The New Golden Mile Queen: How a "Somm" is Rewriting the History of Fairview Cellars 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. Fairview Cellars Transitions It’s an eternal wine truth: great wine starts with a great story. And on the famed Golden Mile Bench, the story of Fairview Cellars is currently enjoying a fantastic new chapter. For decades, this site which is known for its 1993-planted vines nestled on a sun-drenched, rocky alluvial fan, was the passion project of B.C. industry pioneer Bill Eggert. Bill was the larger than life visionary making big, bold reds before it was cool, operating out of his cozy log cabin tasting room in his low key fashion. He eventually handed the reins (and the tractor keys) to a new generation in 2022: Danielle and Dermott Hutton. Meet Danielle Hutton This is where the story gets good—and where my "good wine gal" heart starts beating faster. Danielle Hutton didn't just walk into the winery; she was the General Manager starting in 2020, apprenticing under Eggert and absorbing his wine wisdom. She traded the heady rooms of Vancouver and Whistler restaurants like Blue Water Cafe and Araxi for the soils of Oliver. Think of it: a world-class sommelier ditching the perfectly starched tablecloths for a life of dirt, frost, and, yes, the wine-fueled community. I only had a short hour for my visit, but despite the demands of running a winery and tasting room, Danielle was incredibly attentive, warm, and welcoming. And I can confirm that rumor: she gives the best hugs. Her simple-but-brilliant winemaking philosophy is to create wines that have texture, a quality you feel long after the sip is done. Yes, she is still a somm through it all. Dermott, meanwhile, is out in the vineyard, overseeing the 11-acre site and championing the move embracing organic and sustainable practices. Terroir & Texture This commitment to the land became a necessary obsession following the devastating winter freezes. The Huttons faced a massive replant, turning a challenging moment into an exciting evolution. They didn't just replace what was lost; they strategized for the future. They've brought in the best of the classics, like Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 685 and the exciting addition of Malbec. These new vines, combined with their commitment to letting the 320-meter high, south-facing Golden Mile terroir speak for itself, promise a new wave of exceptionally textured wines in the coming vintages. It's a gamble, but when you taste the current releases, you realize this Fairview team is playing to win. Wine & Cheese Pairings Meet Steve - a legend in the hospitality industry here in BC. The excitement isn't just in the vineyard; it’s also in the newly refreshed tasting experiences. The old log cabin tasting room now boasts indoor and beautiful outdoor seating areas overlooking the valley and the fairway below. It's a truly perfect fresh air perfection for discovering the secrets to the Fairview Cellars portfolio.
Fairview Cellars 2022 Chardonnay $34 Chardonnay grapes sourced locally and fermented in neutral oak barrels and stainless steel for this Fairview Cellars 2022 Chardonnay. The flavours have integrated beautifully the semi-aromatic profile of fruit and spice (yellow apple, lime zest, hints of vanilla spice) with nicely balanced acidity and alcohol for a smooth, soft finish. This was paired with Double Cream Brie for a great taste sensation. Fairview Cellars "The Bear" 2021 This is a lovely, big dry red wine that is aromatically attractive, full-bodied, well balanced and textured that honors Fairview’s legacy of bold flavour. The Fairview Cellars 2021 "The Bear" represents the premier series and showcases the fantastic power of blending Bordeaux varieties that grow beautifully in this part of the Okanagan Valley. Steve paired this with Snowdonia Cheddar (Port Infused) and if he had a grilled striploin topped with blue cheese-herb butter he would have no doubt offered it. Wonderful. Support Fairview Cellars The unique terroir of Fairview Cellars. This is what I love about BC's Okanagan Valley. It's laden with micro climates, and interesting geology and geography. While my day may have been rushed and the sky overcast, the warmth and quality of the wines and the hospitality from Danielle made the visit memorable. It's clear that Fairview Cellars is evolving. I highly recommend a visit to see for yourself how this new chapter is unfolding. Fairview Cellars has perfectly merged its legacy of bold red wines with Danielle’s hospitality roots, creating a place where the wine is serious, but the vibe is pure, golden-hour fun. Go for the wine, stay for the texture, and leave with a bottle (or six) and a new perspective on the Golden Mile and women in wine.
Find Fairview Cellars on social, shop online for your favorite style or join the Wine Club - if they have room. Visit the Winery: Fairview Cellars, 989 Cellar Road, Oliver, BC V0H 1T5 Phone: 250-535-2327 or Email: [email protected] And if you really want to support the local cause, please share this post with your wine loving friends. The more we share the more we elevate. Cheers to the power of the people. Thanks for being a wine lover. |
AUTHOR
I'm Good Wine Gal.
I blog about "good wine" and how to find it! Join me on my adventures of finding beautiful wine loving places, people and those special bottles we all get excited about. Archives
November 2025
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Photos from Magnus Reuterdahl, wuestenigel, Fareham Wine