Welcome new Moraine Estate Winery to Naramata wine country!
Proprietors Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov are thrilled with their beautiful new property and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their new tasting room this summer.
The Aristarkhovs moved to the area from Alberta after falling in love with the Okanagan and decided to purchase a winery. They “believe that wine offers one of life’s most simple, enjoyable and accessible pleasures” and are looking forward to sharing their passion through their own label. Oleg says “Our goal here is to produce small-lot, high-quality wines.”
The name Moraine, which is a glacially formed rocky landscape, was chosen to recognize and celebrate the distinct land formation of the Naramata Bench that has provided their unique terroir.
The winery’s vineyards have been christened Anastasia and Sophia after their two daughters and they are so pleased to have the highly respected Pierre Levesque as their vineyard manager.
The 12-year-old Anastasia Estate vineyard is planted with Merlot, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Riesling, with the smaller Sophia vineyard currently growing Pinot Noir. This spring they will be releasing four wines: Cliffhanger White, Pinot Gris, Viognier and a Meritage. In the fall, stay turned for the release of another blend: Cliffhanger Red.
Through a contract with Okanagan Crash Pad, Michael Bartier is the winemaker at Moraine, and in his signature style has created a solid lineup of quaffable, affordable wines that will be a welcome addition to your summer wine lists.
2011 Cliffhanger White; $23 — This crisp, light Pinot Gris features boisterous notes of grapefruit that screams summer.
2011 Pinot Gris; $23 — Luscious and rich with lots of pineapple and hints of vanilla, this Gris delivers a mouthful of flavour.
2011 Viognier; $23 — Hurray for Viognier! This fashionable grape is represented in a very fresh, light style. Lemon zest, peaches and a crisp finish make for a treat on a hot summer’s day.
Jennifer Schell is the editor of B.C. Food and Wine Trails magazine.
