Okanagan Fall Wine Fest coming up: here's what to look for

This weekend saw wine experts descend on Penticton in preparation for the Best of B.C. Wine Awardsand among them was On The Coast Master of Wine Barbara Philip.

There were over 600 entries for Philip and other judges to evaluate "blind" and winners will be announced during the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, Sept. 29 to Oct. 9.

"Okanagan Wine Fest is the perfect time to check out both emerging and established delicious wine styles," Philip told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

The results are still embargoed, but here are Philips' picks for what to look for from B.C.

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Quail's Gate "Rosemary's Block" Chardonnay. Okanagan Valley. 2014. $40.00

"This outstanding, tiny production Chardonnay is intense and finessed with pure citrus, subtle floral and toast aromas. It is a fantastic value for the price but only available at the winery. The beautiful vineyards and top notch restaurant are definitely worth a visit, so plan for a stopover on your next trip to the Okanagan."

Tantalus Riesling Natural Brut Sparkling. Okanagan Valley. 2013. $34.70

"Another small production wine that is well worth seeking out. Lime flower, lemon and white peach aromas are backed up by complex, leesy notes and crisp apple on the palate. Think of pairing it with salmon or tuna sashimi."

Wild Goose Vineyards "Mystic River" Pinot Blanc. Okanagan Valley. 2015. $16.99

"I am a big fan of B.C. Pinot Blanc, because the aromas remind me of standing in an Okanagan orchard, and the Mystic River is a benchmark example. It has peach, ripe apple, sweet herbs and white flowers on the nose with a gentle sweetness and slight tang on the palate."

C.C. Jentsch. Syrah. Okanagan Valley. 2013. $34.99

"More and more journalists and other wine professionals are discovering how delicious Okanagan Syrah can be. The C.C. Jentsch strikes a great balance between ripe blackberry fruit, floral notes and meaty spice. Try it with braised short ribs."

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast