Culmina Family Estate Winery has a distinctive approach to winemaking that unites artistry, science and excellence. This methodology is defined in every aspect of the family-owned estate. From their commitment to agricultural research to their appreciation of great craftsmanship, every detail of the estate has been carefully groomed to create high quality, terroir-driven wine.
For the Triggs family, who have long been recognized as visionaries in the Canadian wine industry, the estate exemplifies a lifetime of experience. Culmina — pronounced CUL-mihn-uh — is the Latin word for peak or apex, and was chosen to describe not only the family’s remarkable efforts, but their wish to produce the very best grapes from their virgin terroir.
Beginning this season, the estate will be hosting in-depth seminars approximately once per month to create a broader understanding of the nuances involved in the art of winemaking. These “Sunday Sessions” will cover topics ranging from terroir (Golden Mile Bench) to varietal studies (Riesling and Grüner Veltliner) and particular wine styles (rosé expressions). Following the structured seminar of each Sunday Session is an informal tasting of a wide range of the estate’s portfolio.
Tickets to these events will be limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere, and members of the Fellowship — Culmina’s prestigious wine club — will be given preference. The first seminar, featuring an exploration in Grüner Veltliner, is scheduled for Sunday, April 29 from 12 to 1:30 pm. Tickets may be purchase for $50 per person at culmina.ca.
This year also marks the second anniversary of the Fellowship. This select membership offers many exclusive advantages, such as first access to wines, including the Number Series — the groups of wines dedicated to exploration of terroir and innovation in winemaking styles — as well as priority access to library release wines and winery-only wines. Other benefits include personalized service and exclusive tasting experiences, as well as customizable offerings, like red-only shipments and six- or 12-pack flexible-choice options.
Another advantage of the Fellowship is first access to events and promotions such as the upcoming Spring Release Brunch on Sunday, May 20. This five-course meal, created by Mark Filatow (Kelowna culinary genius and creative force behind the Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar) is designed to showcase wines like the 2017 Saignée, a classically styled rosé,
and the 2017 Unicus, the Okanagan Valley’s first Grüner Veltliner harvested from Margaret’s Bench, one of the highest elevation sites in the South Okanagan.