We arrived at Spirit Ridge in Nk’mip and as soon as the kids were happily ensconced at the pool, I pretty much ran to the winery.

There was a $7 fee per participant for the (enjoyable) winery tour. I hadn’t fully understood how the Nk’Mip Cellars brand is owned by Constellation. That did take a little bloom off my naivety and puts a somewhat different (and less positive) spin on the First-Nations-owned-and-controlled- tale pervasive at Nk’Mip.

At the tasting I bought a bottle of the 2010 Riesling. What they are doing though growing Riesling on the southwest facing hillsides on Lake Osoyoos is beyond me. I don’t know how they manage to do it – it is extremely hot – diurnal temperature swings or not.  

That said, apparently the vines were still recovering from a cold snap that happened in October 2009 and they also had problems in May and June, 2010 with excessive rain and cool temperatures.  Closer to harvest, things warmed up again just in time to save the vintage.

The wine is pale gold and has a hint of petrol which is lovely and will only develop with time. Granny Smith apple, pears and white peaches abound with a crisp acidity and freshness.

A summery wine, perfect for balcony enjoyment – which is exactly what I’m doing with it right now at Spirit Ridge patio, room 148.