Nestled on Naramata Road in the Southern Okanagan region, Red Rooster Winery is a tucked-away gem for wine lovers.
As the leaves on the trees start to fall, and pillowy snow starts to blanket the hills, Red Rooster Winery is an idyllic place to cozy up with friends and family and sip on award-winning wines.
Matching the freshly fallen snow, the white-painted estate is as much a landmark due to its longstanding presence as it is a landmark in the winemaking industry.
Established in 1990 by a European couple who settled in the area, the estate was built with salvaged wood from the original Naramata train dock. Seven years later, Red Rooster’s first vintage was released, and ever since, the winery has been representing the Okanagan Valley on a national level.
New Releases
To ring in the winter season, the winery is releasing some new and exciting wines that showcase the exceptional work of head winemaker Elaine Vickers.
Since joining Red Rooster in 2019, Vickers has been leading the team and producing remarkable wines. With a master’s degree in molecular biology from the University of Victoria and a graduate degree in oenology from the University of Adelaide in Australia, Vickers is a force to be reckoned with. Her extensive viticulture knowledge, particularly in the Okanagan region, translates to producing delicious and innovative wines.
This season, the winery is releasing its first 100 per cent Petit Verdot. This variety is one of Vickers’ favorites, and with this latest release, it’s no question why.
“She’s done such an amazing job with it. It’s an absolute triumph,” said Burke Ganton, Red Rooster’s assistant retail manager. “Its inky colour is really indicative of its taste: smooth, yet with a really nice tannin hit, and incredible legs on the finish.”
A perfect pairing for the holiday festivities, this wine is exclusively available at the winery.
Additionally, Red Rooster is releasing their 100 per cent Semillon.
“This is a brand-new wine,” said Ganton. “The grapes were picked a bit early in order to keep the acid notes a bit higher. It’s a beautiful zesty wine with notes of chamomile, beeswax and a touch of citrus. We’re so lucky to have a winemaker of Elaine’s calibre, where we’re not only trying new things, but we’re hitting the mark.”
This season Red Rooster is also releasing their 100 per cent Malbec, 100 per cent Malbec Rosé and 100 per cent sparkling Malbec.
If you’re wondering what to give this holiday season, Red Rooster’s diverse portfolio of wines ensures there’s something that everyone will enjoy.
To stay up to date on all Red Rooster’s latest releases, and have first access to newly released wines, join their Wine Club. In addition to being the first to know about releases, you’ll receive complimentary in-house tastings for yourself and three guests, and a 15 per cent discount on Red Rooster wines and merchandise.
Holiday Wine Pairings
With the holidays come tables practically overflowing with mouthwatering morsels and decadent desserts. Sometimes it can be difficult to decipher which wines to pair with which foods. That’s where the experts at Red Rooster come in.
If you’re unsure of what wines to pair with your holiday feasts, you can call the winery and the knowledgeable staff will be happy to share their expertise.
For a lovely sipping wine, you can’t go wrong with the sparkling Malbec. A sparkling rosé, produced in the traditional method, the sparkling Malbec has beautiful berry notes, making it a Yuletide favorite.
If you’re looking for a wine to pair with your meal, Red Rooster’s Dry Riesling belongs on your holiday table. With bright acidity and tart apple notes, this wine is able to cut through the richness of most holiday meals.
For snuggling up by the fireplace, any one of Red Rooster’s bold, warm reds is the perfect match.
Red Rooster is also offering two festive Winter Wine Experiences from November 25 until December 23.
For those who love cocktails, the Wine Cocktail flight is for you. From a Syrah hot chocolate to a Pinot Gris cranberry spritzer, you’ll sip on five wine cocktails that are perfect accompaniments to your holiday parties. Recipes will be included so you can share the cocktails throughout the holidays.
Did you ever think to pair your favorite holiday cookies with a glass of wine? For example, a lemon sugar cookie alongside a glass of refreshing Viognier is a must try. If you want to learn more wine and cookie pairings, Red Rooster’s Cookies and Wine flight is for you. Tasters will get to try a flight of four wines deliciously paired with holiday cookies.
Red Rooster Winery is open 12 to 5 pm, seven days a week. For more information about the wine club, tastings, or the winery, visit redroosterwinery.com or call 250-492-2424.