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:

White:	Red:
Pinot Gris Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Pinot Blanc Ortega Ehrenfelser Blattner Whites	Merlot Pinot Noir Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Syrah (Shiraz) Gamay Noir Maréchal Foch Malbec Petit Verdot Zweigelt

 

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!

Supporting Local With Ex Nihilo

Not only is British Columbia undeniably beautiful, it is a bountiful region teeming with abundance. A lush paradise with almost everything you could desire, it boasts friendly family farms, fruitful orchards, vineyards, & more. Coupling all this with passionate artisans who take great pride in their one of a kind treasures, supporting local is not hard to do in the Okanagan.

Why Support Local?: Creating Vibrant Communities

Supporting local establishments helps to build communities and the local environment. Not only does it stimulate the local economy, keeping money in the community, it employs locals. What's more, local businesses have a vested interest in the communities that they are a part of, and when we support local, we tend to enjoy more variety and diversity. What is not to like about that?

The environment fares better too when we support businesses in and around our neighbourhoods, as products do not need to be transported as far, reducing fossil fuel usage significantly. Plus smaller businesses tend to have a reduced carbon footprint compared to big corporations. Supporting small local businesses not only gives them the boost they need, it benefits Mother Earth as well. 

As a small local vineyard, the owners of Ex Nihilo know firsthand the importance of giving back to local businesses. When you visit the restaurant, tasting room, and online store, you will be supporting many individuals within the community.

Local at CHAOS

Taste the region within a farm to table framework at CHAOS Bistro with these local suppliers:

Tanto Latte Cheese - Salmon Arm

This family-owned business produces artisanal Italian cheese using Okanagan sourced whole milk. Their most popular product is their fresh bocconcini mozzarella, commonly enjoyed as a topping for pizza or on a gourmet sandwich!

Image Credit | Tanto Latte Cheese

Dueck Falkland Farms - Falkland

Started in 2011, Dueck Falkland Farms strives to ethically raise happy chickens, and they only partner with local family farmers (within 90 mins) when stocking their store. Their high standards are reflected in the meat they sell, from free-run chickens, to award winning sausage, and grass-fed beef.

Image Credit | Dueck Falkland Farms

Mycro Greens - Kelowna

Offering organic and non-gmo microgreens, this small business was founded by a group of friends. Coming to the business from a sustainable and environmentally conscious standpoint, they wanted to explore a way of offering a nutritionally dense superfood, as not only do microgreens look great on the plate, they pack a nutritional punch as well.

Image Credit | Mycro Greens

Lake Country Gourmet Mushroom Farm

Offering fresh and dried mushrooms, as well as tinctures and mushroom grow kits, this unique Lake Country mushroom grower also advertises a weekly chef mix. Their Facebook page is picturesque with oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms galore!

Two Rivers Specialty Meats - Vancouver/Abbotsford

Couple Margot and Jason Pleym proceeded to dream up Two Rivers while living in a yellow school bus in Golden, BC. They meticulously choose small farmers, mostly in BC to collaborate with to ensure the quality of their meat.

Image Credit | Two Rivers Specialty Meats

Local in the Tasting Room

Encounter unique items from these local gems while visiting the Tasting Room:

KARAT Chocolate Boutique & Cafe - Kelowna

KARAT found its start in the basement kitchen of West Kelowna’s Mission Hill Winery. Founder Julian has since grown the company with the help of her team and much support. Using local high quality and ethically sourced ingredients, & the best single origin and beans and couverture chocolate possible, it is no surprise that KARAT has won various prestigious awards and is often featured in notable publications, such as Chatelaine & WestJet Magazine.

Image Credit | KARAT Chocolate

Hairbrained Schemes Greeting Cards - Kelowna

Hairbrained Schemes Greeting Cards came to fruition when a stay at home mom combined her passion for design and her desire to work from home. Her clever cards are blank inside so you can add your own special message. Some of the cards are available as prints as well!

Image Credit | Hairbrained Schemes Greeting Cards

Vancouver Candle Company - Vancouver

A Vancouver-based “corporate couple” took their fascination with the power of scent and started Vancouver Candle Company after experimenting with premium natural waxes. Their goal was to create a quality luxury candle with truly unique fragrance blends. The business has since grown and they enjoy a cult-like following.

Image Credit | Vancouver Candle Company

Okanagan Candle Company

Okanagan Candle Company creates custom clean burning candles. They utilise beautiful essential oils for fragrance, and 100% soy wax. Not to mention they are hand poured and packaged with love in the Okanagan.

Image Credit | Okanagan Candle Company

Só Luxury Bath & Body

Close friends Amanda & Shylah run Só Luxury Bath & Body together, providing you with what you need to pamper yourself and your loved ones.  Só actually means luxury in irish.  They are not only dedicated to providing gentle and effective products but to giving back to the community as well.

Image Credit | Só Luxury Bath & Body

Karen Wentzel Jewellery - Kelowna

Hailing from Westside Road in Kelowna, Karen’s handcrafted stunning one of a kind jewellery features such premium materials as sterling silver, 14K gold fill, semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls. Her pieces are often inspired by the changing seasons.

Image Credit | Karen Wentzel Jewellery

Everybody wins when we give back to the community!

So be sure to take it all in while visiting Ex Nihilo. Simultaneously sip, shop, & explore what the region has to offer; and leave knowing that not only have you delighted your senses with a plethora of unique one of a kind offerings, you have done your part to support the local hard working small businesses that help make the community just a bit more vibrant!

Wine Tasting and Touring Etiquette: And Exploring Lake Country’s Beautiful Scenic Sip Trail

With the wine touring season beginning to ramp up in the Okanagan (April is BC Wine Month), it is important to understand the ins and outs of tasting and touring. Wine touring and tastings can be a joyous way to connect with others, explore the region, and learn about the wines in the area. There are not a ton of hard rules to enjoying a tour or tasting, but here we offer some etiquette, along with general tips that will help you get the most out of the experience.  

When and how many wineries to visit?

When planning out your day, this can vary by region and how close the wineries are together, as well as how intimately you want to explore each winery. In the Okanagan, most full day packages offered by tour companies include 4-6 wineries. If you can, you may want to start with the furthest winery from where you are staying and work your way back, so you are closer to home at the end of the day. 

In terms of the seasons of the year, this can depend on the region you are in. In the Okanagan, many wineries are open year-round, and each season has something unique to offer the wine tasting experience, such as hot weather and picturesque views in the summer & milder temperatures, coupled with the beauty of budding vines in the spring.

The Tasting Experience - Sight, Smell, Taste: Savour, Don't Rush

Whenever you decide to go, try to give yourself time to enjoy what each winery has to offer. If you can, dine at the restaurant; explore the vineyard; and discover the special offerings unique to each winery, (such as Ex Nihilo’s Creatio art exhibit!).  

Be ready to ask questions at each winery, and go with an open mind. In terms of consumption, don't overdo it, and make a bit of a plan of what wines you want to explore. You can also use the practice of spitting.

Some General Tasting Tips

It is recommended to work from light to heavy wines and to cleanse your palate in between. Make sure to sample wines that you may not usually try to open your mind, not just your trusted favourites, and be sure to enjoy some food throughout the day with your wine as well.

When tasting, ask yourself a series of questions. For example, is this wine sweet?  Is it heavy? Are the flavours somewhat balanced? Reference the tasting tips below for further questions to explore.

The Tasting Process

There is a myriad of advice out there on the tasting process, but here is a good starting point from Tour DeVine and the Wine Atlas of Canada:

• Look: Tilt your glass ever so slightly to observe the colour, clarity, and appearance. Young wines hold their colour to the rim and older wines begin to fade at the edge. White wines also gain a bit of a more golden colour with age. Red wines lose some of their deep colour over time.
• Swirl: Swirling helps the esters in the wine to rise to deliver the wine's aromatics. Swirling also helps you observe the wine’s viscosity. More droplets sticking to the side indicates higher alcohol content.
• Smell: Focus on the aromas as you bring the glass to your nose. Ask yourself what you pick up on & do not pick up in terms of smell. Imagine what the wine might taste like before-hand just based on the smell. 
• Sip: As you sip, roll the wine around slightly in your mouth for a short amount of time, savouring it. First, you will notice the sweetness as it washes over your palette and the tip of your tongue -where sweetness is registered. The back of the tong picks up the acidity or the bitter aspects of the wine (tannins). Tannins soften with age. The weight of the wine in your mouth also tells us something. Heavier wines contain more alcohol than a lighter wine.

Random Tips & Winery Etiquette 

• Hold your glass by the stem to avoid affecting the temperature of the wine and smudging the glass, which will affect your ability to judge the wine’s appearance.
• Bring a small notebook to take notes.
• Check the weather ahead of time and dress appropriately. Wear dark clothing to avoid stains and check the dress code at the wineries you plan on visiting before leaving. Avoid wearing dangly sleeves that may knock over a wine glass, and wear comfortable shoes for getting around.  Also consider bringing a small purse or bag to stash your guide, notebook, water bottle, sunglasses, and other essentials.
• Avoid wearing fragrance as it competes with the aroma of the wine.
• Feel free to tip the pourer.
• Call ahead if you are with a big group.
• Come to sample, not just to party.
• Don’t talk over the guide, and take turns with others on the tour for questions.
• Pick out a bottle or two on your way out to help support the winery and enjoy your favourites at home, but consider bringing a cooler and don't leave it in a hot car.
• Call to check ahead if planning on bringing a pet.
• Do not drink and drive!  Invest in a tour experience or have a designated driver.
• Take a few pictures to remember your experience.

Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Trail

The Lake Country region has much to offer those interested in wine touring and the Scenic Sip Trail is one such gem in the area. Experience it by hiring a Okanagan wine tour company, or on your own, responsibly.  Enjoy world class award-winning wines and views along stunning Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka Lakes.  This charming trail consists of 8 wineries:

50th Parallel, Ex Nihilo, Gray Monk, Peak Cellars, Ancient Hill, Intrigue Wines, Arrowleaf Cellars, Blind Tiger, O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars

With vineyards, orchards, rolling countryside, and remarkable wines, this is a great way to spend a day. Check the website for activities and events on the trail. 

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!

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?

Simple Tips For Pairing Your Favourite Okanagan Valley Wine & Food

When it comes to wine pairing, the average person may feel a little bit lost and intimidated, deferring to the sophisticated wine connoisseur or sommelier.  But that does not have to be the case as wine pairing really boils down to simple chemistry and the manipulation of flavours. There are a few basic rules that can help you get started within the fascinating and fun art of understanding how wine and food flavours interact on your palette.  

Of primary consideration are the taste components or profiles in the food.  Many guides narrow them down to 6-7 and these profiles influence what type of wine you might choose to accompany your meal.

Everything Wine lists 7 Taste Components in food that can be used to determine what type of wine to choose:

Sweet 
A general rule is that you do not want to pair a less sweet wine with a sweet food item.  You may also want to avoid wines that have a high tannin content with sweet foods. 

Savoury 
Exercise caution with wines that are high in tannins or contain oak with more savoury food.  

Salty 
Tannins become more enjoyable with salty cuisine.

Acidic
Avoid pairing a wine with less acidity than the food. 

Highly Flavoured 
Choose a wine that has a similar intensity of flavours to the meal.

Fatty/Oily 
A higher acid content wine is actually good in this case.

Hot, Spicy 
Hot and spicy foods do well with light, fruity wines with some sweetness.  

Wine Folly’s Food Pairing Basics lists 9 Additional Tips to Reference when pairing.  Some of these tips reinforce and expand somewhat on what we have learned above:

• Choose a wine that is more acidic than the food.
• Pairing wines sweeter than the food is ideal
• The wine and food should have the same or similar flavour intensity.
• Bold flavoured meals and red wines pair best.
• Light intensity meats (fish and chicken) and white wines pair well.
• Bitter wines (red) balance with fat.
• Match your wine with the sauce over the meat.
• Often white, sparkling & rose create contrasting pairings.
• Often red wines create congruent pairings.

Congruent & Contrasting (Complimentary) Pairings & Common Combinations:

Just like relationships, there are different types of pairings that are worthwhile. A congruent pairing amplifies shared compounds or similar flavours, while a complementary pairing deals with contrasting flavours and creating balance between them.

Tips for Wine Pairing with Vegetarian Meals:

When pairing a wine with a vegetarian meal, it is important to look at a few factors. If vegetables are a main focus, whites or lighter reds are the best.  If the dish is particularly dairy centred, a richer wine may be in order.

In addition, are the vegetables involved root vegetables or mushrooms, or of the fresh or light variety?  In the case of the former, a wine that pairs well with earthy flavours as in a Pinot Noir might be just right.

Learn More With a Culinary Experience at Ex Nihilo:

Want to delve further? Indulge and learn at the same time with a Culinary Dinner Series at Ex Nihilo’s CHAOS Bistro. Executive Chef, Danny Tipper will talk about the origin of the dishes and perfect wine pairings for each course.  Visit our website for information on future dates and to book.

We would also like to share a great recipe to go with our newly released 2020 Privata Chardonnay, Garlic Prawns & Lemon Gremolata scrumptiously pictured below.  Bon appétit! 

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.