Welcome to the Canadian wine country, where amidst the lush vineyards and serene vistas of the Okanagan, you'll discover an emblem of oenological mastery - Arrowleaf Cellars. This family-run winery may not be the oldest or the biggest, but what it lacks in years and volume, it unreservedly redeems in terms of sheer quality, craftsmanship and a palpable passion for award-winning winemaking.
A Family Charm
Upon stepping into Arrowleaf Cellars, one can almost instantly sense the palpable air of familial warmth that is so integral to this winery. Swiss-trained orchardist Joe Zuppiger, alongside his wife Margrit, laid the foundation of Arrowleaf Cellars, bringing to the Canadian soil the age-old Swiss growing traditions. In due course of time, their son - Manuel Zuppiger - joined the family business, studying winemaking and evolving the winemaking practices with modern technical knowledge, hence ensuring that Arrowleaf’s portfolio maintains its fine pedigree. In 2003 Arrowleaf officially opened its doors and became the second winery in the Lake Country area.
Deep-rooted authenticity is at the core of Arrowleaf Cellars with the Zuppiger family's commitment to their craft. The depth and breadth of their winemaking skills and their passion for bringing people together through wine have manifested in every award-winning bottle. Their devotion transcends beyond business- in every swirl, whiff, and sip of Arrowleaf Cellars' wine, you can feel the passion the Zuppiger family has for wine and their community. The family's Swiss ethos that combines respect for nature with the desire to create has made Arrowleaf Cellars an irresistible draw.
The Land and the Vine
Arrowleaf’s 16-acre estate vineyard leverages the diverse soil types and microclimates of the Okanagan valley. The first plantings of Auxerrois, Barrique, Pinot Gris, Bacchus, Merlot, Zweigelt, marked the start of its relationship with the land. Over the years, new plantings expanded the vineyard with Pinot Noir and the distinctive Petite Arvine from Switzerland. Set on a westerly slope with gravelly glacial till and sandy loam soils, the vineyard enjoys natural drainage and a lake-moderated climate, extending the growing season into late October. This unique terroir and long frost-free climate allows the grapes to reach full maturity on the vines, adding depth and character to each vintage produced.
In addition to estate-grown grapes, Arrowleaf sources premium fruit from local growers, including Ritchie Vineyard, Carr's Landing Vineyards, and Kelowna vineyards. Each site, with its unique soil composition and microclimate, brings distinct qualities to Arrowleaf’s wines, enhancing the depth and variety in their portfolio.
Award-Winning Wines
The Zuppiger's have pinned Arrowleaf Cellars on the map of the world’s finest wineries with their dedication towards quality. Their award-winning portfolio boasts a diverse range of wines, each crafted with meticulous care and precision. The 2019 Riesling and the 2018 Pinot Noir recently have won the Platinum Awards (Top 1%) at the BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards and their 2016 Zweigelt and 2016 Ritchie Riesling have won Gold at the National Wine Awards of Canada. Their critically acclaimed, award-winning Pinot Noir exemplifies Arrowleaf’s commitment towards imparting a uniquely Canadian character to the world of wine.
Their overall standing based on medal performances has them in the top ten in Canada in multiple years by WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada.
Culinary Delights and More
A spectacular wine journey at Arrowleaf does not end with just the tasting of their divine wines. Prepare to treat your tastebuds to an unforgettable gastronomic journey at the winery’s picnic area where every snack menu item is designed to be a match made in heaven with the wines. They have a deli selection where you create your own cheese and charcuterie board with spreads and preserves and offer rotating flavours of house made Cream Puffs every weekend which may include flavours such as raspberry chocolate, strawberry rhubarb, blueberry cheesecake, or peaches and cream. The beautifully designed tasting room and picnic area with panoramic lake views are an added consideration to visit Arrowleaf Cellars and create your own unique experience.
Wine Tasting Experiences
At Arrowleaf Estate Winery, guests can choose from a range of tasting experiences, each designed to provide a unique way to explore their wine portfolio. Bar Tastings offer a quick introduction to four selected wines, perfect for those with limited time. For a more personalized experience, Private Seated Tastings are available on weekends. These relaxed, in-depth sessions take place in the winery’s conference room overlooking the barrel cellar. The tasting experience is both relaxed and informative, offering a window into the world of Okanagan wine. Knowledgeable staff guide each tasting, sharing insights on the vineyard's history, the nuances of each wine, and what makes the Okanagan Valley terroir so distinctive.
Seasonal experiences include Fall for Cheese, a guided wine and cheese pairing session, and December Blind Tastings, where guests can put their tasting skills to the test by identifying wines based on aroma and taste alone. Both of these themed tastings offer a fun and educational way to deepen one’s understanding of wine pairing and sensory evaluation, making Arrowleaf’s tasting experiences ideal for everyone from newcomers to seasoned wine lovers.
Sip, Savour, Love
So, as you plan your next wine tour, remember this humble winery standing proud amidst the rolling vineyards of Lake Country. Because at Arrowleaf Cellars, every sip transcends beyond just being a beverage - each glass narrates a tantalizing tale, intrigues with its profound depths, and ultimately, exemplifies sheer excellence in winemaking.
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