Quails' Gate repeats as a best-managed company

Photo: Quails' Gate CEO Tony Stewart (courtesy Quails' Gate)

For the fifth year in a row, Quails’ Gate Estate Winery has received one of the “Canada’s best managed companies” award in the competition sponsored by the Deloitte accounting firm. This year’s award might feel a little more special. “Core values of the family-owned business were put to the test over the last year as they faced government restrictions due to the global pandemic and major shifts in their route to market,” the winery said in a news release. “Throughout these challenges, the business acted with an increased sense of social responsibility by prioritizing the health of staff and customers, achieved through a combination of on-site safety protocols, remote work environments and e-commerce solutions with curbside pick-up. The winery also launched The Market at Quails’ Gate to provide social distancing for estate visitors and prepared meals to dine at home.”

“At Quails’ Gate our staff are the driving force behind our brand values encompassing welcoming Okanagan hospitality” says CEO Tony Stewart. “This award is a reflection of everyone on the team who lead our innovative practices as pioneers in the BC wine industry.”

Throughout the Covid-19 challenged year, Quails’ Gate continued growing and releasing some of the best wines in the Okanagan. The winery’s spring release is an example of well-made, good value wines. Wines like this can only be made consistently year-in and year-out with good management.

Here are notes on the wines.

Quails’ Gate Chasselas Pinot Gris Pinot Blanc 2020 ($19.99). The wine begins with aromas of citrus and melon. These are echoed on the palate. The wine is crisp, dry and has a refreshing finish. This is one of the largest selling white wines in British Columbia. 90.

Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2019 ($23.99). The wine begins with aromas of citrus and butter which carry through to the very lightly oaked flavours. Fruit-forward and refreshing. 90.

Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc 2020 ($24.99). This is 89% Chenin Blanc, with Sauvignon Blanc accounting for the rest. It begins with aromas of lemon and honeydew melon. It is crisply dry, with flavours of Asian pear and citrus. The lively acidity gives the wine a fresh and lingering finish. 91.

Quails’ Gate Rosé 2020 ($18.99). This wine is made with Gamay and Pinot Noir, fermented separately. One hour of skin contact gives the wine a fashionably pale hue. The delicate fruity aromas suggest strawberry and watermelon which carry through to the flavour. There are lingering hints of wild strawberry on the finish. The wine is crisp and dry. 89.

Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir 2019 ($29.99). This dark-hued Pinot Noir, which was aged nine months in Burgundian barrels, begins with aromas of cherry and chocolate that leap from the glass. The palate delivers flavours of cherry, blackberry and cocoa with a complexing forest floor note on the finish. 90.