Gray Monk Estate Winery: A Symphony of Flavour
Gray Monk Estate Winery was established in 1972, a passion project borne from the innovative visions of the Heiss family. Gray Monk boasts a fruitful history spanning almost five decades. The name, originating from Pinot Gris - an ancient European grape variety and distinct hallmark of Gray Monk's enduring quality, represents brilliance, wisdom, and honour. As you venture through the rolling vineyards and look into the exceptional wine and culinary landscape, expect no less from your Gray Monk experience.
World-Class Wine Portfolio
To savour Gray Monk's unique and diverse wine portfolio is to journey through a fantastical flavour map of meticulously crafted vintages. As one of the first in British Columbia to plant Pinot Gris, Gray Monk's trailblazing spirit continues to sear through their impressive range of vintages which includes thoughtful exploration beyond conventional varieties.
The Roots Collection
The Roots Collection represents the winery’s heritage, featuring European varieties such as Ehrenfelser, Kerner, and Siegerrebe, as well as the famed Pinot Gris and Rotberger Rosé. These wines are crafted to highlight the unique flavours of the northern sub-appellation of Lake Country, with its cool climate and mineral-rich soil.
The Odyssey Series
The Odyssey Series is renowned for its rich textures and robust flavours, achieved through extended hang time on the vine and up to 24 months of barrel aging. This series includes Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with traditional-method sparkling wines that bring depth and celebration to the collection. Each bottle from the Odyssey Series embodies a fuller, more complex profile, suited to wine enthusiasts who appreciate structure and bold character.
The Estate Series
Finally, the Estate Series features approachable, fruit-driven wines that showcase the essence of Gray Monk’s cool-climate grapes. The Estate Pinot Gris, in particular, has become one of Canada’s best-selling VQA Pinot Gris wines, celebrated for its crisp, refreshing profile that pairs well with a variety of foods. Each wine in this series is crafted with consistency and quality, appealing to both new wine drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs.
Each offering is crafted with passion, amplifying Kelowna's terroir in every drop. You'll find yourself spoiled for choice, beguiled by the astounding variety of flavours to dance upon your palate.
Sweeping Vineyard Tours
Windswept rows of burgeoning vines set against the backdrop of the sapphire Lake Okanagan – it’s an image that promises an unforgettable tour of Gray Monk’s vast vineyard. The tours are much more than just a visual spectacle. They're a narrated journey into the winery’s grape-growing philosophy, where quality dictates every decision.
The Gray Monk Estate Tour takes guests through the vineyard and cellars, where they learn about the winery’s legacy and winemaking techniques. The tour includes tastings at various stages, allowing visitors to appreciate the journey from grape to glass. A secret stop with a food pairing adds an element of surprise, enhancing the sensory experience of the tour.
For a more curated experience, the Tasting Trio Experience pairs three wines with canapés in the private Estate Room, with a wine educator guiding guests through the tasting. This intimate setting is ideal for those looking to explore Gray Monk’s wines in depth, as each pairing is designed to highlight the nuances of the wines.
Watch as the vineyard springs to life under the warm Kelowna sun, the grapes ripening to perfection under the expert tending of the vineyard team. Each turn of the season brings a new aspect of the winery to light, from the power of the harvest to the quiet satisfaction of seeing the vineyard rest during the winter months.
Superb Dining Experience
To savour a meal at the esteemed Gray Monk Estate Winery is to be whisked away on a gastronomic journey that showcases local ingredients in perfect harmony with their accompanying wines.
The winery’s restaurant, The Lookout, is aptly named for its panoramic views over Lake Okanagan and vine-studded slopes. Every dish is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and meticulously paired with Gray Monk's exquisite wines by their expert culinary team. Whether it's a lunch under the warm afternoon sun or a romantic dinner as the evening veils the valley, dining at The Lookout adds the perfect note of full-bodied flavour to your Gray Monk experience.
As you prepare to leave the threshold of the Gray Monk Estate Winery, you realize you are not leaving empty-handed. This exquisite place ensures you walk away with more than just a bottle or two. You leave with memories of a unique sensory journey of flavours, experiences, and a smitten palate that will lure you back for more.
