Plume: A Lifeline Amid Quail’s Gate’s Vineyard Revival
Quail’s Gate Estate Vineyards
Quail’s Gate in the Okanagan Valley has been a prominent name in B.C. wine since its’ establishment in 1989. This renowned west Kelowna winery has been well-loved by Canadians for consistently producing high-quality wines, best known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and being a leader for the nation’s growing wine scene.
The dedication that Senior Winemaker Jeff Del Nin has poured into Plume is abundantly apparent within each bottle. Every sip is a reflection of relentless pursuit - not just for Quail’s Gate, but for the B.C. region as a whole.
Quail’s Gate Pushes Boundaries with Plume
The Plume line began in 2009 with the concept to craft wines from other regions, or basically anything that wasn’t 100% Okanagan. After the devasting cold winter blasts of the 22/23 and 23/24 vintages, Quail’s Gate’s vineyards had been all but depleted, yielding a disastrous 7%. The team at Quail’s Gate acted swiftly to make the decision that their 2024 release would be under the Plume brand.
“In March 2024, I reached out to some of my oldest and closest friends in the wine business who work in Washington, Oregon, and California. When the going gets tough, wine people do what they can to support one another. Then I got in my truck and drove thousands of kilometres to visit vineyard after vineyard,” said Quail’s Gate Senior Winemaker Jeff Del Nin.
Del Nin’s pursuit for exceptional quality was backed with unrivaled dedication. Immersing himself in the vines, walking each vineyard and block row by row and meticulously tasting wines from each block to ensure the highest quality of Pacific Northwest expression.
“In addition to numerous trips throughout the growing season, I spent 51 days in Oregon and Washington during harvest. We had done so much work up to this point, I needed to see the grapes through to the finish line. I made all the picking decisions on the ground before the fruit could be sent to our cellar. It was exciting and nerve-racking. Now, having tasted the wines we made, it was all worth it.”
-Jeff Del Nin, Senior Winemaker
Quail’s Gate Plume Pinot Gris 2024
This Oregon grown Pinot Gris sees an equal amount of time in neutral oak and stainless-steel tanks prior to bottling. It opens with an inviting, tropical nose with aromas of mango and yellow plum. The palate is medium bodied with a soft, unctuous mouthfeel that’s peach infused with prickly, white pepper zing. There’s a touch of minerality that can’t go without mention, and a pleasantly long finish. Pair with baked ham or corn chips.
Quail’s Gate Plume Chenin Blanc 2024
This Chenin was carefully selected and sourced from south-central Washington vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills by Quail’s Gate winemaker Jeff Del Nin. The wine underwent élevage in tank, concrete eggs, and neutral oak barrels before going to bottle. Delicate aromas of honey pear lead to a palate that’s pure lemon drop sunshine! Juicy acidity pierces through additional layers of kiwi and grapefruit, with almond coming in on a lengthy finish. Beautifully bright and complex! Pair with roasted chicken or shrimp alfredo.
Quail’s Gate Plume Rose of Pinot Noir 2024
Cultivated from the Ribbon Ridge AVA in Oregon and made in the Okanagan, this is a whole cluster pressed Pinot Noir Rose fermented in stainless steel tanks. Florals are immediately detected on the nose - lilacs and rose water. Strawberry and bing cherry weave through purifying acidity. A stony minerality and crisp, sparks of grapefruit adding complexity towards and everlasting finish. Pair with salmon or fresh strawberries.
Quail’s Gate Plume Pinot Noir 2023
This collaborative Pinot Noir is sourced from the Dundee Hills AVA in Oregon. It immediately draws you in with warm cinnamon, cedar and cherry aromas that all proceed to a palate of fine-grained tannins and savoury, woodsy notes. Hints of vanilla, roses and cooked mushroom all add extra depth and intrigue. This would be a wonderful pairing for mushroom risotto.
Quail’s Gate Similkameen Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
This wine from the Similkameen Valley comes from what winemaker Jeff Del Nin refers to as “the last great vintage in the Okanagan”. It sees a 17 month stretch in French oak, with 75% neutral and 25% new. It begins by showing off complex aromas of purple plum, leather and dried herbs. A bold, intensely flavoured palate drives towards smokey and savoury with well-integrated oak notes of allspice and vanilla that eventually seep into blackberry and tobacco. It mellows mid-palate with ripe tannins and dark berry shadows. Persistent finish. Pair with braised meats and veggies or steak.
Quail’s Gate states that the latest vineyard plantings are coming up beautifully, and that as early as next year they’ll be back to the business-as-usual local B.C. cultivated grapes, and although Quail’s Gate decision to utilize American grapes became before the tariff war, it hasn’t seemed to phase the response to the latest Plume release. While some consumers are still boycotting any kind of American product all together, most Canadians are rallying behind the decision for B.C. wineries to supplement their portfolios to stay afloat. It is, after all a necessary step in surviving the climate crisis affecting the region.
The Plume line represents resilience and is one that the winery is quite proud of, as they should be. The quality and style upholds the standards expected by consumers from this Canadian wine mogul. Each Plume bottle is a unique chapter in Quail’s Gate history, reflecting the same spirit of innovation and drive that the winery was originally built on.