The Okanagan’s wine industry is tiny compared to major producing regions like California.
But now a West Kelowna winery is taking the plunge by expanding south of the border.
The Stewart family, which owns Quails’ Gate Winery in West Kelowna, is currently working with an established California wine family to buy a winery in the Napa valley.
The winery is called Plume and their first collaboration is a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon that has an initial order of 1,200 cases and will be sold exclusively in Canada.
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While the Stewart family has a philosophy of staying local, they say moving beyond the borders of B.C. is necessary to stay competitive on a global scale.
“We recognize the world of wine is more than just B.C. and consumers here in B.C. and in Alberta enjoy wines from all over the world, Italy, France,” said Tony Stewart, owner of Quails’ Gate. “We’re just hoping this is one that’s got a Canadian tie to it and when they’re looking to make that purchase of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, they’ll look at having Plume as one of their choices.”
This is the Stewart family’s first venture outside of Canada.
Stewart says there is a possibility of more expansion in Oregon and even as far away as New Zealand.
The deal is expected to be completed by next year.
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