Camelot Vineyards began as an orchard and was owned and operated by Ruth and the late Robert Young Senior for almost 40 years. In 1996, keeping it in the family, Robert Young Jr. and his wife Denise, decided to take over the business. Exactly ten years later in October 2006, they replanted the acreage with a vineyard and started the Camelot Winery.
The name Camelot was Robert Young senior’s choice for a previous property located in West Vancouver. Upon moving to the Okanagan Valley, the name was transferred to the orchard. Robert and Denise seized the opportunity to incorporate the name and created a beautiful tasting room using the Medieval theme. Along with a six-foot suit of armour, assorted shields, swords and jousting gloves, there is a replica of the roundtable from King Arthur’s court. Outside features of a sword in the stone and a patio area where a glass of wine can be enjoyed whilst absorbing the incredible scenery.
Winemaker
Camelot Vineyard’s winemaker is Robert Young. He and his wife Denise both apprenticed under a top Canadian winemaker for 5 years from 2006 and then felt comfortable taking control of winemaking at Camelot.
The Wines
2015 Vintage
As for challenges in making the 2015 vintages, it was the best year ever for us and everyone in the Okanagan Valley. It was officially reported to be a vintage year and 2016 looks to be the same. There were absolutely no challenges and we finished the harvest a whole month early.
Plans for the future
Denise provided the following comments “Camelot will continue to produce top quality wines, all grapes are estate grown except for our Merlot, which is purchased from contract growers in Oliver. Our Pinot Noir will be released later this year. We are contemplating a new wine in the upcoming season, possibly a Cabernet Sauvignon, again from Oliver where bold reds are grown well.
Our wines have only been available from our tasting room and we have sold out most years but, we have decided to put our wines into Overwaitea in Kelowna due to the fact that our tasting room is not open after mid-December until April and the new laws that have previously denied us this privilege. This may result in Camelot having to increase production.
Source: Winery background and BC wine tasting notes were provided by Camelot Vineyards.
Time to check out Camelot’s wines before the 1300 case 2015 vintage is all gone!