-climate grapes tend to be described as fresh and elegant with a nuanced flavor profile.

Now that we know that cool-climate environments are perfectly suitable for viniculture, what about Okanagan Valley specifically? There are several geographical attributes unique to this region that make Okanagan Valley ideal for growing grapes and one of the finest wine regions. Some of these attributes include:

Being located to the north of the globe results in the right amounts of sun during the growing season
The relatively long, cool winter with occasional snow plant grapevines to fully recuperate and prepare for the next growing season
The coastal mountain range redirects many weather systems that may cause too much precipitation for the vines

Since the first winery was founded in Okanagan Valley in the early 1930s , it’s become clear that this region excels at producing high-quality grapes that create exceptional wine.

Wines To Enjoy in Okanagan Valley

Okanagan Valley is a long stretch of vineyards and wineries, with a sub-region containing unique attributes that lead to uniquely delightful wines. Shuswap wineries, for example, specialize in white wines that make use of the grapes that grow well in the region.

Considering that there are close to 200 wineries throughout the Okanagan Valley, it’s not practical to list every type of wine produced in the region. Instead, it’s time to dive into the wines that are most popular and of the highest quality in the region.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris wines are heavy with fruit flavors, most notable lemon, pear, apple, and lime. Some Pinot Gris wines made in the Okanagan Valley may also have slightly honeyed notes. Pinot Gris is not known for its big, bold, unique flavor. Instead, wine buffs pick this type of wine because of the slight acidity mixed with its weighty mouth-feel.

The location where the Pinot Gris was made has a direct impact on its flavor profile due to how grapes mature in different regions. Italian Pinot Gris has a unique almond note and is exceptionally dry, while a North American Pinot Gris is heavier with fruit flavors with lower acidity than its European counterparts. Pinot Gris in general is considered a dry wine and is considerably less sweet than other wines due to its high acidity.

Riesling Wine

Riesling is a cool-climate grape that thrives in the Okanagan Valley. Riesling wine can oftentimes be divisive, people either love it or hate it. Despite being a German grape, it has spread around cool-climate vineyards worldwide.

The first thing you’ll notice about a riesling is the strong aroma that smells of orchard fruits, such as apricots and pears. Along with the strong fruit aroma, you’ll often pick up jasmine, honeycomb, and even lime peels.

Riesling is so high in acidity that it’s often compared to lemonade (in acidity, not flavor). Riesling wines can be found in dry and sweet varieties. Great wine to pair with seafood dishes.

Sparkling Rosé

Sparkling Rosé is not a specific type of wine, but an entire group that thrives in the Okanagan Valley. Rosé is similar to red wine, but the fermentation time with grape skins is reduced, creating a light color. Some wine aficionados incorrectly regard rose as an inferior wine category, but there are actually high-quality examples of rosé produced around the world.

This category ranges from light and citrusy to notably full-bodied. Generally speaking, rosé wines are crispier and brighter than their red wine cousins. Rosé wines typically taste of various berries, flowers, melon, citrus, and even an occasional hint of celery. Due to being an entire category of sparkling wine, rosé wines can be dry (sangiovese or syrah) or sweet (white zinfandel or pink moscato).

Merlot

It’s hard to pick the most popular wine, but merlot would certainly be in the running for the top spot. Merlot is appreciated by wine buffs worldwide. The grape itself is versatile and can be grown in varied climates, which is partially why it’s so common.

Merlot is a medium-bodied dry wine with medium acidity and noticeable tannins. The region in which the wines were made will have an impact on its flavor, with Okanagan Valley merlot wines often containing flavor hints of almond and strongly tasting of blackberry and cherry.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold and unique flavor profile consisting of black fruits, green peppers, and vanilla. It’s considered a full-body wine, although some variations are medium-body. Cabernet Sauvignon is high in tannins and extremely acidic. Combined with being a notably dry wine, all of these attributes add up to a wine that stands out.

Which Okanagan Wines Will You Explore?

Okanagan Valley is a unique region in British Columbia that seems like it was handcrafted for viticulture and winemaking. Hundreds of vineyards and wineries have sprung up throughout the region, each producing various wines that capitalize on cool-climate grapes.

Which of the fine wines made in Okanagan Valley speak to you? Do you want to explore the variety of rosé wines, or purchase a merlot that you already know you’ll love? Whichever wine calls your name, you can likely find it in Okanagan Valley.

Are you planning a trip to the Okanagan Valley? Make sure to visit the number 1 Salmon Arm winery, Larch Hills Winery, so you can purchase some of the best wines the Okanagan Valley has to offer. Or, consider signing up for our wine club for exclusive early access to some award-winning wines.

A Quick Overview of the Best Grapes That Grow in North Okanagan

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 22:58:44 GMT

You can’t have wine without grapes, and grapes are not easy to grow. A region must meet all the right conditions to grow grapes that can be turned into wine. This is why there are only a handful of regions that grow wine grapes throughout the world.

Many grapes can grow in both cool and warm climates, provided other conditions are met. For example, many Okanagan grapes thrive in cooler climates, especially the grapes in North Okanagan.

Today, we’re going to examine how climate influences grape growth and discuss why North Okanagan is such a perfect area for vineyards.

What is the Ideal Climate for Growing Grapes?

The climate and weather of a region play an important role in grape growth that ultimately determines the taste of the resulting wine. Grapevines require an adequate amount of heat, sun, and water during the growing season, while simultaneously having a long enough dormancy phase.

Generally speaking, grapevines grow best in climates with long warm summers combined with semi-rainy winters. Wind, humidity, and atmospheric pressure also influence the growth of grapes.

It may seem like the vineyard’s regional climate will dictate whether or not it is a suitable location for growing grapes. While that’s necessary, from a viticulture point of view, the climate is divided up into three categories:

Macro-climate: This term is essentially what most people talk about when discussing the climate condition of a vineyard. It’s used to describe a large area, such as a region or even an entire country.
Meso-climate: This climate division describes the climate in a specific area as dictated by altitude, prevailing winds, water availability, and more.
Micro-climate: As the smallest division of an area’s climate, the micro-climate is the actual vineyard canopy that winegrowers are able to influence with a variety of vineyard management practices.

Each division aims to further describe the conditions of a more specific area. All three are nested within each other and influence the one below it. Winegrowers are familiar with each climate division and use this information to determine what they do on a day-to-day basis.

Are Cool Climate Wines Better Than Warm Climate Wines?

Grapes are capable of growing in cool regions as well as warm regions. Grapes grown in cooler regions, such as the northern hemisphere, generally do not ripen as quickly as their warm counterparts, which results in reduced natural sugars and higher acidity. Many describe cooler wines as elegant, fresh, and nuanced.

Some types of grapes, such as Merlot and Malbec, can be grown in cool and warm climates but will produce entirely different wines based on the climate. However, many grape varieties will only thrive in cool climates. Grapes that are known to prefer cooler weather to the heat are:

Pinot Gris
Gewürztraminer
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Zweigelt

Warmer climates are generally considered easier to grow in, however, grapes grown in warmer climates do not necessarily create better wines. The grapes ripen faster, which means there will be more sugar, and that can result in a wine with a fruitier taste and even higher alcohol levels.

Ultimately, cool climate and warm climate wines are both appreciated by most wine aficionados. While they generally will have different flavor profiles, one is not superior to the other.

What Makes North Okanagan The Perfect Climate for Growing Grapes?

Now that we know all about how the climate impacts grape growth, why is North Okanagan such a highly respected grape-growing region?

Located in British Columbia just north of the United States border, the Okanagan Valley is widely considered one of the warmest regions throughout all of Canada. The region is also relatively dry, which creates the perfect conditions for growing certain types of grapes.

The Okanagan Valley is the second-largest wine region in Canada, and impressively produces 89% of all of the grapes grown in British Columbia. In total, there are 173 licensed North Okanagan wineries making the most of the ideal climate.

There are several aspects of the North Okanagan Wine Country climate that make it ideal for growing grapes:

Grapes benefit from large amounts of sunshine hours in the growing season thanks to being so far north
The high latitude creates a large diurnal shift, which is the difference between the coldest part of the night and the warmest part of the day. A large diurnal shift allows grapes to ripen slowly during the fall, which preserves grapes’ natural acidity.
The cool weather in the winter, which can include snow, allows grapes to go through a full dormancy period. The dormant period is a necessary aspect of a grapevine’s life cycle as it allows the plant to shut down and recuperate before the next season.
A coastal mountain range diverts most of the rainy weather systems from reaching the Okanagan region, preventing the grapevines from receiving too much water. However, there is still enough precipitation to support the growth.
North Okanagan wineries, such as a Salmon Arm winery, typically focus on grape varieties that will require less heat and a shorter growing season to make the most of the area’s climate. In fact, wineries near Salmon Arm tend to produce some of the most sought-after wines in the area.

Over the decades, wineries have flocked to the Okanagan Valley to take advantage of its unique climate that’s perfect for growing wine grapes .

Famous Wines from North Okanagan: Shop Larch Hills Winery Today

There are plenty of famous wines that come from North Okanagan . Some of the most notable wines being produced from this region are:

Riesling wine
Syrah
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Merlot
Cabernet Franc

Are you ready to fill your collection with North Okanagan wines? Browse our selection of wines today from our North Okanagan winery. You’ll certainly find your next favorite among our selection.

8 Things to Know Before Going Wine Tasting

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 22:29:10 GMT

Going to a winery for a wine tasting is a special experience for wine lovers. After all, what’s not to love about a day full of wine, beautiful wine country scenery, and more wine?

Wine tastings are a memorable experience for many reasons beyond trying out new wines. Whether you discover a new favorite, purchase a few classics, or enjoy a day out in the beautiful Okanagan area, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

So, what can you do to ensure you have the best possible wine tasting experience?

We’ve highlighted a few tips, tricks, and mistakes that wine lovers should be aware of before arriving for their first wine tasting.

1. Know the Winery’s Policies

Before you head to a winery for a wine tasting, make sure you know their specific policies.

Due to COVID-19, most wineries are only welcoming guests by reservation. Even if the region’s local laws are lenient on COVID guidelines, it’s still a good idea to call and ask. Before COVID, some wineries were so in demand that they required a reservation. Remember that weekends tend to be busier!

Group visit policies vary from place to place. They’re usually fine, but some wineries may not accommodate larger groups. You’ll most likely be fine if you place a reservation.

Wine tasting and tours can be a fun activity for the whole family. The whole experience isn’t just about drinking, after all.

Most wineries let kids and dogs in on the fun, but it’s best to call in advance just to make sure. Some wineries charge a tour fee for adults and kids, so keep that in mind when budgeting for the trip. Make sure to watch your kids and animals at all times.

2. Wear the Right Clothing

While most wineries don’t have strict dress codes, it doesn’t hurt to check. It would definitely save you the embarrassment of showing up underdressed. Plus, on a hot summer day, there’s nothing worse than being overdressed.

Look up the weather for the day to see how cold/hot it’ll be during your experience. On the day of wine tasting, it’s a good idea to dress in layers as some tours have guests walk through a cold barrel room. Almost all winery tours will take guests outside, so wear sunscreen or a long-sleeved shirt. And definitely wear comfortable shoes designed for walking. Your feet will thank you because you’re going to be walking a lot.

Accidents happen, even to the most experienced wine tasters. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear something dark. If you spill a bit of wine on your white clothes, it’ll be very noticeable and hard to get off. Plus, darker clothes absorb more sunlight, so you’ll feel cooler.

3. Don’t Wear Fragrance in the Vineyard

A huge part of the wine tasting experience is getting to smell all sorts of beautiful aromas. Smelling wine is a huge part of tasting it.

You might ruin the whole experience for a lot of people if you wear heavy cologne or perfume. Your scent could disrupt the taste of the wine.

4. Pace Yourself

If you become too tipsy early, you’re not going to have a good time. That’s why it’s really important to pace yourself.

There are all sorts of tips to staying sober during your visit, but part of it starts before you even go. Try to eat a meal before visiting the winery. Don’t stuff yourself too much as you’ll be walking around, but just enough to satisfy your hunger for a while.

During your experience, there’s plenty of things you can do to keep yourself straight. Drink water between every tasting. It’ll keep you hydrated and get you ready for the next tasting.

Something you might not have thought about: spitting. Yes, spitting. It’s almost always frowned upon in public, but completely acceptable at a winery. Most wineries actually have a spit cup or a spit bucket for guests. If you don’t like a certain wine or you don’t want to get tipsy, just spit it out.

Be careful when spitting, though! If you do it too fast or angle it weirdly, you might get a bit of backsplash on you. Which is very, very disgusting. Spit slowly and open your mouth a bit more than you usually would.

5. Use Proper Technique

While you don’t necessarily have to use proper wine drinking techniques, it’ll definitely give you a better feel of the wine’s taste.

When you grab your glass, get it by the stem rather than the bowl. If you grab it by the bowl, you might dirty the glass. Plus, your hands could ruin the wine by making it warm.

Once your pourer gives you some wine, swirl it around a bit. Gently move your arm clockwise or counterclockwise to do the job. Then, you’re going to hold the cup up to your nose and inhale. The scent is a huge part of the experience. After that, you’re going to sip the wine and swish it around in your mouth.

You really get a good taste of the wine if it touches every part of your mouth. Take a second or third sip to get a good opinion of its taste. Remember that if it’s not for you, that’s completely fine, just spit it out.

6. Consider Taking Notes

It might be a good idea to take notes about which wines you like and dislike. You could use this info if you want to buy a bottle to bring home.

A pad of paper or the notes app on your phone should do just fine. Also, consider joining our mailing list to stay up to date with wine tasting events

7. Prepare for Red-Wine Teeth

You’re going to be drinking all sorts of wine, so inevitably you’re going to get some red stains on your teeth. Don’t get embarrassed, though. Everyone else will have red teeth, too.

No matter what, do not brush your teeth to get these stains off. Toothpaste and wine don’t mix well. When combined with wine, toothpaste actually breaks down the protective enamel on your teeth.

Drink a lot of water and bring some chewing gum. Not a perfect solution, but better than nothing.

8. Have Fun and Bring Something Home

Talk to people, make new friends, and get some great wine. Wine tasting is an insanely fun activity, and you’ll definitely be back for more.

It’s always a great idea to bring a bottle of wine home . If you’re on vacation, check the local laws when it comes to transporting alcohol.

Don’t shy away from talking to the wine pourers, they’d be happy to explain what goes into making every bottle. If you’re going to talk to them, just be sure to not get in the way of anyone else getting their wine. Tip your pourer if it’s proper etiquette in the region.

Ready to Visit a Beautiful Winery in the North Okanagan Region?

You’re going to have a great time at your first winery visit. If you’re looking for somewhere to go, then consider Larch Hills Winery in North Okanagan.

Larch Hills Winery is a family-owned winery that offers some of the best BC wines available. Get in touch with our team today to book your next wine tasting experience.

Looking for the best BC wines at home? Consider joining the exclusive BC wine club or purchase your own bottles through our Okanagan wine shop . Happy wine tasting!

Your Ultimate Summer Drinking List: White and Sparkling Wine

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:38:18 GMT

Summertime means lounging on the patio basking in the warm sun with a glass of your favourite wine in hand or lively get-togethers in the backyard with friends you haven’t seen since last summer. But, for moments like these, not just any wine will do.

White wines and sparkling wines go hand-in-hand with summertime sipping. Each bottle showcases this varietal’s versatile flavour palate, fruit-forward tasting notes, and crisp finish. Plus, who doesn’t want to celebrate with a big bottle of bubbly?

This ultimate guide to white and sparkling wines for the summer will help steer you in the direction of some of the best bottles of the year, so you spend less time choosing your white wine and more time actually drinking it.

Here are our Summer Wine recommendations for 2021

White Wine

While a handful of white wine grape varietals—such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling , and Siegerrebe —often get most of the spotlight from wine enthusiasts, there are actually over 20 different white wine grapes that vary in popularity around the world.

With so many options, the best course of action is to try as many as you can. If that seems overwhelming, here’s a list to start off your great white wine discovery this summer.

Larch Hills Ortega ($14.54)

This beautifully crafted signature wine offers full fruity flavours with a crisp finish. Larch Hills winery takes advantage of perfect growing conditions for this vintage Ortega varietal. Wine lovers can sip this award-winning Shuswap winery specialty with appetizers or pair it with stellar sweet and spicy combinations like Thai food and Asian cuisines.

Pikes Hills and Valleys Riesling ($14.59)

The Riesling has always been a premier choice for summertime wines. This particular bottle offers very high acidity and crispness with notes of apricot, nectarine, honey, and petrol. This Australian delight is consistently a fan favourite.

Larch Hills Siegerrebe ($15.54)

This wine is a tropical paradise in a bottle. The flavour profile translates to a tropical floral bouquet with robust fruity and lychee notes. Sip Larch Hills Siegerrebe and explore a full body wine with round flavours and a pleasant lasting finish. This versatile 2018 vintage goes excellently with slightly spicy dishes such as coconut curry and shellfish.

2019 Dirty Laundry Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)

This bright “BC Style” Okanagan Valley Sauvignon combines aromas of lively pineapple and fresh citrus so you can travel to dreamy tropical destinations without actually leaving your home. For seafood lovers, this gorgeous white works beautifully with fresh oysters and an array of seafood dishes.

Pedernales Cellars Viognier Reserve ($40)

Viognier indeed sits high on the list of great white wines that excel in Texas. This highly aromatic white has pear, caramel, and lime notes and is a recurrent favorite from this family-owned winery. Gold winner of the 2012 prestigious Concours International de Lyon wine competition, Viognier still stands as a bottle of premium wine, with excellent food pairing options like a goat gouda or a double-cream, soft-ripened cheese.

Sparkling Wine

Keep the bubbles flowing all summer with these great sparkling wines for every occasion.

Sparking wine behaves like other wines, except with high carbon dioxide levels to create that signature pop everyone wants to see. The most common grapes used in the production of sparkling wine are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier, so there is an option for every wine enthusiast. Even if you aren’t familiar with sparkling wines, try a delicious food pairing to get you saying yes to another glass.

Larch Hills Sparkling Rosé

This bright and vibrant French Malbec varietal balances notes of intense berry and mild tannins that celebrate a fruit-forward taste, aroma, and mouthfeel. Larch Hills’ Sparkling Rosé pairs perfectly with lean red meats and funky flavour like blue cheese, so bringing a couple of bottles to the barbeque will make you (and the wine) the star of the night.

La Marca Processo ($20)

Prosecco is the sparkling wine you always want to have on hand. The delicate peach, floral, and lemon notes highlight the prolific Veneto region in Italy and its perfect growing season for this famous type of sparkling wine. So do yourself a favour and grab a bottle before your next celebration.

2017 Mas De Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant ($22)

Who doesn’t love sweet, refreshing watermelon juice in the summer? This organic French wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but with a delightfully fruity twist. The bottle packs fierce fruit flavors and beautiful acidity, perfect for drinking over ice and a slice of orange.

2012 Champagne Chartogne-Taillet Couarres Château Extra Brut ($87)

This bottle is definitely for our special occasions---how you define that is up to you. The 100 percent Pinot Noir bottling creates a super dry and elegantly sophisticated Champagne, with hints of blueberries, cream, and lemon. Expect a roaring ovation for the beauty of this bottle and compliments throughout the evening.

Beat the Heat with the Best in White and Sparkling Wines

With a beautifully curated ultimate shopping list for your white and sparkling wine needs, you’re ready to take on the summer. This mix of sommelier recommended crisp whites, tantalizing sparkling rosés, and show-stopping champagne will surely please the wine lovers in all of us.

Celebrate Summer with Larch Hill Winery

Shop from the #1 Salmon Arm Winery in the North Okanagan Valley. Our land-based, family-run vineyard and winery proudly produces wines from 100 percent prime British Columbia grapes and always ensures top-quality bottles for you to enjoy.

We want to make your summertime memorable. Visit our website to shop our award-winning white and sparkling wines or join our BC Wine Club for exclusive offers, discounts, and bottles throughout the year.

What Popular Wine Grapes Do We Use At Our Salmon Arm Winery?

Mon, 31 May 2021 19:11:21 GMT

There’s no denying how diverse wine grapes really are. Even the subtle differences can change a wine completely , creating an entirely new experience.

As the #1 amongst North Okanagan wineries, we often get asked about the different types of wine grapes we use in our wines. And with so many options available, it can be difficult to narrow down the most popular wine grapes.

So, we’ve made it a little easier for you. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular wine grapes—and we’re happy to announce that a couple of grapes grown at Larch Hills made the cut.

Chardonnay

Originated in Burgundy, France, this is a green-skinned grape variety used to produce the world’s favourite white wine. When run through the process of oak-aging (aged in oak barrels), the high grade of the Chardonnay grape makes this wine one of the boldest styles of white wine in the world.

Chardonnay now grows anywhere wine is produced, from England to New Zealand. Chardonnay properties feature in many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne and Franciacorta. Wine made from Chardonnay can be paired with a variety of foods, including white and heavy meats, and spicy Asian-inspired meals.

Merlot

The Merlot grape is grown in Bordeaux, Australia, Italy, Romania, United States, and Chile, to name a few. It is dark blue in colour, but most acknowledged for its grape skin’s black resemblance. This is how the name Merlot came to be.

Merlot is said to have emerged from the root word merle, which is a French name for blackbird. The Merlot wine grade ranks among the top red wine grapes in the world. Its softness makes it an easy-to-enjoy introductory wine for those new to red wine. Merlot features the scents of dark berries and goes well with most foods.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This grape variety is known as one of the most popular among red wine grape varieties and can be found in almost any wine producing country, from Australia to Lebanon. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have thick skins and hardy vines. They bud late to avoid frost and are resistant to rot and insects. This causes them to ripen late.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s properties in Bordeaux wines (blended in with Merlot and Cabernet Franc) made it one of the most recognizable wines internationally. It was known as the world’s most widely planted red wine grape until Merlot crept up and surpassed it in the 1990s and soon regained its prominence in the early 2000s. This high grade grape variety carries herb, cassis, black cherry, and green olive flavours and is best paired with grilled or smoked foods with mild spice, as well as sweet and nutty flavours.

Siegerrebe

Siegerrebe is a white wine grape variety known to grow in Germany. It’s pink and red-skinned grape variety (used in the production of white wines) makes for a sensational must weight. The German translation of Siegerrebe is “victory wine.” Siegerrebe is often planted in colder climates like Vancouver Island, England, Northern Okanagan, and the Fraser Valley.

Siegerrebe gives off a “honeysuckle muscat'' aroma with notes of lychee, rose petals and various spices with hints of tangerine and pink grapefruit. It is best paired with light, curry, and creamy Asian foods.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is known to be a very noble grape variety. Best grown in Burgundy, France (and also New Zealand, Oregon, California, and Austria), this grape thrives in closer climates, later producing a high grade red wine with a delicate structure, soft tannins, and berry flavour.

The name Pinot Noir derives from the French words for pine and black. Apart from red wines, it is used to make champagne and sparkling white wines. This grape’s thin skins and low levels of phenolic compounds allow it to produce light and fair wines that tend to age unpredictably. Wines containing Pinot Noir grapes pair well with fatty fishes, roasted white meats, and pasta dishes.

Interested in Trying Siegerrebe Wine? Order From Larch Hills Wine Store

Get your taste buds excited with our vintage 2018 varietal Siegerrebe. This must-try vintage features a moderate 11.4% alcohol level. Take a look at our most popular Siegerrebe Wine here .

Have questions for our staff? Get in touch with us today.

Siegerrebe Wine: History, Food Pairings, and More

Mon, 31 May 2021 19:04:03 GMT

If you’re a white wine drinker, there’s one distinct and special wine you must get your hands on. It’s called Siegerrebe .

This type of wine will take you by surprise. While most white wines are known for their sweetness and distinct notes, Siegerrebe sets itself apart with its dry nature and a hint of tropical flavour.

Siegerrebe (pronounced zee-geh-RAY-buh) is a white wine grape variety known to grow in Germany. Its pink and red-skinned grape variety (used in the production of white wines) makes for a sensational must weight.

The German translation of Siegerrebe is “victory wine.” This wine lives up to this translation, as it tantalizes the taste buds of every wine taster unexpectedly. The name is derived from Siegerrebe's ability to create record-breaking yields. It was first created in the early 20th century (1929) by the German Viticulturist Dr. Georg Scheu at a grape-breeding institute in Alzey in Rheinhessen.

Georg Scheu's son Heinz Scheu had once claimed that Siegerrebe resulted from the self-pollination of Madeleine Angevine, a white wine grape from the Loire Valley in France. In 1958, Siegerrebe acquired varietal protection. It was released for general growth later that same year.

Siegerrebe is often planted in colder climates like Vancouver Island, England, Northern Okanagan, and the Fraser Valley.

Although Siegerrebe is known to have pink and red skins, it results in a clear liquid when pressed.

Taste and Notes of Siegerrebe Grapes

When fully produced, Siegerrebe becomes a rich, gold colour and is bright in flavour, separating it from other white wines in the industry.

The grapes’ Gewürztraminer heritage gives off a “honeysuckle muscat'' aroma with notes of lychee.

It also carries the scents of rose petals and various spices with hints of tangerine and pink grapefruit. These scents can be deceiving as people would assume the sweet fruit aroma of Siegerrebe gives off a generally sweet taste. In actuality, this wine is much drier than its smell. The dry style is a very popular go-to wine for social gatherings.

Best Siegerrebe Food Pairings

What’s a good wine without a full meal? If you’re looking to pair Siegerrebe with the most appropriate dish, you are best off with light, curry, and creamy Asian foods. Example dishes include:

Creamy Thai Sweet Potato Curry
Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken and Noodles
Chinese Beef Curry
Sour Cream Shrimp Curry
Vichyssoise
Riebekuchen (potato fritters served with stewed apples)

Single-pairing examples may include fish, creamy potatoes, butter chicken, honey-glazed Ham soft cheese, and food with spicy curries.

Interested in Trying Siegerrebe Wine? Order From Larch Hills Winery Today

No need to look any further! We’ve got the perfect collection to add to your social-distanced picnic, in-house dinner party, or laid back nights when you just need a pick-me-up.

Our affordable vintage 2018 varietal Siegerrebe is sure to get your taste buds excited, with a moderate alcohol level of 11.4%. Take a look at our most popular Siegerrebe Wine here .