Penticton Winery Celebrates Founder of TIME Family of Wines with the New Release of McWatters Collection Brut

Harry McWatters was a pioneer in the BC wine industry. Through Sumac Ridge he produced the first traditional sparkling wine in BC. One of his last projects was to make a sparkling wine to celebrate his 50th vintage. With his untimely passing, he is not here to see that wine, but it has been made, and it is available now. You can buy this wine to celebrate with your friends and family during the holiday season. Here is the press release from TIME Family of Wines.

~~~

2017 McWatters Collection Brut. (Chris Stenberg Photo)

[Penticton, BC] In 2017, the McWatters family was opening TIME Family of Wines in downtown Penticton. Along with the bustle of launching a new business, the family were set for their first crush at the new winery, as well as celebrating a historic milestone. The late Harry McWatters, the industry pioneer would celebrate his 50^th vintage. This milestone vintage would also see one of Harry’s last projects; the production of a traditional method sparkling wine; McWatters Collection Brut.

Just in time for the holiday, the McWatters Collection Brut is available online at timewines.ca and Save-On-Foods stores across the province with a suggested retail price of $64.99.

Those who knew Harry, knew of his love for sparkling wine. When Harry opened British Columbia’s first Estate Winery, Sumac Ridge, in 1980, it became the first winery in the province to make a traditional method sparkling wine, Steller’s Jay. To this day this sparkling wine remains one of the most iconic BC wines.

With the creation of the McWatters Collection’s Brut, Harry’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence in crafting evocative wines motivated the winemaking team; extending the tradition he helped pioneer.

McWatters Collection Brut and 1987 Steller's Jay, BC's first traditional method sparkling wine — McWatters Collection Brut and 1987 Steller’s Jay, BC’s first traditional method sparkling wine

The 2017 McWatters Collection Brut was made in Methode Traditionelle, and is a blend of 65% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Blanc, sourced from three of the premium vineyards throughout the Okanagan. After secondary fermentation, the wine was left to rest on its lees for 42 months, making it a truly exceptional sparkling. The end result is an exceptional sparkling wine with compact bubbles that impart a lively character to the rich, creamy texture. The bouquet is complex, layered with notes of citrus and pineapple, followed by a crisp finish.

While Harry, unfortunately, will not have the chance to enjoy one of his last creations, we believe this wine encompasses all he truly loved about winemaking: a sense of time and place and the power of bringing people together. This was a sparkling project that involved the collaboration of many talented wine professionals who cared for the wine from the crushing of the grapes and all stages until this special release.

“I wish my dad was here to celebrate this moment with us,” says Christa-Lee McWatters, general manager at TIME Family of Wines. “I’m sure he would be proud to know one of his last wines turned out to be truly remarkable like he was. We will continue to carry on the priceless legacy he left behind. Today I raise a glass to him, for all his love for our family and for this industry.”

About TIME Family of Wines

Built within a historic and revitalized movie theatre in downtown Penticton, TIME Family of Wines is the parent company to Chronos, Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection. Wine lovers in the Okanagan are invited to visit the elegant tasting bar and restaurant and discover beautifully crafted wines for any occasion, as well as the best gourmet burger and locally curated casual dishes in the Okanagan. Experience one of the elevated wine tasting experiences like the ever-popular Sabre School, It’s TIME to Get Cheesy, or the Signature Tasting which includes an exclusive barrel tasting. Learn more at timewines.ca.