Take the Progressive Pairings tour at Sumac Ridge to explore the sparkling Stellars Jay Brut wine cave. Their Stellars Jay brut is made in the traditional Methode Classique and is a bubbly that could rival some of Champagnes famed bottles. 

Despite most of the Okanagan’s bubbly being made in the traditional style and tasting equally as delicious as those from Champagne, we and other regions who produce bubbly, cannot be called Champagne. Any bubbly, made in the traditional style or not, produced outside the Champagne region of France cannot be called Champagne.

This is both good for consumers because bubbly made in Canada, for example, that tastes as good as those made in the Champagne region aren’t going to cost as much as those that can deem the crown of Champagne. On the other hand, vintners who put a lot of hard work and dedication into perfecting their bubbly lose out on the chance to be labeled Champagne. 

But what can we do other than sip and enjoy? 

Sumac Ridge is a relatively affordable wine tour experience with their starting tour, progressive Pairings at only $20 per person! They used to have a delightful onsite restaurant that has since been replaced with their various tour options that offer both food, wine, the cave experience and the views of the Okanagan from their tasting room.

Open 7 days a week for tastings but I’d recommend you book a tour before popping in or at least call ahead for availability.