#SupportLocal – Year In Wine

Everyone, without exception, is experiencing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I am inspired by people’s drive to stay connected to each other and survive these strange days.

The wine community is of course not exempt from the negative impact of the virus. In British Columbia many of our wineries are small, family-owned businesses who will struggle to stay afloat, just like the rest of us. For public safety, they have had to close their tasting rooms – their main source of livelihood. In response to this challenge, wineries are beginning to offer drive-through pickup service and free shipping. Both options will allow you to observe social distancing and support efforts to flatten the curve.

Crowsnest Vineyard is one of the family-owned wineries that is fighting to hang onto their business. Crowsnest Vineyard is located in the Similkameen Valley and it was established in 1998 by the Heinecke family. In addition to running a winery, the Heinecke family also maintain a guest house and restaurant. They are offering 10% off and free shipping on all cases of wine and free local delivery on their fresh-baked breads (check out their Instagram posts for more details and mouthwatering images).

I recently had an opportunity to try two Merlots from Crowsnest Vineyard. After the tasting notes, please keep reading as I have compiled a list of some of the other Okanagan wineries that are offering free shipping. How often have you wished you could purchase wines from the Okanagan without the expense of travelling there? Here’s your chance to have amazing wines (and in some cases, even cheese) delivered direct to your door! Plus, it will make you feel good, not only to drink great wines, but to support our local wineries.

Crowsnest Vineyard

The 2016 Crowsnest Vineyards Merlot was enjoyed by everyone at the dinner table.

After two hours in the decanter there were floral aromas overtop of leafy blackberry bushes, with notes of cherry, plum and liquorice.

The body and acidity are medium+ and tannins are medium.

The palate offered bramble, blackberries, cherries, tart black plums, strawberry fruit leather and even some dired herbs towards the lingering finish.

The 2014 Crowsnest Vineyards Family Reserve Merlot, had a bit of funkiness upfront, but after two hours in the decanter this had all blown away.

The nose was sweet and concentrated, offering aromas of black liquorice, prunes, dried cherries and cedar.

This is a full bodied Merlot with medium+ velvety tannins and medium+ acidity.

The palate had crunchy blackberries, eucalyptus, prunes, baking spice, cherries and black liquorice, with (strangely enough) chocolate covered raisins on the lingering finish.

Painted Rock Estate Winery

Shipping promotion across Canada:

Wine Club members will receive free shipping on orders of 6 bottles (plus, as a member you will automatically receive 10% off all orders).

Everyone will receive free shipping on orders of 12 bottles with code FreeShip20.

Use code Sharing50 to receive 50% off shipping across Canada; no bottle limit. That’s $10 in BC, $15 in Alberta and $20 for the rest of Canada.

www.paintedrock.ca