TIME Travel to the ‘90s for the Holidays

These 90-point wines from TIME Family of Wines are perfect for year-end festivities 

Wish you were transported back to the ‘90s for the holidays? Home Alone had just released, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” was played for the first time, and Amazon only sold books.

Although TIME Family of Wines can’t take you back to 1990, this Penticton winery can give you a taste of the ‘90s with their 90-point wines. 

The Chronos, McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars wine brands all received 90-point scores (or higher) just in time for the holidays. If you’re still looking for a bottle to gift, celebrate with, or drink on your holiday break, consider picking-up one (or all) of the below wines.

You can still order any of these wines by visiting timewines.ca.

Photo credit: Chris Stenberg

TIME Family of Wines in the ‘90s

Chronos 2020 Rosé ($24.99) 

Made from 100% Syrah grapes, the Chronos 2020 Rosé received 91 points from John Schreiner (Schreiner on Wine), and 90 points from Rick Vansickle (Wines in Niagara) and Eric Hanson (Richmond News). 

Order online at timewines.ca

Chronos 2020 Riesling ($27.99)  

Tasting of jasmine and lime with a light body and minerality, this wine received 91 points on NatalieMaclean.com and 90 points from Eric Hanson (Richmond News). 

Order online at timewines.ca

McWatters Collection 2020 White Meritage ($29.99) 

This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was awarded 92 points by Rick Vansickle (Wines in Niagara), John Schreiner (Schreiner on Wine), Eric Hanson (Richmond News), and Daenna Van Mulligen (Wine Scores). 

 Order online at timewines.ca

McWatters Collection 2018 Red Meritage ($39.99) 

This big red was awarded 92 points on NatalieMaclean.com. Enjoy it alongside your holiday roast or with rich pasta. 

Order online at timewines.ca

Evolve Cellars 2020 Spontaneity ($21.99) 

Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Ortega make up this light and fruity wine. John Schreiner (Schreiner on Wine) gave it 90 points. 

 Order online at timewines.ca

If you decide to deck the halls with these 90-point wines, make sure to share your experience on social by tagging @timewines. 

If you live in the Okanagan, you can purchase these wines in-person either at the District Wine Village in Oliver or by visiting the winery in Penticton. TIME Family of Wines is open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day from noon until 4 PM, with regular hours until New Year’s Eve (open noon – 4 PM with NYE dinner reservations starting at 6 PM). The winery at the District Wine Village will be closed from December 24 – 29 and will be open on New Year’s Eve from noon until 4 PM. For the full list of holiday hours, call the winery at 236-422-2556. 

Oliver’s Stoneboat Vineyards acquired by Verhoeff Family

[Oliver, BC] The Verhoeff Group of Companies announces the purchase of Stoneboat Vineyards located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC. The business continues to be family-owned, changing hands from Julie and Lanny Martiniuk to the Verhoeff family.

 Led by husband-wife duo Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff, the new owners keep the Stoneboat Vineyards name and are eager to build upon the legacy of the Martiniuks, while winery employees stay on with new ownership, including winemaker William (Bill) Adams, and general manager Levi Gogolinski. Industry veteran Pascal Madevon joins the team as consulting winemaker to work with Bill in the cellar.

 “Our family is thrilled to make its entrance into the BC wine industry by taking over from the Martiniuks, a family that has established their name as a top-quality grape grower and producer on the Black Sage Bench,” says Rudy Verhoeff, owner of Stoneboat Vineyards. “Our intention is to continue their outstanding work and expand the brand’s presence in the Okanagan and beyond.”

 The Verhoeff family, based in Fort Langley in the Fraser Valley, has experience with businesses in the event and hospitality sectors including Red Door Events and Trading Post Brewing, and soon in the District Wine Village with Trading Post and a new winery Valley Commons.

 The team will apply its vast experience in foodservice, events, and hospitality to the BC wine industry. Kyla and Rudy complete years of traveling to compete on Team Canada’s women and men’s volleyball teams respectively and are welcoming the change to one of Canada’s biggest-growing industries.

 “We are so excited to enter the wine business at such an exciting time of growth and change,” says Kyla Richey. “All of our neighbours have been so welcoming, and we can’t wait to receive visitors from outside the valley soon.”

New Stoneboat owners Rudy Verhoeff, Kyla Richey, Paul & Cobi Verhoeff toasting with Tim Martiniuk, centre. Photo credit Shari Saysomsack

About Stoneboat Vineyards

 Stoneboat Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Oliver, BC founded in1979 by the Martiniuk family. Known for its award-winning wines and Black Sage Bench location, the portfolio of wines is guided by consulting winemaker Pascal Madevon and crafted by winemaker Bill Adams, These include: Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Pinot Gris, Rosé, sparkling wine, red and white blends, and Icewine.

 The winery team strives for balance in its approach. Through thoughtful farming, Stoneboat engages in a variety of conscientious and non-invasive practices to maintain healthy vineyards. Balancing these grape growing elements provides wines with a character that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.

 Visitors to the winery are welcomed by general manager Levi Gogolinski and the Tasting Room Team to enjoy a taste of South Okanagan terroir and drink in the picturesque vistas. Stoneboat Pinot Club members receive a curated selection of wines in club shipments, first access to limited small lot wines and library releases, and Pinot Club benefits when visiting the winery.

 Schedule a tasting, catch the latest news, and learn more at www.stoneboatvineyards.com

Photo credit Shari Saysomsack

Exclusive New Wine Tasting Option at Fraser Valley Winery

Singletree Winery is the first in the Valley to offer wine tastings inside domes

[Abbotsford, BC] Singletree Winery presents an exclusive new tasting experience for wine lovers in the Fraser Valley: Di Vine Domes. By current Public Health regulations, and as it changes the winery will adapt, small groups from the same household (up to 6 people) or single persons with a max bubble of two, are invited to taste wine and enjoy local goodies inside decorated transparent domes.

Singletree Winery's Di Vine Dome. Photo credit: Megan Ashley Creative

The domes at Singletree Winery are placed by the vines and offer a cozy atmosphere that is COVID-safe and great for families or couples wishing to enjoy a special date.

The winery team offers two domes with distinct themed décor: The Canadian Cabin with traditional porch chairs, faux fur rugs and a rustic feel, and the Enchanted Forest, with a chandelier, live edge table and cozy seats. Both domes are heated and complemented with winter decorations and lights.

There is a minimum spend of $50 per person to experience the domes, and bookings are 1.5 hours to enjoy one of three tasting experiences. View these choices here.

To reserve, book on the website. Tastings inside the Di Vine Domes at Singletree Winery are available from Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5:30pm. Extended dome hours are available on Friday and Saturday when you purchase a gourmet meal option; with one sitting per night from 6-8pm.

Wine lovers get to enjoy award-winning wine flights by Singletree and can choose between food options, like locally-sourced charcuterie and cheese boards and gourmet three-course meals, prepared by chef Adrian Beatty.

Visit the Singletree Di Vine Domes page to view each option and book accordingly.

 The domes are thoroughly sanitized between bookings. To learn more about this and to help answer all of your Di Vine Dome questions (including Singletree's COVID-19 policies), please go to this link and review the Frequently Asked Questions.

 About Singletree Winery

Singletree Winery Fraser Valley is in Abbotsford and Singletree Naramata is in the Okanagan. The Etsell family has deep roots in the agricultural community, and named their wineries Singletree, after the single-harness yoke which was an essential tool for pioneering farmers from all over the province.

With careful attention to their land, the Etsell family owners of Singletree, 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.

From growing grapes in their estate vineyards, taking the finished bottle to the shelf and to the very last sip of wine from the glass, Singletree’s active involvement, dedication, and passion for the land creates only the highest quality, award-winning and most flavourful and nuanced wine.

 To learn more about Singletree, visit singletreewinery.com.

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!⁠

Victoria Pub Wins The Irish Pub of the Year in North America

Celebrating a Meeting Place of Friends at Irish Times in Victoria, BC

Photo Credit: Mister Pixel Photography

Winery owners Judy and Skip Stothert love celebrating their family traditions. When they started Coolshanagh Winery in the Okanagan, they didn’t hesitate to name it “Coolshanagh”, a Celtic word that belonged to Judy’s side of the family.

“Coolshanagh” means a “meeting place of friends.”

For generations, Judy’s family started using the word “Coolshanagh” under letterheads and soon enough, her cousins named their houses as Coolshanagh. This soon became a family tradition and carried through to multiple generations in celebration of the friendship between family and friends.

Although not entirely certain, the Stotherts share that the word “Coolshanagh” originated from Judy’s grandfather in Ireland and then eventually landed in Canada with his immigration to Newfoundland and Victoria.

When the Stotherts heard that Victoria’s Irish Times Pub won Irish Times' The Irish Pub of the Year in North America (chosen from 16,000 Irish pubs worldwide), they were ecstatic! This achievement follows Irish Times’ wins from previous years: Top 10 Irish Pubs Outside of Ireland in 2015; Best Pub in the City (8 out of last 12 years).

The Stotherts are fortunate that their Coolshanagh Chardonnay is listed by the bottle at Irish Times Pub. However, that wasn’t the celebratory aspect. It was how impressive and honourable this accolade is and the perfect fit between Coolshanagh and Irish Times Pub. It’s almost serendipitous.

Tracing back to family traditions, Coolshanagh originated from Irish roots then eventually arrived in Victoria, like Irish Times. Irish pubs are known for their unique, cozy and friendly ambiance. This, like Coolshanagh, makes a perfect place for the gathering of friends.

Join us in celebrating this beautiful friendship between Coolshanagh and Irish Times by visiting the pub the next time you’re in Victoria!

How Impressive Was This Award for Irish Times Pub?

16,000 Irish pubs worldwide were screened for this award, including UK, Ireland, Europe, North America and more.

• Irish Times Pub was shortlisted in six (6) competing categories:
• Best Irish Pub of the Year in North America
• Best Bar Person
• Best Marketing Campaign
• Best Chef
• Best Food Experience
• Best Craft Beer Experience

Congratulations to our friends!

- From Skip and Judy of Coolshanagh

Singletree Welcomes the Harvest with Community Social

According to general manager Andrew Etsell, visitation at Mt. Lehman's Singletree Winery is up more than 100% over last year. "We're not just busy on the weekends, but every day, Wednesday through Sunday. This is because more and more people, especially from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, are realizing there's a new winery literally at their back door. Through tastings at trade and media events, along with strong accolades from wine journalists, the word is getting out there about Singletree."

Next up for #winelover-s is the winery's first annual Mt. Lehman Community Social, on Saturday, August 20, from 5:30pm until late. It's a free event for the community to connect, socialize, and come together as one. All are invited to bring a favourite dish to share at a potluck, family-style feast, with the Mt. Lehman Community Association sponsoring live music from Langley's alternative folk-rockers, Prairie Dance Club.

New vintages of Singletree wine will be available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle, alongside craft beer on tap from a local brewery, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Laura Preckel of Singletree says, "We want to bring old neighbours and new friends together. We're inviting the Mt. Lehman community, their friends and family to bring a dish and to raise a glass with us. It's about giving back to our community through sharing. And what a better way to do that than with a glass of wine?"

Indeed, wine lovers are increasingly adventurous and are not only seeking wine that reflects a sense of place, but are interested in unique vineyard experiences.

"We've been holding more winery events, including our popular concert series, and our (usually sold out)  painting parties in the vineyard," says Andrew.

The winery is very foodie and family-friendly. Visitors to the tasting room can purchase specially-selected local cheese, charcuterie, fresh breads and crackers from the wine shop, and take them to its newly-licensed picnic area, where they can also enjoy wines by the glass or by the bottle. It's al fresco dining at its best!  Plus - the family lends everyone a picnic basket with glasses, plates and cutlery, to complete the experience. There are always games and toys for kids at the picnic area, and families are encouraged to get up close and personal with the vineyards that surround the winery and tasting room.

"We've also been receiving numerous requests for onsite weddings," continues Laura. "Surrounded by vineyards and farms, with mountains in the background, it's the perfect site for a rustic valley wedding."

Up next for the winery is arguably the most important event of the year... the HARVEST!

The weather in April and May was extremely hot, which gave an early boost to the vines. Although June and July have been slightly cooler than normal, if trends continue, Singletree can expect another great vintage in the Fraser Valley. Bud break started in the first week of March, four weeks ahead of schedule. Andrew is projecting to start harvest in mid-September. This will be about two weeks later than 2015, but still earlier than average vintages. They'll start the 2016 harvest with their popular and early-ripening Siegerrebe ("get siggy with it"), followed by Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, with Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc to follow. Andrew is carefully watching his two acres of Pinot Noir, which he will use for Rosé and - spoiler alert - Singletree's first-ever vintage of traditional method sparkling wine.

For more on Singletree, visit www.singletreewinery.com.

Meet Ezra Cipes With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #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 please meet the CEO of Kelowna's Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Ezra Cipes.

If you like this post please feel free to share it so others can meet him too!

In addition to running Canada's most visited winery as its CEO, Ezra has a thriving talent as a musician, and that's what he was doing before he returned to the family business to oversee operations at the family run winery.

Earlier in his adult life, Ezra worked as a touring and session musician and became a published songwriter, but despite his love for music, he felt the call back to the vineyard. Home on the family farm, Ezra initiated a half acre permaculture garden, selling vegetables and herbs to Summerhill's onsite Sunset Bistro. After reconnecting with the winery and the land, Ezra knew he needed to assume a greater role at the winery.

Now, Ezra is responsible for day to day operations, marketing, and leadership. He has completed courses in vineyard management and in permaculture design.

And despite all of this, Ezra still creates music and performs occasional gigs on the side.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share something really cool that we saw last week: this is a music video of a song that Ezra and his brother Ari Cipes did that was created by their friend Elsie Kay (also a talented musician herself!) and I think you should just sit back and enjoy this before you take a moment and say hello to Ezra.

Can you please say hello to Ezra with a comment – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter so more people can meet him too!

Meet Paul Brunner of Blue Grouse With Town Hall

By Leeann Froese It’s Saturday – that means it’s time to introduce you to a new personality #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 we introduce you to Paul Brunner aka The Blue Grouch - owner of Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Can you please say hello?

Paul and his wife Cristina purchased Blue Grouse, a beautiful Vancouver Island winery, in 2012. He calls himself 'The Blue Grouch' but we think he is a friendly, funny and welcoming man, who isn't fooling us with talk of being grouchy.

The winery was originally established in 1992. But in 2015, plan your visit: a beautiful new winery building will be open to welcome you. And you will have to come and see for yourself if Paul really is a grouch.

Can you please say hello to Paul with a comment – or go give this post a like or share on Facebook or Twitter.