On June 17th I had the pleasure to learn all about the Similkameen wine producing region at a delightful dinner featuring several winery principles who’s wines were paired with the various dishes during this stellar dinner.
The Similkameen Valley is situated in the far south of British Columbia and away from any moderating effects of oceans or lakes, the climate can be both ruthless and extreme. The Similkameen is rustic, rural and pristine. This region is quickly becoming recognized as one of BC’s best grape and fruit wine regions.
Dinner was served family style, each of Chef Chris Whittaker’s dishes were paired with one or two of the regions wines.
1st course:
House-cured Lonza,
House-cured Lonza, potato and roast garlic puree, spring pea paired with the Tangled Rose from Twisted Hills Craft Cider.
2nd course:
Curry oil-spiced tuna crudo
Curry oil-spiced tuna crudo, shiso, wild greens, mulberry paired with the 2013 Orofino Hendsbee Riesling and the 2014 Robin Ridge Gewurztraminer.
3rd course:
Lightly smoked Pacific Provider spring salmon
Lightly smoked Pacific Provider spring salmon, stinging nettle cavatelli, spring onion velouté paired with 2012 Robin Ridge Chardonnay and the 2010 Cerelia Pinot Gris Pinot. This was my favourite pairing of the dinner, the wine of choice for me was the delicious 2012 Robin Ridge Chardonnay that had a beautiful aroma and was light and refreshing as it was paired with the salmon and the pasta.
4th course:
Grilled Yarrow Meadows duck breast
Grilled Yarrow Meadows duck breast, confit arancini, grilled garlic scapes, parfait, elderberry and cherry preserve paired with the 2010 Cerelia Cabernet Franc and the 2012 Orofino Pinot Noir
5th course:
Apple Galette
Apple galette, black pepper short crust, aged cheddar paired Colville’s Winter Cider from Twisted Hills Craft Cider. This pairing of the outstanding dessert with the cider was also a favourite pairing and a great finish to the dinner.
The wineries featured at this dinner were from Orofino, Robin Ridge, Cerelia, as well as Twisted Hills Craft Cider.
Proprietor’s of Robin Ridge Winery
Learn more about the wineries in this region by following them on twitter @SimilkameenWine and if you are travelling to this region soon, make sure to visit some of these fine wineries.
By: Richard Wolak