French Door Estate Winery brings Provence's charm and elegance to the Okanagan Valley. Settled among lush vineyards and rolling hills, this boutique winery offers a serene escape where visitors can savour exquisite wines crafted with a nod to traditional French winemaking techniques. With a focus on quality and authenticity, French Door Estate Winery provides an exceptional wine-tasting experience that transports you to the stunning vineyards of southern France, right here in British Columbia.
History and Background
French Door Estate Winery, located on the Black Sage Bench south of Oliver, was established in 2019 by a family passionate about French culture, architecture, and viticulture. Inspired by the elegance and simplicity of Provence, the winery seeks to bring a touch of France to the Okanagan Valley. The family's vision is to produce high-quality, honest wines that reflect the unique terroir of their 10-acre vineyard, which is planted with premium vinifera vines and managed sustainably.
With a focus on low-intervention winemaking, French Door Estate Winery crafts wines that embody the nature of their terroir, showcasing the natural flavours and characteristics of the grapes. The winery's commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in every bottle, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of Provence. This blend of traditional French techniques and the unique Okanagan environment creates a distinct and memorable wine experience for visitors and connoisseurs alike.
Vineyard and Wine Production
The French Door Estate Winery vineyard is located on the Black Sage Bench, a region known for its sandy, rocky soils and excellent drainage. This 10-acre vineyard is planted with a variety of vinifera vines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Malbec, Gamay, Cinsault, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
The winery practices sustainable farming, using organic compost, fungicides, and mechanical weed control. They also employ a digital irrigation management system to conserve water. Hand-harvesting ensures that only the best grapes are made into their wines, fermented with natural yeasts and aged in French oak barrels to develop complexity and depth.
Signature wines include their Bordeaux-style blend "Heritage" and a popular Rosé made from Mourvèdre and Grenache. The "Heritage" blend combines Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, resulting in a full-bodied wine with high acidity and rich flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant, and sweet spice. Their Rosé, grapefruit, peach, and cranberry aromas, is a dry, medium-bodied wine with a savoury and juicy palate.
Tasting Room and Visitor Experience
The French Door Estate Winery tasting room on the beautiful Black Sage Bench in Osoyoos offers a serene and inviting experience. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm; the tasting room allows visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning valley views while sampling their exquisite wines. The Signature Tasting experience includes a guided, seated tasting of five pre-selected wines, led by knowledgeable staff who provide insights into the winemaking process from grape to glass. This 30 to 40-minute experience ensures a comprehensive understanding of the winery's offerings.
In addition to the regular tastings, French Door Estate Winery provides an outdoor patio where guests can enjoy wine by the glass. For those interested in more personalized experiences, private tours and events can be arranged by appointment. Combining expertly crafted wines, beautiful surroundings, and attentive service makes French Door Estate Winery a memorable and enriching experience for all wine enthusiasts.
Conclusion
French Door Estate Winery is a significant contributor to the Okanagan Valley's wine industry and is known for its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community. A visit to French Door offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the region's best wines in a welcoming and scenic environment. French Door Estate Winery promises a memorable and enriching experience.
