Similkameen vineyard expands with bench land purchase

KEREMEOS – A Similkameen winery has embarked on an ambitious expansion with the recent announcement of the purchase of more than 130 additional acres to its vineyard holdings.

Corcelettes Estate Winery said in a press release issued today, Dec. 7, it recently acquired 132.5 acres of bench land on Upper Bench Road in Keremeos.

The land will allow Corcelettes to expand its Similkameen Valley production of red wine varieties, with 30 acres of the newly acquired land to be developed in phases over the next five years.

The property includes a five-bedroom residence which will be converted into accommodations for cellar and vineyard employees, and a possible bed and breakfast following development of the vineyard.

Corcelettes winemaker and managing partner Charlie Baessler says the winery expects to invest $600,000 in development over the next five years.

This recent land purchase brings the Corcelettes Winery total land area to 159 acres, with plans for 50 acres in vineyards.

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