It's a bittersweet weekend in Penticton.
The final Ironman Canada triathlon is on Sunday and then it moves to Ottawa for the 2025 race.
Penticton had an incredible run, hosting 22 Ironman Canada races since 1983, becoming a well-known international sports destination and enjoying the annual economic boom that comes with 10,000 athletes, spectators and supporters descending on the city.
So, it's sweet that Penticton has had this incredible Ironman success.
It's bitter that this is the last year.
But, it can be less bitter with wine.
In fact, Township 7 Winery on the near-by Naramata Bench is the title wine partner for Ironman Canada and makes two commemorative, limited-edition vintages.
The 2023 Homecoming ($29) is so named to mark Ironman Canada's return to Penticton in 2022 after the race had moved to Whistler for seven years.
Homecoming is a fun, refreshing and aromatic white blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Viogner.
The T3 red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is named after the third and final transition in a triathlon from race to relaxation.
Relaxation with wine, of course.
"Having the race in our backyard has been a highlight of the summer and we've been honored to serve as the title wine partner," said Township 7 general manager Mike Raffan.
"We will certainly miss it in the years to come."
Ironman Canada saying goodbye to Penticton also means an end to Township 7's three-year deal with the triathlon.
"When selecting our wine partner, Township 7 was an obvious choice, given their deep roots in the Okanagan and their highly acclaimed wines," said Ironman regional director Tim Brosious.
"Our Ironman family has loved collecting these commemorative wines over the past three years."
Homecoming and T3 can be purchased at the winery or online at www.township7.com.
You can also taste the wines any day from 11 am to 5 pm at the winery for free if you mention Ironman when you visit.
Chillable reds
Go ahead, pop that red wine in the fridge or yoss it in the cooler.
All it takes is 10 or 20 minutes to cool down your Pinot Noir or Merlot from room temperature to slightly chilled for refreshing summer sipping.
It's the ideal way to enjoy the depth and complexity of a red wine when it's hot outside.
Therefore, quaff red wine on the patio or on the boat on its own or pair it with a picnic or barbecue or party.
My wife, Kerry, and I test drove these five wines slightly chilled and discovered it does make an invigorating difference.
The wines lifted-when-chilled aromas and flavours are in brackets.
- Black Sage 2020 Merlot ($32) from Oliver (elegant plum and vanilla)
- Nk'Mip 2022 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir ($40) from Osoyoos (silky cherry and spice)
- Laughing Stock 2021 Portfolio ($53) from the Naramata Bench (bold blackberry and dark chocolate)
- Fort Berens Reserve Merlot 2021 ($42) from Lillooet (smooth blueberry and vanilla)
- Blue Mountain 2022 Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir (bright cherry and herbes de Provence)
Steve MacNaull is a NowMedia Group reporter, Okanagan wine lover and Canadian Wine Scholar. Reach him at [email protected]. His wine column appears every Friday afternoon in this space.
