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Shannon and Remi Cardinal own and operate the Red Bird Estate Winery.   Creston’s newest winery is now selling their first vintage.

Owning a winery was a dream that started many years ago.  They visited Eastern Canada first, nothing was there for them. 

Coming back West, they started by visiting the Okanagan, yet the sheer size of the business there didn’t resonate with the lifestyle they wanted.

They landed in Creston, the Goldilocks zone, right in the middle, not too big, not too small, just perfect.  With its relaxed way of life, its gentler climate, and with all the outdoors activity at arms reach they settled here.  It was the perfect blend to start their winery, and also raise a family.

Kootenay Region

Located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay region is home to pristine rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains.

In select microclimates, grapes have been grown in the Kootenays since 1995. Although a new viticultural area, ground crops and orchards have been cultivated there for many decades.

There are only 68 acres of grapevines planted in this region with the first winery opening in 2001.

The Vineyard

Currently, we farm 3 acres of vineyard which comprise mainly of Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.   We also have some small plantings of Schonberger, Kerner and Gamaret.  Gamaret is a cross between Gamay and Reichensteiner and is fairly hardy, which may suit well to the Creston climate.  2018 will be our first harvest and vintage of Gamaret, so we will see how the wine shows!

By Shannon Cardinal

The Winemakers

Hands-on winemaking is done by owners Remi and Shannon Cardinal.  Shannon completed the Viticulture Certificate program at Okanagan College in 2009 and is currently completing a certificate in Enology from Washington State University. 

Their backgrounds in natural sciences has proven valuable in the vineyard and winery.  Remi has a degree in forestry and Shannon has a degree in environmental sciences.

The consulting winemaker is Mark Simpson.  Mark is the principal of Vancouver-based Artisan Food & Beverage Corp.  You can read about the other BC wineries Mark is supporting here.

The Wines

This year marks the beginning of wine production for Red Bird Estate Winery.  There is a limited assortment of 3 wines, a Gewurztraminer, Méritage and a Pinot Gris.

Red Bird Gewurztraminer 2017   

83% Gewürztraminer, 7% Kerner and 10% Schonberger. The estate grown grapes were handpicked, gently handled and 100% stainless steel fermentation and ageing.  Straw yellow colour.  Pear, lychee, honeydew and light floral notes. Grapefruit on the finish. 

Red Bird Pinot Gris 2017

Light, crisp and fresh. Mineral and green apple. Perfect for really hot days in the Kootenays.  Very fresh and refreshing. Serve chilled.  These grapes are from the Okanagan Valley.

Red Bird Meritage 2017

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.  Aged 18 months in French oak. Spice, plum, oak, black currant. Pronounced tannins. Goes well with red meats, braised lamb and campfires.  Grapes from the 30-year-old vines of Hawks Vineyard in the Okanagan.

To purchase Red Bird Estate Winery BC Wines please visit the winery website.

2018 Harvest and Crush

We started out with a late spring but things caught up in early summer.  Until the smoke arrived, which really put the brakes on ripening.  A cool and wet period from the end of August until the end of september also resulted in delayed ripening. 

Things took a turn for the better in October, with some really beautiful autumn weather.  It was a challenging year for Pinot Gris with the late season moisture and extended season, but our Gewuztraminer turned out beautifully.

All in all, it was a challenging year, allowing us to really dial in what is happening in our home vineyard.

Future Plans

2017 was our first vintage and was very well received, with overwhelming local support.  We are excited to be adding a Rosé to our portfolio with our 2018 vintage, with our estate grown grapes!

There are future plans for the construction of a larger winery and tasting room and expansion of our red wine program.

We are really excited to be growing in the Kootenay wine region (Creston Valley).  We feel that there is potential to be had here and we are lucky to be at the start of this emerging region.

Source: Red Bird Estate Winery provided the Vineyard information, photos and BC wine tasting notes.