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Photo Library: Photos of TIME Winery and winemaking team available via Dropbox.
NOTE TO THE READER: At the time of this announcement, the winery is an inspection away from opening. The plan is to open this weekend, subject to the final occupancy permit.
It is best to call the winery 236-422-2556 ext 106, or check its social media channels @timewinery for the most up to date information.
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[Penticton, BC] TIME Winery announces the soft opening of its winery in downtown Penticton at 361 Martin St. A grand opening of TIME Winery will take place in late 2018 following harvest.
During the soft opening period, chef AK Campbell, executive winery chef, will lead the culinary program to offer a selection of daily appetizers, features, and drink options.
TIME Winery is owned by ENCORE Vineyards, and is the sister winery to Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection label. To coincide with the opening of TIME Winery the ENCORE Vineyard team announces the appointment of Graham Pierce as director of winemaking.
With more than a decade of experience producing award-winning wines in the Okanagan, Pierce is a local British Columbian who grew up in Horseshoe Bay and received his winemaking and viticulture education from the Okanagan College in Penticton.
Prior to joining the team at ENCORE Vineyards, Pierce worked at Black Hills Estate Winery in Oliver, BC, where he has been for the past ten years, creating a strong lineup of wines including the premium Nota Bene. Before that he was at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery and before that, a chef at Kelowna's Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Pierce's in-depth understanding of the Okanagan wine region and extensive winery operation knowledge, combined with his viticulture and winemaking experience, allows him to maximize the freshness of hand-picked and harvested grapes to create aromatic whites and balanced, big reds that truly express the terroir of BC.
At ENCORE Vineyards, Pierce is supported in the winemaking duties by Nadine Allander, who has been recently promoted from assistant winemaker to the position of winemaker.
"We have been industry friends with Graham for many years," says Harry McWatters, CEO of ENCORE Vineyards.
"It is great to have him join our team. His pedigree of winemaking and knowledge in handling Okanagan fruits will allow Evolve Cellars, McWatters, and TIME Winery to continue making exceptional BC VQA certified wines that is a reflection of the land where the grapes are grown and the talented people who craft them."
Pierce is also enthused by the new role. "I look forward to working with this pioneering, yet continually-innovating family team," states Pierce.
"The fun challenge will be to oversee and make a range of wines; from fruit-forward, juicy Evolve Cellars wines, to the complex and textured wines of TIME Winery and the McWatters Collection. After crafting still wines for so many years, I am most excited about the chance to create my first small batch sparkling wine."
TIME Winery welcomes Graham Pierce as director of winemaker and Nadine Allander as winemaker. Credit: Chris Stenberg
About TIME Winery:
While the literal definition of TIME may be elusive, it is an observed phenomenon which allows us to honour key moments in our shared journey through life. With 50 vintages of experience in the South Okanagan, TIME Winery is committed to creating wines that express the unique flavours of Okanagan wine country.
Built within a revitalized historic theatre in downtown Penticton, the heart of South Okanagan wine country, the new TIME Winery offers a tasting bar, lounge and intimate outdoor patio for guests to enjoy. TIME Winery's full kitchen and event space provide a unique venue for your next public or private event.
About ENCORE Vineyards:
ENCORE Vineyards., a progressive Okanagan-based company, is home to British Columbia (BC) wine brands including TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars and McWatters Collection.
ENCORE Vineyards Ltd. has amassed an impressive team, poised to help define the next generation of BC wine and winemaking via its production centre in the Okanagan Valley. The company is led by president and CEO Harry McWatters, a 50-vintage pioneer of the modern British Columbia wine industry, with daughter Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond (sales and marketing director), and son Darren McWatters (logistics and operations) who are each armed with lifelong wine industry experience and insight. Graham Pierce is the group's director of winemaking, supported by winemaker Nadine Allander, and talented hospitality and sales teams. See more on each winery at encorevineyards.ca
[Penticton, BC] TIME Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of chef, Alexander Keith Campbell (chef AK). As the newest creative force behind TIME Winery, chef AK oversees the small plate program at the highly-anticipated downtown Penticton location, along with the culinary program at Evolve Cellars.
With more than 15 years of experience in the kitchen, chef AK's humble culinary adventure began back home in Nova Scotia, where he spent much of his time in the kitchen with his parents and grandmother.
TIME Winery welcomes chef Alexander Keith Campbell (chef AK).
After graduating from the Culinary Arts Program at the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown PEI, chef AK moved west to pursue his love of cooking. With his talents and passion, chef AK led culinary teams in boutique hotels and ski lodges such as the Naramata Heritage Inn and Spa, Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge, and Heather Mountain Lodge Resort. Prior to joining TIME Winery, chef AK was assistant director of culinary operations for Vintage Hospitality.
Chef AK's passion and his charismatic personality shines beyond his food. He has a full sleeve tattoo that consists of pinup girls in chef clothes paired with bountiful fruits, vegetables, eggs and bacon. This speaks to the dedication and wit that chef AK has put into his career and passion.
"My culinary approach is simple. I cook food that is big on flavour, bold, and fun. However, the most important is that no matter what I prepare, the experience that I deliver for guests will be one that I want to receive." shares chef AK.
At TIME Winery, chef AK will collaborate with Harry McWatters and Christa-Lee McWatters to develop pairings on both winery menus that achieve a sense of balance and harmony, while ensuring both the wine and food enhance one another to showcase the best components of each.
"TIME Winery could profoundly change the food scene in Penticton. I'm excited to work with the team because there is a unified vision and a heritage of quality and dedication that I want to be a part of."
With that in mind, chef AK shares a sneak peek of what you can expect on the menu at the new TIME Winery, set to open in downtown Penticton this summer.
"Grab a glass of wine and order one of the 'breads and boards' which consist of local and international cheeses, breads, charcuterie and antipasti. If you like variety, try a selection of small plates, such as Chickpea Frites with charred onion salt, basil and garlic yogurt sauce; or a short rib hush puppy complete with roast corn batter and a spicy tomato jam."
With construction nearing completion, the TIME Winery and kitchen is counting down to its opening. Follow TIME Winery on Facebook for exact opening date.
About TIME Winery:
While the literal definition of TIME may be elusive, it is an observed phenomenon which allows us to honour key moments in our shared journey through life. With 50 vintages of experience in the South Okanagan, the team knows that our unique terroir can offer the right wine to celebrate any occasion. TIME Winery is committed to creating wines that express the unique flavours of Okanagan wine country.
Built within a revitalized historic theatre in downtown Penticton, the heart of South Okanagan wine country, the new TIME Winery opens in 2018.
Sip the latest vintages, which offer expressive and elegant flavours of Okanagan terroir while you explore the inner workings of a fully-functional winery. Complete the experience at the tasting bar and lounge, or with your guests on the intimate outdoor patio. TIME Winery's full kitchen and event space provide a unique venue for your next public or private event.
For more information, visit timewinery.com.
[Okanagan, BC] ENCORE Vineyards is proud to share that Summerland's Evolve Cellars' Riesling 2016 ($19) has won BC Wine of the Year at this year's British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Awards, presented by Okanagan Wine Festival.
A classic Riesling that is well-balanced with stone fruit, floral notes and a touch of honey, this fruit-forward and approachable Riesling 2016 stood out as The Best in a vigorous competition with 571 other BC wines that were entered for judging.
This year's competition saw a record number of 572 wines entered into the competition that featured 34 varietal categories. A well-respected panel of 18 judges narrowed the selection down to 141 finalists with one winner titled as The Best in each category.
While Evolve Cellars' Riesling 2016 won the overall most prestigious title in this year's competition, other wines from Evolve Cellars and Penticton's TIME Winery also took home Gold and Silver medals.
Winning results for ENCORE Vineyards:
Full results for 2018 British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Awards available online.
"With the talent in our BC wine industry, the quality of BC wines continue to increase. This makes us especially thrilled to have won Wine of the Year in addition to other awards for both TIME Winery and Evolve Cellars. We thank the judges and our BC wine community for your support. Let us raise a glass to you!" -Christa-Lee McWatters, marketing director, ENCORE Vineyards.
About Encore Vineyards:
ENCORE Vineyards Ltd. is a progressive Okanagan-based wine company that owns and manages TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars, and the McWatters Collection. The experience of the ENCORE Vineyards team is unmatched in the Canadian wine industry landscape.
TIME winery is a fully operational winery, tasting bar, and guest experience centre located in the heart of wine country in downtown Penticton. The McWatters Collection is a small, exclusive offering of wines; a legacy label that celebrates the McWatters family and its role in forming the BC wine industry, and Evolve Cellars offers approachable, bright, delicious and affordable wines at a welcoming guest experience at its stunning, lakefront Summerland location
The team is led by president and CEO Harry McWatters, a 50-vintage veteran of the BC wine industry. Christa-Lee McWatters (daughter) is the director of sales and marketing while Darren McWatters (son) oversees company logistics.
Would you like images, an interview, or to learn more? Contact Sujinder Juneja for assistance.
According to the BC Wine Institute (BCWI), BC’s cool-climate grape crop is on track for another excellent vintage this year. Hot and dry conditions in the spring led to the earliest bud break on record and the earliest harvest ever for some wineries in the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan. The low average temperatures and high rainfall allowed BC grapes to have more time to ripen on the vine and to accumulate flavour and aromatic compounds. This contributes to wines that are fresh, complex and balanced with higher acidity that make them versatile food pairings.
Bailey Williamson, winemaker for Blue Grouse Estate Winery in Duncan on Vancouver Island, is expecting another excellent harvest at the Cowichan Valley estate. A strong growing season in April and May, followed by a cooler June and July than the previous year, led to an elongated flowering and fruit set cycle and allowed the grapes to mature and ripen to classic levels. The Blue Grouse harvest started on September 10, beginning with the popular Siegerrebe, an aromatic white varietal which tends to ripen earliest. After that, there will be a break in harvest until the end of September, when the rest of the grapes will be harvested in earnest. Compared to all the vintages since 2012, this year’s harvest started within a week of normal.
Conditions on the mainland were similar to Vancouver Island. Andrew Etsell, GM and viticulturist of Singletree Winery in Abbotsford notes that with the warm and dry August, the grapes developed beautiful flavours with balanced acids and sugars. Singletree began its harvest on August 25 – one full week earlier than 2015, and the winery’s earliest harvest on record. “We started with our Siegerrebe, which is evolving into one of our most popular wines,” Andrew shares. “We’re also keeping a close eye on our estate Pinot Noir, which we have just harvested for our first-ever estate sparkling wine. Other estate varietals, such as our Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc, will follow after that. This year’s harvest will not yield as much fruit as 2015, yet the fruit will be clean and very high quality."
After an unseasonably warm spring, followed by an early summer, Serendipity Winery’s Katie O’Kell was concerned that the harvest would take place much earlier than normal at her estate Naramata vineyard. However, the cooler, wetter weather moved in, which allowed the grapes to mature a more moderate pace.
Serendipity’s harvest started on August 29 with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and continued on August 31 with Viognier. With a dry and cool climate, the phenolics (flavour and aromatic compounds) will eventually catch up to the brix (a measure of potential alcohol) that is currently sitting in the low 20s.
Likewise, Lawrence Buhler, director of winemaking for ENCORE Vineyards, which produces wines under the TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars and McWatters Collection labels, is also in the middle of an active harvest. Compared to last year, Buhler and his winemaking team saw a two-day early start to the season on August 17. Harvest has almost been completed for the still whites, with additional harvests to take place in the next two to four weeks for red varietals.
Regarding the balance of the 2016 harvest, Lawrence says the reds are maturing well and the cooler weather is excellent for proper fruit development and sugar accumulation in the berries.
Harry McWatters, president and CEO of ENCORE Vineyards said recently to Global Television, “we had record-breaking temperatures in April and the earliest bud break that I’ve seen in my history in British Columbia. This is my 49th vintage in the wine business and I’ve never seen a harvest this early. What it does is even in the fringe areas, where the grower may be pushing their limit as far as what they’re growing or the amount of crop they’ve got, it gives them a bit bigger window to mature that fruit to its optimum level. It’s a good thing.”
Indeed it is, Harry. And although the wineries – from Vancouver Island to the Fraser Valley to the Okanagan – are right in the middle of an exciting harvest, we already can’t wait to taste the finished wines starting next spring.
Town Hall Brands: Specializing in wine, food and hospitality
Town Hall Brands, based in Vancouver BC, build brands and promotes them. We offer marketing strategy, graphic design, packaging, promotional campaigns and PR, and social media outreach.
Can we help you with a story? If it comes to a story in need in wine, we can help or send you to the right place.
Hot Client News!
We're taking a moment heading into the long weekend to #raiseaglassto one of our amazing clients and their winemaker Lawrence Buhler. The results of the NorthWest Wine Summit are in and it's safe to say that ENCORE Vineyards, parent company of Evolve Cellars, McWatters Collection and TIME Winery, and their winemaker deserve a round of applause for their recent landslide of awards.
"Best" Category - Evolve Cellars Riesling 2015
Best Value Wines: Evolve Cellars Rosé 2015, Evolve Cellars Riesling 2015
Gold
Evolve Cellars
McWatters Collection
TIME Winery
SilverEvolve Cellars
McWatters Collection
TIME Winery
Evolve Cellars
ENCORE Vineyards Ltd., is a progressive Okanagan-based company, and home to TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars, and McWatters Collection.
The ENCORE team is led by president and CEO Harry McWatters, a 49-year veteran of the British Columbia wine industry. Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond is the ENCORE director of sales and marketing, offering lifelong wine industry insight. Lawrence Buhler is ENCORE’s director of winemaking, who has experienced more than 16 vintages in Ontario, British Columbia, Chile, Argentina, and Australia. He will oversee the company’s growing portfolio of premium British Columbia wines.
Congratulations winemaker Lawrence; the Town Hall Brands team awaits your encore!
By Leeann Froese It’s a new week to introduce you to one of the fabulous personalities in the world #withTownHall!
This does not mean they work as part of our team, or are our client (although sometimes they are).
We just interact with so many amazing people that we want to expand networks and introduce them to you, and you to them. This week #withTownHall, we introduce you to Dino Pascoa.
After more than 20 years in the restaurant business Dino joined the wine industry in 2007 and trained through the ISG Sommelier certification as he made the move to sell wine from all over the world. He is a sales representative with Vancouver-based agency The Wine List.
Next year Dino will celebrate his 10th year in wine sales. Over the past decade he has proven his expertise in wine, food and service, and has a strong reputation for loyalty and a desire to go above and beyond for his customers. He prides himself on the solid relationships he has created.
We are pleased to work with Dino via our client ENCORE Vineyards, parent to Evolve Cellars, McWatters Collection and TIME Winery.
A side note about these wineries - their wines are featured all weekend at the 10th Anniversary of the Chefs' Table Society of BC Spot Prawn Festival.
With all of that said about Dino, will you please help us give a big hello to him?
Leave a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter
Town Hall Brands Client News Contact Sujinder Juneja 604-367-6745
Urban Winery Coming to Downtown Penticton
Former PenMar Theatre complex to take on new life as a winery & hospitality centre
[Penticton, BC] - ENCORE Vineyards Ltd., home to TIME Winery, McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars, announces it has purchased the former PenMar Theatre Complex (361 Martin Street, Penticton) and will be transforming it into an urban winery, the first in the South Okanagan.
The subjects have now been removed on the sale, paving the way for ENCORE to begin modifications on the building that will see it ready for wine production of the 2016 vintage.
The restored building will be home to a brand-new winery production facility, including a crush pad, barrel cellar, custom fermentation hall, lab, warehouse, and administrative offices. When open to the public, the visitor experience will include a tasting bar, a small plates lounge, a 40-seat outdoor patio, as well as a retail wine shop.
An onsite commercial kitchen will give the winery the ability to host public and private events. Banquet facilities and other offerings are being planned for the future.
In keeping with the community's desire to showcase local performing arts, ENCORE will maintain one of the theatres as a 75-seat movie, performance and event space for concerts, private functions and non-profit uses. Ultimately, this destination, multi-purpose winery, bistro and theatre will help to attract visitors to the area and assist with the revitalization of the downtown.
The PenMar is a historic site with a long history of arts and culture. Built in 1956, the theatre closed in 2012 after its then-current owners, Landmark Cinemas, moved into a multiplex location. An organization named the PenMar Community Arts Society attempted to raise enough money to restore the building, but was not able to raise the funds required. ENCORE Vineyards, who coincidentally contributed to the society's fundraising efforts, is pleased to be able to help preserve this historic building and contribute to the community.
Harry McWatters, president and CEO of ENCORE Vineyards says, "We are excited to share the next chapter of ENCORE Vineyards with our Penticton neighbours. Our aim is to create a downtown destination that the South Okanagan can be proud of, while preserving the legacy of this vibrant cultural landmark."
About Encore Vineyards:
ENCORE Vineyards Ltd., a progressive Okanagan-based company, is home to a number of wine brands, providing a host of wines and hospitality service. The ENCORE team has developed an unparalleled opportunity for investors to participate in the growth of its existing enterprise, substantial brand expansion, and premium brand acquisition opportunities. By consolidating certain operating, management, and marketing and sales strategies of multiple wineries, ENCORE will improve financial returns in what has the potential to be a high-margin industry. Learn more at encorevineyards.ca.
ENCORE has amassed an impressive team, poised to help define the next generation of Okanagan winemaking via its production of premium wines in the Okanagan Valley. The company is known for its labels including TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars and McWatters Collection. In 2016, ENCORE Vineyards expands, with new projects that further celebrate the spirit of the South Okanagan.
The ENCORE team is led by president and CEO Harry McWatters, a 48-year veteran of the British Columbia wine industry. Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond is the ENCORE marketing director, offering lifelong wine industry insight. Lawrence Buhler is ENCORE’s director of winemaking, who has experienced more than 15 vintages in Ontario, British Columbia, Chile, Argentina, and Australia. He will oversee the company’s growing portfolio of premium British Columbia wines.
By Leeann Froese
Welcome to the #withTownHall #2015recap!
If you are a regular reader, you will know that each week we introduce a person we have encountered #withTownHall!
So as we end the year, let’s re-meet some amazing people:
Did you miss a post, or are you curious to know more about someone above? Click their posts to read about them:
Ezra Cipes, Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Crystal Kwon, Citizen Relations & Vancity Buzz
Alison Scholefield, Okanagan Crush Pad
James Melendez, James the Wine Guy
Mark Hicken, Vintage Law Group
Bailey Williamson, Blue Grouse Winery
Annika Reinhardt, Social Bites
Clement Chan, Torofuku Modern Asian
Cristina Brunner, Blue Grouse Winery
Glen Korstrom, Business in Vancouver
Julie Van Rosendaal, Dinner With Julie
Darnelle Moore, Eastside Fitness
Blue Grouse Estate Winery, team
Jim Irving, BC Hospitality Foundation
Jeremy Schacht, Ampersand Distilling
Chris Pritchett, UBC Thunderbirds Baseball
Swearing Minion, Despicable Me
Christine Campbell, Girls Go Grape
Joshua McVeity, Photographer and Fred Lee, Man About Town
Christa-Lee McWatters Bond, Local Lounge | Grille, Encore Vineyards
Kristina Manning, Monthlyclubs.com
Frank Morgan, Drink What You Like
Courtney Buryta, Vancouver Canucks
Natalie Langston, Freelance Media
Eagranie Yuh, Edible Vancouver and Wine Country
Crystal Henrickson, University of British Columbia
Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine
Jennifer Schell, BC Food and Wine Trails Magazine
Jackie Gidda, Mt Boucherie Estate Winery
Skip & Judy Stothert, Coolshanagh
Ron Wilson, Cheap and Cheerful
Justin Darnes, Drinks Undressed
Do you know someone who we should feature #withTownHall? Introduce us. And leave a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter
By Leeann Froese It's a new week to introduce you to one of the fabulous personalities in the world #withTownHall!
This does not mean they work as part of our team, or are our client (although sometimes they are).
We just interact with so many amazing people that we want to expand networks and introduce them to you, and you to them. This week #withTownHall, we introduce you to Christa-Lee McWatters Bond.
She's been in the BC wine industry ever since she was born, and loves every aspect of promoting British Columbia's wine and food.
After growing up in her family's winery, Sumac Ridge, which is now owned by Constellation Brands, Christa-Lee went on to open a restaurant with her husband Cameron Bond which is now one of the most popular restaurants in the Okanagan Valley, Local Lounge | Grill.
And if that isn't enough, her hands are very full of these days as she is the marketing manager for Encore Vineyards, which is the parent company to TIME Estate Winery under construction in Oliver BC, her family's legacy label the McWatters Collection, and the brand-new Evolve Cellars in Summerland BC.
Please help us say hello to Christa-Lee?
Leave a comment below – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.
