Winery tries to make a mark

Photo: Red Rooster

A winery on the Naramata Bench is trying to make a name for itself by opening a new style of tasting room and hosting a big 1920s-themed gala. 

"It's something we're trying this year, it's kind of an over-the-top big event as opposed to the typical tastings most wineries do," said Red Rooster Winery experience manager Michael Wirischagin. 

The speakeasy-style garden party, which will take place July 21 at Red Rooster, is an attempt to make the winery more of a destination for visitors. Wirischagin said the party was modelled off of similar splashy events at Oliver and Osoyoos area wineries, the likes of which aren't as common on the Naramata Bench. 

"I've been to several events down south and quite honestly, regardless of what it was, you always remember that winery because of it, and it always holds a special place," Wirischagin said. "We just want to give people that something, so when they see our bottle on the shelf, it's good wine, but they can also relate it back to an experience."

Red Rooster has also opened the first sensory tasting room of its kind in the Okanagan, in which patrons not only experience the wine but touch and smell the components of the wine they have been drinking, guided by a wine educator. 

"Hands-on things, things you can pick up, smell and touch and feel," Wirischagin said. 

"If you go to Okanagan College and do a wine tasting course, you get little vials. We're using the actual things. Whether it be cedar pieces, fresh rosemary, thyme or pepper, they're tangible, they're real."

The sensory room is intended as an intimate experience, and is limited to eight people in the room with a fee of $20 each. 

The upcoming gala, on the other hand, has room for many more. The 1920s themed event will feature live music, food, wine and cocktails, and tickets can be reserved by calling Red Rooster here. 

"Just dress up, go out there and have fun, let loose," Wirischagin said.

The event takes place 7 to 11 p.m. July 21, and tickets, which include appetizers and dinner, are $50 for Rare Bird Wine Club members and $80 otherwise. They can be purchased by calling Red Rooster here.