Gold, 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. Gold 2011, Cabernet Franc. Gold, 2012 Merlot. Gold, 2013 Pinot Gris. According to CEO Rob Ingram, “The goal of Perseus Winery is to produce approachable wines of character and distinction from some of British Columbia’s finest vineyards.” Judges at the 2014 All Canadian Wine Championships certainly agree. Add a Bronze Medal for the 2012 Syrah to the list and that makes five medals from six wines entered, a remarkable showing matching the highest numbers of gold medals from any winery.
“Each of our winemakers has won awards since our first vintage,” Rob said. “I think that says a lot about the quality of our vineyards.” Three more medals and a commendation at the Decanter World Wine Awards (2011 Cab Franc, 2010 Invictus, 2011 Cab Shiraz and 2010 Cab Sauv) would seem to confirm the assertion.
With renovations complete at the Perseus Winery info centre, a great visitor experience awaits at the gateway to the Naramata Bench this summer. A private tasting room for education has been added, info displays are in place (in Mandarin, too!) and guests can now enjoy Perseus wines and food from local Brodo restaurant on the deck.
Andrew Melville, formerly of Vancouver’s Marquis Wine Cellars has been added to the Perseus team and, will be working with Perseus general manager Jesse Harnden to make the tasting room experience a great one. “We are determined to have the best educated and trained staff possible,” Rob says. Drop in and sample new vintages of Syrah and Chardonnay, and ask if the new sparkling wine has been released just yet!
Meanwhile, the expansion plan for the Terrabella group of wineries continues, with the Black Swift Winery opening next summer on Mount Boucherie Road in Kelowna. In the meantime, watch for the opening of a smaller, rustic, enoteca style tasting room, which will be a site where new ideas are explored, with less traditional brands, fun marketing and creative wine styles being introduced.
Winemaker Jason Parkes and assistant Brody Issac will be making wines for Perseus, Black Swift, and the Enoteca’s various small, one-off brands. With many recent success and a lot of creative people involved in trying to make a fresh splash in the Okanagan wine scene, the Terrabella team is sure to turn some heads in the next few years.
~ Lorne Eckersley