I’m sure many of us in the wine trade and lovers of BC wine wondered what would happen to TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars, and McWatters Collection after the very unexpected passing of Harry McWatters. Now we know. Today it was announced that these 3 wineries have been sold to a local BC family. Here is the press release.
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Exciting Changes for TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars, and McWatters Collection
Ron and Shelley Mayert take the reins as the new winery owners
[Penticton, BC] TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars, and McWatters Collection have been sold, to Five Vines Cellars, the private family owned business of Ron and Shelley Mayert as of July 1, 2020.
TIME Winery & Kitchen remains the same, with sister winery Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection labels sharing the same roof. Chef A.K. Campbell runs the kitchen, and the McWatters family siblings, Christa-Lee and Darrien, stay on as general manager, and operations manager respectively. Winemaker Lynzee Schatz oversees wine production, and the entire team looks forward to welcoming everyone for a visit.
New TIME Winery owners Ron & Shelley Mayert – photo credit Chris Stenberg
In 2019 when industry pioneer and owner and founder of TIME Winery and Evolve Cellars Harry McWatters passed away unexpectedly, the industry has been holding its breath to see what would happen next, in the legacy that the McWatters family has built. To say that Harry McWatters is a legend in the Canadian wine industry would be an understatement. Harry, after more than 50 vintages in BC wine, is widely considered the ‘grandfather’ of BC wine.
As newcomers to the British Columbia wine industry, owners Ron and Shelley Mayert are thrilled to enter the industry and to grow from the legacy that the McWatters family has created. They bring fresh eyes to the project and are keen to build relationships with industry partners, valued winery customers, and a family of talented employees.
“The McWatters’ longstanding reputation is irreplaceable, and we will always honour the legacy that Harry, Christa-Lee and Darrien have brought to the Canadian wine industry,” remarks Ron Mayert, owner TIME Winery.
British Columbians through and through, Ron Mayert was born and raised on orchards in Summerland. Shelley Mayert is from a farm in the Fraser Valley, the couple now live in Abbotsford with their family. These BC-born roots are why the Mayerts are so passionate about the sustainability of this beautiful region.
Before getting into wine Ron was a co-founder of Petcurean Pet Nutrition, Old Yale Brewing, Napa Vineyard Inn and now he shifts his focus to grapes and hospitality.
“We are honoured to join the BC wine community and are excited about making world class wines from one of the most unique and beautiful wine valleys in the world. Our family grew up appreciating the spirit and neighbourly hospitality from the people of the Okanagan Valley; we want to instill that spirit in everything we do,” says Ron.
Christa-Lee McWatters, general manager of TIME Winery, is looking forward to this new future for the winery. “It’s been a massive challenge since last year,” she notes. “The Mayerts could not be the more perfect people to join the winery, and bring both the experience and wines to the next level. We’re excited to continue to be a family-run winery.”
“We are thrilled that Christa-Lee and Darrien will stay on to help us continue to grow TIME Winery,” Ron continues. “Our family’s vision is to always strive to be dreamers that create amazing, cutting-edge wines to be enjoyed with family and friends, one glass at a time. It is our guarantee to you, that our wines will be handcrafted in small batches from our family with a friendly approach that exemplifies the highest standards in the industry.”
Ron and Christa-Lee are excited to be working with Chef A.K. to bring a unique culinary experience to the Okanagan Valley. With A.K.’s passion and creativity, their goal is to expose each guest to local products and leave them with unforgettable memories celebrating tasteful experiences.
TIME Winery & Kitchen is a fully functioning winery with a tasting bar and restaurant, located in the heart of wine country in downtown Penticton. Home to TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection, the winery was created within a historic and stunningly revitalized space that once housed a movie theatre.
The team asks visitors to make reservations ahead of time whether having a taste or enjoying a flight alongside a selection from the dining menu created by chef A.K. Campbell and his culinary team. The tasting room and wine shop are open daily 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm and the kitchen is open Thursday – Sunday – 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Reservations ensure the team can safely manage physical distancing protocols. Book at timewinery.com