Tinhorn Creek Wines Coming to a Glass Near You

For many visitors a trip to wine country in British Columbia often results in the common refrain: “Where can I get BC wines in the states?” Previously the answer was: “Pretty much nowhere.”

When I visit the Okanagan, I’m faced with the dilemma of take nothing, or schlep a case or two of wine through customs on my own. For me the choice is easy-- I gladly take on the role of pack mule to get the wines home. But now things are about to get much easier for U.S. wine lovers. Tinhorn Creek wines are now available for direct delivery to your doorstep. Hallelujah!

It’s almost as exciting as it use to be getting the new phonebooks, and when the wine arrived this morning I felt like Navin... The Tinhorn Creek is here! The Tinhorn Creek is here! Things are going to start happening now. Oh Yes!



I’ve raved about Tinhorn Creek in many past posts see here, here and here.  And despite the hassle I always purchased wine and carried it home. Then once I got my precious stash home I’d be very protective of it. Hoarding some might say, but honestly if you went through all the effort to hand carry a case or two home, I dare say you’d be protective to the point of hoarding too.

But I’m feeling very generous with my wine now, knowing more Tinhorn Creek is just a phone call away. Heck, I may just have to invite Richard Jennings over so he can experience a bit of what he missed at WBC13 in Penticton. Come on over Richard. If you like, after you try the wine, maybe we can go harass some concierges for their lack of wine knowledge, you know, just for the fun of it. (Richard, you know I say this in jest, but offer to taste is legit.)

As part of the launch for the new shipping program I was sent samples of the following Tinhorn Creek wines that have been chosen to showcase the region’s distinct winemaking style and terroir:

2013 Pinot Gris  – a great summer sipper that’s just been released, bursting with aromas of citrus and tropical fruit with underlying notes of honeysuckle.

2013 Gewurztraminer – 100% Gewürztraminer with subtle aromas of rose petals, lychee, pink grapefruit and spice.

2013 Oldfield Series 2Bench White – premier blend of five different whites, crisp and clean with pear and stone fruit aromas on the nose, and a citrus and apple palate

2011 Cabernet Franc – textbook Cabernet Franc from the Okanagan with lovely fresh red fruits, minty herbs, sage, black currants and spice. ( I’d marry this Cab Franc if it was allowed in my state)

2010 Oldfield Series Merlot – artfully crafted merlot, smooth and luscious, with flavours suggesting cherry and raspberry coated in dark chocolate.

2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red – a traditional Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with lots of rich, crowd-pleasing berry and plum fruit.

Consumers in the US can visit http:/usshop.tinhorn.com shop directly from Tinhorn Creek’s website in US dollars, a minimum of 12 bottles per order is required and consumers may order ‘A Taste of Tinhorn’ mixed case with two of each of six select wines currently available, or make up their own preferred mix. A delivery fee of $29.95USD is applicable, however there are no additional tariffs, fees or customs duties to pay, it’s all included.

For more order information and pricing call 1-888-484-6467 or visit the website at www.tinhorn.com.

San Francisco Showcase of British Columbia Food and Wine

Last month I attended a wine dinner at the San Francisco Four Seasons that was part of the International Fancy Food show in San Francisco. The dinner was co-hosted by the B.C. Wine Institute, which builds and markets the Wines of British Columbia and the Province's trade and investment office. Several of the wines featured at the dinner from Laughing Stock, Black Hills Estate, Meyer Family Wines, and Painted Rock -- will now be available in the states through Sonoma based Good Wine Company. This is very good news for wine lovers like myself who gladly take on the role of pack mule to get wines home from Canada. The new distrubution partnership will make the purchase and enjoyment of BC wines in the states much easier. 

The food and wine pairings showcased the regional food bounties of BC and the talents of Mark Richardson, Executive Chef of MKT at the San Francisco Four Seasons and chef Trevor Bird of FABLE Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada. (See full menu below.)

I was familar with the wines presented and have visited all the wineries, and it was an extra treat to reconnect with David Enns, owner and winemaker at Laughing Stock Vineyards and also with Ingo Grady, Director of Wine Education at Mission Hill. The 2011 Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Perpetua Chardonnay, and the 2011 Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red were two of my favorite wines at the dinner. 

The room was heavy on “mood lighting” so my photos of the evening are not the best, but the standout pairings of the evening were: 

Chef Trevor Bird’s Black pepper glazed sable fish, British Columbia bok choi, pickled honey mushrooms -- paired with the 2011 Meyer Family Vineyards McLean Creek Road Vineyard Chardonnay, and the 2011 Quails’ Gate Winery Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir, both from the Okanagan Valley.

Chef Mark Richardson’s Goat milk & British Columbia cherry semifreddo, jasmine infused chocolate cake, Mission Hill sweet and Rainier warm poached cherries -- paired with 2007 Vista D’oro Farms & Winery D’oro. 

I’ve been harping on the wonders of British Columbia wine for over three years now, and with good reason, but as always, I encourage you to make a trip and discover the wines for yourself.  

For more details on the wines that will be available thru the partnership visit www.winebcusa.com