Get ready for a memorable summer in Okanagan Falls wine country. Blasted Church Vineyards is the place to be, offering exceptional wines, captivating events, and breathtaking surroundings.
A New Look for Cambium Cider Co.
Macaloney’s Island Distillery Launches Canada’s First-Ever Triple-Distilled Single Potstill Whisky Range
Macaloney’s whisky maker Graeme Macaloney may be Scottish by birth, but this esteemed whisky maker has more than a touch of that famed roguish Irish twinkle in his eye. Which is why it makes perfect sense that Macaloney’s Island Distillery is launching a quartet of Irish-style Triple Distilled Single Potstill Whiskies – and just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!
TIME for a Big Reveal from TIME Family of Wines
TIME Family of Wines is getting ready to debut its new OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar and Chronos Tasting Room in downtown Penticton
TIME Family of Wines is gearing up for a big 2023:
Their newly created Chronos Tasting Room and OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar in Penticton is scheduled to open in Spring 2023; newly appointed culinary director Kirk Morrison and executive chef Damian Cole are cooking up exciting new menus and food items to be served at OROLO and the TIME Family of Wines District Wine Village location; TIME Family of Wines District Wine Village location is open for business and ready to rock the season.
Celebrate BC’s Bounty with BC Blueberries and BC VQA Wines
In a celebration of BC’s agricultural bounty, the BC Blueberry Council has teamed up with Wines of British Columbia to showcase a carefully curated selection of BC blueberry recipes paired with BC wines.
The campaign which will run during February and March of 2023, aims to champion local BC blueberries and BC wine.
Osoyoos Larose launches La Maison Osoyoos Larose, an exclusive wine list subscription
Favourite Summerland winery renamed to Haywire
Okanagan Crush Pad Marks Changes to its Business Model with A New Name, Look and Visitor Experience
It’s been an exciting start to 2023 at Okanagan Crush Pad: after 11 years running Canada’s first purpose-built custom crush winemaking business successfully, the team is saying goodbye to its original business model by renaming to Haywire Winery.
TOP 5 REASONS TO VOTE FOR MONTE CREEK WINERY
OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINERY IS NOW NOSTALGIA WINES INC.
OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINERY IS NOW NOSTALGIA WINES INC.
OKANAGAN WINERY’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATED WITH CHANGE
*Download photos and more here.
[Oliver, BC] Oliver Twist Estate Winery is now Nostalgia Wines Inc. The ownership remains solely under Gina Fernandes Harfman. When Harfman purchased Oliver Twist Estate Winery in 2012, she kept the namesake Oliver Twist and created her own Nostalgia series to put her stamp on the business. With 2021 being the 15th anniversary of the winery, the time was right to finalize the change.
“Nostalgia Wines is more authentic and better connects to what we represent here,” Harfman notes.
With the name change also comes modernized packaging that better reflects the wine quality, displayed on Nostalgia Wines’ three wine tiers: Nostalgia, Pin-Up, and the Family Collection.
The team at Oliver Twist Winery has been a bit mischievous... they are now Nostalgia Wines Inc.
The team at Oliver Twist Winery has been a bit mischievous... they are now Nostalgia Wines Inc.
THE HISTORY BEHIND NOSTALGIA WINES INC.
Harfman is proud of her South Okanagan farming legacy. Terroir is in her blood: Harfman is the fourth generation from her paternal side, and the third generation from her maternal side, to sink her hands into South Okanagan soil. Her maternal grandfather, Joe Fernandes, left Madeira in the early 1950s to establish orchards and a fruit stand in Osoyoos. Her father, Ken, has 6 hectares (15 acres) of vineyard in Osoyoos which he runs with the help of Harf- man’s brother, Jeremy.
This connection to wine started Harfman down the winemaking road, starting with the winemaking course at Okanagan College. She gained experience as the assistant winemaker at Cassini Cellars for 2010 crush. For 2011 crush, she joined the previous owners and winemaking consultant, Christine Leroux, at Oliver Twist. From the very first vintage, Leroux has guided the wines at Oliver Twist, and she remains an important member of the Nostalgia winemaking team today.
In Harfman’s woman-owned and managed winery, she carries on her prede- cessors’ vision and traditions. She has chosen the name Nostalgia because for her, wine is about creating memories and making connections. She hopes that people will experience her wines, and in doing so, forge new memories.
“Nostalgia is something relatable to everyone,” she notes. “As everyone has memories.”
Nostalgia Wines Inc.'s owner and winemaker, Gina Fernandes Harfman
THE WINES & THE WINERY
Open year-round on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC, Nostalgia Wines offers a range of small production wines from its Nostalgia, Pin-Up, and Family Collection tiers: from dry to off-dry whites and rosés, medium to full-bodied reds, as well as sparkling and dessert wines (including a fortified Port-style). Wines are released in quantities from 24 - 675 cases only and are worth seeking out each release (all wines can be purchased at the winery or online at NostalgiaWines.ca).
Harfman ensures the grape quality is high, sourcing most of the grapes from the estate’s Home Vineyard: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Kerner, Merlot and Syrah. She also sources from her family’s farm, and from treasured, long-term grower partners. Her attention to detail continues throughout the entire winemaking process.
Visitors to Nostalgia Wines are welcomed with heart, personality, nostalgia, and great wine. After taking in the memora- bilia collection inside the wine shop and watching the winemaking in progress through the tasting room windows, the sense of history and love at this family-run winery is unmistakable. Situated right in the heart of South Okanagan wine country, guests take in the views of the rugged desert hills, vineyards, and orchards, while sipping and soaking up the surroundings.
Nostalgia Wines 2018 Merlot, 2018 Meritage and 2020 Rosé
The Nostalgia and Family Collection wines demonstrate the serious side of Harfman’s winemaking style. Guests are impressed by the entire lineup and are charmed by the fun and seductive Pin-Up Series, which allows Harfman to express her fun side. The retro-cool paintings on the Pin-Up bottles are by artist Ralph Burch.
Nostalgia is the comfort and happiness triggered by sensory experiences. Once visitors discover this boutique, family-run winery, and enjoy a glass of wine from one of the estate’s scenic patios, they will want to take home a taste and make more memories of their own.
To keep those memories alive and satisfy you at home when you are feeling “Nostalgic,” membership in the Recollec- tions Wine Club is your best bet. This flexible membership allows you to choose your own selection and order on de- mand any time of year, in person or online, with special Club pricing. Harfman makes exclusive wines for Club members only, such as small lots of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Watch for the new Nostalgia and Family Collec- tion labels and the refreshed Pin-Up Series to hit the winery’s shelves this month, or order online at NostalgiaWines.ca.
Pin-Up Series Rockabilly Red, 2020 Pink Cadillac and 2020 Boogie Woogie White
ABOUT NOSTALGIA WINES INC.
Nostalgia Wines Inc. is a winery located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC. It is owned by Gina Fernandes Harfman who is a fourth-gener- ation farmer in the Okanagan. Harfman is the winemaker behind the terroir focused, small lot wines produced on the property.
Nostalgia Wines carries three tiers of wine: Family Collection, Nostalgia Series and the mischievous Pin-Up Series which showcase labels that depict 1960s-inspired artwork.
To learn more about Nostalgia Wines Inc. or shop the wines, visit www.NostalgiaWines.ca
A woman’s place is in the winery
The McWatters sisters are two of those who have been involved in the industry from an early age. Daughters of the late grandfather of BC wine, Harry McWatters, they have seen female trailblazers change the game for British Columbia wines while learning what was necessary to carry on their family legacy.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery Appoints HQ Wine + Spirits to Sell its Wines in Vancouver
Named Best Island Winery two years running, Vancouver Island's Blue Grouse Estate Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of HQ Wine + Spirits to represent its wines in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Coastal Craft Beverages continues to represent all Blue Grouse wines on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
The Release of Pet Matt
Okanagan Crush Pad Releases Matt Landry’s “Pet Matt Landrusco”
9th Wine Campus Collaboration a Fun Play on Words
After teasing followers on social media with the sneak peeks of the label under development, the wait is over.
Okanagan Crush Pad announces its 9th Wine Campus project, this time, a collaboration with Matthew Landry.
Lesley Brown Joins Okanagan Crush Pad Sales Team
The team at Okanagan Crush Pad Winery is pleased to announce that Lesley Brown has joined its team as vice president sales and marketing, to lead the company’s Vancouver based HQ Wine & Spirits division.
Singletree Winery Captures Tourism Excellence Award
Abbotsford winery heads into winter with recognition for its quality and service
[Abbotsford, BC] Singletree Winery is proud to share they have captured a Business Excellence Award for Best Tourism Experience.
Presented by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and The Abbotsford News, the 23rd Annual Awards ceremony took place November 23, to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals in Abbotsford that strive for excellence in the community. Thirteen awards were handed out, with Singletree earning the trophy for Tourism Excellence.
Sponsored by Tourism Abbotsford, the Tourism Excellence award demonstrates that Singletree Winery is a leader in its industry, with a commitment to customer service, a concern for the community, and a passion for innovation.
Singletree Winery is owned by the Etsell family, who has been farming in the Fraser Valley for over two decades. Under their Singletree banner, and with careful attention to the land, the Etsell Family is committed to showing the world what the Fraser Valley is capable of.
The Singletree Winery team: L-R: Laura Preckel, Andrew, Debbie and Garnet Etsell.
"Our family is thrilled and honored to receive this award of excellence from the business community," remarks winery owner Debbie Etsell. "Family and staff work diligently to make each guest's experience and time at Singletree Winery enjoyable and memorable," she continues. "To be recognized as a leader in this field is truly monumental."
Since establishing their winery in 2015, the family has aimed to provide both a hospitable experience and quality wines, as they forge their place in the British Columbia wine industry. The Abbotsford vineyard and tasting room is located on a 67-acre operating farm in Mt. Lehman, only 45-minutes from Vancouver. 14 acres of estate vineyard contribute to award-winning BC VQA wines. Their tasting room is open year-round to present these cool climate varietals, including their extremely popular Siegerrebe and Grüner Veltliner wines. Visitors love the friendly vibe and the picnic area where they can enjoy locally-smoked meats, cheese and other seasonal selections. Special events held at the winery throughout the year always draw a crowd. The winery's special events area in the heart of the vineyard adds a special touch to weddings, corporate events, birthdays or the winery's own experiences.
In last Summer 2018 the Etsell family purchased a second winery location in the Okanagan on the Naramata Bench. Closed for the winter, the Naramata tasting room will officially open in spring 2019.
The Abbotsford winery is open year-round, and the team invites the public to join them in Abbotsford this winter. On December 8 from 12 to 5:30pm Singletree Winery in Abbotsford will devote the day to "Entertaining with local wine this Christmas". Admission is by donation with proceeds to the Mt. Lehman Community Hall, to assist with renovations. Attendees will enjoy appetizers made with their house-made wine jellies, white mulled wine, recipes for sparkling cocktails. and recipes for entrees with wine.
Check out Singletree on social media @singletreewine to keep up with the latest.
About Singletree Winery:
Singletree Winery Fraser Valley is in the Mt. Lehman area of Abbotsford, and Singletree Naramata Bench opened in 2018. The Etsell family has deep roots in the agricultural community.
With careful attention to their land, they are committed to showcasing the best of British Columbia: the Fraser Valley, which provides a lineup of aromatic, crisp, and juicy wines that highlight this unique terroir; and Naramata Bench in the Okanagan, where the glacial soils and warm climate produce luscious red wines.
Their portfolio includes Siegerrebe, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Late Harvest Kerner, Pinot Noir Rosé, Wild Ferment Siegerrebe, a white blend called Homestead, Harness, a Bordeaux-style red blend, and a traditional-method sparkling wine called Victory. The wines are made by second generation family member Andrew Etsell.
The Fraser Valley winery is open for visitors Wednesday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 5:30pm. Naramata is open only by appointment.
Visit singletreewinery.com to join the wine club and for more information on picnics, events, weddings and much more.