At times this summer, the game of tag between the sun, the clouds, and the rain has made our summer appear dreary at best.
However, once inside a winery, all of that disappears and the day appears just that much brighter. Langley has just the antidote for disappointing weather — the Campbell Valley Wine Run.
When I first visited with Inge Violet (founder of Domaine De Chaberton), our conversation soon led me to chatting up a storm with Patrick Murphy (owner of Vista D’oro Farm and Winery).
Now I am off to enjoy yet another afternoon accented by award-winning wines and complemented by a picnic lunch at Langley’s own Township 7.
The countryside setting of southern Langley has nestled quite comfortably around the five-acre parcel of Township 7 Vineyard and Winery. Chardonnay and pinot noir grapes hand harvested from the vineyard enables winemaker Bradley Cooper to produce a bubbly of both elegance and quality the world of wine has embraced.
Seven Stars boasts citrus and floral aromas alongside a palate friendly burst of crisp apple and stonefruit, leaving way for just a hint of fig. Bubbles always make a cloudy day sunny and gives us just one more excuse to sip and savour.
My all-time favourite wine from this winery is the 7 Blanc. A blend of Gewurztraminer, pinot gris and a splash of Muscat, it is perfect for the picnic style tapas selection available on-site.
It has been said that this wine is the “Best in B.C.” by one of several premier wine critics, awarding our local winery with 90-plus points for numerous varietals available for tasting and purchasing.
Cooper, the medal-winning winemaker who joined Township 7 in 2005 alongside current owner Mike Raffan, is committed to “minimally intrusive winemaking techniques” by hand harvesting, accompanied by a gentle pressing of the fruit.
Old World-inspired winemaking philosophies have helped maintain the charm and integrity of the winery and its wine.
My afternoon visit would not be complete without a glass of my favourite white and a picnic of local cheese, spreads, spicy dips, crackers and bread.
Off I went equipped with a basket of delectable goods and another full of everything needed to complete the experience, including a blanket, cutting board, table cloth, and cutlery.
The staff and owners of Township 7 are working hard to provide you with the best wine tasting experience possible. Picnics are available to anyone stopping by for lunch and a glass at a reasonable price and a whole lot of fun.
I am looking forward to the Arts in the Vines event on Aug. 28. This is open to the public and features over 60 local artists and artisans.
A vision of me wandering through a vineyard, glass in hand surrounded by art, is something I would have never imagined possible, this close to home.
If grape stomping is more your style, then don’t miss the purple-footed event in October, where you are welcome “to get your Lucy on.”
Next stop in our tour will be Langley’s signature winery — Domaine de Chaberton.
Third in a series
