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September feels like a fine month for a wedding. Or at least based on anecdotal evidence, it seems like September is a preferred month to get married. So in honour of any recent, revered, or even pending September nuptials this week’s focus is a local bottled look at something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

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Hester Creek 2020 Old Vine Brut, Golden Mile Bench

($34.99, available through the winery)

Something old: It’s not the wine that’s old; in fact this is Hester Creek’s newly released vintage of bub. However, the Pinot Blanc vines that bequeathed the grapes in this vivacious sparkler were planted in 1968, which is relatively ancient in B.C. wine terms (in Block 4 of the winery’s Golden Mile Bench estate vineyard, to be specific). After whole cluster pressing and cool fermentation, this traditional method bubbly saw 24 months en tirage sur lees. The result is a biscuity, toasty mouth feel featuring apple, citrus, and mineral tones with a lingering, creamy finish. Pro tip: pair with canapés and a patio.

Bottom line: A-, Lively and elegant

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Solvero Wines 2022 Rosé, Garnet Valley, Summerland

(from $25, through the winery and select private wine stores)

Something new: The quest for new vineyard sites continues, and one area receiving acclaim is the Garnet Valley just over the hills west of Summerland. This is the home of Solvero Wines, a new winery focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in their higher elevation vineyards. Their rosé is made from 100 per cent Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Garnet Valley Big Rock Block. Three-hour skin contact lend this bright rosé a salmon hue, and the wine itself is engagingly aromatic. Red fruit and floral aromas lead into a juicy mid-palate featuring great texture and fresh tension — and calling to marry with salmon tacos or tomato-sauced pasta.  

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Bottom line: A-, Exuberant and dry

Blue Mountain 2022 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Falls

(from $25.90, through the winery and select private wine stores)

Something blue. Sure, a few liberties are being taken here. But why not get social and ask to borrow your neighbour’s time — or wineglass — and invite them over to share a pour of Blue Mountain’s latest vintage of estate-grown Pinot Blanc? Year after year, this old-vine Pinot Blanc proves its worth as a dependable, interesting and invigorating food-savvy white. With notes of orchard fruit and citrus, this nicely integrated and mineral-laden Pinot Blanc makes for an engaging everyday pour: one ready to serve alongside everything from roast chicken to pasta carbonara. 

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Bottom line: A, Delicious and versatile

The Swirl: Oliver Festival of the Grape

It’s almost here: Crushing it since 1997, Oliver’s Festival of the Grape is back Sunday, Sept. 24. Taking place from noon to 5 p.m. at Oliver Community Park (6359 Park Dr.), this year’s family-friendly festival again features the popular grape stomp — team registration required — alongside live music, food trucks, and a merchant marketplace. General admission tickets are $40, plus fees, and include six tasting tokens along with a commemorative tasting glass. To purchase and for complete details head to events.visitoliver.com/festival-of-the-grape/. 

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