The GOODS from Meyer Family Vineyards

Okanagan Falls | In 2008, JAK and Janice Meyer launched the release of their inaugural Chardonnay at a reception held at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. The 2006 single vineyard Chardonnay from their estate vineyard on “Old Main Road” in Naramata commemorated the beginning of their “Tribute Series” Chardonnay. The “Tribute Series” is dedicated to a Western Canadian or organization for an outstanding achievement in their field and as a way of encouraging or honouring the legacies of these Canadians, JAK and Janice will make a contribution toward a not-for profit foundation, endowment or scholarship on behalf of the honouree.

Over the last decade, Meyer has paid tribute to the following Canadian individuals & organizations through the launch of their “Tribute Series” Chardonnay: Emily Carr, Bill Reid, Steve Yzerman, Kenny McLean, Sonja Gaudet, Winnifred Mary Stewart, Kelly Hrudey, Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship and in 2014, JAK’s parents Art & Viv Meyer.
Their 2016 vintage marks the eleventh “Tribute Series” Chardonnay; and this year Meyer is proud to recognize Donovan Tildesley, accomplished blind Paralympic swimmer.

Donovan’s career highlights include a Bronze medal at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, five Golds and one Silver medal at the 2002 IPC World Championships, 2 Silvers and one Bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, and a Bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics where he was also named flag bearer for Team Canada. In 2012, Donovan qualified and participated in his fourth Paralympic Games which were held in London.

JAK & Janice Meyer will donate $5,000 ($1,000 per year over 5 years) in Donovan’s name to The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Canada’s largest not for profit donor to researching cures for retinal diseases. The funds will be earmarked to the “Dr. Robert K Koenekoop Ocular Genetics Laboratory” for research into cures for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) which is the eye condition affecting Donovan.

Meyer produced 697 cases of the 2016 “Tribute Series” Chardonnay and even went to the lengths of including braille on the label. Each 6-pack ordered will include a wine making technical sheet with Donovan’s story and is available in braille on request.

To purchase this wine or other newly released Meyer wines, visit them online at www.MFVwines.com or call 250.497.8553.

Details

4287 McLean Creek Rd | Okanagan Falls, BC | V0H 1R1
Telephone: 250 497 8553
Web: www.mfvwines.com | Facebook | Twitter

Gallery

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photos by Henry Georgi

The People

Owners: JAK Meyer and Janice Stevens
Winemaker and viticulturist: Chris Carson
Wine Club Co-ordinator: Monica Horning

About Meyer Family Vineyards

Meyer Family Vineyards, the little winery with the big reputation, now has two vineyards in the beautiful wine regions of the Okanagan Valley of BC; Old Main Road Vineyard, located on the Naramata Bench and McLean Creek Vineyard, the newest vineyard and winery on McLean Creek Road in Okanagan Falls. Nestled amongst beautiful orchards, rolling hills, crystal clear lakes, and unique micro climate, the Okanagan Valley is now home to well over 100 vineyards and is the ideal terroir for growing grapes. The same latitude as Champagne in France, the Okanagan is well suited for the Burgundy style wines that Meyer Family Vineyards is known for.

The Meyer Family

JAK (John Arthur Kenneth) and his wife Janice Stevens, wanted a place to put down roots and raise their two young daughters. They had lived in Alberta, Vancouver, the Turks and Caicos but after almost a year in Vernon they found themselves attracted to the lifestyle, the beauty, and the opportunities of the Okanagan. After years of sampling the best wines in the world, both appreciating and collecting wine, a vineyard seemed like a good fit. Three years of searching for the perfect site, led them finally to a small acreage in Naramata. With the help of a team of leading experts in Canada, they began to craft their single vineyard wines of excellence; Micro Cuvée Chardonnay and Tribute Chardonnay.

Then in 2008 they added the Okanagan Falls property which included a modest 2400 sq ft winery and another 16 acres of vines. Everything was in place for producing premium single vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as a second tier label which includes Gewurztraminer, Rose and mid tier Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The new tasting room was completed in October of 2010 and plans are in place for a special events area which will be used for hosting concerts, catered dinners or just as perfect place for guests to relax, kick back and enjoy the surroundings.

Reviews & Accolades

“the best dry white wines I have ever tasted from Canada”.
Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine

“It’s the Pinot you bring home to Mom… the one you’ll turn to for dependable quality and Pinotranquility”
Liam Carrier, IconWines.com

“A beauty that takes Okanagan Chardonnay to a new level of elegance and complexity”
4 and a half stars, Vines Magazine

“On the palate, the fruit is lush – citrus, ripe apple, a touch of butterscotch – without any of the heaviness one sometimes finds on oaked Chardonnay. This wine is bright and fresh and also shows a laser-like purity. 92/100”
John Schreiner on Meyer 2010 Old Main Vineyard Chardonnay – Tribute Series