This weekend we visited Grizzli Winery to see how the construction of the 60,000 square foot West Kelowna facility was coming. The Grizzli winery has a dramatic setting, flanked by vineyards and directly underneath the imposing north face of Mount Boucherie. We were greeted by an enthusiastic tasting room staff that was in soft launch mode with complimentary wine tastings. This was our first chance to see the interior of the buildings and the scale is truly impressive. The interior work is now close to completion.
There is another building which I am guessing is the 150 seat restaurant that still needs significant work. The exterior is only about 90% complete. As you can see from the photos the landscaping will also be impressive. Please check the earlier post for the background details on the winery. For recommendations on the current Grizzli Winery BC wine portfolio see our later post here.
The Wines
We were one of the many wine lovers that took advantage of the complimentary tastings. The red and ice wines available for tasting are expensive but really good. No white wines were available. The three wines we tried were:
Grizzli Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – 14% alcohol, $29. This is a medium bodied wine with notes of black cherry, warm caramel and spices. Bold tannins on the palate with a milk chocolate finish.
Grizzli Meritage 2014 – 14.5% alcohol, $42. This is an excellent Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Full bodied and inky in colour, with earthy notes of leather, liquorice and black cherries with nuances of vanilla. It also had a mysterious herbaceous aroma hiding in the background. Complex, deep and interesting.
Grizzli Merlot Red Icewine 2013 $105/ 375 ml. Harvested at -14 degrees celcius, a beautiful red colour with flavours of cherries and dried red friuts. Serve chilled as a stand-alone or with chocolates.
For more information on Grizzli Winery Table Wine portfolio please see Grizzli Winery – More than Ice Wine.
If you are in the West Kelowna area this summer please find the time to visit Grizzli, you will really enjoy the experience.