Ever since establishing Meadow Vista Honey Wines in West Kelowna in 2009, Queen Bee Judie Barta has been on a mission to create a line-up of meads with a “modern taste profile that appeal to contemporary wine drinkers and eco-foodies.” Moving to new digs on June Spring Road in Kelowna in early 2014 has been a big plus for Meadow Vista, previously ensconced in the most basic of premises in a commercial district of West Kelowna. Now Meadow Vista welcomes visitors to the modern artisan farm in a charming natural setting and spa-inspired cellar door for tastings honey wines, including Canada’s first sparkling mead. Along with making appetizing honey wines, Judie is a passionate bee advocate who tirelessly promotes conservation and sustainable bee-keeping, as well as the elimination of the use of harmful agricultural pesticides that contribute to “colony collapse disorder” in honey bees. Named after the Germanic goddess of Spring, Ostara pays tribute to both B.C. bee-keepers and local vignerons:
Meadow Vista NV Ostara Honey Wine
Kelowna, British Columbia
Rating – 90 (Yum), $21.90
A lovely blend of honey wine from B.C. bees and Okanagan Pinot Gris, Ostara delights with heavenly aromas of honey, nuts, pear, vanilla and fresh phyllo dough, and a ripe, rich palate suggesting pineapple, pear, nuts and honey. Softness on the finish is nicely balanced by refreshing, cleansing acidity. Pair with fresh fruit tarts, chocolate-dipped strawberries and smoked cheese.
