Exploring Osoyoos wine country would only be complete with visiting Gehringer Brothers Winery, a pioneer known for its award-winning wines and deep-rooted heritage in German winemaking traditions. This piece uncovers the rich history, unique terroir, and signature wines that make Gehringer Brothers Winery a must-visit destination.
History and Background
Gehringer Brothers Winery was founded by brothers Walter and Gordon Gehringer in 1985. After studying winemaking in Germany, the brothers brought their expertise to the Okanagan Valley, setting up their winery in the Golden Mile Bench region. This location, known for its ideal grape-growing conditions, perfectly matched the Gehringers' vision.
The influence of German winemaking traditions is evident in every bottle produced by the Gehringer Brothers. From their meticulous vineyard management to their precise fermentation techniques, the winery combines old-world practices with the unique characteristics of the Okanagan terroir. Over the years, the winery has celebrated numerous milestones, including expanding its vineyards and consistently receiving accolades for its exceptional wines.
Vineyards and Terroir
Gehringer Brothers Winery is strategically located on the western slope of the Okanagan Valley, an area renowned for its unique microclimate and diverse soils. The vineyards benefit from sandy and gravelly soils, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the complex flavours found in the wines.
The Okanagan Valley's terroir plays a crucial role in the quality of grapes grown at Gehringer Brothers. The warm, dry climate and cool nights create the perfect conditions for growing grapes, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir. These conditions allow the grapes to develop a balance of sugars and acids, resulting in wines that are both flavourful and well-structured.
Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques
At Gehringer Brothers Winery, the winemaking philosophy centres on allowing the true character of the grapes to shine. The winery combines traditional methods and modern technology to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
Minimal intervention is critical to their approach. This means careful vineyard management, hand-picking grapes at optimal ripeness, and using gentle pressing techniques to preserve the grapes' natural flavours. Sustainability is also a priority, with practices such as water conservation, soil health management, and integrated pest management integral to their operations.
The Wines
Gehringer Brothers Winery offers a diverse selection of wines categorized into several series, each reflecting their unique vinification style. Their white wines are particularly notable, with offerings such as the 2022 Desert Sun, which showcases a blend of nine different white varieties, creating a wine with lively acidity and rich fruit aromas. Another standout is the 2022 Private Reserve Pinot Gris, known for its rich flavours and balanced acidity achieved through a carefully monitored calm and slow fermentation process. Their 2022 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay highlights distinctive nuances of pear and pineapple, developed entirely in stainless steel for a crisp finish.
In addition to white wines, Gehringer Brothers Winery produces a variety of red, rosé, and specialty wines. The 2022 Private Reserve Pinot Noir is a Burgundian-style red featuring bright red cherries and strawberries with a smooth, long finish. Their 2022 Rosé, made primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, offers a full round mouthfeel with strawberry and red currant flavours. The winery also excels in producing late harvest and icewines, such as the 2019 Late Harvest Riesling and the 2019 Riesling Icewine, both of which are recognized for their intense bouquets and rich, concentrated flavours resulting from grapes harvested at optimal ripeness and natural freezing conditions.
Signature Wines and Awards
Gehringer Brothers Winery has an impressive history of accolades, highlighting their winemaking excellence. In 2022, they received several prestigious awards, including the Best of Class Gold Medal at the Great Northwest Invitational for their 2021 Old Vines Auxerrois and Classic Riesling. Their wines also shone at the Cascadia International Wine Competition, where the 2021 Private Reserve Pinot Gris and Dry Rock Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay received double platinum and platinum medals, respectively. Additionally, they garnered numerous gold medals across various competitions for their 2021 Gewürztraminer Schönburger, Desert Sun, and Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc.
In 2023, the winery continued its success by winning gold medals at the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards and the Cascadia International Wine Competition for their 2022 Private Reserve Dry Riesling and Pinot Gris. They also achieved double gold at the All-Canadian Wine Championships for the same vintages. The consistency of their quality was further evidenced by multiple silver medals for other notable wines like the 2022 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay and Desert Sun. This consistent recognition from prominent wine competitions underscores Gehringer Brothers Winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines year after year.
Wine Tasting Experience
Visiting Gehringer Brothers Winery offers more than just a taste of their wines; it's an immersive experience. The tasting room, with its panoramic views of the vineyards and valley, provides the perfect setting to enjoy their wines. Knowledgeable staff guide visitors through tastings, offering insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine.
Conclusion
Gehringer Brothers Winery is a demonstration of the rich winemaking heritage and exceptional quality of the Osoyoos wine region. Combining traditional techniques, sustainable practices, and a dedication to excellence, Gehringer Brothers offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. A visit to Gehringer Brothers Winery promises to be a highlight of your Osoyoos adventure.
