Similkameen Valley, British Columbia

We are in love with the Similkameen Valley. The diverse terroir within the steep mountain walls range from rich sandy loam soils on top of endless gravel to blistering hot sites full of angular granite rocks. This diversity makes for interesting wines that tell a story of where they are born.

Our wines stand out because of the seasoned farmers who are dedicated to producing the best grapes possible from their special vineyard sites. We work closely with each grower and have chosen to partner with them because of their mad skills and their particular terroir. Their work is acknowledged on the many single vineyard designated wines that we produce.

Orofino Vineyards Wines 2019 wines included in monthly subscriptions

June 2019

SCOUT VINEYARD RIESLING, 2016
SCOUT VINEYARD SYRAH, 2017
WHITE BRIDGE, 2017
HOME VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, 2016
CHARDONNAY, 2017
SCOUT VINEYARD SYRAH, 2011

SCOUT VINEYARD RIESLING, 2016

Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.

Geographical Indication: Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Riesling
Vineyard: Scout Vineyard
Alcohol: 12.6%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 350

Appearance: White gold colour.
Nose: Minerally, slightly reductive nose of apple and citrus fruits.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, crab apple and lemon-lime flavours with lively acidity that actuates a long, harmonious finish. A touch of honeyed sweetness and a floral note in mid palate adds to the total effect.
Quality: Outstanding. Drinking nicely now but will hold for several years.
Critic Rating: 90 points - Tony Aspler

Food Pairing: Prawn and lemon linguini, butter basted halibut with capers, baked chicken piccata, feta and spinach quiche, grilled pork kebabs with a molasses dipping sauce, and sesame chicken salad with ginger-lime dressing.

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SCOUT VINEYARD SYRAH, 2017

Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.

Geographical Indication: VQA Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Syrah
Vineyard: Scout Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.5%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 300

Appearance: Deep purple colour.
Nose: Cedary, lightly peppery nose of black fruits with oak spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry and savoury, black plum flavour; firmly structured, lively acidity with an herbal note on the finish.
Quality: Outstanding. Drink now or through 2020.
Critic Rating: 90 points - Tony Aspler

Food Pairing: Tomato and beef stew, grilled New York striploin with fire-roasted salsa and asparagus, creamy coconut lentil curry, ratatouille tarts, and fusilli with artichoke hearts and parmesan cream.

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WHITE BRIDGE, 2017

Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.

Geographical Indication: Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Pinot Gris (55%), Muscat (30%), Riesling (15%)
Vineyard: Hendsbee and Scout Vineyards
Alcohol: 12.9%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 320

Appearance: Very pale straw colour.
Nose: Spicy, aromatic nose of orange blossom with a note of wet stones.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, kiwi and apple flavours.
Quality: Very Good+. A well-balanced wine drinking beautifully now.
Critic Rating: 89 points - Tony Aspler

Awards:
Gold - 2018 All Canadian Wine Championships


Food Pairing: Mediterranean baked cod, strawberry and avocado salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, pork spring rolls with a spicy plum dipping sauce, papaya salad with spiced peanuts, and oven roasted chicken with honey mustard sauce.

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HOME VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, 2016

Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.

Geographical Indication: Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Home Vineyard
Alcohol: 12.8%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 517

Appearance: Medium ruby colour.
Nose: Lightly floral, raspberry nose with a forest floor note and well-integrated oak.
Palate: Very Burgundian in style – medium-bodied, dry, raspberry flavour with a spicy note. Elegant and well-balanced.
Quality: Outstanding. Drink now or hold for a couple of years.
Critic Rating: 92 points - Tony Aspler

Food Pairing: Roasted pork loin with mushrooms and tarragon, beef carpaccio, braised lamb shoulder with fennel and orange, grilled lobster with herb and cream sauce, and smoked paprika risotto with a saffron aioli.

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CHARDONNAY, 2017

Geographical Indication: Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Blind Creek Vineyard
Alcohol: 12.7%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 116

Appearance: Bright, clear. Straw-coloured core.
Nose: Oak spice, toasty notes, green apple, yellow fruits.
Palate: Medium acid, medium body. Creamy vanilla, oak spice, green apple.
Quality: Very Good+. 88 points. Drink now or cellar for 1-2 years.

Food Pairing: Fruited curry chicken salad, garlic and herb salmon with artichokes, dijon-tarragon cream chicken, grilled cajun shrimp skewers, Ahi tuna poké bowl with quinoa and heirloom tomatoes, and Hawaiian red snapper with braised leeks.

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SCOUT VINEYARD SYRAH, 2011

Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.

Geographical Indication: Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Syrah
Vineyard: Scout Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.4%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 225

Appearance: Deep purple in colour.
Nose: Spicy, lightly peppery nose of black fruits with toasty oak notes.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, savoury-herbal, blackberry with vanilla oak flavours carried on fresh acidity. Great length.
Quality: Outstanding. Drink now or within two years.
Critic Rating: 91 points - Tony Aspler

Food Pairing: Porcini meatballs and eggplant in tomato sauce, applewood-smoked chicken breast, roasted leg of lamb with a bouquet of spring vegetables, barbecued spareribs with herbed potatoes, and creamy gouda cheese cauliflower bake.

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HOME VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, 2014

Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.

Geographical Indication: VQA Similkameen Valley, BC
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Home Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.6%
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 280

Appearance: Deep ruby colour.
Nose: Lifted nose of ripe cherries and violets with oak spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, well-extracted flavours of savoury black raspberry and cherries. Firmly structured and well-balanced with evident but ripe tannins.
Quality: Outstanding. Drink now but will reward with a year in cellar.
Critic Rating: 90 points - Tony Aspler

Awards:
Silver - 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships


Food Pairing: Duck breast with a pomegranate citrus glaze, beef tenderloin with ancho chiles and fennel seeds, grilled salmon with sweet onions and red bell peppers, pancetta-wrapped roasted turkey, and roasted parsnip and lentil salad.

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