Therapy Vineyards is a shining example of what happens when the excellent grape-growing conditions of Naramata are coupled with exemplary winemaking and fun, recognizable marketing.
Located at the original site of Red Rooster Winery, Therapy Vineyards opened their doors in 2004. Winemaker Steve Latchford took over the wine program in 2008, catapulting the Therapy name onto some of BC’s most prestigious wine lists.
The winery has several tiers of wines suited to a variety of budgets and tastes, and the psychoanalytical take on the labels (featuring Rorschach-esque prints and a satirical Freudian-based naming system) has created a cult-like following.
As any wine connoisseur will tell you, crafty marketing techniques must measure up in the bottle, or the whole plan backfires. This is where Therapy wines excel: people remember the wines because of the labels, but they’re hooked because of the consistency in quality.
Due to popular demand, Therapy recently launched “Id Wine-club.” The name comes from one of Sigmund Freud’s most famous theories – that we are all born with Id: that part of our mind which controls our most basic wants and needs.
Members will receive two cases of wine specially selected by the Winemaker and shipped directly to their door: 12 bottles in May, and 12 in October. Discounts on online orders and wine shop orders, complimentary tastings, 10% off stays at their Guesthouse, and invites to exclusive ‘members-only’ winery dinners and events also apply.
Additionally, opportunities to participate in the picking and processing are in the works for those so inclined.
Therapy’s ‘Artist Series’ wine is also back this year. Since 2007, with the exception of the 2010 vintage, Therapy has created a wine label contest open to artists. The theme for the 2011 vintage was landscapes, and after the arduous task of choosing between over 40 talented artists, Therapy would like to congratulate Leanne Spanza. Her piece, “Okanagan Hills,” was selected. Visit www.leannespanza.com to see more of her amazing work.
2010 Pinot Noir $22.00
New world in style, this beautiful Pinot was created from the fruit of 3different Naramata Bench vineyards. 8 months of 100% French oak barrel ageing lends a delicate spice to the wine, with complex earthy-cherry-plum elements on the nose and palate. Quaffable now, it can be cellared to develop further in the bottle.
2011 Pinot Gris $20.00
Excellent balance of acidity and fruit, this 100% stainless steel fermented wine was aged for four months before bottling. Light and citrus-y, made from two Naramata vineyards, it’s perfect with fruit-based salads, seafood, and pastas. Only 500 cases produced.
2011 Artist Series Riesling~Kerner Blend $20.00
A fruit-forward table wine with an off-dry finish, exhibiting floral and tangerine-citrus aromas and apricot-citrus flavours. Only available at Therapy Vineyards Wine shop or directly online from the wineries website: www.therapyvineyards.com
~ Sarah Willard