By Lyonel Doherty
Senkulmen Business Park will play host to Canada’s first true wine village starting next year.
So says Michael Daley, director of operations of the multi-million-dollar District Wine Village to be built by Greyback Construction.
“It will be a strong economic driver for the Oliver/Osoyoos area,” Daley said, noting the goal is to continue to draw more tourism from abroad.
The wine village, with a build-out cost of approximately $17 million, will be located across from Tim Hortons on Enterprise Way.
Daley said the project will consist of multiple (16) liquor licence establishments in one location. It will also feature a culinary building and a 600-seat entertainment area that will showcase local and out-of-town artisans and musicians.
The village’s objective is to bring small-batch wine, beer, cider and spirit producers together.
Daley said the idea is to give up-and-coming winemakers an opportunity to hop into the industry with minimal capital investment.
Each of the spaces will offer operators a fully-equipped production facility that includes access to a shared crush pad and resources, as well as a built-in tasting room.
The District Wine Village began as a vision by Greyback general manager Matt Kenyon, whose team has built many prestigious wineries in the region. One day they decided it was time to create a one-of-a-kind village.
“Ultimately, this project is all about community,” he said, adding it will be a significant boost the region’s economy.
Daley, the former director of operations for Vincor, said they expect to put their shovels in the ground by January.
He admitted it’s a lofty goal, but they plan to have four or five buildings ready to crush grapes by September of 2020.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said he sees the village as an innovative approach to diversifying the craft wine, beer and cider industry. He added it will be a good opportunity for entrepreneurs to take advantage of.
Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie could not be reached for comment.
