I first became interested in Orofino wines when the Orofino Syrah Scout Vineyard 2012 placed #8 in the Judgment of BC with Steven Spurrier.
Orofino Vineyards is situated in the picturesque Similkameen Valley, surrounded by orchards, vineyards, hayfields and mountains. The valley enjoys a dry climate with hot days and cool nights — ideal conditions for growing premium grapes. The winery owners are John and Virginia Weber.
The 5.5-acre vineyard was first planted in 1989. Initial blocks of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Muscat are still thriving today. These vines are some of the oldest in the Similkameen Valley. In 1998 another acre of Merlot was planted and in 2002, an acre of Pinot Noir was added. Clonal selection, prudent vineyard work, crop-thinning and attention to detail translate into outstanding grapes and premium wines. In the spring of 2005, over 1000 16-year-old Pinot Blanc vines were grafted to Cabernet Franc. This will enable the production of more of their award-winning Bordeaux blend in the future.
Orofino is also known for its Rieslings:
- Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling Clone 239
- Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling Clone 21B
- Home Vineyard Old Vines Riesling 2020
The Orofino winery, Canada’s only straw-bale winery, was constructed in 2004/2005. The eco-friendly design consists of two buildings adjoined by a breezeway. “Earthy” 21 inch thick walls provide superior insulation qualities – ideal for manufacturing constant barrel room temperatures and for keeping cool in the desert heat.
The Webers are true believers that the Similkameen has something unique to offer. The wines are noticeably different from the neighbouring Okanagan.
“We get such strong minerality in the wines, across the entire lineup from riesling through to cabernet.”
John Weber
Winery Accomodation
Orofino Winery suites are located in Cawston in the Similkameen Valley. Here you will find luxurious accommodations to accompany an amazing wine tasting experience. Orofino is situated in the heart of Similkameen wine country and is just a beautiful half-hour drive from the South Okanagan.
Voted BEST WINERY ACCOMMODATIONS in the Similkameen Valley at the Best of BC Awards 2017 and 2018!
The Orofino Vineyard Suites are perched on the second floor of the new barrel room and are designed to maximize the incomparable views with a wall of windows overlooking the Similkameen Valley.
Each suite features 1000 square feet of bright and airy living space, a fully modern kitchen, a 250 square foot private deck with panoramic views, complimentary wi-fi throughout and all the amenities of a proper wine country vacation property. Expect to find a modern and luxurious living space that allows the vacationer a place to stop and enjoy the Similkameen Valley and all it has to offer.
Here is the link to book your accommodation. For other BC wineries with accommodation see – Vacation Planning? BC Winery Accommodation.
The Wines
Orofino Syrah 2019
VINEYARDS
The 2019 vintage comes from a spectacular Syrah vineyard located on the Keremeos Bench perched above the river valley. This site features mature vines, river rock and ferocious winds. Harsh conditions produce delicious and concentrated grapes.
WINEMAKING
The grapes were hand-harvested and then gently destemmed and lightly crushed into 2-ton open-top fermenters where they were hand punched 2 times per day until completion of natural fermentation. No
commercial yeasts were used. The wine was then pressed to older French oak barrels. It was then aged carefully for 16 months before racking and bottling. No fining agents or filtration was used.
Tasting Notes
A fabulous Syrah. A gorgeous nose with violet, black plum, blackberry, and a hint of pepper and earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with high acid, medium integrated and smooth tannins, a melting pot of red and black fruit, pepper, a touch of cedar and minerality on the medium-length finish. 93 Points
Orofino Passion Pit Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($29.48)
VINEYARDS
1.9 acres of the 10.45 acre Passion Pit vineyard was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 2007. It just may be the hottest site in the Similkameen Valley with a perfect slope to catch the sun and backed by steep granite cliffs that capture and retain the summer heat. Passion Pit is full of angular granite rocks and shallow soils.
Tasting Notes
18 months in French and American oak. The nose is rich cassis fruit with a stony savoury undercurrent and a hint of spice and tobacco. Flavours of toasted oak and black cherry, dark plum, blackberries, black olive and sage. Will age well. 92 Points
Here is the link to more BC Cabernet Sauvignon on our Top 10 Listing.
To purchase these award-winning wines, here is the link to the Orofino Winery website.