It was a perfect summer day when we visited Gray Monk Winery for lunch on their lakeside patio. The winery is located in Lake Country and only a 20-minute drive from the Kelowna Airport.
Winery History
The Heiss family moved to the Okanagan Valley from Europe via Edmonton with dreams of owning a successful vineyard. In 1972, George and Trudy Heiss were at the front of the line presenting their request to be allowed to make (and sell) wine from their own grapes. That began the Estate Winery program – which many believe was the turning point for British Columbia Wines.
The roots of Gray Monk Estate Winery began in the family. For generations, the Heiss family worked together to turn their dreams of owning a vineyard into reality. Gray Monk, is the English translation of the Austrian name for Pinot Gris. The winery is well named as George and Trudy sourced 50 plants of Pinot Gris from a nursery in Colmar, Alsace in 1976. These 50 vines were the first plantings of Pinot Gris in Canada.
With the 1990 vintage, Gray Monk upgraded their label and introduced a premium proprietor’s Cuvee, appropriately named “Latitude 50” – all of which led to their becoming the best selling BC VQA winery.
Andrew Peller Limited purchased the winery in 2017.
The Winemaker
Jen Oishi grew up in the Okanagan with an interest in the wine industry. After completing her degree in Microbiology from UBC Jen joined the Gray Monk team as a laboratory technician in 2011. It was here that she was able to pair her love of science with the artistic side of winemaking.
Jen worked closely with long time winemaker, Roger Wong. She learned winemaking from the vineyard to the glass, helping her transition from laboratory technician to assistant winemaker in 2015 and now to winemaker in 2020. Roger is also the co-owner and winemaker at Intrigue Wines – Intrigue Wines 2020 New Releases.
Over the years, Jen has developed strong relationships with the Gray Monk Vineyard team and the long-established Gray Monk growers. She is excited to continue working with these vineyards and growers to carry on the Gray Monk legacy.
The Lookout Restaurant
The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk Winery showcases the best of what the Okanagan has to offer in a casually elegant atmosphere. Executive Chef Graham Momer curates a seasonal menu that celebrates and supports the local farmers. Graham was born in Kelowna and graduated from culinary school at Okanagan College.
Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, with one of the best patio views in the Okanagan Valley. The Lookout Restaurant is true to its name. The service is unobtrusive but polished. The team helps create a memorable dining experience.
When we arrived for lunch on Friday it was lucky that we had a reservation. The patio restaurant was full (with COVID-19 social distancing) and we were quickly shown to our table by our attentive server Marta. The COVID-19 protocols were carefully followed by the servers and every precaution taken.
The first decision was the wine. On a hot day, the estate Rosé was perfect. For the appetizer, I selected the Crispy Calamari served with Honey Chili and Lime Sauce and pickled onions.
Judy selected the local Burrata with Housemade ‘Nduja (spicy, spreadable pork salami), Olive Tapenade, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Focaccia. The burrata from Tanto Latte in Salmon Arm is deliciously rich and creamy.
We had decided on a light lunch so for the main course was the Charcuterie Board. A perfect selection of artisanal Charcuterie, House Made Pickles, Olives, Grainy Mustard, Savory Marmalade, House Focaccia and Crackers.
So ended the perfect Okanagan summer meal!
The Wine
Gray Monk Estate Rosé
Gray Monk’s own vineyard provides the grapes for the Rotberger and Gamay blend Rosé. Mash from the grapes underwent a 9-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks with two days on the skins for the colour. To maximize the fruit flavours strict temperature control is used during the fermentation.
The copper pink rosé has a wonderful aroma of wild strawberry, ripe peach, honeydew melon and red rose petals. A medium-bodied mouthfeel with just a hint of sweetness and flavours of watermelon, white peach, red berries, rhubarb and pink grapefruit that linger on the refreshing finish. 90 points.
About Andrew Peller Limited
Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canada’s leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft beverage alcohol products. The Company’s award-winning premium and ultra-premium VQA brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Raven Conspiracy, and Conviction.
Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine-based liqueurs, craft ciders, beer and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker’s Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world.
With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc (“GVI”), the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. For information about the Company go to www.andrewpeller.com.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would definitely recommend that you dine at the Lookout restaurant when in BC Lake Country or Kelowna. Both the food and service are first class.
Other Central Okanagan restaurant recommendations.
Lake Country
Kelowna
- Oak + Cru for a Lakeside Lunch
- Westside Wine Trail Kick’s Off Holiday Season (Blu Saffron Bistro)
- Home Block at CedarCreek Restaurant