Hester Creek – The 2024 Columbia Valley Collection Guests: The Marks. Mark Sheridan – President Mark Hopley – Winemaker It was only a matter of time before we all started to see the “out-of-province” wines of 2024. Due to 2 cold snaps, especially the Winter of early 24, BC, Wineries were given permission to source their much-needed fruit from out of province. Most headed to Washington and Oregon. Some from California, some from Ontario and several from the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island. As we approach the beginning of April, we’ll all start to see new labels and new wording on those labels. Advising that the wine in the bottle was “Grown in Washington. Crafted in BC” The agreement between BC Wineries and the BC Government was – transparency! Make your source statement on the front of the bottle. Not hidden on the back. Hester Creek went in full tilt. The label on their four new releases makes a statement. 2024 Columbia Valley Collection. The back of the label has a map and information on where the grapes were grown. Vineyards are identified when possible. Located just south of the border, the proximity of the Columbia Valley to Hester Creek on the Golden Mile allowed Mark Sheridan to regularly meet with his growing community. He got to choose the varietals best suited to the collection, which vineyards they were grown in and supervise the growth for every stage of the growing season. The grapes were hand harvested, transported the same day as picking, in temperature-controlled trucks to the Hester Creek Crush Pad. The Columbia Valley Collection is: 2024 Pinot Gris. Soils are very similar to Hester Creek. Ripe apricot, peach, honey, fennel, and that’s just the nose. Crisp and clean in the mouth, herbs, peach and minerality delight. Pairs well with a smile and engaged conversation. $19.99 plus tax 2024 Sauvignon Blanc. again, very similar soil to the South Okanagan, perhaps slightly higher heat units. Grown, harvested and again sent by temp-controlled truck to Hester Creek. The same day as they were picked. Berry, lemon and grapefruit of the nose. Ripe tropic fruit, citrus and herbs on the palate. Here’s your wine for the Hali/Salmon season. $19.99 plus tax 2024 Viognier. Sustainably farmed at Goose Gap AVA. Hand harvested and trucked to the Golden Mile the same day they were picked. As a Viognier fan, on the nose I was welcomed by the ripe fruit, apricot, peach, and light white pepper. In the mouth it’s stone fruit, fennel and minerality right down the middle. Beautiful.$23.99 plus tax This is viognier with just a touch more heat during growing season. 2024 Rose Cabernet Franc Specifically grown in Red Mountain AVA and Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Where the big reds live. After transportation to Hester Creek, same day as picking, the grapes were destemmed, cold soaked for three days, 21 days of fermentation. Then cross-blended and aged for four months in stainless steel tanks. On opening, stifling a pleasure giggle, aromas of pink grapefruit, warmed strawberries. The palate showed itself to be a delight with ripe cherries, strawberry of course and a touch of rhubarb. Here comes Summer. $22.99 plus tax There are four more Hester Creek Columbia Valley Collection wines to come. Thank you to the growers, farmers and field teams in Washington State for their very important contribution to these BC wines. The border disappears at times like these. Congratulations to the winemaking teams at Hester Creek, lead by Mark Hopley. FYI – The wine shop, Terrafina Bistro and the Villa are all open.
