The Wait Is Over - Valley Commons Winery Officially Opens Next Week at The District Wine Village

Valley Commons soft launches starting Saturday, September 4 before the grand opening on September 8

[Oliver, BC] After months of planning and much hard work, September 8 is a big day for husband-wife duo Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff. It’s the day they open the doors to - Valley Commons in the south Okanagan’s District Wine Village (DWV). The winery will also do a 'soft launch' at DWV starting on Saturday, September 4 for long-weekend visitors. Those at DVW this weekend will be the first to taste the wines and shop the merch.

Starting next week, Valley Commons will be open Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays) 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We are so excited to welcome guests and introduce them to our beautiful wines,” says Richey. “Our tagline at Valley Commons is ‘Where we gather’ because we strongly believe that friendships and family ties are strengthened, and community is created when people gather to enjoy a glass of wine together.”

Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff, owners of Valley Commons Winery. Photo credit: Shari Saysomack

Guest Experience

In addition to the tasting room, Valley Commons’ beautiful new 1,500-sq-foot facility houses the winery’s production area with its fermentation tanks. Guests may even catch a glimpse of winemaker Bill Adams working his harvest magic, as he transforms Okanagan and Fraser Valley grapes into beautiful wines.

The winery offers two different experiences for guests – a quick and casual visit to the stand-up tasting bar with a flight of four ‘petit pour’ wines for $10, or a more leisurely seated experience for $15 and five wine samples to savour. All the wines will be available for sale by the glass and the bottle. In addition to the stand-up tasting bar, the facility offers two tables with two seats each inside the tasting room and an additional 14 seats on the outside patio overlooking the central plaza.

The Wines

Visitors to Valley Commons will be able to enjoy its 2020 vintages created for the winery by Mark Simpson of BC Wine Studio. Starting with the 2021 vintage, wines will be made by Valley Commons staff winemaker Bill Adams and supported by consulting winemaker Pascal Madevon.

The current portfolio of 2020 vintages includes:

• Garden Society, a premium red blend ($40/ btl, $14/glass)

• Cabernet Franc ($35/btl, $12/glass)

• Rosé ($30/btl, $10/glass)

• Pinot Gris ($28/btl, $9/glass)

• Harvest Table White, a blend ($25/btl, $9/glass)

Valley Commons Winery 2020 Vintages. Photo credit: Ian Lanterman

Richey and Verhoeff want the tasting room to be a unique experience; not only for the sampling of their wines but also a way for individuals to be inspired by, and connect to, the natural beauty that surrounds them. The couple envision it as a place for people to gather and reconnect.

Richey comments, “We want it to be a place to come as you are and be welcomed as family. It will be a place that combines the sophistication of metropolitan tastes with the agricultural cornucopia of the Valleys. We invite people to visit Valley Commons to recharge their spirit and discover new, exciting wines.”

To stay up to date with the latest news from Valley Commons, to subscribe to their newsletter and to order the winery’s first vintages visit www.valleycommons.ca and be sure to follow along on social at @valleycommons.

Valley Commons Winery 2020 Rosé. Photo credit: Ian Lanterman

TIME Family of Wines Reveals New Look with Release of 2020 Vintage

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

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

1. Bizou + Yukon Pinkie Rosé 2018 ($19.90)

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. 

2. Singletree Winery 2020 Rosé ($21.76)

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!

3. Haywire Gamay Rosé 2019 ($23.90) 

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

4. 2020 Pink Cadillac Rosé ($19.99)

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.  

5. Free Form Rosé 2018 ($27.90)

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.

6. 2020 Nostalgia Rosé ($23.99)

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. 

7. Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2020 Quill Rosé ($23.99)

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

8. Evolve Cellars Pink Effervescence ($21.99)

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.

9. Stoneboat Vineyards Rosé 2020 ($18.99) 

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. 

10. Narrative Rosé 2019 ($21.90)

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. 

Well Seasoned makes summertime food prep easy!

New meal kits, picnic packs and cocktail mixes available for fun days of outdoor living

[Langley, BC] The lyrics “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy” could just as well be changed to “Summertime, and Well Seasoned makes the livin’easy” as Angie Quaale and her team introduce a trio of products geared to make summer eating and entertaining fun, stress-free and delicious.

Maple Wild BC Salmon Kit

Whether it be busy parents working from home, or a small group of friends gathered on the patio, Well Seasoned has got dinner covered with the new Summer Supper Meal Kits. Priced at $57, each kit serves two people and includes everything needed to whip up an impressive meal in minutes. Salads, sides and desserts just need to be assembled, only the main needs to be quickly cooked. Everything is made fresh-to-order. Choose from five options: Low Country Boil, Maple Wild BC Salmon, It’s All Greek to Me Chicken Souvlaki, Waygu Burger Royale, and Garden Harvest Stuffed Mushrooms. To make dinner even better, there are plenty of tasty add-ons such as Cheese and Charcuterie for Two ($22). Meal kits must be ordered 48 hours in advance and are available Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Fully loaded Picnic Pack

Well Seasoned’s ‘Fully Loaded’ Picnic Pack pairs perfectly with the good weather and a day of outdoor fun. Equal parts delicious and convenient, each Picnic Pack feeds two people and is fully customizable with several choices available for each of its three courses (Chips & Dip, Salad, Sandwich) and includes the famed giant sandwich cookies and freshly made lemonade. Priced at $42, Picnic Packs are made fresh in-house to order with 24-hours advance notice and can be made Gluten-free upon request. Get something for the little one as well, kid-sized picnics are available for $10. The ‘Fully Loaded’ Picnic Packs must be ordered in advance by 12 noon on the day before you wish to pick it up. Available Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Sangria Popsicle. $3 each or $11 for four

Nothing says summer more than a refreshing Sangria or Margarita. For those enjoying patio weather in a small group, try a fun Cocktail Popsicle. Available in red berry, white sangria and beer-garita flavours, simply ‘pop’ a frozen cocktail popsicle into a glass of wine (e.g. rosé for Sangria) or beer, swish it around until it melts and voilà, an instant individual cocktail. Cocktail Popsicles include seasonal fruit and, on their own, are non-alcoholic, so they can be enjoyed by children and those who do not wish to drink alcohol. Popsicles are available for $3 each or $11 for four, use the POPSICLE4 code at checkout.

Whether it’s preparing dinner, planning a picnic, having a cocktail, Well-Seasoned is here to ensure that your Summertime livin’ is easy.

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

OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINERY IS NOW NOSTALGIA WINES INC.

OLIVER TWIST ESTATE WINERY IS NOW NOSTALGIA WINES INC.

OKANAGAN WINERY’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATED WITH CHANGE

*Download photos and more here.

[Oliver, BC] Oliver Twist Estate Winery is now Nostalgia Wines Inc. The ownership remains solely under Gina Fernandes Harfman. When Harfman purchased Oliver Twist Estate Winery in 2012, she kept the namesake Oliver Twist and created her own Nostalgia series to put her stamp on the business. With 2021 being the 15th anniversary of the winery, the time was right to finalize the change.

“Nostalgia Wines is more authentic and better connects to what we represent here,” Harfman notes.

With the name change also comes modernized packaging that better reflects the wine quality, displayed on Nostalgia Wines’ three wine tiers: Nostalgia, Pin-Up, and the Family Collection.

The team at Oliver Twist Winery has been a bit mischievous... they are now Nostalgia Wines Inc.

The team at Oliver Twist Winery has been a bit mischievous... they are now Nostalgia Wines Inc.

THE HISTORY BEHIND NOSTALGIA WINES INC.

Harfman is proud of her South Okanagan farming legacy. Terroir is in her blood: Harfman is the fourth generation from her paternal side, and the third generation from her maternal side, to sink her hands into South Okanagan soil. Her maternal grandfather, Joe Fernandes, left Madeira in the early 1950s to establish orchards and a fruit stand in Osoyoos. Her father, Ken, has 6 hectares (15 acres) of vineyard in Osoyoos which he runs with the help of Harf- man’s brother, Jeremy.

This connection to wine started Harfman down the winemaking road, starting with the winemaking course at Okanagan College. She gained experience as the assistant winemaker at Cassini Cellars for 2010 crush. For 2011 crush, she joined the previous owners and winemaking consultant, Christine Leroux, at Oliver Twist. From the very first vintage, Leroux has guided the wines at Oliver Twist, and she remains an important member of the Nostalgia winemaking team today.

In Harfman’s woman-owned and managed winery, she carries on her prede- cessors’ vision and traditions. She has chosen the name Nostalgia because for her, wine is about creating memories and making connections. She hopes that people will experience her wines, and in doing so, forge new memories.

“Nostalgia is something relatable to everyone,” she notes. “As everyone has memories.”

Nostalgia Wines Inc.'s owner and winemaker, Gina Fernandes Harfman

THE WINES & THE WINERY

Open year-round on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC, Nostalgia Wines offers a range of small production wines from its Nostalgia, Pin-Up, and Family Collection tiers: from dry to off-dry whites and rosés, medium to full-bodied reds, as well as sparkling and dessert wines (including a fortified Port-style). Wines are released in quantities from 24 - 675 cases only and are worth seeking out each release (all wines can be purchased at the winery or online at NostalgiaWines.ca).

Harfman ensures the grape quality is high, sourcing most of the grapes from the estate’s Home Vineyard: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Kerner, Merlot and Syrah. She also sources from her family’s farm, and from treasured, long-term grower partners. Her attention to detail continues throughout the entire winemaking process.

Visitors to Nostalgia Wines are welcomed with heart, personality, nostalgia, and great wine. After taking in the memora- bilia collection inside the wine shop and watching the winemaking in progress through the tasting room windows, the sense of history and love at this family-run winery is unmistakable. Situated right in the heart of South Okanagan wine country, guests take in the views of the rugged desert hills, vineyards, and orchards, while sipping and soaking up the surroundings.

Nostalgia Wines 2018 Merlot, 2018 Meritage and 2020 Rosé

The Nostalgia and Family Collection wines demonstrate the serious side of Harfman’s winemaking style. Guests are impressed by the entire lineup and are charmed by the fun and seductive Pin-Up Series, which allows Harfman to express her fun side. The retro-cool paintings on the Pin-Up bottles are by artist Ralph Burch.

Nostalgia is the comfort and happiness triggered by sensory experiences. Once visitors discover this boutique, family-run winery, and enjoy a glass of wine from one of the estate’s scenic patios, they will want to take home a taste and make more memories of their own.

To keep those memories alive and satisfy you at home when you are feeling “Nostalgic,” membership in the Recollec- tions Wine Club is your best bet. This flexible membership allows you to choose your own selection and order on de- mand any time of year, in person or online, with special Club pricing. Harfman makes exclusive wines for Club members only, such as small lots of Malbec and Petit Verdot.

Watch for the new Nostalgia and Family Collec- tion labels and the refreshed Pin-Up Series to hit the winery’s shelves this month, or order online at NostalgiaWines.ca.

Pin-Up Series Rockabilly Red, 2020 Pink Cadillac and 2020 Boogie Woogie White

ABOUT NOSTALGIA WINES INC.

Nostalgia Wines Inc. is a winery located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC. It is owned by Gina Fernandes Harfman who is a fourth-gener- ation farmer in the Okanagan. Harfman is the winemaker behind the terroir focused, small lot wines produced on the property.

Nostalgia Wines carries three tiers of wine: Family Collection, Nostalgia Series and the mischievous Pin-Up Series which showcase labels that depict 1960s-inspired artwork.

To learn more about Nostalgia Wines Inc. or shop the wines, visit www.NostalgiaWines.ca

Island Winery Calls on British Columbia to Help Feed Cowichan Families

One dollar from every Blue Grouse wine sold in April will go to Nourish Cowichan

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.

About Blue Grouse Estate Winery

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.

Six BC Wines for Global Drink Wine Day

Grab a glass of BC Wine and join the celebration!

Wine holidays can seem to be a silly thing but because of them, the wine-drinking community is able to share tips and inspirations. Follow the hashtag #DrinkWineDay and you’ll learn a whole deal about specific varietals, wine-producing regions and the latest popular sips from all over the world.

 Let’s join the tasting party with six delicious BC VQA wines:

1.     Blue Grouse Quill Rosé

Blue Grouse’s Quill Rosé is a unanimous hit. A complex, full flavoured wine produced with Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island and Oliver, Okanagan Valley. A beautiful mix of strawberry and rhubarb on the nose and fresh and lively palate with a savoury touch on the finish. Think about pairing this rosé with pizza, chicken, pasta or enjoy by itself. Available at the winery, online and on selected fine wine stores across BC. $21.99

2.     Singletree Siggy

Have you ever tried wines produced from Siegerrebe? Siggy is Singletree’s wine interpretation for this intriguing varietal that in German means ‘victory grape’. You will learn this is indeed a win. Siegerrebe (pronounced see-geh-Ray-buh) grows very well in climates like the Fraser Valley, just outside of Vancouver, and it turns into a wine that is rich and lush with soft acidity and floral aromatics. The delicious notes of peaches, pears and lychees make a great pairing for dishes like spicy curries or fish tacos. Available at the winery, online and in selected fine wine stores. $16.00

3.     Haywire Switchback Vineyard Pinot Gris

 A beautiful organic Pinot Gris that displays the best of Okanagan terroir. Haywire wines are produced with low intervention, attention to detail and represent some the best of natural wines being produced in British Columbia. But mostly importantly, it is delicious. This wine was naturally fermented and aged in concrete tanks for eight months and has a creamy mouthfeel with lively acidity and critic and herbal notes on the palate. Harvested in four separate batches in October, the estate-grown organic Pinot Gris was whole cluster pressed to concrete tanks where it was fermented using native yeasts. The wine went through full malolactic fermentation and was left on gross lees for 10 months. Available at the winery, online and in selected fine wine stores.  $26.90  

4.     Coolshanagh Chardonnay

This chardonnay is as special as the place it comes from. Grown on a small property in Naramata, where a stellar team of specialists, including renowned terroir consultant Pedro Parra, pointed out that the area was full of potential to grow outstanding grapes. And he was right: vintage after vintage Coolshanagh has been gathering accolade after accolade. This is one of the most special chardonnays in British Columbia, with elegant aromas of straw, green apple and lychee with a rich and layered texture. Available online and in selected fine wine stores. $360 (case of 12)

5.     TIME Cabernet Franc

A new release red from TIME Wines, home to a winemaking team that has been producing wines in the Okanagan Valley for more than 50 years. The tradition and proficiency shines through the glass as you sip this complex Cab Franc. Enjoy classic aromas of red berries and black cherry with hints of pepper and sage on palate as well as soft tannins with velvety texture. Open a bottle to enjoy with grilled meat or loaded burger. Available at the winery, online or where fine wines are sold. $34.99

6.     Oliver Twist Cherry Baby Port-Style

Ready for dessert? Then you’ll fall in love with Cherry Baby. A dessert wine in Port Style that elevates the end of a special meal. This is a wine with luscious flavours of ripe dates, toasty pecans, dark chocolate and lingering black cherry, that turns into a fantastic pair for black forest cake when served slightly chilled at around 16C. Available at the winery and online. $29 (375ml)

We don’t usually need an excuse to open a bottle of wine, but on February 18th, we join our fellow wine lovers across the globe in celebration of Global Drink Wine Day with a glass in hand.

Try one of these wines and tag us @townhallbrands and let us know how you enjoy!

Three Ways to Stay on Task And Focus

How do you #GoGetIt?

photo by Emma Matthews via Unsplash

It is almost February and if you have not started to cross off those to-do’s it is time to get things moving.

Last month we asked our followers on Instagram what are some strategies they use to stay focused and get things done and we heard some cool tips we would like to share here:

1. White Noise

Yasmine Hardcastle from City Girl Talks (a nice podcast you should check out) mentioned she likes to work with background noise: “comes from having worked in an office environment for so long” she says. She recommends putting some music on or turn on Netflix into a show you have seen before.

2. Lists

“I live by my lists!” says Gillian from Mom Camp Life. A good way to tackle them is to organize the lists into priority order, two or three bigger and more urgent tasks are looked at first and then move on to lower-priority tasks.

3. The Pomodoro Method

In the Pomodoro method, the workday gets divided into 25 min chunks separated by five min breaks. These intervals are called pomodoro. After three or four pomodoros you are encouraged to stop for a longer period of 15 - 20 min. This way, there is less anxiety around low long you can focus or when you can have a break. According to our friend Ashley Theresa, “[The method] helps me contain that feeling while breaking the project up into smaller segments”.

Regardless of the strategy used to get things done, we encourage you to #gogetit in 2021.

Share your strategy below and you just might see it in a future post!

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.