Wineries to Visit at Swirl Around BC Wine Expo 2024

Swirl Around BC Wine Expo returns at the Pan Pacific hotel in Vancouver on September 24, 2024. The expo is a full-day event hosted by Wine Growers BC to celebrate the BC wine industry.

When in the tasting room, be sure to visit these BC wine booths to taste the wines and meet the people behind it:

·      Blasted Church Vineyards

·      Haywire Winery

·      Garnet Valley Ranch Winery

·      SpearHead Winery

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Blasted Church Vineyards

Who to meet from Blasted Church:

·      Lone Tree Cellars sale agents for Blasted Church Vineyards

Wine to taste:

·      2018 OMG, sparkling

·      2022 Viognier

·      2019 Syrah

·      2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Regions: Okanagan Valley Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley

Social handle: @blastedchurch

Website: blastedchurch.com

About Blasted Church Vineyards

Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Blasted Church Vineyards is known for its premium wines and playful branding. For more than 20 years, the winery has amassed a loyal following of wine lovers who appreciate its unique approach to winemaking, commitment to quality, and ability to combine the serious business of producing high-quality wine with a fun approach to life and love of wine. Blasted Church Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia.

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Haywire Winery

Who to meet from Haywire:

·      Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad

·      Andrew Raines, VP sales & marketing for Okanagan Crush Pad

·      Kat D’Costa, winemaker and sustainability officer for Okanagan Crush Pad

Kat is a panelist at Seminar 3: Romancing the Clone: What We Talk About When We Talk About Wine

Wines to taste:

·      2018 The Bub, Chardonnay/Pinot Noir

·      2020 Switchback Pinot Gris

·      2022 Rosé Gamay

·      2022 Pinot Noir

Regions: Okanagan Valley, Summerland Lakefront

Social handle: @haywirewine

Website:  haywirewinery.com

About Haywire Winery

In 2009, Haywire emerged as a virtual wine brand with the first harvest from Switchback Vineyard. Despite practical considerations, the compelling vision of crafting wine won out and the "haywire" plan gained momentum. Today, Haywire has become a recognized name not only across Canada but also in Europe.

With a bold label and modern year-round tasting lounge, visitors to Summerland are invited to unwind and relish in personalized service, with lovely views of the lake and vineyards as they savour their favourite Haywire wines.

Haywire boasts a diverse portfolio of wines that exquisitely capture the unique cool climate terroir of the central Okanagan, all while embracing a "less is more" approach.

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Garnet Valley Ranch Winery

Who to meet from Garnet Valley Ranch:

·      Andrew Raines, VP Sales & Marketing for Okanagan Crush Pad

·      Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad

Christine is a panelist at Seminar 2: How to Wine Friends and Influence People

Wines to taste:

·      Traditional Method Sparkling 2016, Chardonnay/Pinot Noir

·      2022 Chardonnay

·      2022 Pinot Noir

·      2020 Free Form Vin Gris, Pinot Noir

Region: Summerland Valley

Social handle: @garnetvalleyranchwinery

Website: okanagancrushpad.com/garnet-valley-ranch-winery

About Garnet Valley Ranch

Located in the secluded backroads of Summerland BC, Garnet Valley Ranch spans over 320 acres of breathtaking land, carefully divided into thoughtfully planned plots, surrounded by untouched native habitat. The farm operates in sync with the natural rhythms dictated by the Earth, its solar system, and the influential cycles of the moon. Garnet Valley Ranch offers classic cool-climate wines made from the highest elevation vineyard in the Okanagan Valley.

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SpearHead Winery

Who to meet from SpearHead Winery:

·      Marina and Bill Knutson, proprietors of SpearHead Winery

·      Grant Stanley, winemaker and GM of SpearHead Winery

Grant is a panelist at Seminar 1: The Possibilities of Pinot

Wines to taste:

·      2022 Saddle Block Pinot

·      2022 Okanagan Valley Pinot

·      2022 Pinot Gris

·      2023 Chardonnay

Regions: Okanagan Valley, East Kelowna Slopes

Social handle: @spearheadwinery

Website: spearheadwinery.com

About SpearHead Winery

SpearHead Winery, located on the benchlands of Southeast Kelowna in the East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI, focuses on producing high-quality wines from estate-grown and select Okanagan Valley vineyards. Known for its vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, SpearHead showcases the unique terroir of its vineyards. The winery also produces aromatic whites, including Pinot Gris and Riesling.

The wine shop, nestled in the estate vineyard, features an inviting patio and lawn area for guests to enjoy during warmer months. Seated tastings are led by knowledgeable team members. Visit the SpearHead website for information on special events, promotions, and participation opportunities throughout the year.

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It's Sparkling Wine Week!

Although we’re just coming off the long weekend, don’t cap those bubbles yet – It’s Sparkling Wine Week!

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Sparkling Wine Week is HERE! Don’t worry if you didn’t get the heads-up, we’ve got you covered! Here are six bubbly ideas to help you celebrate with BC wine all summer long:

Summerhill Pyramid Winery – Cipes Brut

Straight from the Okanagan Valley, the Cipes Brut is organic! With aromas of apple, lime, pear, almond and grapefruit, it has just enough zest to compliment any outdoor summer meal. Buy online here for $26.50.

Singletree Winery – 2018 Merryfield

Named after one of the original families to homestead Singletree Winery’s Abbotsford location, this wine is made in the champagne style with 50-50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has strong notes of citrus and a creamy mousse. For those that want to indulge during Sparkling Wine Week, try the Merryfield for $34.70, buy online here.

Singletree - Merryfield

Narrative Okanagan Crush Pad – XC Method 2018

with grapes from vineyards in Oliver and Summerland, the Narrative XC Method is for those that want to make their Sparkling Wine Week eXCiting! Bubbly, exuberant and filled with creamy toasty notes. The XC Method can make a festive start to a night out or slowly sipped by the campfire. Buy online here for $24.90.

Evolve Cellars – Pink Effervescence 2017

Back by popular demand for Sparkling Wine Week, the recently sold-out (and now re-stocked) Pink Effervescence is flirty, fancy and fun! Made almost entirely from Pinot Blanc, the Pink Effervescence gets it light rose colour from a hint of Merlot Blend. If you like ripe peach and rich berry flavours, the this is the bubbly for you! Contact the winery at info@evolvecellars.com or call 778-516-7728 to purchase this wine.

Haywire –The Bub 2016

The Bub is a must-have for Sparkling Wine Week. Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, it has toasty notes that complement its vibrant citrus taste. This bubbly has no sugar added and pairs perfectly with oysters or soft cheese. If you’re planning on crafting up an Instagram-worthy charcuterie board, add the Haywire Bub to your meal and turn your photo into #GOALS (make sure you tag @townhallbrands in your post!) Buy online here for $29.90.

How the BUB got its name…
This sparkling wine is a true labour of love and is a tribute to the lovely Alison Scholefield, known as the Bub, Bubba, Bubster, or Alibubba in her early days.⁠

⁠Alison is the sales ambassador for Summerland winery, Okanagan Crush Pad, representing her family’s wines Haywire, Narrative, and Free Form. Perhaps her future was fated at an early age. Visitors to the Canadian booth at Vinexpo in 1992 might have seen Alison happily colouring under the table while Mom, Christine Coletta, poured Icewine.⁠.⁠Very few mothers get the pleasure of naming a wine after their child. But when your kid happens to have a childhood nickname “Bub” that just seems to fit with “bubble," Coletta looked no further when exploring name ideas for the Haywire sparkling wine.⁠

Haywire - The Bub

Blue Grouse Estate Winery – 2016 Paula Sparkling

Last but definitely not least, this Brut style traditional method sparkling wine from Vancouver Island has aromas of green apple, toast, and a dash of earthy mushroom. A nicely balanced bubbly that can transform any summer meal. Pair it with a light seafood dinner, citrus dessert, or have it compliment a delicious cheese snack. This wine is a go-to no matter what the occasion is! Buy online here for $32.00.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery owners (Paul and Cristina Brunner) hold the Paula very near and dear to their hearts It was named after none other than...their daughter Paula Brunner!⁠

Christine Coletta Receives Founders Award at Okanagan Fall Wine Festival

[Summerland, BC] On September 27, Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad (OCP), has been presented the Founders Award at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Coletta has been presented the award in recognition of her contributions to the BC wine industry. 

When presented the award in front of industry peers by industry veteran Harry McWatters of ENCORE Vineyards, Coletta said "I was very touched to receive this award. It was emotional to see my name added to a trophy containing the names of people who have worked tirelessly to create a thriving BC wine industry over the past 30 years."

This award is a further recognition for Coletta's passion and leadership in propelling the industry forward and to rise on an international level. Coletta has worked tirelessly to advocate for and to improve the Canadian culinary scene. 

Coletta started her career in hospitality as a server during her early years and it was in the 1990s that her leadership and dedication for the industry took off. As founding executive director for the BC Wine Institute, Coletta forged VQA as a standard to support the local wine industry and its various marketing activities. In addition, she co-founded Wines of Canada, the national wine standards arm. Under that umbrella, Coletta developed a roadshow that crossed Canada to encourage support for local food and wine.

After helping numerous BC wineries establish their businesses, Coletta launched her own wine, Haywire, and Canada's first purpose-built custom crush winemaking facility at OCP. Since 2011, Coletta has assisted more than 15 BC wineries in their winemaking via OCP.

Coletta has also been on the leading edge of Canada's organic farming and winemaking movement, establishing OCP as Canada's top producer of wines made from organic grapes and without additives or manipulation.

Earlier this year, when the government of Alberta held a boycott on BC wine, instead of responding with retaliation, Coletta led and set the tone for collaboration, by initiating a BC wine and Alberta food event.

And above this, Coletta doesn't keep her knowledge and ideas to herself. She shares her resources and continually offers advice and encouragement to not only her own team and people, but also her community and industry. Her most recent project is on the team that formed the Okanagan Wine Initiative, where seven leading BC wineries have united to share resources and to collaborate on various projects internationally, across Canada, and in their home market, British Columbia.

With another accolade added, Coletta will continue to innovate and propel the industry forward to become a premium wine producing region and a superb wine tourism destination. 

About Okanagan Crush Pad:

Okanagan Crush Pad is Canada's first purpose-built custom crush winery facility, located on the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard in Summerland, BC. Owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, Okanagan Crush Pad focuses on making wines that celebrate purity and simplicity, and aim to lead the next evolution of Okanagan wine. Visitors to the tasting lounge, set in the heart of this state-of-the-art facility, get a rare glance into the art of winemaking. Watch the cellar team in action, discover why the team makes wine in concrete tanks, and learn how the team composes wines that are definitive expressions of their vineyards.

For more information visit: okanagancrushpad.com. 

Aspirational Okanagan Wineries Form New Group

'The Okanagan Wine Initiative' Members Set to Collaborate and Raise Profile

[Okanagan Valley, BC] Seven leading BC wineries: 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Culmina Family Estate Winery, Haywire Wines, Liquidity Wines, Painted Rock Estate Winery, Poplar Grove Winery, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery, have formed a partnership, The Okanagan Wine Initiative.

The association groups together these seven Okanagan wineries to share resources and collaborate on varying projects internationally, across Canada, and in their home market, British Columbia. The members share a common passion to drive one-another to excel and adopt best business practices and to help elevate the identity of the Okanagan as a premium wine producing region and superb wine tourism destination.

The seven members found themselves working together over industry issues or attending wine trade fairs abroad and discovered common values and aspirations, most notably around export market development, sustainable business practices and a desire to create terroir driven wines that showcase the Okanagan. Over a year ago, they started informally sharing resources and more recently decided to establish The Okanagan Wine Initiative as a company. Each member has provided significant funding that will support market development and promotional activities. Once the group is firmly established and its processes and activities in place, other likeminded wineries with similar aspirations will be encouraged to join.

The Okanagan Wine Initiative is in no way a replication or replacement for any of the current trade marketing associations in BC. "We are non-partisan and will work closely with all existing trade organizations, in addition to driving our own initiatives," says Liquidity's Ian MacDonald, a key force behind the group's formation. "The Okanagan Wine Initiative is about adding to what is currently being done to elevate awareness and demand for Okanagan wine around the world."

"This group is here to challenge and build one another up to be the best we can be in all areas of our business," says Christine Coletta, co-owner of Haywire Wines in Summerland, BC. 

"Collectively, we offer wines and tourism experiences from north to south, and we create a diverse portfolio, focusing on wines that are signatures of the Okanagan," Coletta continues.

Recently the group came together to host the event 'Farm Friends' following the Alberta BC wine boycott, and also held a public tasting and panel discussion for the Everything Wine tasting Lab in Vancouver. Next up is a series of events in London in mid-May and co-hosting a tour in the Okanagan for seven UK journalists.

"Each of us brings a different skill set to the group and by dividing the work between us, we hope to make fast in-roads," noted Culmina's co-owner Don Triggs. "Our end game is to build our wine region's reputation nationally and internationally."

About The Okanagan Wine Initiative

The Okanagan Wine Initiative was formalized in 2018 by a group of winery owners seeking to elevate the region's rich and diverse narrative through business excellence and the promotion of quality Okanagan wines outside of British Columbia, Canada.

Founding members include 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Culmina Family Vineyards, Haywire Wines, Liquidity Wines, Painted Rock Estate Winery, Poplar Grove Winery, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

Their mandate is to work together to improve all areas of viticulture, winemaking and winery operations, market development and sales, by sharing resources and expertise, and to go to market as a group under the banner of The Okanagan Wine Initiative. A collection of member wines will be selected annually to benchmark the region's style and diversity at national and international events and tastings.

Meet The Okanagan Wine Initiative Founding Members

50th Parallel Estate
50th Parallel Estate, truly one of Canada's exemplary destination wineries, is set in Lake Country on a stunning 61-acre southwest-sloping site. Panoramic lake views, a warm, dry climate, the sun, the lake reflectivity, the slope of the land, and feldspar granite soils combine to provide the perfect place to build an enclave for Pinot Noir, with the first release in 2011.

The winery building was constructed specifically to handle Pinot Noir, utilizing the natural slope of the site and gravity to gently process the grapes, rather than mechanically pumping the juice and skins.

Proprietors Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel invite you to try their internationally-awarded Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines, and in 2018, 50th Parallel opens its new winery fine dining restaurant, event hall, and 'Transparent' tasting room.

Culmina Family Estate Winery
Culmina Family Estate Winery is the result of a lifetime of experience in the wine industry for Don and Elaine Triggs. Purchasing raw land in 2007 and joined by their daughter in 2012, the Triggs began developing their new estate, naming it 'Culmina'. Latin for 'peak', they chose the name to reflect not only their lifetime of efforts in the wine industry, but also their desire to coax the highest quality grapes from their Golden Mile Bench terroir.

Culmina's vineyard and winemaking practices are grounded in precision-management and scientific tenets, stemming from a desire to make Icon quality wines that reflect the uniqueness of their terroir, as well as an underlying commitment to sustainable vineyard practices, gentle handling of fruit, and minimal intervention of wine. This philosophy has informed every decision since the project's inception, including the mapping of the vineyard's 44 micro blocks, the design of the winery's state-of-the-art production facility, and the release of a wide number of critically-acclaimed wines from the estate.

Haywire Wines
The journey began in 2006 when Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie planted a 10-acre site in Summerland with Pinot Gris and named it Switchback Vineyard. Three years later, after a lot of trial and labour, a tiny crop capable of making 168 cases was harvested. Curiosity won out over practicality, Haywire wines were launched, and there was no turning back. In 2010 consulting Tuscan winemaker Alberto Antonini arrived and the following year, his colleague Pedro Parra, from Chile joined him. The pair make regular trips to advise the winery and vineyard teams and have been instrumental in shaping a vision which includes precision viticulture, organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. 

In 2011, Coletta and Lornie opened Okanagan Crush Pad, an innovative custom winemaking facility, to give Haywire a home. Today, their venture includes 380-acres of organic vineyard and farmland. Signature wines include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and traditional method sparkling. Haywire is recognized as making game-changing wines with New Zealander Matt Dumayne at the helm. The team is committed to farming organic wines that let the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley shine through.

Liquidity Wines
Liquidity Wines in Okanagan Falls, uses sustainable, time-tested viticultural practices to provide the finest growing environment for the 100% estate grown vines and hand harvested grapes. 10,000 years ago, glaciers covered the landscape deposited sand and gravel soils on the south-facing property, creating the ideal growing conditions for fruit. Winemaker Alison Moyes' goal is to produce authentic, expressive wines of the highest quality. The winery's 2016 Reserve Chardonnay received the top award at the 2018 Chardonnay du Monde.

Visitors treat their senses when they visit the cutting-edge winery, bistro and gallery. All design aspects of this property have been carefully chosen by the owner, Ian MacDonald, so wine lovers may sample award-winning wines while surrounded by wonderful modern art. Visitors also enjoy delicious, locally-sourced cuisine from the Liquidity Bistro, as they take in the views of the surrounding landscape and the ever-evolving art installations throughout the grounds.

Painted Rock Estate Winery
Painted Rock Estate Winery began in 2004, on a 56-acre west sloping property, surrounded by an amphitheatre of rock bench, on the eastern shore of Skaha Lake in south Penticton. The long, hot summer days, in conjunction with ideal air flow and soil structures of the site, allow proprietors John and Trish Skinner to create terroir-driven wines and build a family legacy business.

The Skinners assembled local and international talent to realize their vision for an ultra-premium Okanagan winery, planting the single vineyard estate with Chardonnay and Syrah, in addition to the five Bordeaux varieties. Their consultant, Alain Sutre of Ertus Consulting in Bordeaux, oversees the blending and winemaking team each vintage.

At Painted Rock, John Skinner personally welcomes visitors to the architecturally-distinctive tasting room, to taste the results of his family's shared ambition to make terroir expressive Okanagan wines.

Poplar Grove Winery
One of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench, Poplar Grove Winery was founded in 1993. Tony Holler purchased Poplar Grove and became winery president in 2007. Tony's wife, Barbara, owns and operates the Holler's 100 acres of estate vineyards, while their sons, Chris, Andrew, Matthew, and Eric, manage the vineyards with a passionate desire to bring the Okanagan's full potential into each bottle.

Poplar Grove is focused on six core wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and a signature blend called The Legacy. Visit Poplar Grove and experience breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley while sipping on a selection of these signature wines. Stay for afternoon tapas, lunch or dinner at the Vanilla Pod restaurant. While visiting, join the Poplar Grove Wine Club and their journey to make truly great wines.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Summerhill Pyramid Winery, located since 1991 in the Lakeshore district of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, is Canada's largest certified organic winery, BC's first Demeter certified biodynamic vineyard, and Canada's foremost producer of sparkling wine. The winery, owned by the Cipes family, is also home to the Sunset Organic Bistro, a 200-seat, organic restaurant featuring fresh, seasonal wine paired menus and a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake.

The winemaking philosophy is that organic and biodynamic is the royal road to producing exceptionally beautiful, authentic, terroir-based wine. The portfolio of 100% BC wines has earned the winery the title of 'Canadian Wine Producer of the Year' at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, England, as well as numerous international trophies and medals at the highest levels of competition.

4 BC Wineries to Discover at the Vancouver International Wine Festival

4 BC WINERIES TO DISCOVER The wine world convenes February 11-19 for the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

In 2017, the wine world celebrates Canada in its 150th year of Confederation. Meet BC wine pioneers and stars that continue to shape the industry and taste their amazing wines.

DOWNLOAD a PDF: Four BC Wineries to Discover at VIWF

3 Story Starters

1. Industry disruptors, who carve a path for BC wine, then and now Christine Coletta | Stephen Cipes | Harry McWatters

2. Trends in BC Wine Sparkling Wine | Organic | On site experiences | City Winery

3. Organic Okanagan Stephen Cipes' 2020 vision - great plans for the health of the Okanagan Valley

Meet the wineries...

1) Haywire 

Discover The ‘New’ Okanagan okanagancrushpad.com | @Haywirewine | @OKCrushPad

Industry icon Christine Coletta & husband Steve Lornie built Canada’s first custom-crush facility on Switchback Organic Vineyard. With the input of lauded international consultants Alberto Antonini and Pedro Parra, winemaker Matt Dumayne is turning heads and garnering acclaim for his natural wines made using state-of-the-art concrete tanks, native yeast and minimal additives. With the help of Pedro, the team is working hard to shape a new direction by understanding terroir.

• Natural wines that celebrate the land
• Made at Canada’s first custom-crush facility
• Award-winning leaders in innovation for BC wine
• Rock star team with international consultants who bring global perspective to Okanagan terroir.

Talk to: Christine Coletta – co-owner, one of Canada’s most astute wine marketers Matt Dumayne – winemaker Pedro Parra – internationally–lauded terroir expert

2) Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Leading the Organic Movement summerhill.bc.ca | @SummerhillWine

Summerhill Pyramid Winery has led the BC organic movement since the Cipes family purchased the vineyard in 1986. The winery was certified organic in 2007, with biodynamic certification for its Kelowna vineyard following in 2012. Winning national and international awards for its pyramid-aged wines, Summerhill is Canada’s foremost producer of sparkling wine and is BC’s most visited winery. A tireless change maker, founder Stephen Cipes is at the helm of the Okanagan 2020 initiative to transition the entire valley to 100% organic by the year 2020.

• Committed to organic and biodynamic winemaking since 1986
• Aims to transition to Organic Okanagan by 2020
• Pyramid cellar-aged wines
• Known globally for award winning sparkling wines

Talk to: Stephen Cipes - founder Ezra Cipes - CEO and a BC wine leader Eric von Krosigk - winemaker

3) Evolve Cellars

Welcoming Wine Country with Celebrational Approachability evolvecellars.com | @EvolveCellars

Evolve Cellars is a celebration of BC’s next generation, Christa-Lee McWatters Bond, daughter of industry pioneer, and chair of the BC Wine Institute, leads Evolve Cellars in embracing the traditions of BC wine industry to create today’s winery experience. Whether it’s a picnic on the sun-drenched patios with lakefront view or an onsite meal at E Restaurant, Evolve Cellars will leave you with an experiential journey to Okanagan Wine Country. Start yours with a glass of its approachable and affordable wines.

• Bright, delicious, approachable and affordable BC wines that celebrate BC terroir.
• An experiential journey to Okanagan Wine Country.
• Breathtaking lakefront view and onsite E Restaurant.

Talk to: Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond – oversees the winery; chair of the BC Wine Institute Nadine Allander – winemaker Tristan MacLaggan – hospitality director

4) TIME Winery

Complete Winery Experience in Downtown Penticton timewinery.com | @TimeWinery

Led by president and CEO Harry McWatters, a 50-year veteran of the British Columbia wine industry. Harry has done many firsts in his career: founding the BC Wine Institute, introducing VQA to BC, and bringing Meritage to Canada, for a few. Throughout his career, he has celebrated that winemaking is about time and place. Now the TIME is to innovate and do another “first”: a heritage theatre is being revitalized into a fully-functional winery and experience centre in downtown Penticton.

• Winery home of Harry McWatters, pioneer of BC wine industry since 1967 — this year marks his 50th vintage!
• Fully operational winery in the heart of downtown Penticton, in the former Penmar theatre.
• Makers of Meritage wines.

Talk to: Harry McWatters – president, grandfather of the industry Lawrence Buhler – winemaker

These are only a few ideas; let us help you with stories.

To arrange interviews with the winery principals, for images and more information, please email Genevieve Dufresne or Amy Chen or call the Town Hall Brands office at 604-321-3295

Colour BC and ChefMeetsBCGrape To Showcase Okanagan Crush Pad

On September 16^th, the British Columbia Wine Institute will be hosting Colour BC VQA Fall Release Tasting and ChefMeetsBCGrape to showcase VQA wines of British Columbia.

On each day leading up to the events, we would like to introduce you to winery clients in attendance with unique stories and flavours that you will not want to miss. First, here is more information about the events:

Attendees will be able to thoroughly explore the world of BC wines with walk-around tastings featuring 90 of the top BC wineries (the full list can be found here)  with principals and winemakers on site to guide you, as you immerse yourself in beautiful flavours.

Colour BC VQA Fall Release Tasting

Who: Trade and Media

Where: East Ballroom, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia

When: September 16^th, 2015 from 2pm to 5pm

This trade and media invite-only event will allow trade to connect with others in the industry, from winemakers to wine writers to sales specialists (the list goes on and on), all while tasting an extensive list of BC VQA wines.

More information about Colour BC can be found here.

Trade and Media registration can be found here.

ChefMeetsBCGrape

Who: All wine lovers

Where: East Ballroom, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia

When: September 16^th, 2015 from 7pm to 9:30pm

This event is open to anyone with a passion for wine and will showcase BC VQA wines and cuisine. Attendees will enjoy a walk around tasting while 11 of BC’s top restaurants prepare small plates focused on freshly sourced ingredients from local farmers and producers. Celebrity judges of the “Small Plate Challenge” will taste and evaluate each food and wine pairing throughout the evening and at the end of the night prizes will be awarded for the “"Best Regional Wine & Food Pairing" and "Plate of the Night."

More information about ChefMeetsBCGrape can be found here.

At Town Hall we like to be prepared, and with such an amazing and extensive list of wines being showcased, we have some tips to help you make the most out of your experience:

• Find out which wineries will be at the event
• Research the wineries beforehand
• Make a list of the people, wineries, and products you want to see
• Jot down questions you have for the principals and winemaker
• Use the hashtags #BCVQA #BCWine and #ChefMeetsBCGrape to share your experience at the events
• Allocate the total amount of time you want to spent at the event and at each individual booth
• Bring your business cards, a fresh palate, and open mind to share your passion with like-minded wine enthusiasts

Today, we would like to introduce you to...

Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, Summerland BC

• Gain a deeper understanding of how Okanagan Crush Pad utilizes concrete tanks in their wine cellars to directly shape the taste profiles of their wines.
• Learn how Okanagan Crush Pad recently received their “Certified Organic” certification allowing their organic grapes to truly reflect the terroir in which they are grown.
• Enjoy tasting the 2013 Haywire Bub with 'the Bub' herself, Alison Scholefield.

Okanagan Crush Pad's commitment to making wines that celebrate the distinctive beauty and exceptional micro-climates and geology of their vineyards, makes them a true Okanagan Winery in every sense of the term. Owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, the 10-acre Switchback Organic Vineyard site overlooking Lake Okanagan is home to Haywire Wines, Narrative Wines, and the Okanagan Wine Campus; where a mentorship program provides the person named Vancouver’s “Sommelier of the Year” has the chance to make a small lot wine using the grape variety and style of their choice with proceeds benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation. As the first purpose-built custom wine making facility in the Okanagan, Okanagan Crush Pad nurtures their product from the field to the market, all while achieving winemaking excellence.

 To Learn More:

www.okanagancrushpad.com | Twitter: @OKCrushPad | Instagram: @OKCrushPad

What you will taste:

• 2013 Haywire Bub $29.90 - The Bub is bottle fermented and aged using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes gown on cool vineyard sites in Oliver and Summerland. A fresh and lively wine with nice warm bread aromas and a crisp green apple finish, which is a shining example of what the Okanagan does best - crisp, fresh, and delicious.
• 2013 Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris $24.90 - Switchback is the winery’s home vineyard with surrounding sage, bunch grass, Ponderosa pine, and fruit trees, hallmarking the site’s aromas. Fermented in egg-shaped concrete tanks, the wine takes on minerality balanced with fruit, incredible complexity, and a round, creamy mouthfeel.
• 2013 Haywire Pinot Noir $24.90 - Loaded with lively ripe red-berry fruits, exotic spice blends, and earthy characters, this wine is best enjoyed with salmon, soft ripe cheeses, pork, or wild mushrooms. 
• 2012 Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir $39.90 - This wine has the hallmark cherry fruit intensity of the previous vintage, with soft, lush tannins and will continue to improve and evolve with bottle ageing.  Pair with soft ripe cheeses, hearty stews and game meats.

Who You Will Meet:

Rebeka Eriksson and Amy Hollenbach from the sales team will be in attendance alongside brand manager Alison Scholefield, a.k.a. The Bub.