Grape of the Week

Pinot Noir Rose - 2014 - FORT BERENS - Lillooet, BC 

Summer keeps giving, so I'll bring you another delicious summer wine. This Pinot Noir rose is great on the patio, at the beach, park, home alone on a Monday, paired with maybe with some pork or grilled veggies. Rose's are usually always served chilled


Fort Berens is the first winery in Lillooet, BC. Which is a couple hours north of Whistler on Hwy 99 on your way to Cache Creek. It lies in the rain shadow of the Coast Mt's and has a very arid dry climate. A rugged but beautiful little junction of ranges, rivers and valleys. The vines were planted in 2009 and they hit full production in 2014. I have tasted their full range of wines and they are starting to show their potential. We picked up this Rose, their Riesling, and the 23 Camels Red blend, (55% Cab Franc / 45% Merlot) all delicious. A great location with a great patio. Worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood, or a nice way to break up a long drive.

This wine had a nice nose of strawberry cream with some freshly picked wild raspberries on top, but was dry, crisp, and refreshing on the palate. Made with 100% Pinot Noir from their estate with 48hrs of skin contact to give it that rich salmon colour.

I find this a suiting send off for my vacation as I will be starting it in Pinot Noir country; the famous Willamette Valley in Oregon. More on that when I return....

Happy sipping, and thanks for reading.


Available at the winery and:

Swirl Wine Stores in Yaletown & South Surrey; as well as other private liquor stores throughout BC.


Fort Berens vineyards and patio in Lillooet.