dirty laundry

Dirty Laundry Vineyard is cutely nestled atop the hills of Summerland and is all the lovelier with its beautiful vine-covered patio that looks out onto the valley.   

We made a quick stop there last summer with my parents and Kait.  Quick because it was so hot we had to leave the truck running with the air conditioner on for the dogs.  Not a very earth friendly move, I know.  Their tasting room was packed so we shouldered through the crowd, squished ourselves along the bar and tasted away.  I think we left there with a combined total of close to ten bottles. 

The story behind this boutique winery's name heralds way back to the 1800's, when the gold-rush hit BC and a rail worker settled down and started a laundromat.  This laundromat seemed innocent enough but behind the scenes there were some pretty scandalous things going on.  Hence, Dirty Laundry.

They make an great Merlot.  One we enjoyed with dinner the other night.

"a softer and fruit forward red wine, it boasts flavours of strawberry, black berry, spice and a hint of anise.  Medium tannins help finish this wine along with linger notes of vanilla and cocoa."

"Great with spicy Italian meats, gamey cuts of bison or ostrich, even your everyday grilled steak."

And a lovey white, the Madam's Vines Gewurztraminer. 

"the "raciest" of the Gewurztraminers, it is developed in the tradition of the Alsatian style of sweet wines. Ripe and bold flavours of melon, spice, floral and tropical fruits.  Finishes sweet and refreshing with nice lingering fruit flavours and full bodied.  This seductive wine will keep you coming back for more."

"Perfect for strong flavoured cheeses, seafood or for sitting back and relaxing on a warm summer day."