Okanagan Spring in a Glass with pairing done right🌸
Three fresh releases, three spot-on food matches, this is Okanagan spring at its most enjoyable.
At Quails’ Gate Winery, the 2025 vintage leans into what the region does best: bright fruit, clean acidity, and wines built for the table. The idea is simple but effective — pair fresh, seasonal BC wines with equally fresh, seasonal food.
And in this case, it’s executed beautifully.
If you’re exploring more seasonal picks, don’t miss our Best BC Rosé 2026 Guide, featuring top bottles for patio season and beyond.
Quails’ Gate Rosé 2025 ($23.99)
Blend & Winemaking
Pinot Noir & Gamay Noir. Hand-picked, fermented, and aged in 100% stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity.
Tasting Notes
Fresh strawberry and raspberry with ripe melon and a subtle hint of earthy spice and rhubarb on the nose. The palate is dry and flavour-packed, showing generous red berries, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Smooth, balanced, and finishing clean and refreshing. 92 Points
A step up in complexity from a typical patio rosé, still easy-drinking, but with enough depth to keep wine enthusiasts engaged.
Pairing
🍓 Strawberry Rose Tart
Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc 2025 ($26.99)
Winemaking
Chenin Blanc has been grown at the estate for over 20 years, and Quails’ Gate remains one of the few Okanagan producers committed to the variety. The Chenin Blanc was hand-harvested, gently pressed, cold-settled, and fermented in stainless steel.
Tasting Notes
Key Lime, tropical fruit, white peach and blossom on the nose. The palate is crisp and lively, with Meyer lemon, green apple, guava, and honeydew melon supported by vibrant acidity and a clean, lightly textured finish. 92 Points
A quietly compelling white: balanced, food-friendly, and a reminder that Chenin Blanc deserves more attention in the Okanagan.
Pairing
🍅 Heirloom Tomato Salad
Quails’ Gate Heirloom White 2025 ($23.99)
Blend & Background
Chasselas (first planted on the estate in 1961 ), alongside Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Each varietal is cold-fermented separately in stainless steel.
Tasting Notes
Bright and inviting, with pear, green apple, white peach, and lemon zest on the nose. The palate carries those flavours through with a hint of green melon, supported by a smooth, lightly textured feel. Fresh, approachable, and very easy to enjoy. 90 Points
An understated standout: clean, balanced, and versatile enough to move seamlessly from aperitif to the table.
Pairing
🍋 Meyer Lemon & Thyme Pasta
For other excellent Quails’ Gate wines, see Quails’ Gate Field & Flight Pinot Noir 2024
Here is the link to purchase these wines online.
A Well-Deserved Recognition 🏆
The Stewart Family of Quails’ Gate Winery has been awarded the 2026 Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction — the highest level of peer recognition in the Canadian wine industry.
As noted by Dan Paszkowski, the family was an early adopter of vinifera in the Okanagan Valley and played a key role in establishing the region as one of North America’s most compelling cool-climate wine destinations.
Final Take 👍
Fresh wines. Seasonal food. Thoughtful pairings.
This trio captures exactly what Okanagan spring is about: relaxed, food-friendly wines that shine at the table without overcomplicating things.
Planning a visit? Pair these wines with a stop at one of the region’s top dining spots in our Best Winery Restaurants in Kelowna & Lake Country (2026 Guide), including the Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery.
The takeaway:
You don’t need elaborate pairings; just good ingredients, well matched.