Siblings, Sascha and Ann Heinecke were instrumental in the evolution of the business and with the retirement of their parents, took over leadership in 2018 with a bold new vision.
Crowsnest Vineyards was purchased by the Heinecke family in 1985 when the Winery, Restaurant and Guesthouse were launched. Named after the Crowsnest Highway #3, the family was an early contributor to the development of the Similkameen wine region and the wine and food have continuously evolved over the years.
The vision is built on the bounty of the region…the opportunity to express the spectacular local terroir from which we craft our wines and from which grows amazing, fresh ingredients included in our menus, pantry and bakery. This bounty is served in a relaxed environment at the tasting bar, in the restaurant and on the view patio.
The Vineyard
The 14 acres of Crowsnest vineyard is planted with Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Auxerrois, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir.
The Restaurant
“Vine and Dine at The Restaurant at Crowsnest Vineyards.
From Flights and Bites to Wood Fired Patio Pizza nights to cosy fine dining, enjoy seasonal, fresh and local foods in a relaxed casual atmosphere!
Dine with us in our casual vineyard restaurant and patio. Enjoy our house made charcuterie, artisan sourdough breads (locally famous!) fresh seasonal local fruits and veg grown literally by our neighbours. In fact, everything possible is sourced from local farmers as part of our philosophy to support, share and serve local!
Open from lunch through the evening, you can enjoy light meals, appetizer snacks, and full meals from the main kitchen or outdoor wood fired oven.
Enjoy wine tasting flights, or wines by the glass or bottle along with local ciders, beers and spirits.
Future to pick up breads and other pantry items before you leave. It is so good, you will want to take extra home!
We are focused on quality local ingredients and experiences.”
Sascha Heinecke
The Guest House
Seven Affordable Rooms Offering Simplicity Without Compromise.
The 3-star guest house offers 7 smoke-free rooms each with private bathrooms, free in-room Wi-Fi, cable TV, toiletries, and views from above the vineyards and orchards. Your stay includes a lovely continental breakfast of fruits, bread and charcuterie and excellent coffees. Enjoy the on-site restaurant, winery and bakery or picnic in the vineyard.
Explore all that the beautiful Similkameen Valley has to offer from this rural location just south of Cawston and Keremeos on the Crowsnest Highway #3. For more information, click here. For other Similkameen Valley wineries with accommodation see – Vacation Planning? BC Winery Accommodation.
Winemaker
Ann Heinecke was trained in Weinsberg. She has been the Winemaker for Crowsnest since 1998 and a Co-Owner of Crowsnest since 2017.
Since taking over the winemaking, Ann has changed the style of the wines. She is more focused on showcasing the terroir of the Similkameen Valley with all its special expressions.
The Wines
Crowsnest Riesling 2019
Riesling is of bright medium lemon colour. On the nose, you get a mix of lemon, petrol and white flowers followed by hints of peaches and honey. The wine is off-dry with a crisp finish.
On the palate, you get lots of ripe apricots and honey with a tinge of pears and lychee and some minerality. This Riesling has a long finish with flavours of apricots and honey.
Crowsnest Similkameen Sunset 2019
The 2019 Similkameen Sunset is a blend of Pinot Auxerrois and Pinot Noir. It is bright pink in colour with a tint of orange. Youthfull fresh fruit aromas like strawberries and citrus zest dominate the nose and follow through on the pallet with a touch of raspberries and candied red fruit as well. The Rosé is off-dry with a medium-full body. The finish has a mineral acidity that is mouthwatering and makes this a very easy-drinking wine.
Crowsnest Merlot 2016
Our 2016 Merlot is from the younger part of our vineyard. The vines are 22 years old. This Merlot spent 8 months in 2-year-old oak barrels and is garnet in colour and has youthful aromas of cedar, ripe plums and red fruit as well as some spice like nutmeg. The merlot is off-dry with a medium body. On the palate, you will get lots of ripe plums, some sweet spices and pepper with finishing with red fruit, red cherries and nutmeg. Decanting is recommended.
For the complete list of wines go to the Crowsnest Vineyards website.
Future Plans
Plans for the winery include expanding vineyard size, changing to organic vineyard practice and making more sparkling wines.
Conclusion
“We have been in the Similkameen for 22 years and love the valley and promote the valley on all aspects. In the restaurant and the bakery as well as supporting local artist and craftsman.
We just want to show others the full beauty of the valley.
If you are touring in the Similkameen Valley here is a link to other local BC wineries.
Source: The photos and wine notes are courtesy of Crowsnest Vineyards and My Van City.