Gehringer Brothers Estate WInery in Okanagan's Golden Mile

A number of websites and wine magazines like to pick their winery of the year we do not. However, we like to suggest a few wineries that might take that honour should we choose to go that route.There are wineries that seem to provide consistency good wines regardless of the vintage or variety chosen.

Located in the Golden Mile just south of Oliver British Columbia is Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery. The winery is owned by two brothers Gordon and Walter; who share the winemaking duties. They began their dream in the early 70's studying winemaking in Germany. Walter graduating from the world-renowned University of Geisenheim with an Engineering degree in viticulture and oenology. His brother Gordon also spent four years in West Germany studying the wine master’s art and graduating with a degree from Weinsberg.

The present vineyard site was purchased in 1981. In 1985 the winery was built and the first vintage produced. The past 25 years of passionate winemaking is reflected in the unparalleled level of consistency. My wife and I first visited the winery in 1993. We were impressed then by their hospitality and thye quality of their wines. We have been enjoying their wines ever since. Today, the winery boasts an impressive line-up of 22 wines consisting of the following brands: Gehringer Brothers Classic, Private Reserve, Optimum, Dry Rock, Minus Nine and Signature Icewines. You can find a list of their achievements here

Recently we have purchased three of their wines; Pinot Blanc 2007 ( 90), Riesling 2008 (88) and Classic 2009 Ehrenfelser (92).
Please see Robert's Selections.

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Blackwood Lane Vineyards & Winery

Located in the Fraser Valley between Abbottsford and Langley. Blackwood Lane may be one of BC's newer wineries but you cannot
tell by the quality of their wines. The winery currently sources all grapes from the Okanagan under the watchful eye of winemaker Charles Herrold, a 1980s rock musician, turned entrepreneur, turned winemaker.

What makes this winery exceptional is the quality if their wine and their outstanding hospitality. The media including myself have given their The Reference 2006 scores in the 90's Author John Schreiner give it a very impress 96. The wine is expensive but worth very penny.
Last time we visited the winery it had sold out. However a new vintage as going to be released soon.. Read more

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery

Located in the Okanagan Falls region Wild Goose Vineyards has been producing top quality wines on a consistent basis since the 1980's, Adolf Kruger purchased in land in 1983. Riesling and Gewürztraminer were planted and a contract was secured with Mission Hill Wines. It was not until 1990 that Wild Goose marketed their own wines Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Maréchal Foch

We made our first visit to them in 1993 and have since returned three times. During the time between one of our visits Adolf turned the winemaking over to his son Hagen Kruger. Their Mystic River Vineyard Wines were my favourite then just as they are now. They have a long list of awards won at numerous major wine tasting events.

Recently the winery was named "Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year!" This is only the second time this award has been won by a British Columbia winery. The award is handed out annually by the Wine Press Northwest magazine based out of the Tri-Cities in Washington State, USA.

In the next week I will feature wineries from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia

Naramata Spring Release ~ Island Wineries Tasting

Some of our previous trips have taken us to Rivers Bend ~ Neck of the Woods~The Fort Lulu Island Winery

Where to Stay while visiting the wineries

More of Robert's Reports


1. Labels 2. Proper Labeling 3. Cawston, BC 4. Paying for Etiquette 5. Nova Scotia 6. Walnut Wine
7.Christmas Wines 8.Tilman Hainle 9.Canada's Wine History 10. Wine Tasting Manners 11. Hospitality
12. Fraser Valley 13. Wine Language

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