Canada's insider blog

If Mick Jagger’s drinking it, it’s got to be pretty special. Not long ago, The Rolling Stones put their stamp of approval on “Sympathy for the Devil” ice wine, a limited-edition release from Ex Nihilo Vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

Made from grapes harvested in winter and featuring the Stones big red mouth logo, Sympathy sold out almost immediately after release.  But fans can still get some “satisfaction” – as Mick would say – by visiting Ex Nihilo in person.  The 10-acre boutique vineyard is set high above Okanagan Lake, a region that’s home to hundreds of acclaimed wineries.    

A scenic drive south along the lake leads to Vibrant Vines Vineyard. Famous for its far-out 3D tasting room (they provide the glasses) and psychedelic labels, Vibrant Vines is run by three brothers who used to play in a rock band together, touring with ’90s superstars like Blind Melon.

Finish up your rock ‘n’ Riesling tour a short drive away at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery, known for its organic grapes and four-storey replica of Egypt’s Great Pyramid (which reputedly offers perfect vibes for aging wines). Winemaking brothers Ezra and Ari Cipes play in a hit folk-punk band and have even performed with the likes of Bif Naked, the Canadian pop diva.

For more on Okanagan wineries and Kelowna Wine Trails– both the hard rockin’ variety and more traditional ones – check out WineBC.com. 

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