Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate

Morning Bay is the first, and so far only, winery on Pender Island, one of the group of islands in the Strait of Georgia that recently have been given their own appellation. Morning Bay’s vineyards are relatively cool, within sight of the ocean. The Mount Menzies vineyard is on a slope that was formerly forested. Owners Keith Watt, a broadcast journalist, and Barbara Reid carved out an elaborated terraced seven-acre vineyard, fully planted since 2002.

They confront the issues of location head-on, making estate wines with moderate alcohol and bright acidity because that’s what the terroir gives them. Often the wines are blends and carry proprietary names because, as Watt explains, “we want consumers to anticipate something different.” Since he also has wines made from Okanagan grapes, Morning Bay’s tasting room is a vivid study in contrasting wine region styles.

This wine begins with an attractive floral fragrance. On the palate, there are notes of citrus and minerals, with a delicate spiciness. The low-acid Muscat varieties that comprise two-thirds of the blend effectively balance the tang of the Pinot Gris and Riesling. This is a light-bodied, refreshing white with a dry finish. 86 points.

Reviewed December 14, 2007 by John Schreiner.