Clos Du Soleil winery is building on its vision to produce a focused portfolio of premium quality wines. “We really pride ourselves on being able to produce a white that improves with age,” says managing director Michael Clark. The Capella White 2011, their Bordeaux-style white wine, won Best White Wine at the BC Wine Awards.
For 2014, Clos is investing a lot of energy into enhancing their visitor experience. “We’re trying to take everything to the next step,” says Michael. Visitors to the Keremeos vineyard will experience the biodynamic processes first hand. “Being immersed in the vineyard is what it’s all about here.” Regular tasting room hours will begin on May 1st with full-time tasting room staff.
New wines for release in 2014 include the Grower’s Series Guild Vineyard Merlot 2012. “It’s a beautiful vineyard, able to produce wonderful grapes,” says Michael. The popular Pinot Blanc returns this year renamed as Middle Bench Vineyard Pinot Blanc and is the same vineyard as previous years.
Also new this year is reserve-level white wine made from 100% estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc. “The quality convinced us that it can really stand alone,” explains Michael. A companion to the Estate Reserve red, small quantities will be available in the tasting room.
Members of the wine club, Soleil 160, named for their vineyard’s 160 rows of vines, receive invitations to exclusive events and promotions from other artisanal businesses. Check out the website closdusoleil.ca for more information and sign up for their newsletter, Les Amis, while you’re there.
~ Luke Whittall