Prospect of the Okanagan recognizes the potential of the Okanagan Valley to be one of the next hot wine regions.
Vineyards
The Prospect wines grapes are harvested primarily from Prospect Winery owned vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. The wines are crafted from many varietals. These include Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaker – Corrie Krehbiel
I was born and raised in the Okanagan. I am a proud 4th generation of a fruit farming family – we farmed apples, peaches, plums, and cherries. My “career” started at age 5 as an apple picker and wildlife spotter on my family’s fruit orchards. I learned quickly I wasn’t a good apple picker!
My love of wine started at my summer job in high school when I worked in the cellar at CedarCreek Estate Winery under the apprenticeship of Winemaker Ann Sperling.
I didn’t think I’d become a winemaker at first though. I studied at UBC, where I started in medicine, but changed to follow my passion for agriculture and food science.
After I graduated, I went abroad for a year in New Zealand to start a diploma in Viticulture and Enology and had the amazing opportunity to apprentice at Helena Winery near Christchurch.
I always knew I’d come back home to the Okanagan, and I realized the vast potential of the Okanagan to grow great wine. I’ve had winemaker roles at wineries all across the Okanagan. I settled as Winemaker at Prospect Winery, where I really got to see the potential of winemaking in the Okanagan!
My passion is to put the Okanagan on the map as one of the best wine regions, and I created these wines to celebrate The Prospect of the Okanagan, and all the aspects that make it so unique for winemaking.
Vintage 2018
The 2018 season started out hot, with above average growing degrees in the spring and early bud break – an excellent start to the season. As the growing season progressed, the August and September temperatures were moderate with cooler nights providing consistent ripening and outstanding flavour development. The quality of the grapes looks exceptional with dense fruit, balanced acidity and ripe tannins. I am excited about the calibre of grapes that we are seeing in the 2018 wines.
By Corrie Krehbiel
The Wines
Prospect Ogorogo’s Liar Pinot Grigio 2017 ($12.99)
This BC VQA wine is an unoaked Pinot Grigio displays aromas of peach custard and stone fruits. Light and refreshing on the palate with a perfect balance of fruit and minerality on the finish.
Prospect Stags & Bears Cabernet Merlot 2017 ($13.99)
The red blend is Merlot (54%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of rich red berries, cocoa, tobacco, and cedar. On the palate red berry and cassis with a hint of tobacco, and chocolate. Medium-bodied and smooth finish.
The 2016 vintage won a SILVER medal at the WineAlign National Wine Awards.
Prospect Undercover Chardonnay 2017 ($14.13)
Wow! What a great BC Chardonnay for only $14 from Oliver.
Aromas of apple, citrus and kiwi. Flavours of lime and lemon with apple, pineapple and a touch of minerality and a hint of vanilla. Lightly oaked with a fresh and crisp buttery mouthfeel. Pairs perfectly with Roasted Shallot Gone Crackers.
These are all excellent value and 100% BC VQA wines.
For the complete BC Wine portfolio of Prospect Winery please visit the winery website.
Future Plans
Prospect wines will continue to be fruit driven, showcasing the intensity and freshness of fruit that the Okanagan delivers. Rather than growing in volume, we are focused on continuity and continually improving our wines and over delivering in the wine’s category. Sustainability always has been and will continue to be a priority for Prospect wines and our winery-owned vineyards are farmed using organic practices and these vineyards will eventually become certified as organic.
We hope that our consumers enjoy Prospect wines along with experiencing all that the Okanagan has to offer. A glass of Pinot Noir after a day on the slopes, sipping Chardonnay with friends around a campfire, or pairing a burger and Cabernet Merlot after a rewarding hike. Enjoy…
By Corrie Krehbiel
Source: Prospect Winery provided the Vineyard information, Photos and BC wine tasting notes.