Raise Your Glass To National Wine Day
Every day is wine day, right? Well maybe not, but May 25th is. It’s National Wine Day! Take this opportunity to learn about all things wine, and grab an idea or two on how to responsibly commemorate this special day.
Just how was wine invented?
Statista defines wine as, “an alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting grapes and sometimes other fruits or plants”. It is really hard to pin down exactly how and when wine came to be, but it is believed by some that wine may have been invented by accident between 6000 and 3000 B.C. or earlier, in the area that is now modern day Iran and Georgia, when stored grapes were fermented by wild yeast.
Christian monks had a role in making France one of the best wine making countries in the world. They took detailed notes on different varieties of grapes, growing methods & practices. In the new world region, i.e the Americas, it is believed that the Indigenous people may have played a part in wine’s emergence. However it came to be, it appears to have been a bit of a group effort and a happy invention, as people all over the world continue to enjoy this staple beverage.
History of the Okanagan Valley Wine Region
Ex Nihilo is located in the Okanagan Valley wine region of B.C., which has an interesting history, starting with Father Pandosy, a Frenchman who recognised the fertility of the land. He grew and produced wine for sacramental uses at the Oblate Mission in Kelowna in 1859. Following this, more wineries emerged until prohibition slowed down the growth somewhat. As time went on however, wine makers in the valley began experimenting with hybrid grape varieties. This resulted in a marked increase in the quality of wine in the area and a vibrant industry and scene began to take hold.
The rest is history as, according to Forbes, 85% of B.C.’s wine is produced in this magical area, which resides between the 49th and 50th parallel, the same latitude as Champagne, France and Rheingau, Germany. Consisting of about 9,000 acres of vineyards, it is Canada’s second largest wine region with over 185 wineries.
The Wine Industry in Canada and British Columbia
The wine industry is certainly substantial in Canada. According to Statista, red varieties are most consumed, but of course Canadians’ enjoyment of this diverse drink does not stop there. Retail sales of wine in Canada are forecast to exceed 13.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, showing that Canadians like their wine. According to per capita sales, consumers in Quebec purchase the most wine and those in Saskatchewan purchase the least. What's more, due to its colder climate, Canada is the top producer of Ice Wine in the world.
Below are the Top 10 white and red wines produced in B.C. according to the Wine Growers of BC:
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How to Commemorate National Wine Day
It may seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but here are some creative ideas to capitalise on the day!:
- First and foremost, come enjoy Happy Hour with us at Ex Nihilo if you are in the area.
- Do a wine tasting or two and discover something new. Use this occasion to try a new wine that you may not normally have considered.
- Visit a winery restaurant and pair tasty culinary bites with premium wine choices.
- Pick up your favourite wine to enjoy it with a friend.
- Plan to host your own wine tasting party.
- Learn more about wine making processes, tasting, pairing, and more. You can start by reading through previous articles in this blog.
- Book yourself a future tour or wine tasting to look forward to.
- Sign up to be part of a wine club, like ours at Ex Nihilo. And while you are at it, sign up for our newsletter below!
- Try a wine and yoga class in your area.
Additional Wine Days
Believe it or not, there are quite a few days throughout the year to celebrate wine, included on the National Day Calendar:
1. National Drink Wine Day – Feb. 18
2. National Mulled Wine Day – March 3
3. National Bubbly Day – First Saturday in June
4. National Moscato Day – May 9
5. National Rosé Day – Second Saturday in June
6. National Strawberry Rhubarb Day – Third Saturday in July
7. National Wine and Cheese Day – July 25
8. National Prosecco Day – August 13
9. National Orange Wine Day – October 6
The Legacy of Wine
Wine is considered by some to be a symbol of transformation, a concept which we can observe throughout all stages of the growing and winemaking process. What’s more, it has influenced cultures throughout time, and connected people from all different walks of life. A much beloved and diverse beverage of choice, the world of wine is one that could take a lifetime to fully explore as there is always something new to learn. So take a moment today to join those around the world and raise your glass!
May 25, 2022 at 12:15 PM
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Ex Nihilo Releases Its First Ever Gewürztraminer!
A wine that is hard to pronounce (ga-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner), with an intense taste, Gewürztraminer is a bit of a curious enigma. Yet those who enjoy a good Gewürz stand by this wine! Popular for centuries around Germany, Gewürztraminer has grown in popularity around the world. It hails originally from Alsace, located on the border between France and Germany, from the Gewürztraminer grape.
Introducing the 2021 XXX Gewürztraminer
Considered one of the 18 Classic Noble Grapes, this deep pink coloured grape requires just the right combination of factors to thrive, from temperature, optimum soil, and protection from pests. The cultivation process is all worth it however, as once the grapes are harvested, the pink skins are removed, and the juice fermented into an exciting wine that is white in colour and an adventure for the taste buds.
Okanaganers agree, as Gewürztraminer is much enjoyed in the Okanagan valley. According to BC Wine Trends, the Gewürztraminer grape is the third most-produced white grape in British Columbia. Pinot Gris and Chardonnay take first and second place in that tally.
Properties of Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is not to everyone’s taste but it certainly has a lot to offer. Those who like Moscato, dessert wines, or tropical fruits will be into what this wine brings. The wine can have a distinct spiciness, ("Gewürz" translates to herb, or spice), and is a little on the sweeter side. Side note- the wine often tastes sweeter than it actually is due to aromas, higher alcohol, and lower acidity.
Gewürz often is said to have a Lychee flavour. It is higher in alcohol, full-bodied, and aromatic, offering possible notes of pineapple, ginger, apricot, citrus, rose and more!
Food Pairing & How to Enjoy Gewürztraminer?
True to its eccentric nature, Gewürztraminer can be a challenge to pair with. It generally balances spice and is paired with exotic flavours such as Indian or Thai cuisine. Meats that are often enjoyed alongside a glass of this wine are duck, shrimp, crab, chicken, bacon, and pork.
Serve it chilled, but not overchilled, to keep the wine’s subtle properties. Gewurztraminer is best enjoyed young with preserved acidity.
Grilled Chicken Gewürztraminer Sausage
Be a part of history as we unveil our first-ever Gewürztraminer! Vibrant and juicy with a nice sweetness and spice. Enjoy the bursting summer flavours of lychee, passion fruit, with a hint of rose, pineapple, & guava with this white wine, available for purchase at the winery and in our online store. And if all that was not enough, you can also take advantage of a complimentary recipe for Grilled Chicken Gewürztraminer Sausage, provided by our Executive Chef, Danny Tipper. So go ahead and get your Gewürz on with Ex Nihilo!
Apr 13, 2022 at 12:20 PM
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The Versatile Charm of Rosé: The Saignée Process, & the Release of the Fabulous Vampata Rosé at Ex Nihilo!
There is no wine more charming than a crisp rosé. Not only striking and intriguing in colour, the flavours and aromas offered by a lovely rosé are something to behold. One of the oldest wines, rosé’s popularity has experienced a resurgence. There are entire festivals dedicated to this wine classification, and with such versatility, we can understand why!
Rosé is probably best known for its’ fresh, fruity quality. Best served chilled, it is most popular in the spring to early fall, due to its refreshing essence. The area of the world most known for this wine is the Provence region of France, but there are plenty of great rosé wines throughout the world, especially right here in the Okanagan.
What are the Distinguishing Characteristics of a Rosé?
Rosé wines have a low to medium alcohol level with bright acidity. Various varieties of red wine grapes are used, sometimes in a blend. Some grape varieties used include Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah and more! Rosé can be sparkling, sweet, or dry, and is broken down into many different types such as:
- Provence Rosé
- Pinot Noir Rosé
- Zinfandel Rosé
- Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
- Syrah Rosé
- Grenache Rosé
- Tavel Rosé
Common Methods of Making Rosé
Some people think that rosé is just a mixture of red and white wine, and sometimes it is, (this is called the blending method). This is most often not the case, however, and except for Rosé Champagne, actually, a practice sometimes frowned upon in the industry.
In the maceration method the grapes are destemmed, sorted, and left to rest/macerate with the juices for up to a few days until the optimum level of pink colour is achieved. The skins are then removed and the wine is made from the remaining juices. Maceration is the most popular method used to produce rosé, but a newer method, the Saignée process has gained popularity and it brings rosé to a different level.
What is the Saignée process?
The saignée (“sohn-yay”) process produces a slightly richer rosé, and involves the removal of a portion of the juice, increasing the proportion of skins in contact. The resulting concentration results in a more vibrant colour and a bit more tannin.
A Rosé Inspired Picnic With Ex Nihilo's Furry Pal Pyper
Rosé Food Pairings
While sipping this versatile wine, there are many great pairings. Look to dishes such as duck, salmon, and lamb. Soft cheeses, such as goat, incorporated into a charcuterie board are also a great option.
Release of the 2021 Vampata Rosé at Ex Nihilo
Ex Nihilo is excited to release its 2021 Vampata Rosé, a crisp pink delight, produced with the saignée process from pinot noir grapes. Enjoy summer in a glass, with aromas and flavours of strawberry, cranberry, grapefruit, rose hips and gooseberry. Order it from our online store, or venture down to the winery to grab a bottle, or two?
Mar 30, 2022 at 10:30 AM
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Art and Wine in the Okanagan - A Great Pairing: And just what does Ex Nihilo mean?
Celebrating Stars and Stripes | Artist - Debra Martin
What goes together as well as wine and an inspired charcuterie board? Why that would be wine and art actually, and you can find both at one of the Okanagan’s most charming vineyards, Ex Nihilo. Savour a glass of your favourite Okanagan wine while pondering an inspiring painting or sculpture at this unique destination overlooking Okanagan Lake in Lake Country, B.C.
Unwind II | Artist - Shannon Cross
The winery’s name was inspired by the Ex Nihilo, an original sculpture by Frederick Hart that adorns the west façade entrance of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. On a trip to Napa Valley, founders Decoa and Jeff Harder came across a working model replica of the sculpture and were very taken with it. Ex Nihilo, Latin for ‘Out of Nothing’, is a message that very much embodies how the winery came to be, as it took some time for the dream to come to fruition.
Ex Nihilo | Artist - Frederick Hart
This foundation has grown into an ongoing dedication to supporting the local arts, and creativity permeates Ex Nihilo’s ambiance via an ongoing exhibit, CREATIO Ex Nihilo (“Created out of Nothing”). The gallery features works from across Canada, always including local artists. These artists, themselves, face the task every day of creating works that start “Out of Nothing”; from a thought, or inspiration, to an imagined piece on the canvas or other medium, as this is a fundamental element of creation.
CHAOS Bistro
Complimenting Ex Nihilo’s creative feast for the eyes, and tantalising wine profiles are the delightful culinary offerings of CHAOS Bistro, where visitors enjoy fresh and local ingredients with a farm-to-table concept. Here you can inspire your taste buds while surrounded by the exhibit that extends all the way from the tasting room and throughout the dining area.
Lady of the Lake | Artist - Reg Parsons
The exhibit operates in partnership with Gallery 421, and fresh content is added throughout the year. The focus is on professional and creative contemporary figurative and conceptual abstract art. Artists who would like to take part in the exhibit can check the website for submission guidelines, and a list of requirements.
Mar 9, 2022 at 12:30 PM
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