Introducing the 2024 Plume Red Collection
Plume is a collection of wines from Quails’ Gate, inspired by the quail’s distinctive plume, a symbol of curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Born from a period of unprecedented challenge, these wines tell a story of resilience and our commitment to crafting exceptional wines, no matter the circumstances.
The extreme cold weather events of 2022 and 2023 had a significant impact on vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley. In response, our winemaking team looked beyond our estate, exploring new possibilities while remaining true to the quality and style that define Quails’ Gate wines.
While we are excited to welcome the return of Okanagan-grown fruit with the 2025 vintage, we are equally proud of the remarkable wines we crafted from vineyards across the Pacific Northwest.
A Journey Across Washington Wine Country
The 2024 Plume Red collection is the result of thousands of kilometres travelled and countless vineyard visits. In 2024, Winemaker Jeff Del Nin set out across Washington State with a clear standard: if he couldn’t taste wines already made from a vineyard site, he wouldn’t purchase the fruit.
For Jeff, every vineyard had to demonstrate its ability to produce a premium expression of the Columbia Valley. This hands-on approach ensured that each vineyard selected met the high standards Quails’ Gate is known for.
Yet one vineyard was already at the top of his list.
Reconnecting with Weinbau Vineyard
Seventeen years earlier, Jeff had crafted wine from the Weinbau Vineyard in Washington’s Wahluke Slope. The quality of the fruit left such a lasting impression that he gifted a bottle of the resulting Cabernet Sauvignon to the vineyard owner.
When Jeff reached out again nearly two decades later, he discovered that bottle was still resting in the owner’s cellar.
After opening and tasting it that evening, the owner immediately offered Jeff access to some of his favourite vineyard blocks, many planted in the 1970s and 1980s. Jeff remained closely involved throughout the growing season and harvest, personally making picking decisions before the fruit made its journey north to Quails’ Gate in the Okanagan Valley.
Crafted in the Okanagan, Inspired by the Pacific Northwest
The wines of the Plume collection reflect a spirit of exploration while remaining rooted in the craftsmanship and winemaking philosophy that have defined Quails’ Gate for generations. Sourced from distinguished vineyards in Washington State and carefully crafted in the Okanagan Valley, they showcase both the character of exceptional sites and the expertise of our winemaking team.
We are pleased to introduce the 2024 Plume Red Collection featuring Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Plume Cabernet Franc | $45.00
This Cabernet Franc comes from historic vineyards perched above the Columbia River, where warm days and steady breezes create ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. With a warm, dry climate and the diverse sedimentary, volcanic and alluvial soils contribute to the quality and depth of this wine.
Elegant and lifted, this Cabernet Franc shows aromas of green coffee bean, spearmint, and tomato leaf layered with crunchy red fruit, rhubarb, and hints of cigar box. The palate is smooth and rounded, with textured tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavours of raspberry, tart cherry, cranberry, and black currant are balanced by savoury notes.
Versatile and food-friendly, this wine is a great match for herb-roasted chicken, pork tenderloin with plum compote, or duck confit, with vegetarian standouts like eggplant parmesan and ratatouille.
“Round and inviting, it is already a lot of fun to drink, which is something that appears to be a Plume trademark. Look for aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and violets that blend into ripe red and black fruit, with lightly roasted peppers adding a touch of complexity to the finish. Polished and fragrant, this wine is ready to drink through 2030.” – Anthony Gismondi | 91 POINTS
Plume Syrah | $40.00
This Syrah is crafted from vineyards near the Columbia River, where warm days and ideal exposure create deeply concentrated fruit. The region’s semi-arid desert climate, combined with sedimentary and volcanic soils, lends both richness and structure, resulting in a wine of depth, balance, and expressive character.
Bold and expressive, this Syrah shows with aromas of blueberry, plum, and dark fruit layered with white pepper, violet, and sage. Hints of smoked meat and forest floor add savoury depth. Smooth and concentrated on the palate, with bright acidity, it balances ripe dark and red crunchy fruits with notes of cocoa and fresh cedar.
Perfectly suited for BBQ ribs, slow-roasted lamb, or smokey paprika vegetables, and equally enjoyable with dark chocolate to finish.
“Del Nin has made a silky-soft Syrah. The combination of soft, round textures with floral and flavourful blackberry, dark plum and cracked pepper notes makes this an easy choice to buy and drink now. Like B.C., Washington Syrah is a growing force in the Pacific Northwest.” – Anthony Gismondi | 90 POINTS
Plume Merlot | $37.00
This Merlot comes from vineyards set along a warm, windswept stretch of the Columbia River in Washington, on a south-facing slope of alluvial soils. Consistent heat, warm and dry growing conditions, and mature vines combine to produce fruit of remarkable depth and richness.
The nose opens with black cherry and a mix of ripe red and darker fruits. Subtle graphite lends definition, while notes of cedar add warmth and structure. A lifted floral tone of violet complements hints of herbal complexity. Structured and full-bodied, the palate is rich yet beautifully composed, with silky texture and integrated depth. Flavours of dark fruit unfold alongside tones of anise and herbes de Provence, the wine carries through to a long, dry finish, leaving a lasting impression.
This age worthy wine pairs well with roasted pork tenderloin, umami-rich roast chicken, Pacific salmon or Gruyère cheese.
“A serious, polished merlot, showing a round, lively mix of plum and blackberry that moves smoothly across the palate. The tannins are deftly handled, adding weight without drying the finish. It would be exciting to see more BC merlots made in this style.” – Anthony Gismondi | 91 POINTS
Plume Cabernet Sauvignon | $45.00
Sourced from vineyards in one of Washington’s warmest growing areas, this Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on a south-facing slope with alluvial soils. Warm, dry conditions, steady sunshine, and river-cooled evenings promote optimal ripening, producing bold, structured fruit.
This Cabernet Sauvignon shows ripe blueberry, blackberry, and açaí with notes of vanilla and clove. Smooth, round, and full-bodied, the palate offers blueberry pie, cassis, and dark cherry are balanced by a savoury undertone with fine tannins and a structured, polished finish.
An ideal match for well-marbled ribeye, braised short ribs, or savoury vegetarian dishes like grilled portobello mushrooms and mushroom risotto. Also pairs beautifully with bold cheeses such as Gouda, Gorgonzola, or blue cheese.
“The nose is firmly Cabernet Sauvignon, with intense savoury blackberry and blueberry jumping out of the glass. The palate is more of that, with bright blackberries, cassis, and blueberry pie, plus vanilla and clove spice, supported by dense, sweet tannins in the finish. It is a giant of a win. Rich and bold, this wine will reward patience, but if you can’t wait, slow braised meat dishes such as osso buco would be the antidote for now.” – Anthony Gismondi | 90 POINTS
