t’s been an incredible award season for Church & State Winery; they’ve nearly had to rearrange the winery to accommodate their medals. Very fitting for the wine producer as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary.
Starting with a win for the Platinum Award for their 2010 Cabernet Franc at the Wine Press Northwest Judging, and most recently a Double Gold, Best in Class at the All-Canadian Wine Championships for their 2011 Coyote Bowl Malbec, Church & State Winery wines have certainly earned many wine judges’ attention. Other highlights include a Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards and a Gold, Best of Class at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition for the 2011 Coyote Bowl Syrah. Over in the UK they picked up a Gold and the Canadian Red Trophy for the 2011 Quintessential (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot from the Black Sage Bench) at the International Wine Challenge. Double Golds for the 2009 Coyote Bowl Meritage, 2010 Coyote Bowl Syrah, the 2011 Gravelbourg Chardonnay, the 2012 Viognier, the 2012 TreBella were also awarded at the Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging.
To celebrate, Church & State is doing limited special releases of every award winner from this spring. Many of these wines have never been released, are extremely limited, or completely sold out. They include the 2011 Quintessential, 2008 Quintessential , 2010 Cabernet Franc, 2009 Coyote Bowl Syrah, 2010 Coyote Bowl Syrah, 2011 Gravelbourg Chardonnay, 2011 Coyote Bowl Malbec, and the 2010 Coyote Bowl Petit Verdot Malbec. Act quickly before they are off the shelves forever.
On October 10th, 2014 Church & State will host the “Quintessential Release Party” at its Coyote Bowl location in honour of their 10th anniversary. New releases of the Quintessential and Coyote Bowl Syrah will be available for tasting and there will be verticals of both so guests can follow the wines’ journey throughout the years. A 10th anniversary sparkling wine produced from their island vineyards will also be released and live entertainment and food and wine pairings round out the evening. Tickets for the “Quintessential Release Party” are $60 and can be purchased at thewinefestivals.com.
Over on the Island at Church & State Winery’s original location Chef Desiree Perrin continues to work with Vancouver Island farms as their seasonal produce reaches its peak. The rotating menu includes such items as BBQ BC wild salmon and chicken braised in red wine. The winery can accommodate up to 300 people just if you happen to need a venue for your next celebration.
~ Cassandra Anderton