Eau Vivre Winery in Cawston has a good-sized portfolio of wines with lots of different styles to choose from but it is Pinot Noir that has really put them on the map. Two back-to-back Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in BC Wine will do that. The newly released 2013 vintage of Pinot Noir is looking to grab some of that action as well. It has already won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships and was also voted Best Pinot Noir by the BC Wine Appreciation Society in a double blind tasting that also included international Pinot Noirs.
But there’s more than beautiful Pinot Noir at Eau Vivre. Winemaker Anthony Buchanan’s refined approach to Pinot also works well with other varieties including Viognier, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Full-flavoured as they are, these wines retain the French-style elegance that marks Eau Vivre’s genuine house style. Even the highly aromatic varieties Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and the full throttle white and red blends Cinq Blanc and Buddhafull all maintain this style beautifully.
The Eau Vivre tasting room in Cawston is a fine stopping point close to Highway 3 but removed enough to be tranquil. It is small and cozy but the picnic area is large, open, and surrounded by greenery so all you can see are the vines and the mountains. It has shade and is an oasis to enjoy on a wine tour where relaxing spots to stop are not always easy to find.
Check out Eau Vivre’s new website eauvivrewinery.ca for more information about their wines and upcoming special events.
~ Luke Whittall
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Eau Vivre: Elegant, Award-Winning Wines Grown And Made In The Similkameen Valley