Rebecca Dumas
During this year full of unknowns due to the global pandemic, CedarCreek Estate Winery rose to the challenge by introducing new ideas, practices and experiences to their winery. This has led to the announcement of exciting new offerings.
Organic Farming and Winemaking
Although CedarCreek Estate Winery had already started the process of increasing organic methods on their properties, continuing to transition to organic farming and winemaking has been an even stronger focus this past year. Their progression to organic practices first began in 2017 at the Home Block Vineyard in Kelowna. They continued to incorporate this focus into their winemaking and achieved completion with an Ecocert organic certification in 2019.
The decision to convert their vineyards to organic was not one taken lightly. CedarCreek has since released 14 organic wines with great acclaim. Taylor Whelan, winemaker at CedarCreek, has noticed vast differences in the vineyards since going organic, including an increase in the number of wildflowers, insect pollinators and bird species, which are now regular sightings.
With regards to the grapes, Whelan has observed stronger fruit concentration and deep pure colours since going organic. These improvements, as well as the increase in the quality of the wine, have been major motivators for the team members at CedarCreek. The winery continues its vision of organic practices and is on the path to achieving 100 per cent organic by 2021.
New Experiences at the Winery
Innovations in their farming practices haven’t been the only changes at CedarCreek. With the onset of COVID-19 and continued restrictions, CedarCreek’s tasting room and Home Block Restaurant have also undergone transformations. Although visits will be different (with implemented health protocols and recommendations to make reservations), visitors will leave with an experience that they will always remember. While participating in a tasting, guests will be guided by a personal wine ambassador who will lead them through a full experience of CedarCreek’s award-winning wines. If one wishes to explore CedarCreek’s expertise with a larger focus on food, a choice of two, three or five courses is available in their Home Block Restaurant, perfectly paired with the vineyard’s flawless wines.
Holiday Offers
CedarCreek provides exceptional experiences and hospitality on site, and you can bring the taste home (or gift to others) with their themed holiday bundles. With a few options to choose from, one can give the gift of new tastes with CedarCreek’s specially curated holiday packages.
Each bundle consists of three wines, with the intention of creating a varied selection that the receiver may never have the opportunity to experience again. It’s a perfect gift for both casual wine appreciators and wine experts.