​My first introduction to family run Modesta Winery wasn't through a glossy magazine or a high-end restaurant list, but rather a recommendation from a wine gal. I happened to be visiting the bench on a Wednesday without a big plan. Turns out the bustling Wednesday Market in the village of Naramata is a big deal, and I was about to experience it for the first time. It was there I met Mark Morrison and Tanya Tougas, the couple whose passion project is rapidly becoming one of the Naramata Bench’s most inspiring stops. After tasting through their offering, I left with a bottle of their Rama Ridge 2022 Pinot Noir ($35) a remarkable value, and after sharing it with my Kelowna friends, I knew a follow-up visit to their newly established estate was a must (no pun intended).

​It’s a very modern logo - a sleek cyclist in motion - and it perfectly captures the spirit of Linda and Joel Chamaschuk. This logo highlights the epiphany and radical lifestyle change: trading high-tech careers on the coast for the life of farming grapes on the Naramata Bench. Yes, Chain Reaction Winery is filled with heart and soul and possibly blood, sweat and tears. While their aim is world-class Pinot Noir, a brilliant COVID-era pivot made them famous for fermented crust, wood-fired pizza, too. This is a story about a couple who took a chance on the Okanagan Valley and is making their mark by building community around what they love - wine and pizza.

​Nestled within the new-ish and very cool District Wine Village, which is located just off  Highway 97 S, between Okanagan Falls and Oliver, sits Gneiss Winery. In case you don’t know - “GNEISS” - is pronounced NICE! This is a winery with a story as rich and complex as the geological formation (GNEISS is a high-grade metamorphic rock known for its distinctive bands) it's named after. This past August, I had the night of firsts - meeting the passionate team behind Gneiss Wines, Josie (Tyabji) and Mike Daley, and then enjoying the “Northern Pikes”, live in concert. Thank you both so much for the wonderful hospitality. 

​My journey through the South Okanagan continues. This particular "wine Wednesday" I had a late start with a plan to take in the District Wine Village "Northern Pikes" concert. A quick conversation led to my first visit to Fairview Cellars to meet the new winemaker and co-owner, Danielle Hutton. What a pleasure. She'll tell you she's not officially a sommelier, but I don't mind throwing some light her way. She's turned from hospitality leader into winemaker, bringing her passion, and entire clan into the dream and excitement that is the new Fairview Family.