Wines on Point at Culmina

After more than 35 years in the wine industry, Don and Elaine Triggs embarked on a new phase of their lives in the wine industry. Joined by their youngest daughter Sara and opening in 2013, the Triggs sought to reach a new level of quality in their family venture: Culmina Family Estate Winery.

Don, Elaine and Sara’s extensive search for Canadian soil capable of producing icon-quality wines brought them to Oliver in the Okanagan, specifically the Golden Mile Bench. According to Elaine, “Because we wanted to get things right, we did years of research on the property before a single vine went into the ground.”

The research has apparently paid off, with all of Culmina’s wines receiving critical acclaim, and judging scores of 90 points or higher, including their flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, Hypothesis. The current release from the 2012 vintage scored 93 points from wine writer Rick Van Sickle and was named one of the Top 10 B.C. Red Wines of 2015.

At the winery, Culmina’s intimate experiences are another reason to stop at the picturesque estate. Guests can drop in for a seated Reserve Tasting to sniff, swirl and sip in the stunning Tasting Room, or they can reserve in advance a Vineyard & Winery Tour for a more in-depth look at the science behind Culmina’s approach. 

Those who’d prefer to pair their wines with a seasonal feast may reserve a seat at one of the limited number of winery dinners. On July 31, Culmina will be joined by local chefs Cameron Smith and Dana Ewart from Joy Road Catering, whose focus on fresh, seasonal cuisine beautifully showcases Culmina’s wines.

Truly a taste of the Okanagan. —Vitamin Daily

★ To become a member of Culmina Family Estate Winery click here or visit the online store to stock up on wine [use promo code VITAMINDAILY to receive complimentary shipping on full case orders]

Culmina Family Estate Winery, 4790 Wild Rose St., Oliver. 250-498-0789.
www.culmina.ca

Grape Minds is a multi-part summer travel series exploring British Columbia’s incredible array of wineries. Tune in next week when we get half-corked at the Half Corked Marathon in Osoyoos.