From its strategic location as the gateway to the Naramata Bench, Perseus Winery is winning raves from wine lovers. They can’t seem to stop talking about the great reds and whites that are made to express the terroir of vineyards throughout the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. And acknowledgement of their efforts is coming from a national stage. The 2011 Cabernet Shiraz brought home Gold from this year’s Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada and 2009 Invictus, a classic Bordeaux blend, earned Silver. Invictus is elegant, earthy and age-worthy—enjoy some now and put some away in the cellar. It’s that good! Two more wines, 2011 Merlot and 2011 Pinot Gris, won Bronze medals at the National awards.
The winery, a former residential home at the foot of Lower Bench Road, makes a natural entrance to the Naramata Bench and the location is also home to an Info Centre, where guests can get information about other Naramata wineries, galleries and bed and breakfasts. It’s also a pickup point for the Okanagan Wine Shuttle.
A sister winery, Helios, will soon be launched in Westbank, on a property next to Quails’ Gate. The 10,000 square foot building will house a full wine production facility, bistro and tasting bar.
After an event-filled summer, the staff at Perseus has no intention of slowing down in the fall. Check the website (www.perseuswinery.com) for complete information, including happenings during the exciting Fall Okanagan Wine Festival from October 4-14. Members of the Perseus Wine Club (see website for details) will be invited to join the unveiling of 2012 red wines bottled in September and a charity auction of select library wines with food and wine to follow.
A series of educational events at the winery will be scheduled for during and after the fall festival.
~ Lorne Eckersley