Red Rooster Winery is a favorite destination for visitors and locals on the Naramata Bench. Great food, great wine, a naked guy statue – what more can you ask for? The winery has a great sense of humour and the chicken theme is hilariously carried throughout the entire operation – from naming the eatery (The Pecking Room), to the tasting room (The Coop), the tongue in beak jokes are nonstop. And that’s not all this unique winery and brood has to crow about! They offer a one of a kind opportunity for wine lovers to truly become part of the wine country experience: The Adopt A Row program.
Yes, its true, your very own row of grapevines at the winery to love and care for. Adoptive parents receive a sign labeling their row, a personalized certificate of adoption, discounts on gift purchases, a special newsletter and a case of wine. They also host special events for the adoptive parents, offering knowledge on vineyard management and viticulture. In the spring, parents come out to prune their rows and in fall to pick the grapes! All vine tending is done with the help of award-winning winemaker Karen Gillis and her team standing by to educate and instruct. Not surprising, there is a waitlist for this amazing program with 100 spots available, but go sign up anyway. Just think of having your own grape babies and getting to play winery with your friends.
Winemaker Karen Gillis accepted the Lieutenant Governor’s award for Excellence in BC Wine this year for the Red Rooster 2012 Reserve Syrah. Another feather in her cap, and another award to hang on her wall.
2012 Red Rooster Reserve Syrah Rich, complex and full-bodied, this award-winning Syrah offers with dark fruit flavours a lovely black pepper spice kick.
2013 Red Rooster Reserve Malbec A very unique wine to the Valley, Red Rooster’s Malbec is 100% estate grown and 100% Malbec. This is THE wine created from the Adopt a Row members! Medium bodied with lots of juicy fruit, soft pepper notes and a whiff of violet. This is a wine that screams for a rack of BBQ’d ribs.
~ Jennifer Schell
(photo:Team Red Rooster accepting the Lt. Governor’s Award in front of naked guy.)