2015 will be a new beginning for Clos du Soleil in Keremeos. Construction of their new winery / wine shop is on schedule for opening in the spring. “This will heighten the visitors’ experience,” says winemaker and managing director Michael Clark, “and be a much more comfortable experience.” The experience will retain references to both the old honey barn that was their previous tasting room as well as their French connection and focus on Bordeaux styles of wines.
New releases on March 21st will include the Grower’s Series Pinot Blanc, the Fumé Blanc, and the popular Rosé, all from the 2014 vintage. Recent releases include Saturn 2013, a late harvest dessert wine made with Sauvignon Blanc released last fall. Saturn was the highest scoring dessert wine at Intervin International Wine Competition, taking a Gold Medal. Also released online in December was the first vintage of the Estate Reserve White 2013, a true collector’s wine companion to the Estate Reserve Red. The White is made with 100% estate-grown grapes (approximately 2/3 Sauvignon Blanc, 1/3 Semillon), fermented with wild yeast (no added cultured yeast) in barrels, and aged sur lie. Very small amounts of this wine were produced and the best place to get it is in the new wine shop.
“Production has been growing slowly,” says Michael, “and every year it gets more exciting.” With each new vintage that they release, the excitement is undoubtedly shared by wine lovers as well. Follow the website closdusoleil.ca for information about the new wine shop’s opening date.
~ Luke Whittall