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Original
First Settlers' Heritage Museum |
Summerhill Estate
Winery was established based on the excitement over what are perhaps
the most perfect and ideal growing conditions in the world for growing
intensely flavoured grapes that hold their flavour through the second
fermentation in the bottle.
Warm air from the 140 km long pristine Lake Okanagan moves the leaves
and protects them against "sunburn" from clear, hot, long days (the
northernmost viticulture region in the world).
Very early morning sun and very late afternoon and evening sun is
welcomed by the vines as they "shut down" during mid day. The near
desert conditions (less than 11 inches of rain a year) create a true
opportunity to practice expert canopy management, watering the vines
sparsely so as to grow small intensely flavoured grapes vs. fat watery
tasteless grapes. In addition, the cool nights help to retain the
grapes natural acidity which creates that wonderful balance and crispness
(sugar & acid) as well as abundant aromas.
Summerhill's vision in the late 80's was to bring pride and fame to
British Columbia by producing the most magnificent sparkling wines
in the world. We travelled to Champagne, France and bought the finest
clones to plant in our certified organic vineyard. Organically farmed
grapes ensure no chemical flavours (sparkling wines are easier to
detect flaws in than table wines). An authentic replica of the Great
or Cheops pyramid in Egypt was erected using no ferrous metals and
orienting it to true vs. magnetic north. The daily taste tests, pouring
the same wines at the same temperature, one having been cellared in
the pyramid and one in the winery warehouse, have proven conclusively
that there is a definite relationship and phenomenon of liquids stored
in "perfect geometry" structures.
Summerhill produces top award winning red & white and dessert wines
using the gentle "Champagne" press to ensure no harshness. The winery
has consistently been chosen to host dignitaries and royalty from
around the world. The wines are packaged in elegant Italian bottles,
ideally suited for special occasions and gift giving. Free tastings
and "Champagne" making tours are given daily as well as luncheons
and weekend brunches at the Veranda Smokehaus Bistro with dinners
and caterings in the evenings.
The gold for Cipes Gabriel 1991 is a terrific milestone for Summerhill
as it completes our vision and makes us so very proud of our dedication
over the last 10 years to this magnificent valley in beautiful British
Columbia. We are Canada's most visited winery and we heartily invite
you to come and see us.
Hours of operation:
10:00am - 9:00pm May to October
Tours: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3.00 and 4:00pm
10:00 am - 6:00 pm November to April
Tours: 12:00 and 2:00pm
Contact details:
Summerhill Estate Winery
4870 Chute Lake Road
Kelowna
V1W 4M3 |
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