The McWatters family sells wine businesses to new wine family
TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars, and McWatters Collection have been sold to Five Vines Cellars, the private family-owned business of Ron and Shelley Mayert as of July 1, 2020.
After legendary wine pioneer Harry McWatters passed away last summer, his two children Christa-Lee and Darrien were left to manage the family business. Harry, after more than 50 vintages in B.C. wine, is widely considered the ‘grandfather’ of B.C. wine and his loss had a huge impact on both his family and the industry.
The Mayerts are B.C. locals but are newcomers to the wine industry.
“The McWatters’ longstanding reputation is irreplaceable, and we will always honour the legacy that Harry, Christa-Lee and Darrien have brought to the Canadian wine industry," Ron says in a recent press release. "We are honoured to join the B.C. wine community and are excited about making world class wines from one of the most unique and beautiful wine valleys in the world. Our family grew up appreciating the spirit and neighbourly hospitality from the people of the Okanagan Valley; we want to instill that spirit in everything we do.”
Penticton based TIME Winery & Kitchen will remain as is, sharing the space with Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection labels. Roles remain the same for Chef A.K. Campbell at the kitchen helm, Christa-Lee as general manager, Darrien as operations manager and winemaker Lynzee Schatz.
Christa-Lee McWatters, general manager of TIME Winery, is looking forward to this new future for the winery.
“It’s been a massive challenge since last year,” she notes. “The Mayerts could not be the more perfect people to join the winery, and bring both the experience and wines to the next level. We’re excited to continue to be a family-run winery.”
TIME Winery & Kitchen is open and following social distancing protocol by asking visitors to make reservations online at timewinery.com
The tasting room and wine shop are open daily noon - 6 p.m. and the kitchen is open Thursday - Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
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