Summer 2022 Okanagan Wine and Food Pairings

Now that summer is here, it’s time to get outside and enjoy these fleeting moments as this highly anticipated season comes and goes quickly.

The sweaters and rain jackets are tucked away, while sunscreen and flip flops have re-appeared.

Instead of heavy Cabernets and bold Chardonnays, consumers are on the hunt for wines that are light and refreshing.

Some standout varietals I have been enjoying recently are:

Gruner Veltliner – lean, herbaceous, and peppery wines with mouth-watering acidity. A very versatile wine that makes an ideal palate cleanser.

Sauvignon Blanc – an unmistakable white wine that’s loved for its “green” herbal flavours and racy acidity. Sauvignon Blanc grows nearly everywhere and thus, offers a variety of styles. Common flavours are gooseberry, honeydew, grapefruit, and passionfruit.

Bacchus – produces a clean, crisp white wine, with heady floral and citrus aromas along with flavours of kiwi and apricot.

Riesling – an aromatic white variety that can produce white wines ranging in style from bone-dry to very sweet. This wine offers primary fruit aromas of orchard fruits, along with honeycomb, lime peel, jasmine, and petrol.

Pinot Noir – the world’s most popular light-bodied red wine. Try serving with a slight chill on a warm day. This varietal is loved for its red fruit, flower, and spice aromas that are accentuated by a long, smooth finish.

Below are some of the Okanagan wines I have been enjoying so far this summer, along with recommended food pairings:

SpearHead Saddle Block Pinot Noir 2020 ($38.99) with duck, chicken, pork, or mushrooms.

Fitz Crémant 2020 ($24.50) with fried chicken or calamari.

Maverick Rosé 2021 ($25.98) and barbecued foods.

Bartier Bros. 2021 Muscat ($19.99) with Thai cuisine, sushi, and salads with a citrus dressing.

Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2018 ($30.00) and crab cakes.

Winemaker’s CUT Grüner Veltliner 2020 ($28.00) with watercress and orange salad.

JoieFarm Un-oaked Chardonnay 2020 ($22.52) with west coast seafood and fresh shucked oysters.

Black Market Bacchus 2021 ($21.00) with fish and chips.

Moon Curser Arneis 2021 ($26.99) with shellfish or sharp cheese like Pecorino or Manchego.

Stoneboat Bubble Boat Brut ($18.99) with brunch foods.

River Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ($22.90) with sushi, as well as grilled or roasted vegetables and salads.

Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling 2020 ($18.99) with Asian-style salads, or your favourite vegetable and fish dish. Creamy Brie and Camembert work well too.

I hope this list inspires you to explore and test out some new food pairings this summer!