Introduction
Blind Tiger Vineyards first planted the 3.5 acres of vines in 2010. Owned and operated by Jerry and Charlene Wowchuk since 2007. The winery sits on the ridge between the villages of Okanagan Centre and Winfield in Lake Country.
The winery takes its name from one of the terms (blind pig is another) for illegal bars operated in the United States during Prohibition. The vineyard contains mature blocks of Riesling and Gewürztraminer, a block of Pinot Noir entering its eighth season, and planned additional blocks of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Blind Tiger also purchases grapes from Southern Okanagan for their Speakeasy Red Bordeaux blend. The farming operation received its Organic Certification from the North Okanagan Organic Association in 2013.
The vineyard’s growing philosophy attempts to raise quality produce with as little chemical intervention as possible. Natural compost fertilizers are used to maintain ideal soil nutrient profiles. Sulfur is used to control fungus on developing berries. A flock of heritage chickens roams the rows performing pest control duties.
Jerry relies on Karnail Singh Sidhu, the owner of Kalala Organic Estate Winery for advice. Dr Alan Marks assists with winemaking starting with the 2013 vintage. In the 2015 vintage, Blind Tiger produced about 2,000 cases, a level at which they intend to keep the winery at for a while.
Onto the wines.
The Wines
Blind Tiger Riesling 2014 ($19.95)
This is a bracing wine, with aromas and flavours of lime and green granny smith apple. The racy acidity balances the residual sugar, giving the wine a crisp, tangy finish. An extremely dry Riesling, just how I like ‘em!
Blind Tiger Pinot Noir 2014 (SOLD OUT)
The wine has the aroma of subtle violets, strawberry and raspberry with a touch of pepper on the finish. A medium body texture that has just begun to evolve toward the classic silkiness. A unanimous selection for our favourite Blind Tiger wine.
Blind Tiger Speakeasy Red 2014 ($38.95)
Our classic Bordeaux Blend (Meritage) style wine with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. Deep aromas of Black Cherry, Plum, Blackberry and Cedar. Barreled in American Oak, this full-bodied wine is the choice of red wine lovers. Ensure to decant before drinking. The tannins of this wine will allow a long cellar life of up to 8 years plus.
For the complete portfolio of Blind Tiger wines please visit the winery website.
The Pizza
The smoke from the wood-fired pizza oven on the food truck was irresistible. We selected a bottle of the Pinot Noir to accompany the pizzas: a Margherita – Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and an Arugula Flatbread – Olive Oil, Cranberries, Goat Cheese, Carmelized onions, Arugula, that we enjoyed on the patio overlooking Wood Lake.
Live in the Vineyard
Each Friday night in July and August you can visit Blind Tiger Vineyards for woodfire pizza, wine and live music. Here is the link to book tickets.
The next time you are in Lake Country make sure you check out Blind Tiger Vineyards. If you have the time why not make a day of it and extend your visit to the other Lake Country Wineries.
Note: The original 2016 article was updated to include some current wine releases.