By Roslyne Buchanan
“It is a new year for Desert Hills, and with a new year come new changes,” notes Steven Pawluch, Desert Hills’ social media, marketing and events manager. “As a winery we have decided to work towards becoming environmentally and socially aware in all aspects of our operation. The biggest step we have taken is in our vineyards with the start of our transition to organic farming!”
RAVEN
Leading the way to healthier organic soils, a healthier vineyard and a healthier ecosystem are new organic composts and minimal intervention in growing Desert Hills vines. Additionally, Desert Hills has pledged to become more socially aware, especially in local communities. As part of that initiative, Desert Hills has an ongoing commitment to donate $300 for every one of its new releases to RAVEN (raventrust.com). RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) is a non-profit charitable organization that raises legal defence funds to assist Indigenous peoples within Canada in ensuring industrial development is reconciled with their traditional ways of life, in a manner that addresses climate change and other sustainability challenges.
With this change, Desert Hills decided it needed a new identity to represent its new outlook. Therefore, with the release of its 2019 white wines, its label has a revised, clean and focused design to mirror its campaigns and values.
Black Sage Bistro
Along with the changes to the winery, its restaurant, Black Sage Bistro, has been re-envisioned. Andrew Kraeft, the new head chef, has launched a “Canadian comfort food” menu in the redesigned dining room space. Lunch, dinner, private events and parties are offered on the beautiful estate property with all your favourite wines from Desert Hills. Preview the menus online at deserthills.ca/Black-Sage-Bistro.