SpearHead makes wine touring easy

Photo: SpearHead winemaker Grant Stanley

An acquaintance is planning to visit some Okanagan wineries later this month.

She tells me she has been astonished at the restrictions some wineries have placed around the reservations – including non-refundable charges. She understands why a winery would want to discourage no-shows. She is disappointed that, at some wineries, the tasting fee, or at least part of it, is not returned when a guest purchases wine.

It is hardly a way for a winery to make friends. But then, I am not trying to make a living with a winery in these strange times, so what do I know?.

But let me point you to SpearHead Winery in East Kelowna as an example of a sensible guest policy to accompany the excellent wine that Grant Stanley is making there.

This is the winery’s policy:

We encourage guests to pre-book their visit.

You may use our online reservation system below or contact us directly.

Walk-ins are welcome though subject to availability, please see host upon arrival.
Maximum group size is 6 people.

Tasting fee is $10 per person, waived with a 2 bottle purchase.

Tastings are complimentary for [wine club] members.

Upon arrival, please wait for our host to assist you to your tasting location.

We ask that you sanitize your hands when you arrive and adhere to the social distancing protocols that are in place at SpearHead Winery.

If you visit SpearHead, here are notes on the current releases.

SpearHead Pinot Gris 2019 ($20 for 1,362 cases). The wine begins with aromas of pears and apples and echoes those fruits on the palate, along with a hint of anise on the finish. The texture is full and the finish lingers. 91.

SpearHead Chardonnay 2018 Clone 95 ($30 for 576 cases). This wine was fermented in barrel and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (40% new). This is a lovely wine with a crystal clear focus on the fruit. The oak is quite subdued, evident just as a touch of vanilla in the aroma and flavour. The lead role is taken by zesty and refreshing flavours of pineapple and apple mingled with hints of butter. 92.

SpearHead Pinot Noir Cuvée 2018 ($40 for 450 cases). This is a complex and full-flavoured wine. To begin with, six clones are blended into the cuvée: 30% Dijon 777, 28% P0merol, 18% Dijon 828, and 8% each of Dijon 115, Dijon 667 and Mt. Eden. The wine was aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (40% new). Dark in colour, the wine begins with aromas of ripe raspberries, cherries and blueberries. The rich palate delivers all those fruits along with plum and spice. 94.