Meadow Vista Honey Wines
Beautiful East Kelowna location, inspiring owners - great pairings!
Meadow Vista is a place that Rob and I always bring guests. When folks hear about honey wine there is one of two reactions: first, “oh thAt muSt be sO sweEt” (makes ugly face) or second, (they turn into a 15th century knave, bang on the table and yell for a “serving wench”) …I have the weirdest friends.
Yes, mead or honey wine is the oldest type of wine that we know of, no it isn’t sweet. Not necessarily. It could be sweet or fermented until dry. And boy-oh-boy if you even think of calling the Meadow Vista owners (Emily and Electra) a wench, I hope you have your will up-to-date.
Here they are with Renee!
We started the interview in the morning and it was the first time that we had tried the video small rig setup outdoors. We were filming in one of their outdoor kiosks. I was concerned about getting enough light on our faces so I set up an LED light that was just outside the frame. I didn't think that it would trigger a migraine.
We started with Electra who told me about how they bought the winery and all about their bees, including some lovely information about how they care for their land. It is always awesome to get to hang out with ethical people who want to leave our world a little better.
Then we switched to Emily and she led me through several of the wines as if I were a guest. It was lovely. I got so excited that I interrupted her a bunch of times. But I believe that she is used to her guest’s tasting enthusiasm. Their products are innovative, delicious and they just keep the good stuff coming.
When you visit, there are things to see and do! There are little tasting huts dotted on the lawn, the indoor tasting room, a gorgeous private tasting room, a bee tour and the bistro.
We ended the episode with a Tasting Challenge. Of course. I wonder how hard it was for Emily and Electra to have resisted calling it a “bee-stro”.
Emily had created a pairings board all full of the things that they regularly have in their bistro. Each item on that board was amazing and delicious. I got to eat it while poor Renee had to film…don’t worry though. As always, after we wrap, whoever is filming gets to try everything!
You see on the board, there is some cured meats, an apple with brie, some raw honeycomb (surprisingly chewy), smoked salmon and whipped cream cheese and a cute little qual’s egg with celery salt and arugula. Let me tell you, the celery salt was a revelation! I need this in my life.
She paired each of these items with a different honey wine on a flight board. You’ll need to see the video to appreciate the beauty of the bistro and Emily’s food. OooOOoor, you could come and visit. They have a wine club as well that you can join and then wherever you are in the country, you can try the deliciousness.
Where to watch the film of the visit? ATM, Telus Optic, Channel 9. Look for Okanagan Pairing Challenge with the gradient from purple to teal in the artwork.
Here are the important links:
Website:
Wineclub:
/meadowvista.ca/pages/wine-club
AMAZING — if you are planning a wedding, Meadow Vista is also a venue for both your ceremony and reception. Check this out! 2023 Wedding Packages (call them about your 2024 weddings - this is great value!)
