The famous winemaker, Ernest Gallo, is rolling over in his grave and Baron Von Rothchild better take notice because an exciting group of young Similkameen winemakers are developing their craft and making their mark in B.C.’s wine industry. The Similkameen Valley, highly touted as the “best new wine region in B.C.” has flourished recently, with numerous wineries opening in the last eight years, and a total of 11 wineries operating in 2011. Four of these wineries are led by the following ‘Young Guns’ winemakers who bring their fresh, new styles to the wine world.
Anna Heineke, 32, of Crowsnest Vineyard and Winery, started making wine at the ripe young age of 18 and now 14 years later, she would be considered the elder stateswoman of the group. Not only does Anna produce the largest volumes of wine in the valley, she is also a fulltime mom and runs a restaurant, bakery, and B and B with her brother Sasha. Her ‘Stahltank’ Chardonnay and Riesling Icewine wines are recipients of multiple gold medals and are Nationally and Internationally acclaimed.
Sara Harker, 27, an Oliver raised girl, married into the Harker family of Cawston and moved to the farm after spending years working in the food and beverage industry. Rustic Roots Winery located at Harker’s Organic Farm, opened in 2009 with Sara as the winemaker. Sara studied winemaking at the Okanagan College Winemaking Program and is a full time mother of two.
Her Mulberry Pear Port and Santa Rosa Plum wines have won multiple gold medals in National and International wine competitions.
Megan Mutch ,27, of Cerelia Vineyards and Winery is Nurse’s Assistant and is also a full time mother of two. The Mutch family has strong roots in the Similkameen and the family opened CereliaWinery in 2010 with Megan as the Winemaker. Megan also studied winemaking at the Okanagan Winemaking Program. Noted for their bold reds and crisp whites, both Megan’s Cabernet Franc and Misceo (Meritage) are Gold medal winners.
Nathan Venables, 26, of Forbidden Fruit Winery spent six years working in the family winery, before immersing himself in the Winemaking Program. Cawston born and raised, Nathan also studied Residential Carpentry at Two Rivers University in Kamloops and holds a Journeyman Carpenter’s ticket . His first wine release ‘Flirt’ a Peach Champagne won a Silver Medal in its first International competition. He will be guiding Forbidden Fruit Winery in the organic grape wine production this year.
With their own special flare and styles, these talented young winemakers are creating quite a buzz with their wonderful and unique wines! Check out the buzz for yourself. The wine shops are open daily.