With a goal of having Church & State Wines listed in the top 3 wineries in BC, proprietor Kim Pullen set about acquiring vineyard land in the prime growing regions of the South Okanagan Valley. Growing only the best stock, his wines have twice been named “Red Wine of the Year in Canada” starting with the 2006 vintage of Quintessential in 2009, and then again in 2011 with the 2009 Coyote Bowl Syrah. In 2012, Kim met his goal being named #3 Winery in BC by Wine Access Magazine.
Starting with the acquisition of Rattlesnake Ridge, a 15-acre plot on the Golden Mile, Kim planted Merlot, Viognier and eventually Malbec. His next purchase was the Coyote Bowl Vineyard. As Kim walked the property, he noticed a coyote skirting the bottom of the bowl and the name became synonymous. Coyote Bowl was planted with the highest quality vines, suitable for his top tier Bordeaux blend, Quintessential.
The third vineyard property is called Bella, the Beautiful One. This vineyard was planted with Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier to produce “TreBella”, their elegant Rhone blend. In 2012, the property next door to Bella was purchased. The securing of “Second Chapter” would establish Church & State’s mark along the Black Sage Bench and solidify the vineyard portfolio.
In summer 2009, construction began on the new winery in the Coyote Bowl Vineyard. Built to exclusively produce and showcase Church & State’s super-premium wines, Coyote Bowl blends contemporary West Coast architecture with a unique sense of place, where guests can intimately experience the art of winemaking and viticulture in a gorgeous setting.
The now-famous outdoor Tasting Bar will open May long weekend where one can share a tasting (with four one-ounce pours, the tasting is more of a wine journey), listen to music and perhaps play bocce on the lawn overlooking the bowl. Taste the new Church & State releases consisting of 2011 Chardonnay, 2012 Viognier, 2012 Cuvee Blanc, 2009 Meritage and 2009 Quintessential.
~ Dee Newman