Top Wine Picks! Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is an unforgettable stop on the Okanagan wine trail. If it wasn’t for the giant floating wine bottle tilting toward a giant glass, you might think you were stepping onto the grounds of a spiritual retreat with an especially stunning view of Okanagan Lake. Founder Stephen Cipes’ dedication to the environment carries through to his grape growing and winemaking philosophies, including a biodynamic certification for the winery's Kelowna vineyard. Summerhill’s commitment to producing only organic wine has spurred the winery’s long-term growers into converting to organic farming. Stephen Cipes is also at the helm of an initiative to transition the entire Okanagan Valley to organic farming. As a shipping special for Valentine’s Day, the winery is offering free shipping when you buy 6 or more bottles (you’re free to mix and match). Below are a few of my top wine picks from Summerhill.   

Organic Riesling 2015 ($23, 11.2% alcohol.)

The organic fruit that goes into making one of BC’s consistently best Rieslings comes from Summerhill’s estate vineyard as well as the Manz Estate in Naramata. This is for those who don’t mind a bit of sweetness in their Rieslings, but it also packs enough acidity to balance the wine. This make a great partner for spicy dishes.

Cipes Traditional Cuvée 1996 ($101.20, 11% alcohol.)

Summerhill’s reputation was built on sparkling wine, especially those made with the traditional Champagne grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier), and fermented in the bottle à la Champagne. Besides, when else are you going to get the chance to buy a BC bubble that has been aged at the winery for over 20 years?

Alive Organic Red 2014 ($23, 14.2% alcohol.)

This is a newer label from Summerhill and it gives wine drinkers the opportunity to pick up a delicious red blend made with 100% organic fruit at a reasonable price. It’s a full and juicy blend of 50% Syrah, 34% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Click the bottles below for more information. Add 6 or more to your cart to get free shipping!

Jake Skakun is a writer and sommelier from Vancouver, currently living in Toronto. He can be found most days pulling corks and twisting caps at the Grey Gardens. He Tweets and Instagrams @jakeskakun.