It’s easy to miss vinAmité Cellars. The family-run winery is on the east side of Highway 97, almost still ‘in town’, on Oliver’s southern limits. Unseen from the road is the vineyard and a delightful terrace overlooking the vines. The view—best enjoyed with a glass or two on a comfortable settee—looks east and south down the valley.
Former advertising executive Ray Coulombe purchased the property in 2009 and immediately went to work restoring the abandoned 5-acre vineyard. The winery released its first wines six years later. The name ‘vinAmité’ means ‘friendship and wine’. And that’s precisely what you’ll find here. The winemaking style is more nuanced than often found elsewhere in the south valley. But the diligent taster will be well rewarded.
Everyone in the family is involved in some way. Moreover, it seems all are blessed with an artistic streak that permeates every aspect of the operation, from the very pretty tasting room to what’s in the bottle. Not to mention the genuinely warm and enthusiastic welcome you’ll receive.
These wines also lend themselves particularly well to food. Whenever things eventually do get back to ‘normal’ you’ll find tasty bites to pair. Ingredients nearly all come from local artisans. They include unpasteurized cheeses, chicken terrine, rillettes and red wine dry saucisson. Like the winery, the food is a labour of love. For the moment, though, whenever vinAmité does reopen, those tasty bites will be on hold. Says winemaker Catherine Marguerite Coulombe “It’s hard to tell. But we’re looking at weekends right now …and no food service.” (As of May 16: “Open Saturday and Sunday from 11-4 for wine sales and purchases. With many protocols. Looking forward to some socializing distantly.”)
However, you may still order wine. VinAmité offers a Hibernation 101 Six Pack. 6 bottles (Chanson d’Amour, Viognier, Rosé, Gamay, Merlot and Compass) for $165. All taxes and ATS shipping included. Also, complimentary wine jelly and truffle salt with orders of 6 bottles or more. Better still, join their wine club and enjoy considerable perks!
vinAmité Cellars Chanson d’Amour 2019 (Okanagan Valley). This blend of Chardonnay (35%), Pinot Gris (33%) and Orange Muscat (32%) adds up to the perfect sipper, although I’d also be inclined to to try it with lightly spiced dishes. Floral and orange blossom on top with a palate balanced by vibrant fruit and good acidity, with stone fruit, peach and citrus notes—plus a touch of orange and honey through the finish. 90 pts. $22.90
vinAmité Cellars Viognier 2019 (Okanagan Valley). Floral and stone-fruit aromas precede a luscious and juicy palate with tropical fruits, white peach, orange blossom and nectarine notes through the plush and rounded finish. 91 pts. $22.90
vinAmité Cellars Rosé 2019. (Okanagan Valley).Estate-grown blend of mainly Merlot (68%) with Syrah (17%) plus small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Pinot Gris and Viognier. Sounds like a bit of a ‘cocktail’ but the result is a pretty vermillion hue with aromas of red berries; a luscious entry to a cranberry, cherry and raspberry toned palate, quiet acidity and a touch of spice to close. 90 pts. $23.90
vinAmité Cellars Gamay Noir 2018 (Okanagan Valley). Here’s another great example of why Gamay is on such a roll right now. Bright red berry aromas lead to a juicy, mouth-filling palate of cranberry, cherry and mulberry, amplified by juicy acidity. Think Pinot but edgier. A delicious drop. 92 pts. $31.90
vinAmité Cellars Merlot 2017 (Okanagan Valley). Excellent varietal expression, loads of up-front red berries and spice notes, followed by a fresh, fruit-driven, medium-bodied palate of Bing cherry, strawberry and mulberry. Wrapped in approachable tannins with spicy notes lingering through the lengthy end. Elegant and nicely balanced. 91 pts. $31.90
vinAmité Cellars Compass 2017 (Okanagan Valley). This medium bodied Bordeaux style blend (Merlot 48%, Cab. Sauv. 27%, Malbec 16%, Cab. Franc 9%) invites with forward black berry and mocha notes, followed by a medium to full, bodied palate of cassis, leather and spice, supported by firm tannins for good structure and elegance. Could easily wait a few more years. 91 pts. $35.90
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