Anyone who knows Serendipity Winery owner Judy Kingston and her daughter, Katie O’Kell, might wonder what winemaker Bradley Cooper has got himself into. The mother and daughter seem to never stop working, and they both are bursting with ideas.
“Brad has a really good understanding about us and our winemaking style,” Judy says. “I trust him implicitly.” Cooper joined the Serendipity team last year after building a sterling reputation just down the road at Township 7. He will also be bringing production of his own label, Black Cloud Pinot Noir, to Serendipity.
After an excitement-packed 2014, it would be fair to expect Judy and Katie to slow down in 2015, but that won’t be the case. Bottling of the 2011 red wines and 2014 whites takes place in March. Among the new releases will be Serenata, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2012 Pinot Noir.
And riddling racks are en route to the winery for Katie’s pet project, sparkling wine.
“It will be fun for guests to see how Champagne-style wines are made—they will be able to see the riddling racks and get an understanding of how the process works.”
In the plans for the coming year is construction of washrooms, which will allow for Serendipity to apply for a patio license for wine by the glass, and lead into next year’s dream of building a kitchen so Judy—a French-trained chef—can add food service to her busy schedule.
A special surprise is planned this year for Tier 3 Wine Club members (check the web site), who will be invited to a barrel-tasting and wine event as thanks for their support.
~ Lorne Eckersley