Robert Bell's
Wines of Canada
Since 1992
Abbotsford Visit
Taves Cidery
Once again it time to gas up the car and travel through the back roads to the Abbotsford Valley and visit some wineries. Our first stop was 3 Taves Estate Cidery, 33 Gladwin Rd. Despite arriving before opening we were welcomes by co-owner Corinne Taves.
The tasting room is small but still captures your attension. It was filled with their numerous cider flavours along with Jamsand Apple Butter. We tasted a few ciders all with distictive and memorable flavours.
Farming has been a way of life for the Taves family since the 1930s, when Opa purchased his first farm in the Southlands of Abbotsford. Going into the fourth generation, Taves Family Farms continues to thrive with Loren and Corinne Taves leading the way. The farming operation now grows over 60 acres of produce where they harvest everything from eggplant and heirloom tomatoes, to a variety of currants and berries to apples and pumpkins!
Each spring, summer and fall, the Taves welcome people to the Applebarn to enjoy Easterfest, u-pick goji berries, sunflower and pumpkin patches, hay rides, a corn maze, jumping pillows, farm animals, pedal karts, pony rides, fun eats, and, most importantly, u-pick apples! Visiting the farm in fall brings 10 acres of orchard laden with different varieties of apples from tart Alkmene to sweet Honeycrisp and the Taves’ signature apple, the Jonagold. Together, this combination yields the most delicious cold-pressed apple cider and legendary apple cider slushies.
While visitng and tasting their ciders youcca relax in the picnic area. They have some in room snacks for you to enjoy with your flights including: warm queso dip with toasted naan bites, tortilla chips with dip, cinco combo plate (taco and tortilla chips) as well as some pre-made charcuterie boards.
Applebarn Experience – U-Pick goji berries in summer and see the sunflower patch, go on a hay ride, and in the fall ride a pony, pick your own apples, choose a perfectly-round pumpkin, navigate the Corn Quest Maze, ride the tire swings, bounce on jumping pillows, pet barn animals at Farmville, and much more.
Portions of the proceeds from specialty cider goes to Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue
Cannon Estate Winery
Our next stop was the newest winery in the north Mt . Lehman Road area, Cannon Estate Winery. They recently opened their new tasting room and Calibre Restaurant.
Andi and Justin Manuel moved to the Fraser Valley 10 Years ago to start a family. After settling in Mt. Lehman with their two boys and family dog, Daisy, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to explore one of their many passions, wine!
After acquiring 20 acres on a whim with no plan of what to do with the land, Justin and Andi were inevitably left wondering, now what? At the time they bought the property, they were spending their summers in the Okanagan with their two young boys, Tate and Rudy. Loading up the boys into the chariot behind their bikes and trudging up the Kettle Valley Railroad to the Naramata bench was a family favourite activity… or maybe just Andi and Justin’s favourite activity…who knows?! Either way, the time they spent creating these beautiful memories inspired them to plant a vineyard on their property in Mt. Lehman.
They brought in an experienced viticulturist and winemaker, Patrick Blandin, to further study the environment to optimize their property and create the ideal growing conditions.
Upon arrival we were quicky greeted with a small and escorted to a place a the tasting bar.
We quickly moved to a more relaxing couch in front of the fireplace. Michelle Hayes is one of our two Tasting Room Floor Supervisors was our host. She was amazing making our visit most enjoyable. I also chatted with Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager, Brittany Watters.
“Cannon” comes from the moment in time where an idea takes hold and there’s no going back. Andi describes this moment with Justin as being like a Cannon. When the idea sets in place, there’s no going back. “The wick is lit.
The Wick is one of their wine brands. Thee 2021 Bonhomous a Sanceree-style Sauvignon Blanc Blend is excellent with its crisp appple, peach and llime flavours.
The 2021 Fervour Bordeaux-style Cabernet Franc Blend was the one we all come in as a Double Gold with its spicy dark fruit flavours.
We will return to both Taves Cidery and Cannon Estate Winery in the Spring if not before.
If you enjoyed this website and want a way to support me, you can help by advertising on our web page. See our new wedding page.
Our blog
Wonders of Wine and Food
Home | About | Sitemap | Support |Facebook| Contact Us |©2024 Robert A Bell
Wines of Canada was developed and designed by Robert (Bob) Bell of Whi make or sell wine. Support is welcome as are suggestions and comments; should you see something that needs to be corrected please let us know.