Time marches on. Indeed, it does. Although, who imagined in 2019 that 2020 would turn out quite like this? It’s well over a year since we lost the ‘grandfather’ of BC wine, Harry McWatters. But his legacy and vision endure. And the McWatters family is still very much a part of the downtown Penticton urban winery, now under new ownership.
In July 2020, Encore Vineyards (which produced Time Winery, Evolve Cellars and McWatters Collection brands) was purchased by Five Vines Cellars. The new parent company was established by Ron and Shelley Mayert with the intent of keeping the winery and assets family owned—but also with a view to expansion. To that end, Christa-Lee McWatters stayed on as general manager with sister Darrien McWatters as operations manager.
Time winemaker Lynzee Schatz (Chris Stenberg photo)
This year’s harvest (by all accounts for one of the best vintages in memory) was led by winemaker Lynzee Schatz, who joined the winery in the summer of 2019. Kelowna born and raised, Schatz discovered her passion for wine whilst working at Summerhill and went on to earn a Bachelor of Wine Science from Australia’s Charles Sturt University. She made wine in Yarra Valley, Napa and Niagara before returning home to Canada.
With the tasting room and restaurant open year-round, TIME Winery & Kitchen remains in the capable hands of chef A.K. Campbell. Industry stalwart Kimberley Hundertmark has signed on as hospitality manager in charge of all things front of house.
A delicious tasting plate from Time Kitchen
Since opening in 2017, it’s fair to say that Time Winery & Kitchen has truly established itself as one of Penticton’s ‘must visit’ destinations.
While Schatz is still busy getting this vintage into the cellar, of note are a couple of new releases she’s finished just in time for the holidays. They’re offered beautifully packaged, perfect for easy—and truly tasteful—gift-giving. Enjoy TIME at home by choosing from this seasonal selection.
Evolve Pink Effervescence (Okanagan Valley VQA)
Pale to medium salmon orange in the glass, sporting a lively steam of fine bubbles and a good mousse. Up front red berries precede a juicy, fruit-driven quince and peach toned palate with a gently earthy edge and lengthy end. Fun, frothy and festive! 1.5 l. magnum $49.99. $28.70 gift boxed 750 ml. ($19.99 unboxed) 89 pts.
Time Winery Fourth Dimension 2017 (Okanagan Valley VQA)
A blend of Merlot (45%), Syrah (29%), Cabernet Franc (16%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), hand harvest from vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos. Hand sorted, crushed and left on skins for three weeks before pressing; aged 16 months in new and neutral French oak barrels. Aromas of lifted red and black fruit before a well structured palate of luscious black cherry, damson, raspberry, with vanilla and spice notes wrapped in plush tannins and juicy acidity. Rewards even more after a few minutes in the glass. $35 92 pts.
Time Winery Viognier 2018 (Okanagan ValleyVQA)
Aromas of orchard fruit, citrus, stonefruit and floral notes precede a well balanced palate of citrus and blossom notes wrapped in juicy but elegant acidity defining excellent varietal character through a vibrant, lingering close. $22.99 91 pts.
Time Winery White Meritage 2018 (Okanagan Valley VQA)
This flagship wine—the first Okanagan white Meritage made—is a Bordeaux styled blend of almost equal parts Sauvignon Blanc (51%) and Semillon (49%). Aromas of vanilla, stonefruit and tropical hints precede a generous, mouth-filling palate of pear and apricot, with extra weight and flavour from partial barrel fermentation before ageing in French oak, through a lengthy finish. Enjoy with poultry (such as turkey!) or sautéed scallops in cream and garlic sauce. $25 91 pts.
Evolve White Effervescence (Okanagan Valley VQA)
This wine is a good example of an easy drinking Charmat blend of Pinot Blanc (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), with apple and stone-fruit notes, it’s light, creamy, quaffable—and eminently affordable! $19.99 90 pts.
Order wines here!
Sponsored post, courtesy of Time Winery and Evolve Cellars.
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