Penticton’s Laughing Stock Winery Summer Release
In 2003 Laughing Stock Vineyard Founders David and Cynthia Enns left their lives in the financial industry and invested heavy in the wine industry. Some perceived them as the “Laughing Stock” in the group for this risky decision, and hence the name as their financial peers did not feel they made the wisest of moves.
David had already started as a true ‘garagiste’ winemaker in 2001 creating beautiful vintages of small batch, hand-crafted wines with fruit sourced from some of the best vineyards in Washington State. He augmented his knowledge with various courses and workshops at UC Davis in California. David then apprenticed under some of the best winemakers in the Okanagan Valley.
For over 15 years, David and Cynthia grew the Laughing Stock Vineyards to the coveted and respected portfolio of exemplary wines that exists today. Highly acclaimed wines that have been twice awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in B.C. Wine, the 2011 Syrah was named the Best Red Wine in Canada by Decanter World Wine Awards, and in October 2018, Laughing Stock Vineyards took home the top trophy for Syrah in the Six Nation Wine Challenge that awards only the top wines of the New World nations.
Today, while Cynthia and David are no longer involved in winery operations, they have left a formidable legacy, and commitment to excellence and passion for wine that continues to drive Laughing Stock Vineyards forward. Winemaker Stefanie Dylla is now at the helm and continue to craft the unique wines with bold personalities that the winery is known for. We interviewed Stefanie in 2020 and you can read more about her here.
Laughing Stock Vineyards tasting room is open by appointment only,7 days a week 11-5pm, at 1548 Naramata Rd. in Penticton, BC V2A 8T7 – google maps
RESERVE NOW or email tastings@laughingstock.ca or call ahead for bookings 250.493.8466.
Laughing Stock Summer Wine Release:
Pinot Gris 2020 – $21.99*
Pinot Gris ripens easily and consistently produces an enjoyable, fruit forward and food friendly wine. The nose is bright with lime peel essence and soft nectarine. Green apple and spring blossoms, with a slight stoniness, enliven the palate. Partially fermented in concrete eggs, creates amazing mouthfeel and texture.
Pinot Noir 2019 – $35.99*
Whole berry fermentation was done in stainless steel tanks and the wine was then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. This vintage starts with sweet tobacco, cranberry, and raspberry on the nose. The palate offers some earthiness along with the sweet tart sensation of tiny wild foraged strawberries. This is a medium body Pinot, soft tannins, with nice acidity.
Amphora Viognier Rousanne – 28.99* (Orange Wine)
A natural wine, this vintage is 41% Viognier and 59% Roussanne. Whole berries went into a 500L terracotta Amphorae, and were left covered and untouched for 90 days. This hands-off approach results in slower extraction from the grape skins, while the tannin worked as a natural antioxidant to the wine. This wine is often referred to as an “Orange” wine. This is due to the time spent on skins which give it it’s orange hue, a hit of tannin, and its unique flavour. It is unfiltered and unfined, resulting in some cloudiness. This VQA wine is not your typical white and should be enjoyed with an open-mind and as a new adventure into “orange/natural wine”. The Roussanne prominence shows its dry herbal tea note, along with dried apricot. Makes a perfect Aperitivo.
