Turn the Okanagan Trip all the way up to Eleven, as we cross the street and taste at Intrigue Wines

Literally across the street from The Chase, the difference between the two wineries shows you just how winery management and philosophy can make or break a winery. We'll see which of the two is thriving in a few years. I have an idea, but let's keep our eyes on them and see.

Friendly staff, but a tiny bit more training is required to work in a tasting room. You'll understand that comment in a minute.

Prices below do include tax

Intrigue Wines 2016 Gewurztraminer ($16.90)

Light nose of red roses and lychee. Lychee and a tiny bit of white pepper on the palate, which is better than the nose. Not a bad wine for the price. 88.








Intrigue Wines 2016 Social White ($14.90)

68% Riesling, 27% Gewurztraminer, 2% Muscat Canelli, 2% Kerner, and 1% Ehrenfelser

The definition of an aromatic blend; light nose of green apple and peach. Flavors of peach, pear, green apple and citrus. For the price, very respectable. 87.




Intrigue Wines 2016 Social Rosé ($16.90)

87% Riesling, 7% Rotberger, 5% Merlot, and 1% Malbec

I could be wrong, but I'm sure this is the only Rosé I have encountered that is Riesling-based. Aromas of strawberry and rhubarb. The palate might notice some strawberry and red apple flavors. Again, a decent wine for the price. 87.


It's at this point in our story where my comment from above will make sense. As I was tasting this, I inquired as to the vintage, and I was told it was NV (no vintage). When I questioned that, the young lady helping us out told me that "ALL red wine is actually NV because the grapes always come from different years".

YIKES. That's one I haven't heard before.

Intrigue Wines 2016 Social Red ($18.90)

92% Cabernet Franc/8 Malbec

Aromas of red cherry, cassis and spice. Flavors include cassis and raspberry. Very, very short finish. 85.






Intrigue Wines 2016 I DO Bubbly ($19.90)

Same percentage of grapes as in the rosé.

Intense aromas of green and red apple. Apple, strawberry and raspberry on the palate. 85.






Clearly this winery is catering to a specific, budget-conscious clientele, as there isn't a single wine in their portfolio that retails for over $25, including tax. That is an important segment of the market of course.

Next up: oh boy....I don't even know what to say about this next winery. It's called Blind Tiger, it's our first visit here, and it is a visit that none of us will EVER forget. Tune in, true believers! You won't want to miss this one.