There are impressive inaugural releases, and then there are wines that immediately announce a winery has arrived.
Seven Directions Wine’s 2025 Estate Grenache Rosé belongs firmly in the latter category. Produced entirely from estate-grown Grenache at Solum Rosa Estate Vineyard in British Columbia’s Similkameen Valley, this is the winery’s first estate rosé, and it’s an extraordinary debut.
For such a young vineyard, it’s remarkable to find this level of confidence. The wine already speaks with a distinctly Similkameen voice, combining remarkable fruit purity with the valley’s unmistakable stony, saline minerality.
What makes this release even more intriguing is its winemaking. Rather than following the increasingly common stainless-steel route, winemaker Daniel Bontorin chose to ferment the wine entirely in barrel, a technique inspired by Provence’s iconic Château d’Esclans Garrus. The result is a rosé with uncommon texture and depth while preserving freshness, tension and vibrant acidity.
Vineyard & Winemaking
Crafted from 100% estate-grown Grenache at Solum Rosa Estate Vineyard, the wine was fermented entirely in barrel, adding texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The oak is beautifully integrated, supporting rather than dominating the wine’s natural elegance.
That barrel-fermented approach wasn’t accidental. Bontorin says one of his inspirations was Provence’s legendary Château d’Esclans Garrus, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest rosés. Like Garrus, the wine was fermented in a barrel using individual barrel temperature control, a technique that builds texture and complexity while preserving freshness and precision.
Like many of Daniel Bontorin’s finest wines, patience is rewarded. Give this rosé thirty minutes in the glass and it begins revealing new layers of aroma and flavour. Better yet, don’t hesitate to revisit it the following day; it becomes even more expressive.
Tasting Notes
The aromatics are wonderfully fragrant and beautifully defined. Layers of wild strawberry, fresh cranberry, Ambrosia apple, white peach and dragon fruit rise effortlessly from the glass, accompanied by a subtle kiss of well-integrated oak.
The palate is every bit as captivating. Strawberries and cream lead into vibrant flavours of crabapple, sour cherry and bright orange zest. Rich and mouth-filling without ever becoming heavy, the wine is driven by vibrant acidity that delivers exceptional balance, energy and precision.
What truly separates this rosé is the finish. The fruit slowly gives way to an intense saline, stony minerality that lingers for minutes, a signature expression of the Similkameen Valley that leaves you immediately reaching for another sip.
This is not merely a summer patio rosé. It is a serious gastronomic wine with the structure and complexity to pair well with a wide range of dishes while remaining irresistibly drinkable on its own.
Rating: 94 Points
Food Pairing
The wine’s richness and vibrant acidity make it exceptionally versatile. Pair it with steamed BC mussels, grilled wild salmon, duck breast with cherry compote, herb-roasted chicken, tuna tataki, grilled prawns or a creamy mushroom risotto. It would also shine alongside a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses.
Where to Buy
The 2025 Seven Directions Estate Grenache Rosé is available directly from Seven Directions Wine for $42. Given the quality of this inaugural release and the inevitable curiosity it will generate among BC wine enthusiasts, I wouldn’t wait long to secure a few bottles.