Skimmerhorn Winery & Vineyard

British Columbia’s eastern-most winery, Skimmerhorn opened in 2007 just outside Creston in the province’s picturesque Kootenay region. The name is derived from the legendary Frank Skimmerhorn, who is said to have arrived in the 19th century, a fugitive from U.S. justice, and became such a leading citizen that his name is on numerous landmarks.

There is a long history of fruit production in the sunny Creston Valley. Skimmerhorn’s owners, Al and Marleen (sic) Hoag (no relation to Frank Skimmerhorn) ran a family orchard from 1984 until selling it two years ago to concentrate on the winery and the 14 acres of vines they planted in 2003.

The winery is half a day’s drive from the Okanagan, too far – the Hoag’s figured – to attract a consulting winemaker. So they found a winemaker in New Zealand, Mark Rattray, who owns a winery there called Floating Mountain. Rattray helped design Skimmerhorn’s winery and handled the 2006 vintage, returning to his own operation as the Skimmerhorn wines were being bottled.

No doubt he has made Pinot Gris in New Zealand where it is a variety of rising popularity. His Pinot Gris at Skimmerhorn, with an attractive light blush colour, is crisp and is packed with fruit – pears, apples, spice and citrus notes – with lively acidity balancing the slight sweetness. Typical of Pinot Gris, the wine has good weight. 87 points.

Reviewed May 29, 2007 by John Schreiner.