John and Maria Ferreira fulfilled their shared lifelong dream in establishing it and their family is engaged in key roles in Quinta Ferreira’s success. Son Michael is winemaker, daughter Nicole oversees sales and marketing in the Lower Mainland, and daughter Christina heads marketing and communications. As resident artist, Carmen Tome is found in the Wine Shop offering tastings and sales. Winery greeters include canine family Duke, Rex and Daisy.
Christina recalls that first day, “Our tasting room wasn’t quite ready so we had a table set-up among the tanks and sold wine out of the cases. It was a few weeks later we were able to open our tasting room.” Located in Oliver on the Black Sage Bench, known for exceptional conditions to produce high quality grapes, Quinta Ferreira immediately attracted a loyal following of locals and visitors alike. Quinta Ferreira’s awards confirm such excellent grapes allow the production of fabulous wines. Featured are varietals Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Malbec and recently, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot.
To celebrate, there’ll be events, wine sales and features all year long. Kicking off 10th anniversary festivities is the ever popular Bifanas, Wine & Live Music event, May 7th from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm – or until the bifanas run out. It features live music, the traditional Portuguese sandwich of pork in a bun, salad and a glass of wine for $20. Buy tickets at the winery or through the Facebook events post. Be sure to follow facebook.com/QuintaFerreira and @QuintaFerreira on Twitter and Instagram to stay tuned to all the celebrations. The Wine Club, too, plans anniversary surprises. Check out its many benefits on quintaferreira.com
~Roslyne Buchanan