Elaine, Sara and Don Triggs (and Barry the Corghi) on their recently sculpted and now planted high Okanagan bench, image supplied

Elaine, Sara and Don Triggs (and Barry the Corgi) on their recently sculpted and now planted high Okanagan bench, (image supplied)

UPDATED: (From the release, Feb 13, 2013…

More good news today (that we had heard was awaiting confirmation)…

Pascal Madevon joins CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY as Vineyard Manager & Winemaker

Pascal Madevon, prominent Bordeaux-trained winemaker and viticulturalist joins Don, Elaine & Sara Triggs at CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY as Vineyard Manager & Winemaker

With over 20 years of experience in Bordeaux and the South Okanagan, Pascal Madevon, a passionate, talented, and classically trained winemaker and viticulturalist joins the Culmina Family Estate Winery team.  Inspired by Culmina’s vision to pursue excellence through rigorous scientific study and a desire to create wines of icon quality from the property’s exceptional terroir, Pascal is excited by the prospect of working with the Triggs to help bring their vision to life.

Pascal recently commented: “I am looking very forward to further developing the Culmina estate – the terroir-potential is fantastic!  The new winery is also very beautiful and I can’t wait to start making wine there!”

 

***

 

Last week came word from Don and Elaine Triggs that they’ll be releasing some wines this year. And that is good news indeed on many levels.

I don’t remember exactly how long ago it was that I first met Don, but I can tell you the experience wasn’t what I had expected. As the President and CEO of Vincor—Mr. Triggs was at the helm of a company he had shaped into a major player on the world stage.

I was surprised to meet a regular guy (in jeans and cowboy boots) who was far more Saskatchewan farmer than the corporate “suit” I was anticipating. And a whole lot more down to earth and in touch with the realities of wine-growing than just about any other corporate wine CEO I had met to date, or since.

Later, to taste their Riesling at Niagara’s Delaine Vineyard was a revelation as to just how good Ontario Riesling could be. That’s something that many in BC are only now just beginning to discover (thanks also in part to the long overdue arrival of Tawse on these shores).

When Vincor was acquired by Constellation Brands everything changed. Delaine was part of the deal. And Don and Elaine moved west to commence the next phase of their lives.

Says Triggs: “Our passion for creating icon quality wines is stronger than ever. What I have treasured most has been the opportunity to develop Culmina’s vision with my family. We are really looking forward to sharing our wine with everyone! All of the careful study and attention in the vineyard seems to be paying off, as the flavors & aromas developing in our 2011 vintage look to be quite exciting!”

My observation has been that Don Triggs never does anything by half measure. I anticipate some great things from the Triggs family (whose team now includes daughter Sara, in sales and marketing)—especially from Riesling and Cab Franc, and likely also from Grüner Veltliner, one of few GV plantings in the valley. Not to mention the rest. And possibly something sparkling …

Now I can’t wait to taste!

***

Here’s the full release from our in-box:

Donald Triggs, notable wine industry figure, launches Culmina Family Estate Winery

Donald Triggs, notable wine industry figure, follows his dream of crafting iconic wines from Canadian soil with the launch of CULMINA, a boutique family estate winery in the South Okanagan.

Oliver, British Columbia. 14 January 2013.

[In Short] In 2006, Don Triggs and his wife Elaine, later joined by their daughter Sara, embarked on the development of “Culmina Family Estate Winery” located on the Golden Mile Bench in the South Okanagan. The new state of the art winery, completed in early 2013, is situated on the recently developed vineyard estate purchased by the Triggs in 2007. [In Detail] In 2007 after months of searching, Don and Elaine purchased virgin land, scouted for its vast potential to develop icon quality wine. Supported by French Oenology Consultant Alain Sutre, they began a meticulous study of the property, including extensive soil tests, water capacity analysis, and detailed climate and topographical studies to create a patchwork quilt of micro-blocks. Each micro-block was then planted by matching varietals and multiple “A”-rated clones to the rootstocks best suited to their stunning multi-bench terroir.

Don Triggs commented that: “our passion for creating icon quality wines is stronger than ever. What I have treasured most has been the opportunity to develop Culmina’s vision with my family. We are really looking forward to sharing our wine with everyone! All of the careful study and attention in the vineyard seems to be paying off, as the flavors & aromas developing in our 2011 vintage look to be quite exciting!”

Over the course of the next four growing seasons, two adjoining benches were planted using the same meticulous scientific method, with a third bench earmarked for planting in the spring of 2013. Varietals currently include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gruner Veltliner. Joined by their daughter Sara in early 2012 to support Culmina’s Sales & Marketing efforts, Culmina is truly a family affair.

Named from the Latin word ‘peak’, Culmina signifies a new chapter in the Triggs’ lives; it reflects the ‘culmination’ of their lifelong study in the wine industry and their drive towards achieving the highest possible quality. Culmina will open its doors to the public on Friday, August 23rd, 2013, offering the opportunity to explore a very limited release of carefully crafted wines.

Culmina Family Estate Winery, located on the Golden Mile Bench in the South Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, is the result of a lifetime of experience in the wine industry for Don, Elaine and Sara Triggs. Through their hard work, scientific study, commitment to craft, unwavering pursuit of excellence and a longstanding faith in the potential for Icon quality wines from Canadian soil, Culmina Family Estate Winery was born.

Culmina: creating wines of excellence through the blending of art and science.

www.culmina.ca