Terravista Vineyards — Attraction in Penticton

It’s good to know that Terravista has thought ahead to the day when global warming has created some barely livable post apocalyptical hell scape. As you travel the once fertile lands of British Columbia committing your best Immortan Joe impression in search of aqua cola and lamenting on the fall of mankind while still yearning for when the planet’s fate was dictated by immature jingoistic monsters that brought the world to this point in the first place, you will still find at least one place that will serve wine.

Yeah, that was meant to be humorous, and now I want to have a shower.

Terravista is a bunker. A beautiful well-crafted bunker. Depending on where the blast the wave hits, it could sweep over the hill and not even jostle the glasses on the table. If the nuclear fire moves up the hill from the opposite direction, Terravista is screwed…as will most likely many people, but I’m focusing on priorities here.

The wind foretells such a fate, as even on the day we arrived, glasses were tumbling like lemmings to their fate. The required clarification is that one does not enter Terravista but rather stand at the cusp, with garage doors revealing the vault to the public and the host serving at the border, almost as if assuming some higher echelon of society, royalty offering handouts to the poor.

Restating how stunning the location is, I must also stress the view as breathtaking. I have no idea how or why I would’ve skipped this on my previous wine trip when my girlfriend and I visited 60 wineries in a week. I know we were pressed for time, but even a cursory Google search check claimed this one of the mandatory visits in Naramata. One even declared Terravista the best-looking wineries in the region and one of the best in Canada. It can hold such a title if one embraces a style blending art deco and brutalism. I am one of those, so can agree the assertion is valid.

The view alone is worth the visit, and due to the construction above, is unimpeded. If you are a viticulture vacationer desiring locations as much as wine, this is the mandatory spot. However, I should also stress that there is far better wine to be found. Far better. Not only would I not put Terravista in the top three, I fear it may not even break the top ten, sitting somewhere around 11 or 12. This is not to say it’s bad—there are 24 other wineries, and some are much worse. I did enjoy the experience but walked away with no bottles. But that didn’t make it regrettable, and if taking friends along, would hit up Terravista again in a heartbeat. It’s a fantastic location, and I have horrible taste in wine. I need to emphasize that. I love Silver Sage, so feel free to discredit me. But the location is great, and it should be...

This winery falls into the category of "Now for Something Completely Different." Albarino and Verdejo are Spanish grapes. To the knowledge of the young lady serving the samples, there are only two growers in the Okanagan growing Albarino. I wish I asked about the Verdejo more in depth. Yes I bought an Albarino. It showed layers of minerality you hope to find in the grape, not necessarily salinity you expect from Spanish versions, but they lend to a subtle spiced earth note that I expect will grow with aging. Pear-like flavours keep it refreshing. I'll serve this with a tarragon cream sauce on Blackened Red Snapper.

I also bought the Figaro, a Rousanne/Viognier blend that has seen oak aging. Way too seductive, and built for my taste buds. Oily, nutty, rich full flavours. Applewood smoked cheeses will be great accompaniments.

I'll be returning time and again, waiting for the Verdejo to be bottled on it's own. I'm putting Terravista on my wineries...

After the very successful Black Hills Winery sold in 2008, Bob and Senka Tennant sought to stay in the wine industry and pursued Terravista Vineyards. Knowing the beautiful Naramata Bench would be perfect for Spanish/Portuguese varietals, the experienced winemaking couple planted the vineyard in 2008.

Fast forward to 2019, okanagan local couple Eric and Dallas Thor looking to explore the industry, now carry the torch of this beautiful winery with enlisted help of New Zealand trained Nadine Allander. Nadine well known for her experience with Poplar Grove and Foxtrot- very exciting to see her influence on this favourite portfolio!

Top tier quality white wine was a long time focus; however, Pinot Noir was a recent plant and soon Syrah and very expected Mencia!

Very glad to see them on some of the BEST Vancouver and BC restaurant...