Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

 

Direct from the Winery

information send to us by the wineries

June 28th 2022 - new sub-GIs - Look for East Kelowna Slopes, Lake Country, South Kelowna Slopes, Summerland Bench, Summerland Lakefront & Summerland Valleys soon on wine labels!

Kamloops, B.C.<june 2022> – Andrew Peller Ltd., a name associated with award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands including Peller Estates, Black Hills, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk, announced Monday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignition Tranquille Developments Ltd. to explore the viticulture potential for the Tranquille farmland in Kamloops, B.C.
 
The joint-venture announcement was made during an exclusive media event held on May 30, 2022, on the land of the Tranquille on the Lake proposed development, and attended by some of the region’s wine industry, tourism, and community leaders.

Newsfile Corp. Thu, August 5, 2021, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2021) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. is pleased to announce that it is finalizing the definitive purchase agreementsto acquire (i) all of the issued and outstanding securities of Equity Wine Group Inc.("Equity Wine"), owners of the Creekside Estate Winery ("Creekside") and Queenston Mile Vineyards ("Queenston Mile") wine and cider brands (the "Equity Wine Acquisition"), and (ii) the Shiny Apple craft cider brand (the "Shiny Apple Brand") from Stonechurch Vineyards and Winery Holdings ("Stonechurch", such acquisition being the "Stonechurch Acquisition", and together with the Equity Wine Acquisition, the ("Acquisitions"). Completion of the Acquisitions will be dependent on Diamond raising a minimum total of $8.5 million in equity through private placements.

Anthony Buccanhan New Winery

I’ve been chasing this dream for a long time, so I’m thrilled to announce that we’ll be open to the public at our new winery in Kaleden in May 2022. Nichol and I have been looking in Kaleden for two years, we absolutely love the community there and the grape growing conditions are prime.

We’re renovating a 1200sf shop building and recycling a lot of the materials as we’re trying to be as sustainable as we can. The building was designed originally as a winery but never opened, so it has concrete walls and it’s partially set into a hillside for natural temperature control. It’ll be an open concept so people will see the barrels and tanks in a bright open space. It’s right at the very top of the 9-acre property with beautiful views of the lake and the valley.

I’ve been working with the grapes at this property for four years and I’m proud that we’re currently in the second year of organic transition. It’ll take a while to know every corner and vine but that’s the most exciting thing about your own land. I still think of myself as a garagiste, although we’ll be over 2000 cases; I’ll never give up my experimenting, it keeps me grounded, honest, creative, and happy. We won’t make a lot of wine compared to more than 70% of other wineries in the Valley, but I want my hands in the farming and the winemaking process – that’s where I’m most happy.

I’m really looking forward to having that in-person connection with my customers, I want people to understand why I make my wines and why they taste the way they do. I can’t wait to get to know people at cellar tastings! It’s my eighth vintage as Anthony Buchanan Wines this year, and it’s amazing to think that soon we’ll be processing at our own facility. I wish I could snap my fingers and open right now, but next May will come very soon and we can’t wait to welcome you to our winery.

Anthony, Nichol, Ashlyn, Lawson, and Molly the dog.

 

 

28TH CHARDONNAY DU MONDE

BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2021

SILVER (4)

MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS
Tribute Series – Dr Bonnie Henry – Chardonnay – Okanagan Valley 2019

MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS
Mc Lean Creek Road Vineyard – Chardonnay – Okanagan Valley VQA 2018

QUAILS’ GATE WINERY
Quails’ Gate Chardonnay – Stewart Family Reserve – Okanagan Valley VQA 2018

SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY
Cipes – Blanc de Blanc – Okanagan Valley BC VQA 2012

 

 

Ontario Nov 2020

Andrew Peller

We are honoured to announce that John E. Peller, the President and CEO of Andrew Peller Limited has been awarded the honour of Officer of the Order of Canada for his outstanding contributions to the Canadian Wine Industry, his dedication to community and service to our nation. Over thirty years ago, John joined his father and grandfather with the ambition of producing exceptional world class wines. This tremendous recognition, awarded by the Governor General of Canada encapsulates 60 years of dedication and commitment from the entire Andrew Peller team , past and present , while spanning four generations of the Peller Family. On behalf of John and the entire Andrew Peller family, we thank you for your continued support. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order, recognizing how each has changed our nation’s measure of success and, through the sum of their accomplishments, helped us build a better Canada.

Andrew Peller Limited Announces Senior Management Change

Source: Andrew Peller Limited

GRIMSBY, Ontario, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andrew Peller Limited (Toronto Stock Exchange: ADW.A/ADW.B) (“APL” or the “Company”) announced that Randy Powell, President of the company, has resigned to pursue other interests, effective July 8, 2020.  John Peller, Chief Executive Officer will resume his responsibilities on an interim basis.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at the Company, we would like to thank Randy for his valuable contribution over the last 10 years as a former board member and more recently as President.  We wish him well in his future opportunities,” said John Peller, Chief Executive Officer

 

About Andrew Peller Limited Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canada’s leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft beverage alcohol products. The Company’s award-winning premium and ultra-premium VQA brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Raven Conspiracy, and Conviction. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine based liqueurs, craft ciders, beer and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker’s Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc. (“GVI”), the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at www.andrewpeller.com.

 

 

Oliver, BC. November 19, 2019 

The first village of its kind in Canada, District Wine Village will bring small-batch wine, beer, cider and spirit producers together alongside unique events and creative culinary offerings, all in one exceptional South Okanagan location. ies
Breaking ground in spring 2020, District Wine Village stems from the visionaries at Greyback Construction in Penticton, BC. Having been responsible for many prestigious wineries builds in the Okanagan, their team saw an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind village where small, craft producers can start their own business, without the need to invest in a large-scale facility of their own. 

Located at the north end of Oliver, BC, District Wine Village will serve as the gateway to Canada’s Wine Capital and will give 16 artisan producers the chance to create their own brand with low capital investment and operational assistance along the way. Each of the 16 individual spaces offers operators a fully-equipped production facility that includes access to a shared crush pad and operational resources, as well as a built-in tasting room to build their direct-to-consumer brands. In addition to the onsite tasting rooms, District Wine Village will alsofeature a 600-person entertainment centre for concerts and events, as well as onsite culinary offerings to give guests a truly distinct taste of the Okanagan.

Rougemont, Quebec, July 29, 2019 – Lassonde Industries Inc. (Lassonde) (TSX: LAS.A) announces that it has acquired 19.9% of the common shares in Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (Diamond Estates) (TSX Venture: DWS), a national wine and alcoholic beverage production, marketing and distribution company based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. This transaction paves the way for Lassonde and its subsidiary Arista Wines to expand their activities in the marketing of alcoholic beverages outside of Quebec. This transaction also includes a commercial brokerage agreement in which Lassonde will exclusively represent Diamond Estates’ products with certain retailers, particularly in the grocery and convenience store network.

Aug 2019

British Columbia’s wine, beer, cider, and spirits industries have a new source of support, courtesy of an initiative by Okanagan College and funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Canada’s Minister of Science and Sport, the Hon. Kirsty Duncan, announced funding for 12 technology access centres on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. Okanagan College’s proposed BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BCBTAC) is among them. With $1.75 million in funding over five years, it will be headquartered at the College’s Penticton campus and will be providing testing and business services and applied research assistance to the wine, beer, cider and spirits industries in the region and throughout the province.

 

MEDIA RELEASE
Photo attached.

July 2, 2019

Success uncorked: NC’s Gastronomy Chardonnay earns 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines
Niagara College recognized by Lieutenant Governor as pioneers of wine education in Ontario


The awards keep pouring in.
The Niagara College Teaching Winery shone at the 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Ontario Wines, with NC’s 2017 Gastronomy Chardonnay making the shortlist of just 11 winning wines.


This is the second award for the student-crafted, barrel-fermented chardonnay from the College’s on-campus estate vineyard (St. David’s Bench), which won gold at the 25th annual Ontario Wine Awards this June for the Oaked Chardonnay Award Under $20 category.
The Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented the awards at a ceremony on June 24 during the 4th Annual Winetario event at George Brown College. The NC Teaching Winery 2017 Gastronomy Chardonnay was a standout win among big names in wine for overall excellence, regardless of vintage or varietal, including Peller Estates, Jackson-Triggs, and Trius. The winning wines were chosen from 542 wines submitted by 78 wineries. The variety was created for Les Marmitons Niagara, a gastronomic and social club of men who share a common interest in food, wine and the culinary arts.


“All of you have made remarkable wines, and each is richly deserving of these awards,” said Dowdeswell in her opening remarks. “And how wonderful it is to see the Niagara College Teaching Winery in the winners’ circle this year! Not only are you pioneers of education in the field of winemaking in Ontario, but your students are already making good on their promise. Your achievement bodes well for the whole industry.”
Steve Gill, general manager, Niagara College Learning Enterprises, attended the award ceremony. “The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines is a testament to applied learning at Niagara College,” said Gill. “Not only did our students play a key role in producing this award-winning wine from our Teaching Winery, we are tremendously proud of the winemakers behind many of the other award-winning wines who are graduates of Niagara College’s wine programs – including our own Niagara College Teaching Winery winemaker Gavin Robertson.”


‘It’s always great to see our Teaching Winery products do well in competitions because it demonstrates to our students – who are very much a part of our everyday winemaking operations – that the lessons that we deliver in lecture and labs hold true when scaled-up in commercial application," said Gavin Robertson, winemaker and instructor at NC's Teaching Winery. "Our hope as instructors is that this marriage of science and practice provides a sound foundation for our students to enter the workforce and become leaders, producing their own award-winning wines and also contributing to the growth and development of the Canadian wine industry in other significant ways."


In addition to Robertson, who graduated from the College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program in 2011, many of the award-winning wineries are staffed by winemakers who are graduates of NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program. They include Chris Frey, winemaker at Megalomaniac (2009 graduate), Yvonne Irvine, assistant winemaker at Creekside Estates (2008 graduate), Paul Pender, winemaker at Tawse Estates (2006 graduate), and Allison Findlay, assistant winemaker at Flat Rock Cellars (2014 graduate).


The award-winning wine is available at Niagara College’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre, located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus (135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON). Proceeds from sales support student learning. Visit niagaracollegewine.ca
Niagara College’s Teaching Winery is the first and only commercial teaching winery in Canada. It is located at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, along with the NC Teaching Brewery and – the latest addition in September 2018 – the NC Teaching Distillery which were also the first of their kind in Canada.


Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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Photo:

 

 

Cooler Climate Nova Scotia

by lacadievineyards

Making sparkling wines on the fringe of possibility has it's rewards and risks. On the positive side of the equation is world class sparkling wine with ripe grapes at enviable acid levels and moderate sugars. We are right on the cusp of not being able to do what we do, but grapes seem to react to the stresses and reward us with our signature cool climate flavours. It's been 15 years since planting our estate vineyard with L'Acadie blanc and we have seen remarkable adaptation and resilience to the rigours of a cool climate. And those risks are many - winter damage if temperatures dip below-20C , frosts on either end of the growing season and attaining enough heat units to ripen in our short growing season.


But is our region being affected by global warming? Is it getting easier? That's a question posed to me recently by a wine writer. My answer: A guarded yes. Yes, when you look at how our climate has warmed over the last 50 years when research scientists at Agriculture Canada in Kentville determined it was too cold in Nova Scotia to support a wine industry. And yes, to the possibilities of vinifera growing here. But our region's cooler personality can still rear it's ugly head, like last spring's frost, or described by many as a spring freeze. Temperatures dropped to -2.8C at our estate on June 4 and damaged 80% of our young primary shoots. This was a first for the region's relatively young grape industry and affected some crops levels severely. We had a second bud burst  in late June and those secondary shoots made up for lost time and showed remarkable growth, racing to achieve flowering and verasion at historical benchmarks and ripening grapes for sparkling wine. An amazing adaptation to a 120 day season compared to our normal 180 frost free days. Crop levels were low, which was beneficial for future growth considering the stresses that the vines endured. But we had to adjust distribution for our small production of 2018 still wines and NSLC was accommodating to allow us to restrict shelf space for this year and only sell those wines in our on-site wineshop.


So should we expect more fluctuations in weather, more extreme events? Is that the compromise to the benefits of a warming trend? A look at historical harvest information for sparkling - dates, sugars, acids, is an interesting exercise to see the effects. Champagne has heaps of data for this type of analysis and they have shown that harvest dates have been getting earlier to achieve optimal balance of moderate sugars and enough acidity in their warming climate. I experienced this when I was making sparkling in BC's Okanagan Valley where the sugar accumulation outpaced ripening in 40C heat and I had to pick before sugars were too high and acid dropped out. But unripe grapes are not ideal for quality sparkling wine and just picking earlier in not always the answer. We've had enviable ripeness at our estate for 10 years, including last year. The seeds are lignified, brown, and there are ripe flavours. And harvest dates don't seem to be trending earlier significantly, as shown in the 10-year harvest record below. And not major fluctuations either. It's a small sample set compared to Champagne's 100+ years of data, but significant for our emerging region. Hopefully these enviable quality indicators will continue for many future vintages, in our "cooler climate".

 

 

TIME Winery Captures Best of Show
Best of Varietal and Inaugural Best of Show awarded to Riesling 2017 in Okanagan Wine Festivals


[Penticton, BC] The team at Penticton’s TIME Winery is celebrating today and checking stock levels, after capturing the inaugural Best of Show award at the Okanagan Wine Festivals BC Best of Varietal competition.

TIME Winery CEO Harry McWatters and winemakers Graham Pierce and Nadine Allander attended the awards ceremony, and the trio was thrilled when it was announced that TIME Winery won Best of Varietal for the 2017 Riesling, but when the presenters announced that for the first time ever, the competition is awarding a Best of Show, and it was for the same wine, the team was shocked.

I have been to this festival since its inception,” notes the 51-year industry veteran and CEO of TIME Winery
Harry McWatters. “To receive the first Best in Show award is such an honour. We are a string team at the winery, and I am so proud of our winemaking team of Graham Pierce, Nadine Allander, and Darrien McWatters.”

The TIME Winery Riesling offers delicious aromas of lime, lemon zest and stone fruit which are echoed on the palate. Fresh, crisp acidity is perfectly balanced with a mineral streak and natural residual sugar.

 

 

The BC Wine Institute Launches WineBC2030
BC Wine Industry Long-Term Strategic Plan

For immediate release:
March 13, 2019
PENTICTON, BC - Following another successful BC Wine Industry Insight Conference (March 12, 2019 at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, Penticton), the BC Wine Institute is pleased to announce the launch of the WineBC2030 long-term strategic plan.
Bringing together more than 200 industry stakeholders and key speakers, the BC Wine Industry Insight Conference provided an informative overview of the current and future states of the wine industry from industry experts. The conference concluded with the delivery of WineBC2030 - a culmination of more than 18 months of industry engagement led by the BC Wine Institute in developing a ten-year strategic plan for the BC wine industry.
“In a rapidly evolving environment, the global wine industry is changing at an unprecedented rate,” notes Miles Prodan, President & CEO of the BC Wine Institute. “WineBC2030 is about coordinating efforts to provide a vibrant future for the next generation of farmers and winemakers to thrive.”
The BC Wine Institute partnered with The Artemis Group and O’Donnell Lane LLP to develop a well-actioned plan for the BC wine industry. The result is a synchronized strategy for all areas of the industry, a guide for decision-making over the next ten years that is tailored to the strengths of the region as a whole.
“It has been a privilege working together with the BC Wine Institute on the WineBC2030 project and getting to know this extremely diverse and rich region,” says Honore Comfort, founder of The Artemis Group. “BC is poised to rise to the next level of prominence within the global wine industry. Our goal with the plan is to offer the insights, strategy and direction to guide the process and help the industry leverage its unique strengths to build a healthy and profitable future.”
The road to WineBC2030 began in October 2017, when the BCWI board recognized the need for a long-term strategic plan. Since then, more than 30 meetings have taken place in 12 locations province-wide. More than 650 industry participants provided input into the plan via multiple platforms, including industry working groups with representation from each of the sub-regions in BC, local industry experts and key stakeholders. In addition, progress updates were regularly communicated to the industry, creating opportunities for interested members of the wine community to contribute.
“There was an incredible amount of industry engagement throughout the planning process. The intention was to create an environment of transparency, accountability and engagement to work collaboratively and to listen and learn from the industry in order to build a plan that will serve this industry and the goals going forward.” notes Prodan.
During the BC Wine Industry Insight Conference, Comfort led industry through the strategic vision of WineBC2030, addressing overarching issues and opportunities that will shape and sustain the industry for decades, including sound strategies tailored to address the specific complexities of the BC wine industry.
“BC is truly one of the most distinctive wine regions I’ve been to. The BC wine industry has an opportunity to claim its place on the world’s wine stage. This is an exciting turning point for the industry.” Comfort said, during her presentation.
The final long-term strategic plan for the British Columbia wine industry serves as a dynamic model designed as a high-level and visionary road map to guide implementation, facilitate decision-making, adapt to shifting external forces, and motivate an industry to grow and change.
“A lot of what we are already doing is in this plan, so it’s good to have verified we are on the right track,” notes Prodan. “The Board of Directors has enthusiastically endorsed this plan, so the next step is to implement the long-term strategic plan into our annual operations planning, for years to come. Recognizing this is an industry-wide opportunity, we are committed to taking this forward.
For more information on WineBC2030 and to follow along the process visit, WineBC2030.com
The BC Wine Industry Insight Conference was hosted by the BC Wine Institute in partnership with the BC Wine Grape Council, the BC Grapegrowers' Association and the BC Wine Authority.
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Editors: Photos are linked for your consideration with the following cutlines,
Photos 1 – WineBC2030 Long-term strategic plan expected outcomes infographic
Photo 2 - Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

 

Great Start to the New Year at Tightrope

NARAMATA, BC – Not even a month into 2019, and Tightrope Winery has another honour for its list. The family-owned-and-run operation on the Naramata Bench has received the nod from Robert A. Bell’s Wines of Canada “Wineries to Watch For in 2019”.


This follows on the heels of a highly successful year in 2018, when the fruits of the seven-acre vineyard produced no fewer than 42 awards at five competitions, including ten at the prestigious Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition and ten more at the InterVin International Wine Awards.


“What a way to start the year,” says co-owner and vintner Lyndsay O’Rourke, whose husband, Graham, is the viticulturist. “We finished 2018 with InterVin’s Honourable Mention as winery of the year, which was particularly sweet, given that we were the smallest winery on the short list. Now, for Mr Bell to tell wine-lovers to keep their eye on us, is a tremendous boost.”


This latest honour adds to the excitement for the next releases, coming up in the spring: the 2017 Syrah, made exclusively from Naramata Bench grapes, boasting a nose of black pepper, blackberry and dark cherry, with flavours of anise, plum and black currant; and the 2017 Pinot Noir, made from grapes from Tightrope’s own vineyard, along with those from nearby Hermitage Vineyard; hand-picked and fermented in small lots, using wild yeast. You’ll find vanilla, tobacco and spice on the palate, with a nose of dried cranberries, plums and dark cherry.  Also coming out in the spring will be the Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Riesling, and Rosé, as well as the 2018 Pinot Gris and popular Tip-Toe blend, which sold out of the 2017 vintage last year.


Tightrope wines are available in private liquor stores around British Columbia. Oenophiles can also have their tastes more than satisfied in the Walk the Wire Wine Club, which offers shipments of cases to your door, and invitations to exclusive special events throughout the year.



About Tightrope Winery: Tightrope Winery sits on 10 acres on the Naramata Bench in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, where the complex soil is ideal for growing Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Barbera, Viognier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Supplementing its own grapes with those from other vineyards on the Naramata Bench, Tightrope produces up to 4,500 cases of wine a year.

 

O’Rourke Family Vineyards.

Dennis O’Rourke, owner of The Chase Wines, is moving forward with plans for a new winery in Carr’s Landing.

In June, the district approved O’Rourke’s new winery development, which will be nestled next to a granite mountain along Carr’s Landing Road and Commonage Road.

 

Corcelettes Growing Similkameen Vineyards With Purchase of 132.5 Acres of Bench Land
Corcelettes Estate Winery has recently acquired a large parcel of land on the Keremeos Upper Bench in the Similkameen Valley. The current Estate is nestled against the black rocks east of the Village of Keremeos. The new property wraps around the Estate from the north, and adds higher elevation, south facing, desert plateau vineyards.  


“This was a rare opportunity to purchase such a charismatic site” said Charlie Baessler, winemaker and managing partner of Corcelettes Estate Winery, “and there are many reasons to be excited about this property”.  Having never been farmed, the land is in its natural state and is literally in the shape of an alluvial fan, boasting sought after stemwinder soils.  Along with top quality soils and south facing aspects, the elevation and topography of the site allows Corcelettes to expand its 100% Similkameen Valley production of red wine varietals. “With demand increasing for quality Similkameen wine, securing more of this premium land is part of the short and long-term growth and sustainability strategy for the winery”, explained Baessler, “very few sites remain of this calibre”.


Expansion began last year with the purchase of a 6 acre orchard on the west side of the Estate. That land, now a new vineyard, will be planted to Malbec and Syrah in spring 2019.  Approximately 30 acres of the newly acquired bench land will be developed in phases over the next 5 years. Phase 1 work has begun with vineyard shaping and preparation of approximately 9 acres for planting in the following year.  Syrah and Bordeaux varietals will occupy this defined alluvial fan. Phase 2 will be especially interesting for the Corcelettes team with 1.5 acres planted in higher altitude bush vines, more common in other areas in the world, using low density, low disturbance organic techniques. “This well sloped south facing higher altitude vineyard will lend itself perfectly to our small lot programs that express more than varietals” said Charlie, “and we are excited to use low intervention planting and vineyard management”. Using these higher desert cactus and sage plateaus to capture the terroir, heat, and length of season, the aim is to produce some of BC’s most interesting wines.  Phase 3 vineyards will likely include more Pinot Noir but the team at Corcelettes are still contemplating how much land will be converted to vines and how much will remain in its natural state. This purchase brings the total land area to 159 acres, with a plan of over 50 acres in vineyards.


The new property also includes a beautiful large 5-bedroom home which will be converted into quality accommodations for cellar and vineyard employees and possibly a Guest B&B following vineyard developments. 


Corcelettes Estate Winery, located in the Similkameen Valley, blends passion, precision and science to craft expressive, small lot premium wines. Led by Charlie and Jesce Baessler, the skilled team at Corcelettes is committed to creating exceptional wines and experiences. In history the word “Corcelettes” described a royal garden; this hasn’t changed with the team’s continued attention to the land and precision practices in both the vineyard and cellar. Corcelettes was named Top 10 Small Wineries and Top 25 Wineries at the 2018 National Wine Awards of Canada.


Charlie Baessler
Winemaker, Managing Partner

 

Road 13 SOLD

In a brief release today Von Mandl Family Estates, founded by Anthony von Mandl, announced it has acquired Road 13 Winery from the Luckhurst Family. The acclaimed south Okanagan winery founded by Pam and Mick Luckhurst is the 2018 National Wine Awards of Canada – Winery of the Year. Road 13 joins a growing von Mandl Family collection of wineries that includes Mission Hill Family Estate, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Martin’s Lane Winery and CheckMate Artisanal Winery. I’m told the transaction was low key and that Road 13 family member Joe Luckhurst will remain with winery as the general manager as will Jeff del NIn as winemaker and all the staff. Known for its Rhone style wines Road 13 should be a good fit inside the von Mandl camp determined to tell the entire Okanagan story from north to south.

Skaha Bench

Owners of wineries and vineyards on the Skaha Bench of the Okanagan Valley have overwhelmingly voted in a plebiscite to create a sub-appellation, or as some call it in the wine industry, a sub-geographic indicator, according to vote results announced December 4.

That means that they want to be able to put the words Skaha Bench on wine bottle labels if the wine is produced entirely from grapes grown in a small area on the east side of Skaha Lake, north of McLean Creek Road, which is at the southern edge of Blasted Church Vineyards.

We couldn’t be happier with the results of this vote,” says John Skinner, Painted Rock’s Proprietor. “The ability to put exactly where our grapes are grown on our label has always been exceptionally important to me. It is about truth in labelling and transparency with consumers. If they want to know, I want to be able to tell them.”

The WINES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Stand up to the World at the Fourth Annual Judgment of BC For immediate release:
October 26, 2018 KELOWNA, BC -

The Wines of British Columbia were put to the ultimate test at the fourth annual Judgment of BC on Wednesday, October 24, pitting 12 BC wines against 12 acknowledged global benchmarks. We are proud to announce BC's Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy 2014 BC VQA Okanagan Valley ranked first among the flight of Bordeaux-style red blends, with BC’s Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio BC VQA Okanagan 2015 close behind in second place. Roederer Estate Brut NV from Anderson Valley, California came out on top for the flight of traditional method sparkling wines with BC placing fourth, fifth and sixth.

Hosted by the BC Wine Institute, and curated by Vancouver based wine expert DJ Kearney, the Judgment of BC took place in Kelowna in the heart of wine country, during which 37 international and national wine judges blind tasted and ranked the 24 wines. 12 were traditional method sparkling wines and 12 were Bordeaux-style red blends, six of each were from BC and six were international benchmarks.

The BC wines selected for the Judgment were hand chosen through a blind tasting by a Selection Committee of Barb Philip MW, Rhys Pender MW, Dr. Janet Dorozynski, Kurtis Kolt, Michaela Morris and Jason Yamasaki, led by DJ Kearney. Ninety-nine wines were tasted prior to selecting the final 12 BC representatives.

“The fact that two BC wines topped the red blends challenge was a true testament to our distinct terroir and climate, but most of all to skilled farming and winemaking.” Says Kearney. Poplar Grove Winery, celebrating its twentieth vintage, first made The Legacy in 2004. Over the years have honed this style to a standard of high quality. Just as impressive, Laughing Stock’s stylish Portfolio beat out benchmarks from Bordeaux and Napa Valley.

Twenty-six top wine professionals from around the world and across the country had just spent four days immersed in Wine BC BootCamp. Hosted by Master of Wine Rhys Pender and the British Columbia Wine Institute, the group delved deep into BC’s wine culture learning, tasting and discussing everything BC wine during a series of Masterclasses, panel discussions and regional visits. A further 11 Canadian wine critics and sommeliers descended on the Okanagan Valley to join the group for the Judgment tasting.

“It has been the most fascinating tasting,” says International judge Christine Austin, British wine writer for the Yorkshire Post. "BC Wine can stand up on the world stage with their own character, flavours, personality and hold their head up high against some of the best wines in the world.

" Tasting both traditional method sparkling and red blends shows BC’s diversity. “Many regions say they can produce a variety of styles. British Columbia is unique due to its climate and geology in actually being able to produce many grapes and styles at high quality,” notes Master Sommelier James Tidwell. “I look forward to the day when these wines are more recognized in the international market.”

"Our traditional method sparklers showed elegance, finesse and refinement." notes Kearney. Blue Mountain’s Blanc de Blancs 2010 R.D. proved to be the top ranked BC wine, placing fourth place.

Vancouver based wine writer, educator and international judge Michaela Morris was impressed by how well the BC sparkling wines showed. "Most of my top ranked wines in the sparkling flight turned out to be from BC which I found very impressive."

"It was a fun, enlightening exercise that reinforced the point of the quality of wines coming out of British Columbia,” says Katelyn Peil Wine Director for the Heavy Restaurant Group in Seattle, USA. “The wines are exciting and fresh with a purity of fruit that also offers a sense of place. It is amazing to see the caliber of wines coming from this region and the rest of the world should be paying attention."

“As an industry, we are so thrilled and humbled that there is such close attention from the world’s top wine influencers on what is happening with BC wine,” notes Laura Kittmer, Media Relations Manager of the BC Wine Institute. “We had top palates from the UK, USA, Asia and across Canada all of whom were enthusiastic about the quality of the wines.”

“The annual Judgment of BC allows us to gain insights and knowledge into how we compare internationally. Introspection is a critical part of ensuring we continue to make high quality wines, and also allows us to collectively celebrate as an industry. We have so many reasons to be proud, and the future is very bright.” says Kearney.

SPARKLING WINE RESULTS

1. Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV California | 12% | $46.99
2. Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut NV France | 12% | $69.99
3. Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut XIII France |12.5% | $67.99
4. Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars Blanc de Blancs R.D. 2010 Okanagan Valley, BC | 12.5% | $39.90
5. Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery The One 2012 Okanagan Valley | 12.0% | $47.90
6. Sperling Vineyards Brut Reserve 2011 Okanagan Valley, BC | 11.5% | $50
7. Graham Beck Brut Zero 2011 South Africa | 12% | $29.99
8. Tantalus Vineyards Blanc de Noir 2015 Okanagan Valley, BC | 12.0% | $30
9. Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva Spain | 12% | $33.99
10. The View Winery Pearls Traditional Brut 2016 Okanagan Valley, BC | 11.8% | $30
11. Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Fitz Brut 2015 Okanagan Valley, BC | 11.6% | $32.99
12. Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV California | 13% | $25.99

RED BLEND RESULTS

1. Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy 2014 Okanagan Valley, BC | 14.0% | $52
2. Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2015 Okanagan Valley, BC | 14.9% | $50
3. Blackbird Arise 2015 Napa Valley, California | 14.5% | $86
4. Dominus Estate Napanook Napa Valley Red 2014 California | 14.5% | $125.99
5. Intersection Estate Winery Axiom 2014 Okanagan Valley, BC | 13.9% | $39
6. Chateau Poujeaux 2015 Moulis-en-Médoc, France | 14% | $65
7. CedarCreek Estate Winery The Last Word 2014 Okanagan Valley, BC | 14.6% | $84.99
8. Osoyoos Larose Estate Winery Le Grand Vin 2015 Okanagan Valley, BC | 14.0% | $45
9. DeLille Cellars D2 2013 Columbia Valley, Washington State | 14.3% | $85
10. Clos du Soleil Winery Signature 2014 Similkameen Valley, BC | 14.8% | $45
11. Chateau de La Dauphine 2015 Fronsac, France | 14.5% | $50
12. Chateau d’Armailhac Grand Cru Classé 5th Growth Pauillac, France 2015 | 13.5% | $90

 

Painted Rock Estate Winery


It is with great pleasure that we announce that Painted Rock Estate Winery has won Winery of the Year honours at the 2018-19 InterVin International Wine Awards. It’s the second time in five years that our estate was the top-performing producer at the respected international competition.

This year’s awards featured over 1,200 entries from 17 countries. Our 2015 Cabernet Franc, 2014 Cabernet Franc and 2014 Syrah were awarded gold medals and our 2014 Merlot, 2015 Malbec and 2015 Red Icon were awarded silver medals.

InterVin Head Judge Christopher Waters said Painted Rock has been a consistent performer at the wine competition. “Since entering InterVin for the first time in 2013, Painted Rock has always been in the hunt for the competition’s top awards,” Waters explains. “The ambitious family-owned estate winery overlooking Skaha Lake won Winery of the Year honours in 2014 and repeated that feat over wineries from 17 countries again this year.”

Consistency is key for Painted Rock as we continue to build our reputation both at home and internationally. “An award like this is extremely validating” according to Painted Rock Proprietor John Skinner. “Our journey has always been to create the highest quality wines from our single vineyard estate. It is through the efforts of our winemaking and viticultural teams, both overseen by our Bordeaux consultant Alain Sutre, and lead by Assistant Winemaker Gabriel Reis and Vineyard Manager Barry Green, that we have been able to harness the potential of the estate. My focus now is introducing the world to Okanagan wines. Waving the flag for Canada and winning business for our community.”

End of an era at Black Hills Estate Winery!
After 11 years at the helm of Black Hills Estate Winery, director/president Glenn Fawcett is officially stepping down from the day-to-day operations. After leading a remarkable evolution of the business since 2007, he is now embarking on a three-month sabbatical to recharge his batteries and spend time with family.

In early 2019 Glenn will return to the wine industry to take on the newly created position of “Chief Wine Evangelist” for the parent company, Andrew Peller Ltd. (APL). In this capacity, Glenn will bring his energy and ideas to the other APL Canadian wineries while lending his entrepreneurial perspective to potential new ventures within the business. He will also serve as an advisor to and “Bon Vivant” for the winery so dear to his heart, Black Hills!

“I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to lead this winery since 2007 and to have the continued support from our shareholders, employees and customers along the way,” says Fawcett.

“Going forward, the day-to-day operations of the business will be managed by talented team members running the respective Vineyard, Winemaking, Estate and Marketing operations of the business, while they are reporting to and working closely with the team from APL. It gives me great satisfaction to know that the passionate team from APL shares the same values for the Continual Quality Evolution of the Black Hills Estate Winery wines. This will bode well for what I am sure will be an exciting future for better and better-quality wines for our customers and trade partners. Best of all, I still get to come to the major parties and events of Black Hills and help maximize the fun factor for our guests.”

Please join us in congratulating “G-Force” on his many accomplishments over the years, to his upcoming sabbatical and his new position as “Chief Wine Evangelist” with our parent company.

Your friends at Black Hills Estate Winery

GREAT ESTATES OKANAGAN TO OPEN WINE EXPERIENCE CENTRE IN PENTICTON THIS SEPTEMBER FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Penticton, B.C. (September 6, 2018)

— Great Estates Okanagan announced today it will open the Great Estates Wine Experience Centre in Penticton, B.C. on September 22, 2018. The Centre will serve as a hub for visitors to the region to learn more about the wines and wineries in the South Okanagan within the Great Estates Okanagan portfolio which includes Black Sage Vineyard, Inniskillin, Nk’Mip Cellars, Jackson-Triggs, Sunrock Vineyards, Dark Horse, Steller’s Jay, See Ya Later Ranch and Sumac Ridge.

Located in downtown Penticton on Lakeshore Drive, the Great Estates Wine Experience Centre will offer a variety of daily tastings and educational seminars throughout the year. Single-vineyard, winery-exclusive and regional-specific selections will be available for tasting and purchase at the Centre, offering visitors a taste of differing South Okanagan terroirs.

“The Great Estates Wine Experience Centre will offer visitors the opportunity to discover and taste what makes this area of B.C. so special,” said Josie Tyabji, Senior Director, Great Estates Okanagan. “We believe the Centre will provide a rich educational backdrop to our vibrant region, offer a wide-range of experiences for guests, and be a must-stop destination before they set out to explore the award-winning wineries within the South Okanagan.”

Designed by Penticton’s Landform Architecture, the Centre houses three distinct tasting areas and is also available for private functions. The Tasting Bar will rotate wine selections daily and offer four tastings for a $10 fee (CDN), refunded with a purchase of $50 (CDN) or more. Other experiences – such as food and wine pairing classes focused on specific varietals or types of cuisine – will have a fixed price based on the experience and food provided. The Great Estates team will lead educational seminars covering topics ranging from the history of the South Okanagan to growing regions and bring in guest educators for select classes as well. More information and a complete list of experiences can be found at www.greatestatesokanagan.com.

The Centre will be open throughout the Summer from May 1st to September 31st, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily and October 1st to April 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

ABOUT GREAT ESTATES OKANAGAN Great Estates Okanagan is a collection of Okanagan wine brands and wineries. The portfolio includes Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Nk’Mip Cellars, See Ya Later Ranch, Sumac Ridge, Steller’s Jay, Sunrock Vineyards, Dark Horse and Black Sage Vineyard. Hospitality experiences are available in Summerland, Osoyoos and Penticton.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kristine Wilkinson Milk Creative Communications

Brittany Siddall Arterra Wines

 

For Immediate Release August 15, 2018

Osoyoos, BC First Urban Winery for Osoyoos Bruce Fuller, formerly the Founder and Proprietor of Rustico Farm & Cellars today announced that he’d entered into a Preliminary Agreement to develop the first Urban Winery in Osoyoos.

To be located on Main Street, Osoyoos it’s expected that the Osoyoos Urban Winery will complement many of the recommendations the town has been considering for their downtown revitalization initiative and certainly attract renewed activity to the core area. Fuller had been looking at a number of alternatives over the past months since the closing of Rustico Winery in January 2017 and while there were a number of winery and vineyard properties on the market in the South Okanagan, he was not able to identify one that met his site selection criteria and decided to explore the “Urban Winery” concept, now trending in parts of the U.S. and Canada.

“I needed to fully understand the unique differences between a traditional winery-vineyard operation and the, “Urban Winery” model. Simply put, an Urban Winery is a real winery that does not have an adjacent vineyard property, but does have a limited, small-lot production capability right on the premises.

Conceptually Osoyoos Urban Winery will be an old-west, cowboy-style Saloon paying tribute to Osoyoos’ colourful border history. If you ever visited Rustico Winery near Oliver... you'll get the drift. Fortunately we’ve been able to collaborate and share insights with the co-founder of the well-known, Vancouver Urban Winery. For instance, while Osoyoos Urban Winery will be presented with an old-time look, we’ll be installing a sophisticated, state-of-the-art Wine-On-Tap system allowing guests an extensive wine selection from many of our neighbouring South Okanagan wineries. In this way we can provide a terrific showcase for folks wanting to sample wines they may not be familiar with or otherwise miss from many of these local wineries.” Fuller said.

From a timing perspective Osoyoos Urban Winery will open later this year but is expected to be fully operational in early Spring 2019. -30-

 

The BC wine industry, it turns out, may not be as resistant to change as some feared. Involving an onerous ‘double majority’ approval (BCWA requiring support from at least 65% of all wineries AND support from member wineries that produce at least 50% of all BC wine), and uniquely including all licensed grape wineries in BC, the plebiscite demonstrated support for the strong consensus amongst industry in general.


Unfortunately with the change to a new provincial government and other delays, Ministry of Agriculture’s and Cabinet’s review of the amendments was slow.
Finally last week, a number of key amendments were announced, including Thompson Valley, Shuswap, Lillooet and the Kootenays being recognized as new BC VQA Geographical Indications (GIs), standard elements of appellation systems used around the world. Also, there was a streamlining of the process for recognizing sub-GIs. Previously Golden Mile Bench was the only sub-GI, but wineries on the east side of the Okanagan Valley, from Vaseux Lake to just north of Shuttleworth Creek, now are permitted to label their wines with the “Okanagan Falls” sub-GI.


An additional change implements a flat fee for small wineries to enable and encourage more wineries to participate in the BC Wine Authority’s programs. The change has already borne fruit, with Vancouver Island’s Rocky Creek Winery’s and Unsworth Vineyards’ wines receiving BC VQA certification, and both wineries joining as BC Wine Institute members.
While it’s taken some time, and there’s still work to be done, changes to the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation reflect the dynamic and evolving BC wine industry.


- Miles Prodan, President & CEO. BC Wine Institute

 

For immediate release:
July 13, 2018


Suggested Tweet: New Board of Directors for @WineBCdotcom & industry leaders recognized at the 2018 Canadian Wine Industry Awards ceremony on July 10 #BCWine #RootedinCool


KELOWNA, BC – Following another successful Annual General Meeting (July 10, 2018 at the Delta Hotel, Kelowna), that brought together winery owners from across BC, the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors.
Nine voting BCWI Directors represent all British Columbia wineries. Newly elected or re-elected members of the Board of Directors are:
- Christa-Lee McWatters Bond from Encore Vineyards
- Josie Tyabji from Arterra Wines Canada
- Erik Fisher from Monte Creek Ranch Winery
- Charlie Baessler from Corcelettes Estate Winery


Also continuing their terms on the Board are Greg Berti (Andrew Peller), Ezra Cipes (Summerhill Pyramid Winery), Leo Gebert (St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery), Tony Holler (Poplar Grove Winery) and David Wilson (Mark Anthony Group). BCWI President & CEO Miles Prodan, BC Grapegrowers' Association representative David Kozuki and Independent Director Douglas Friend remain on the Board as ex officio non-voting members.
“It has been a busy year in the BC wine industry, and we appreciate the time commitment and dedication of our volunteer Board of Directors and committee members,” notes Prodan. “We look forward to working with our newly appointed Board member Charlie Baessler and continuing Board members, including BCWI Chair Christa-Lee McWatters Bond, to evolve the BC wine industry and take the vision of our member wineries to the next level.”
The BCWI would also like to thank outgoing Director Ian MacDonald (Liquidity Wines) for his contributions to the Board during his term.


In the evening, the BCWI welcomed the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) to co-host the 2018 BC Wine Industry Awards alongside the Canadian Wine Industry Awards aimed to recognize individuals that have gone above and beyond to support and enhance Canada’s grape wine industry.


BCWI President & CEO Miles Prodan was honoured to present CJ Smith, a champion ambassador for BC VQA Wine, with the BCWI Industry Recognition Award in gratitude of her many years of outstanding contribution to the British Columbia wine industry.
“CJ’s passion for BC wine, ability to build community, and eagerness to help others transformed the local Westwood Wines BC VQA Wine store into a vibrant part of the local community and a vital contributor to the BC wine ecosystem,” remarked Prodan. “Today we thank CJ for her industry contributions and for supporting BC VQA Wine and wineries for more than eight years.”


The BCWI Award of Distinction was presented to Vera Klokock, founder of Hillside Winery in recognition of her outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry.
“Vera Klokocka was one of few female winemakers in the Okanagan in the early 1990s whose fortitude and pioneering spirit were instrumental in shaping the BC wine industry as we know it today,” said BCWI Chair Christa-Lee McWatters Bond. “Vera’s role in leading the charge to bring about the Farmgate Winery Policy in 1989 changed the BC wine industry and until today she remains an unsung hero.”


The Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction, regarded as the highest form of peer recognition in the Canadian wine industry, was awarded to Anthony von Mandl, founder of Mission Hill Family Estate, and proprietor of CedarCreek Estate Winery, CheckMate Artisanal Winery, and the radical new gravity-fed Martin’s Lane Winery.
“Anthony’s lifelong commitment to putting the Okanagan Valley on the international map as a region producing world class wine is remarkable,” said Dan Paszkowski, President and CEO of the CVA. “His vision and dedication have been instrumental in the development of the BC wine industry, a region whose exceptional quality wines can stand alongside the best in the world.”


The Wine Industry Champion Award was presented to David Lawrason, a prolific wine journalist and authority on Canadian wine, who has spent more than 30 years reporting on wine, travelling across Canada tasting and making wine more accessible to Canadian consumers.


The inaugural Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award, created to celebrate great Canadian winemakers in honour of the legacy of the late Karl Kaiser, a Canadian wine industry pioneer and viticultural visionary, was awarded to Bruce Nicholson, Senior Winemaker at Inniskillin Niagara. With more than 30 years of experience in both British Columbia and Ontario, Bruce has made world-class wines and continues to demonstrate the endless potential for Canadian wines.


This year set a benchmark for the BC Wine Industry with BC VQA Wine reaching an all-time high of 18 per cent of wine market share in BC (litres). BC VQA Wine sales (litres) experienced a 7.3 per cent growth over the previous year.
- 30 -


Editors: Photos are linked for your consideration with the following cutlines,
Photos 1 - British Columbia Wine Institute Board of Directors (Back Row L-R: Charlie Baessler (Corcelettes Estate Winery), Greg Berti (Andrew Peller), Ezra Cipes (Summerhill Pyramid Winery), Erik Fisher (Monte Creek Ranch Winery), Leo Gebert (St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery) and Douglas Friend (Independent Director). Front Row L-R: Josie Tyabji (Arterra Wines Canada), Miles Prodan (BC Wine Institute), Chair Christa-Lee McWatters Bond (Encore Vineyards), David Wilson (Mark Anthony Group) and David Kozuki (BC Grapegrowers' Association).


Photos 2 - British Columbia Wine Institute and Canadian Vintners Association Industry Award Winners (L-R: Bruce Nicholson (recipient of the Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award), CJ Smith (recipient of the BC Wine Institute Industry Recognition Award), Anthony von Mandl (recipient of the Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction), Dan Paszkowski (President and CEO of the Canadian Vintners Association), Miles Prodan (President & CEO of the BC Wine Institute), Vera Klokocka (recipient of the BC Wine Institute Award of Distinction), David Lawrason (recipient of the Canadian Wine Industry Champion Award), Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond (Chair of the BC Wine Institute), Geoff McIntyre (Representing MNP, Sponsor of the Canadian Wine Industry Awards), David Wilson (Chair of the Canadian Vintners Association).
For the complete image gallery click here.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2018

Olivier Humbrecht MW joins Phantom Creek Estates as Consultant

Oliver, British Columbia: Phantom Creek Estates is pleased to announce a long-term collaboration with Olivier Humbrecht MW of Alsace’s Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. Phantom Creek is Humbrecht’s first and only winery consulting project.

Olivier Humbrecht, France’s first Master of Wine, is the owner and winemaker of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. The renowned estate has been in his family since 1620, and today is one of the world’s leading Pinot Gris and Riesling producers. Humbrecht initiated the winery’s transition to organic and biodynamic practices in 1997. He is now the President of Biodyvin, a prestigious biodynamic certifying body based in Europe.

As Phantom Creek expands its portfolio to include Pinot Gris and Riesling, two of British Columbia’s signature grape varieties, Humbrecht will be instrumental in helping to select and develop vineyard sites that have the potential for excellence.

“Having visited three times already, I know the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys are capable of producing exceptional Pinot Gris and Riesling with great vineyard character,” said Humbrecht. "With the ambition of ownership and the skilled team at Phantom Creek, I am enthusiastic about what we can achieve.”  

Working closely with Winemaker Ross Wise, Humbrecht will have an integral role in Phantom Creek’s white winemaking program. The state of the art winery, including an Alsatian inspired foudre room, was designed with Humbrecht’s input.

Humbrecht will also guide Phantom Creek’s transition to organic and biodynamic farming practices. The winery’s 67 acres of estate vineyards on the Black Sage Bench, including the historic Phantom Creek and Sundial Vineyards, have been farmed according to organic practices since 2017.

“We believe organic and biodynamic farming will result in the highest quality fruit from our estate vineyards,” said Ross Wise. “As the authority on biodynamic farming, Olivier is an indispensable source of knowledge.”

Phantom Creek’s inaugural wines will be released in Spring 2019, coinciding with the opening of the winery. Since 2016, the winery has farmed heat-seeking varieties ideally suited to the South Okanagan, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

 

 

 


 

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