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Vinifera: A species of grape–Vitis Vinifera–that produces the classic wine grapes that have spread from the vineyards of Europe.*

History: In 1859, Oblate missionary Father Charles Pandosy planted the first vineyard at the Oblate Mission near present-day Kelowna.

More awards: Jackson Triggs - Okanagan won the 2006 Rosemount Estate Trophy for Best Shiraz/Syrah of the year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, England. A first for a North American Winery since they began awarding the trophy in 1994!

Growing Regions: There are five main DVAs (Designated Viticultural Areas) in British Columbia — the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser Valley and the Similkameen Valley.

Botrytis: A fungus that attacks grape skins. In favourable conditions, it dehydrates grapes, allowing the production of intense dessert wines.*

*Schreiner, John - British Columbia Wine Country, Whitecap Books Ltd., 2003

 
 
  February 23, 2009

President Obama served Quails’ Gate

Kelowna, BC, February 20, 2009- Quails’ Gate 2007 Chenin Blanc was the exclusive British Columbia wine served to US President Barack Obama during his luncheon with Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday in Ottawa.

Proprietor Tony Stewart was elated by the news, calling it “an historic honour for Quails’ Gate” and “an endorsement of the highest regard.”

“To have Quails’ Gate’s wine as one of President Obama’s first impressions of our nation during his inaugural visit to Canada is not only an honour, it’s recognition of the effort and passion we put into our vineyards and our wines,” explained Stewart. “We’re exceedingly proud to have represented the Okanagan Valley and the entire British Columbia wine industry to the American President.”

The Chenin Blanc is harvested entirely from the Quails’ Gate Estate vineyards from 12 to 15 year old vines. The soil is rich in volcanic rock and glacial till, which gives the wine great depth. The wine varietals are Chenin Blanc (90%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%). Winemaker Grant Stanley describes Quails’ Gate’s 2007 Chenin Blanc as a rush of exuberant fruit flavours, zesty lemons, limes and melons that mingle with subtle notes of gooseberry and boxwood, and as the definitive BC oyster wine.

The Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc accompanied menu selections including Pacific coast yellowfin tuna and maple and miso cured Nunavut wild Arctic char. The other Canadian wines on the menu were:
•Stratus Vineyards Red 2002 (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario)
•La Face Cachee de la Pomme Neige 2005 [Apple Ice Wine] (Hemmingford, Quebec)

Renowned producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Quails’ Gate currently farms over 200 acres of vineyards and have won such prestigious awards as Best New World Chardonnay and Best of Varietal (Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2005 ) at the New World International Wine Competition. Quails’ Gate was also recently awarded Best Light Red at the Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards for the 2006 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir, and a Silver Medal at the 2008 Canadian Wine Awards for the 2006 Chenin Blanc.

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery is nestled in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Our 125-acre Estate vineyard, located on the shores of Lake Okanagan, is owned and operated by the Stewart Family, pioneering horticulturists in the Okanagan for 100 years. We invite you to visit us daily, year round in the Wineshop and Old Vines Restaurant for a unique taste of the Okanagan. www.quailsgate.com

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For additional media information, please contact:
Angela McManus | Director of Marketing
amcmanus@quailsgate.com | 250-769-4451 ext. 230

 
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