If ever you find yourself in the Okanagan Valley, consider your experience incomplete without a visit to Mission Hill. Architecturally magnificent, it overlooks Lake Okanagan’s majestic landscape. Their terrace restaurant offers panoramic views, while an oculus peers 20 meters below to a wine cellar, blasted out of volcanic rock, that also contains vaults of anitiquities like wine vessels from 350 BC to 2500 BC. "We measure time in vintages", asserts Ingo Grady, Director of Sales for Mission Hill Family Estate.

Recently Mission Hill has released a new tier of wine that blends 2007 vintage reserve grapes of 100% winery owned estate vineyards from across the five distinct growing regions of the Okanagan Valley. The results are an encapsulation of the bursting fruit-forwardness of the Okanagan region.

Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot (ON Price: $16.45)
Harvested from vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos, and Naramata, and aged in American and French oak for 14 months, this full bodied blend of 45% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, and 25% cabernet franc received the Judges Award at the International Value Wine Awards 2009. Notes of dark cocoa, spice, rich plum and ripe cherries provide complex layers for a long finish. It pairs well with a range of meats such as lamb stew, roast duck, and grilled beef, as well as a variety of aged cheeses.

Five Vineyards Pinot Noir (ON Price: $16.45)
Harvested from vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos, and Kelowna, this berry red coloured, dry, medium bodied wine emits a bouquet of sweet summer fruit. Soft tannins with subtle cherry and strawberry flavours are followed by a hint of cinnamon spice on the finish. It pairs well with cheese, chicken, salmon, and Asian dishes.

Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc (ON Price: $14.95)
Harvested from vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos, Kelowna, and Naramata ranch, this is an excellent aperitif that won silver at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival of 2008. Fresh citrus and tropical pineapple notes combine for a bright finish. It pairs well with fresh oysters, salmon, halibut, and steamed mussels.

Five Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (ON Price: $14.95)
Harvested in Oliver and Osoyoos, this wine is clean, crisp, and refreshing. Tangy citrus characters mingle with grassy herbaceous notes. It pairs very nicely with cold poached shellfish, such as shrimp and smoked salmon, or with veal in a cream sauce or feta cheese.

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (ON Price: $22.95)
Harvested in Oliver and Osoyoos, and aged in American and French oak for 17 months, it is well balanced, and mouth-filling with rich tannins, while notes of black current and dark chocolate follow dark plum and blackberry jam.

Ontario Availability: LCBO General list (Five Vineyards), Vintages (Reserve) and www.missionhillontario.com

Mission Hill also offers a culinary program with a variety of cooking and sommelier classes throughout the year in their state-of-the-art Culinary Theatre. To reserve a space, or for more information, check www.missionhillwinery.com or call 250-768-6483.