Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards
Formerly LaCompte Estate Winery, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards sit atop Hawthorne Mountain, and from a distance it almost looks as though the rows of plants could slide right off of it. This is one of the highest altitude wineries in Canada and is more of a destination winery as it requires a bit of a deviation from the beaten path.
Do not be deceived by the quaint exterior of the Hawthorne Mountain wine shop- it looks much smaller than it actually is, and the tasting room within is open, spacious and has plenty of windows- allowing tasters to enjoy the spectacular view of Skaha Lake and beyond while they try some wines. In the summer season, Hawthorne Mountain offers lunch service on its outdoor patio- also with a view. Tours of the winery facility are not available, however vineyard tours are.
Hawthorne Mountain makes a point of being especially welcoming to dogs, with a ?Barking Lot? out front where patrons can park their pooches while they taste. The dogs are supplied with water dishes. There is a dog theme to the winery?s See Ya Later wines, as the former owner of the See Ya Later Ranch was a canine enthusiast. Hawthorne Mountain has continued this enthusiasm for ?man?s best friend?.
Wines:
Hawthorne Mountain sources its grapes from its 170 acre vineyard on the mountain, as well as from vineyards in the South. It produces two series of wines: Hawthorne Mountain and See Ya Later Reserve. The whites grown on the mountain are quite nice.
Hawthorne Mountain:
Riesling
Gew?rztraminer
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Gold Label Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Ehrenfelser Icewine
See Ya Later Ranch Reserve:
SYL Brut- (one of our favourites)
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
PING- (Red Blend)
Ehrenfelser Icewine
Notes on Tastings:
The tasting room at Hawthorne Mountain is very simple and bright with a fantastic view. The staff are knowledgeable of the wines and history of the winery, as well as of the Okanagan.
Last Word:
Though a little out of the way, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards was one of our favourite experiences.
Published by Carolyn Coles and Tim Martiniuk, founders of the Okanagan Wine Guide. http://www.okanaganwineguide.com