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STORIES, NEWS, AND BEST PRACTICES
Now open! Solvero Wines is happy to announce the opening of its new tasting room. Tucked away in the hillsides of the picturesque Garnet Valley along the renowned Bottleneck Drive tourist route, after nearly a decade of meticulous vineyard development and construction, the winery team is ready to welcome visitors to experience exceptional wines amidst the stunning backdrop of Garnet Valley.
Opening soon! The Solvero Wines team is preparing to open their brand-new tasting room. Tucked away in the hillsides of the picturesque Garnet Valley along the renowned Bottleneck Drive tourist route, after nearly a decade of meticulous vineyard development and construction, the Solvero Wines team is getting ready to welcome visitors to experience exceptional wines amidst the stunning backdrop of Garnet Valley this season.
The team at Haywire Winery is thrilled to unveil its Certified Local program as a token of gratitude to the incredible residents who have steadfastly supported the Okanagan wine industry over the decades. The year-round visits and purchases from locals have played a pivotal role in transforming this region into a globally respected wine producer.
The team at Haywire Winery is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of its Lunar New Year limited edition wine, Haywire Lunar Red, in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. This release marks a continuation of a tradition that began with the winery’s first Lunar New Year wine in 2014, when the team at Haywire was the first BC winery to release a Lunar wine label.
The Bottleneck Drive Association is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of "Light Up the Vines," a signature holiday event that has become a beloved tradition in the Okanagan Valley. This year, the event is back for its 13th year, promising visitors an enchanting experience filled with wine tastings, sparkling lights, refreshments, and music. It's an ideal opportunity for guests to stock up on the finest wine, beer, spirits, and cider for their holiday entertaining and gift-giving needs.
Singletree Winery, nestled amidst the lush vines of Abbotsford, is gearing up to host two sensational events that promise an unforgettable experience for all attendees. With a backdrop of breathtaking vineyard vistas, these events offer an opportunity for guests to bask in live music, delectable cuisine, and the finest wines.
The team at Solvero Wines is excited to invite the public to visit and take in the inaugural wine releases.
Located in the beautiful Garnet Valley in the Summerland Valleys Sub GI, among the Bottleneck Drive tourist route, Summerland’s newest winery is the place for wine lovers to indulge in some of British Columbia’s most special wines.
April is BC Wine Month, so it’s the perfect time for Blue Grouse Winery to celebrate its Island winery and get charitable. For the third year in a row, $1 from every bottle of Blue Grouse or Quill wine sold anywhere in BC goes to Nourish Cowichan to feed hungry children. Added to this, $1 from every bottle sold will e matched dollar for dollar in a donation from the Brunner family, owners of the winery, to a maximum of $10,000.
A new look for Evolve Cellars, McWatters Collection, and introducing Chronos
The last year and a half has changed us all and this is especially true for the team at TIME Family of Wines. The downtown Penticton winery was purchased by new owners Ron and Shelley Mayert and has undertaken several projects as well as a new look to set the tone for exciting times ahead.
TIME’s characteristic premium quality and attention to detail continues, with many new additions to the portfolio, including a new brand. TIME Family Wines is excited to introduce Chronos to their premium BC VQA portfolio. Chronos, aptly named after the Greek primordial god of time.
A new look for Evolve Cellars, Chronos and McWatters Collection
This collection of wines was created for lovers of pure Okanagan Terroir. Wine enthusiasts who value wines crafted with depth, complexity, and character. The Chronos line will include Chronos Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and the red blend Ouroboros.
In addition to Chronos, Evolve Cellars has received a visual refresh that includes a light, casual aesthetic and two new wines, the white blend Spontaneity and the red blend Momento. All Evolve Cellars wines are supple with a zippy zing and offer the purest expressions of varietals to awaken the five senses into celebrations of every moment.
The McWatters Collection remains the legacy brand with a limited series of wines that reflect the philosophy of their namesake; Harry McWatters. These ultra-premium wines are as luxurious and refined as is their new packaging and appropriately include a tribute to Harry McWatters on each bottle. The new vintage will also include the addition of a White Meritage to the portfolio.
The brand refresh is revealed just as the 2020 wines are released in the tasting room and on shelves across the country. The 2020 vintage are the first wines fully crafted by winemaker Lynzee Schatz, who joined the TIME family in 2019. Schatz’s focus has been to elevate the character of each brand, enhancing their unique flavour profiles and authentic expression of the varietal.
In addition to new wines and a new look, TIME Family of Wines is expanding its physical space in the coming months with a new epicurean experience named Orolo, formerly TIME Kitchen. The expansion also includes two new private meeting and dining spaces; the PenMar and McWatters Legacy Suites. A rooftop patio like no other in the Okanagan will follow in 2022.
Finally, TIME Family of Wines is very excited to announce the opening of a satellite experience centre at The District Wine Village in Oliver, BC later this fall. The newly opened District Wine Village is the first true wine village in Canada. Located in the heart of the South Okanagan, the Village is surrounded by vineyards and home to 16 artisan producers including TIME Family of Wines.
This presents TIME Family of Wine enthusiasts with a four-season opportunity to meet, taste and enjoy local events and experiences.
“We felt that with everything our team has been through in the last two years, a brand refresh would be the final touch for the new phase at TIME Family of Wines,´ says Christa-Lee McWatters, general manager of TIME Family of Wines. “We hope the fans of TIME wines are excited about Chronos and that you all come to see our new space when Orolo and The District Village location open its doors. We are looking forward to what is to come!”
Toast #NationalRoséDay with 10 BC Rosé Wines
Since National Rosé Day is almost here (June 12, 2021), we’re sharing how you can celebrate the occasion with some of our favourite BC wines! Each rosé on this list was made locally with grapes grown in BC. From the Fraser Valley, to the Okanagan, and even the Island, each corner of BC has a rosé that’s sure to fit your palate. Read the below descriptions to find out which rosé is right for your #NationalRoséDay festivities.
Bizou + Yukon Pinkie Rosé, Singletree Winery Rosé, and Haywire Gamay Rosé
This rosé gives flavours of bright and juicy red berries with floral notes on the nose. It’s approachable, easy to drink, and pairs well with charcuterie. Available online at okanagancrushpad.com , in-person at the winery in Summerland, BC, or at select private wine stores throughout the province.
A blend of Malbec and Syrah, find this refreshing pink rosé online at singletreewinery.com or in-person at the winery in Abbotsford or Naramata. This wine is predicted to sellout, so move quickly!
A dry, mouth-watering rosé, filled with flavours of bright fruit and orange blossoms. Pair it with your choice of grilled fish or sip it solo. Available online at okanagancrushpad.com, in-person at the winery in Summerland, BC, or at select Save-On-Foods stores throughout the province.
Pink Cadillac Rosé, Free Form Rosé, Nostalgia Rosé, and Blue Grouse Estate Winery Quill Rosé
As playful as the artwork on its label, the Pink Cadillac tastes of berries and exotic fruit on the palate. Drink this on its own or with a light fruit-filled salad. Available online at nostalgiawines.ca or in-person at the winery in Oliver, BC. You may be able to find this wine at private wine stores throughout BC in the coming months.
A sweet red berry rosé on the nose, balanced by equal parts sweet and savoury fruit on the palate with a juicy acidity. Available online at okanagancrushbad.com, in-person at the winery in Summerland, BC, or at select private wine stores throughout the province.
A saignée-method rosé, this wine gives you flavours of watermelon, cranberry, grapefruit, raspberry, and passionfruit. Available online at nostalgiawines.ca or in-person at the winery in Oliver, BC. You may be able to find this wine at private wine stores throughout BC in the coming months.
When sipping this rosé, expect it to be well-balanced, with flavours of strawberry, pink grapefruit and earthiness. Pair it with salmon or watermelon and goat cheese salad. Available online at bluegrouse.ca or in-person at the winery in Duncan, Vancouver Island.
Evolve Cellars Pink Effervescence, Stoneboat Vineyards Rosé, and Narrative Rosé
A bubbly rosé for the sparkling wine lovers! With flavours of berry and peach, and bubbles in every glass, this wine will beautifully complement a celebration like Rosé Day. Available online at timewines.ca, in-person at TIME Winery & Kitchen in Penticton, BC, or at select Save-On-Foods, BC Liquor Stores, and private wine stores.
Filled with hints of strawberry, watermelon, cranberry, pink grapefruit and guava on the finish, this wine is both juicy and medium dry. Available online at stoneboatvineyards.com, in-person at the winery in Oliver, BC, or at select Save-On-Foods stores throughout the province.
Those looking for a dry rosé have found their match with the 2019 Narrative Rosé. This wine is bone dry and filled with fruity flavours like ripened berries. Available online at okanagancrushpad.com, in-person at the winery in Summerland, BC, or at select BC Liquor Stores.
After a successful campaign in 2020, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is doing it again. Through April, in honour of BC Wine Month, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is making the call to support local and buy their wine. In return, the winery will donate $1 for every bottle sold, and the Brunner family, owners of the winery, will match each donation, dollar for dollar.
Paul, Paula, and Cristina Brunner thank the community for helping feeding Cowichan families in 2020
Last year through sales and matching funds Blue Grouse was able to donate $10,000 to Nourish Cowichan and provide 5,000 meals to families in need. The team is hoping to exceed that this year with $1 per bottle of any Blue Grouse or Quill wines sold anywhere (winery, online, restaurants and retail stores) again matched by the Brunner family.
Nourish Cowichan was created to feed children in need in the Cowichan Valley where rates of child poverty rank as the second-highest in BC, a staggering 30%. Many of the children affected by hunger in the Valley were going to school without breakfast and the only food they would receive was through the Nourish Cowichan program.
A year into the pandemic, the number of families struggling with food insecurity has only increased with meals being distributed to children in 16 schools and one daycare center. Nourish Cowichan has also expanded the breakfast program to provide lunch and snacks as well as weekend bags that feed families of up to four people.
Many children are not back to school full time but still depend on these food donations. In 2020 alone, Nourish Cowichan provided 330,850 meals for families in need.
“While we are optimistic that we will soon be on the other side of the Covid-19 pandemic,” notes Blue Grouse Estate Winery owner Paul Brunner, “the Blue Grouse team and our family will continue to help our local community and those most in need in that community.”
The Nourish Cowichan Society works hard to protect and feed families at risk where parents may have lost their income, and provide emergency hampers with donated non-perishable items, supermarket gift cards, and more. They need your support whether through a wine purchase or otherwise.
In the heart of Vancouver Island is Blue Grouse Estate Winery, a family-owned Cowichan Valley gem.
Winemaker Bailey Williamson creates the lineup of wines for the Estate and Quill labels from sustainably farmed estate-grown vines, as well as from fruit from partner grape growers on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan.
Varietal wines include Ortega, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, as well as a traditional method sparkling wine, “Paula” named after winery owners Paul and Cristina Brunner’s daughter. The wines are bright, crisp, and well-balanced, showcasing where they are grown.
Respecting the guidelines in place to keep everyone safe from WorkSafe BC, the Provincial Health Officer, and local health authorities, the winery is open by reservation from 11am-5pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
Enjoy one of three wine tasting options including a sit-down guided tasting of three wines for $5, a sit-down guided tasting of five wines for $10, or book a table to share a bottle of wine.
Join the Fan Club today and receive complimentary tastings. To make a reservation, email tastingroom@bluegrouse.ca or call 250-743-3834 ext. 1 (tasting room).
To learn more about this biodiverse, progressive, eco-conscious winery and receive updates on Covid-19 safety protocols, visit bluegrousewines.ca.
[Penticton, BC] After a year of changes, the team at TIME Winery & Kitchen is hitting a new groove. Since the purchase of the winery in July 2020 by Ron and Shelley Mayert, new parent company Five Vines Cellars has injected new energy into the TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection labels.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
The Mayerts are committed to keeping TIME Winery family owned and operated, with a focus on handcrafted, small batch wines. By welcoming returning faces and adding some new ones, the Five Vines Cellars ownership has combined experience, tenacity, and a dose of enthusiasm to the winery team.
Siblings Christa-Lee and Darrien McWatters stay on as general manager and operations manager respectively, holding up the family legacy of winery founder, the late Harry McWatters.
The 2020 grape harvest is underway under the guidance of winemaker Lynzee Schatz. Since joining the team in summer 2019, she is now leading the cellar, aided by Will Ingle, Brent Peachey, Darrien McWatters, and Maja Syska.
Chef A.K. Campbell is the creative force behind the menus in the kitchen and catering. He has revised the menu to be burger forward and the public is here for it.
Most recently, the wine trade applauded as Kimberly Hundertmark joined the team as hospitality manager, to oversee guest services, special events, and the wine club, supported by the tasting room and kitchen teams, and Chelsea Dumayne for social media and events. With new ownership and new additions to the team, Five Vines Cellars is equipped with lessons from the past, keen spirits, and the drive to take the winery and its labels to the next level.
Five Vines Cellars hospitality manager, Kimberly Hundertmark. Credit Chris Stenberg.
TIME TO VISIT THE WINERY
Built within a historic and revitalized movie theatre in downtown Penticton, TIME Winery & Kitchen in Penticton, BC continues to welcome guests all throughout the fall and winter months to taste TIME Wines, Evolve Cellars, and the McWatters Collection. Under the TIME Winery & Kitchen banner, an elegant tasting bar and restaurant safely welcomes guests to taste and discover beautifully crafted wines for any occasion, as well as some of the best gourmet burgers in the Okanagan.
With a tasting room and kitchen open year-round, visitors can pop in for a wine tasting or bite to eat, even this coming winter after hitting the slopes. The winery also offers unique experiences, like learning how to sabre a bottle of sparkling wine, or sampling wine from the barrel. For all special experiences, visit timewinery.com to book.
The wine shop and tasting room are open daily, from 12 to 6 PM. The kitchen is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 9 PM. With social distancing procedures still in place, reservations are recommended for all winery tastings and dine-in services. These can be made online at timewinery.com or by calling 236-422-2556.
Ready or not, fall is here! That means it is time to dust off the winter coat, find the woolen socks that have moved to the back of the drawer, and prepare for Thanksgiving.
Celebrations are around the corner, so it’s time to figure out who’s doing the cooking, what is going to the served, and which wine will pair well with turkey! We’ve gathered the best Thanksgiving tips from wine writers, and food and lifestyle specialists to cure any seasonal concerns.
1. Turkey DOs and DONT’s by Angie Quaale
There’s no Thanksgiving without a well-prepared turkey and stuffing. Angie Quaale, seasonal food expert, owner of Well-Seasoned Gourmet Food Store and turkey lover will guide home cooks through the whole process of choosing a bird, preparing, stuffing, cooking and cleaning up the mess after. According to her, it is very important to learn how to prepare the bird correctly otherwise there can be a risk of cross contamination with other things in the kitchen.
2. Decorating a Thanksgiving Table without breaking the bank
This is the perfect opportunity to set a beautiful table for your family and loved ones, and it does not necessarily mean spending hundreds of dollars to do it! Natalie Langston, lifestyle specialist has great ideas that will make your table IG-worthy: fresh seasonal flowers, candles, a simple and elegant printed menu, and delicious and affordable Evolve Cellars wines.
With the turkey in the oven and the table set, it’s time to think about the beverages. Pairing a tender and juicy turkey or glazed ham with wine is not as hard as it seems. There are a number of varieties that offer a flavour profile that will match well with both. From rich whites to fruit-forward reds, BC wine has so many options to choose from, and buying local has never been easier. British Columbia is also producing amazing sparkling wines and Chardonnays that will hit the mark for this year’s celebration.
3. Thanksgiving Toast with BC Bubbly
To start the party, pop the cork of a tasty sparkling wine. If wine lovers are feeling extra confident, Tim Pawsey even gives tips on how to saber the bottle: chill it in ice and hit at the exact spot for the correct cut, but make sure to do it outside to minimize the mess. Among the great recommendations in his article, some highlights are the 2018 TIME Brut from Time Winery in Penticton, the 2017 Free Form Ancient Method and 2016 Haywire The Bub from Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland, the 2016 Merryfield from Singletree in the Fraser Valley and Naramata, and the 2014 Paula Sparkling from Blue Grouse Estate Winery on Vancouver Island.
4. Thinking about Chardonnay?
10 Chardonnays to pair with Thanksgiving Turkey
A few BC Wines to celebrate with for Thanksgiving
Perhaps the most common pairing for Thanksgiving turkey is white wine, most specifically Chardonnay. A herb crusted bird pairs well with the buttery taste of most oak aged Chards, and other more fruit-forward wines offer crisp flavours. Wineries in BC are offering high quality Chardonnay with distinct flavour profiles that can please every palate. In the two round ups above, Jennifer Schell and Karl Kliparchuk recommend a stellar line up for this weekend’s celebration. Some of the best bets include TIME Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay from Penticton and the 2016 Coolshanagh Chardonnay from Naramata.
We hope you give some of these suggestions a try, and tag @townhallbrands in social media. We’d love to see how your Thanksgiving is going!
We wish everyone a safe and joyful celebration.
Happy Thanksgiving!
From the startup days in the late 1990s when a hand-painted "sold out" sign hung outside a Quonset hut, to today's ultra-modern Wine Experience Centre on Black Sage Road, wine lovers congregate at Black Hills Estate Winery for their chance at a case of Nota Bene. Made by Black Hills Estate Winery since the 1999 debut vintage, Nota Bene dazzles palates with its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend.
Now as the beloved British Columbia winery celebrates its 20th anniversary year, the public release of the 2017 Nota Bene ($59.99) is imminent.
While Black Hills wine club members gain first access to the releases, the winery sets aside a small allocation of cases for the public and retail partners. In early September, winemaker Ross Wise will visit Vancouver for a series of events featuring the beloved flagship wine.
The public release and celebration of the winery's 20th anniversary commences with a public tasting at Everything Wine Morgan Crossing on September 3, followed by a ticketed dinner at Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar. On September 4 and 5, additional opportunities to taste and Nota Bene occur at Legacy Liquor Store, Swirl Wine Store and Marquis Wine Cellars. [Full details follow at end of release.]
The winery team has had an overwhelming response to the pre-release of this vintage, and critical accolades include a 95-point score. The 2017 Nota Bene vintage is now sold out online. Only available at the limited September release to restaurants and select fine wine stores, the 2017 Nota Bene is expected to sell swiftly.
The Latest Vintage of Nota Bene
Black Hills Estate Winery senior winemaker Ross Wise has assembled the final blend of the 2017 Nota Bene. Unmistakably Nota Bene on the nose, the 2017 vintage shows cassis, dark berry and cherry aromas, alongside notes of cedar and dark chocolate. Fresh berry fruit and French oak flavours shape the palate, with additional complexity coming from hints of mint and sage. Silky and elegant tannins and a creamy texture result in a wine that is approachable in its youth, while its impressive richness and concentration will allow evolution and further complexity over the next 12-15 years. Ample fresh acidity frames a long, fruit-driven finish.
"2017 was a great vintage for Okanagan wines," notes Wise. "The warm and dry summer resulted in concentrated and ripe berries, while cool August and September helped retain crisp and natural acidity and high aromatic intensity. Red wines from this vintage are richly concentrated and have an impressive aging potential."
2017 Nota Bene Release Events
Tuesday, September 3
Everything Wine - Morgan Crossing
Nota Bene Tasting
Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
OPEN EVENT
Address: 15735 Croydon Dr #112, Surrey, BC
Black Hills Portfolio Tasting - Sep 3rd
Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar
Join winemaker Ross Wise at Barrique for a paired
six-course menu prepared by chef Josiah Tam.
Time: 6:30 PM
Address: 15333 Pacific Av., White Rock, BC
Price: $120 per person (gratuity and taxes included)
Limited tickets remain. For tickets please call 604 385 3311
or email josiahtam@barriquerestaurant.ca
Wednesday, September 4
Legacy Liquor Store
Nota Bene Long Table Tasting
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Price: $20 per person
Address: 1633 Manitoba St, Vancouver, BC
For tickets go to this LINK or
email events@legacyliquorstore.com
Swirl Wine Store
Nota Bene Tasting
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Price: $39.99 per person with $10 credit for any Black Hills wine purchase
Address: 1185 Mainland, Vancouver, BC
For tickets in store or online here:
Black Hills Portfolio Tasting - Sep 4th
Thursday, September 5
Marquis Wine Cellars
Nota Bene Tasting
Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
OPEN EVENT
Address: 1034 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
About Black Hills Estate Winery
Founded in 1999, Black Hills Estate Winery produces exclusively from its estate vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, north of Osoyoos, British Columbia. The vineyard microclimate is one of the hottest, driest, and sunniest sites in the South Okanagan, allowing the vines to yield flavourful grapes of balanced intensity. Using sustainable vinicultural techniques and thoughtful winemaking practices, the winery is well-known for its signature blend: Nota Bene, an age-worth Bordeaux-style red blend produced in limited quantities from select barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Black Hills also produces a selection of stunning ultra-premium blends, such as Addendum, Per Se, and Ipso Facto, and varietally-labelled Viognier, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Syrah, Tempranillo and Carménère.
Surrounded by panoramic vineyard views, the Black Hills team welcomes wine lovers to visit their Wine Experience Center in Oliver. This stylish facility provides a unique, sit-down wine tasting experience guided by highly trained wine professionals. Annual summer events held at the facility are bold, exciting and fun. Members of the Black Hills Wine Club enjoy front-of-line access to limited-releases and wines not available to the public.
To learn more, visit blackhillswinery.com and follow the conversation on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad, has been honoured with the 2019 Trailblazer Award by the BC Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier during the Where magazine Where to Dine Awards celebration.
