Perfectly positioned in one of the most prestigious wine appellations in Canada, RUST WINE Co. emerges from the southernmost property on the Golden Mile Bench. New ownership has engaged a dynamic duo of sommeliers to transform the property with a focus on excellent wines and fine Okanagan hospitality. Jesse Harnden, with an impressive history of injecting his energy and breathing life into new winery brands, and Kane Morgan, new to the Okanagan straight from Vancouver’s sommelier restaurant scene have, at an astonishing pace, created a unique new winery concept. And seriously, these two have basically done it all from design and development to actually creating rust!
The name RUST itself is unique and was chosen to represent the union between old and new – a homage to the previous winery at the location, and a new face presenting some of the oldest vines in the valley. And who knew how beautiful rust could be? The labels feature closeup photos of real rust on various objects – and they are beautiful. Jesse came up with the idea after looking at the old rusty tractor on site and saw through the vibrant colours and drew a parallel with wine in the sense of catching a moment or “peak” of an aging process.
The wines have been created in two tiers drawing from estate vineyards in Cawston, Okanagan Falls, East Osoyoos, and the home site on the Golden Mile Bench. The entry level varietals are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Gris and a unique and lovely Zweigelt Rosé. The Premium tier will focus on some of the old vine blocks (some planted as early as the 1960’s and 1970’s) – an estate Zinfandel, Merlot, and Gewürztraminer, and an iconic Bordeaux blend comprised of the top barrels from each vineyard location. There is also a Syrah project in the works that will offer small lot wines from three different vineyards to demonstrate the diverse terroir. Look forward to enjoying these wines this fall on the sexy new patio with a killer view. There is a daily meat and cheese of the day to nibble on while sipping.
Also extremely unique to this estate is an incredible, old silver mining bunkhouse. Originally built in Beaverdale in the 1800’s, the building was painstakingly carried over nearby Anarchist Mountain piece by piece in the back of a pick up in 1963 and rebuilt. The space is being updated to become a rental space and will definitely become an inimitable destination for travelers.
PS Submit your own beautiful rust photo and have the chance to be featured on an up and coming label! Send your entries to the attention of Kane Morgan – kane@rustwine.com
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Introducing: RUST WINE CO.