Ted Kane from River Stone Estate Winery
Image Credit: River Stone Estate Winery
October 19, 2023 - 2:58 PM
"I had this dream of Bordeaux red varietals, and I knew the best place in Canada to grow them was down in Oliver." ~ Ted Kane, owner.
Located in the heart of Oliver lies a boutique winery that has been steadily growing since its inception in 2001. What started in Alberta as a youthful fascination for fermentation, owner Ted Kane has turned River Stone Winery into a thriving enterprise producing over 5,000 cases annually.
Ted's interest in fermentation grew after being introduced to it by a friend's Italian winemaker uncle. What started as a hobby involving crab apples and rhubarb soon became a passion for the grape. Though the early attempts weren't exactly award-winning, they did ignite a desire within him to learn more about the chemistry of wine-making.
River Stone Estate Winery Fall Tasting
Image Credit: River Stone Estate Winery
"In my search for high-quality grapes, I first explored Italian markets but still didn't find the level of quality I was looking for."
Determined to find the perfect grape, Ted ventured all the way to BC, where he immersed himself in wine festivals, chatting with winemakers and grape growers, gaining knowledge and insight along the way. Over time, after many courses and much research, he gained a solid and deeper understanding of the process and a greater appreciation for the complexities of good wine-making, with Ted saying, "I eventually discovered the perfect grapes for my wine-making ambitions and honed my craft through trial and error over the years."
Those initial explorations laid the foundations for what would become River Stone Winery. As the vineyards matured and the wines developed their unique character, it was clear that Ted's commitment to the craft had transformed his early experiments into something exceptional.
Today, River Stone Winery's unique blend of wines has won numerous awards and accolades, including Silver and Gold Medal recognition, establishing it as one of Canada's Top Ten Small Wineries with its red varietals like Bordeaux, Cabernet, Malbec and notable white varieties such as Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminers. With such a rich tapestry of achievements and recognition, River Stone Winery is a testament to Ted's dedication and craft.
You can dive into the flavours of River Stone Winery and explore the award-winning vintages by visiting riverstoneestatewinery.ca. Online booking for tastings can be done quickly on the site. For those seeking a deeper connection, you can become a Wine Club member and experience exclusive access to special offerings and discounts. If you are in the South Okanagan, drop in for a visit at tasting room in Oliver for a firsthand experience of the award-winning wines.
The River Stone Winery tasting room is open seven days a week, 11am to 5pm, offering tastings and tours of its vineyards. Experience the taste of Ted's passion distilled into every bottle of River Stone wine and discover why it is one of Canada's premier boutique wineries. Enjoy!
News from © iNFOTEL MULTIMEDIA, 2023