I was surprised and amazed to learn that you can get a slice of the Okanagan within Abbotsford, at their newest winery: Cannon Winery.
Unbeknownst to most, Cannon has been open and in operation since November 16th of last year. And it looks like a property you would find in the heart of the Okanagan. More idyllic in summer, when the weather permits a leisurely stay amongst sprawling fields outfitted with patio furniture and beach chairs. And they even have a prop cannon to boot.
They also have a stationary food truck offering smaller meals and burgers, but sadly during the time of our visit, this was out of commission.
Worth mentioning is that the property is still under construction with their full tasting lounge in the works. Their current bottling facilities and tasting room share the same space. A picturesque modern cabin with dark wood framework and a glass facade.
Within you can order their wines by the glass, but I advise indulging in one of their tastings to be able to get better acquainted with the entire line.
They have two distinct labels operating under Cannon. Both of which sources grapes from British Columbia.
Cannon refers to their wine produced traditionally, French style. And The Wick is their new age wine label with fruit forward bottles aged in stainless steel.
The following is what we tasted, in the order it was served. The staff was even gracious enough to give us a clean glass for every pour, in order to garner the best tasting experience.
Cannon: Bonhomous is a Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blane Blend with notes of Crisp Apple, White Peach, Citrus Blossom, and Lime Zest. A younger tasting wine, I got sharp sour apple notes than finished clean and light on the palate.
The Wick: Mover/Shaker Viognier blend had more depth and warmth by comparison. An easier sipping wine with notes of Mango, Peach, Apple Blossom, and Meyer Lemon.
Cannon: Jouissance is High Premium Burgundy-style Chardonnay Blend with plenty of tannis and juicy citrus notes.
The Wick: Highflier is Syrah Rosé Blend, and their lightest rosé with only two hour skin contact. It features a grape that has not been used to make wine in over 120 years. This is a secret the wine maker will not reveal. It is described as having notes of Honeysuckle, Raspberry, and Toasted Marshmallow. For the latter, you have to know about it to look for it. Otherwise it comes across and vanilla and foamy. A fun sipping wine, I would not pair this one with food.
Cannon: Rêverie is a Provence-style Syrah Rosé with notes of Orange Blossom, Green Apple, Wild Strawberry, and Lemon. I got mostly lemon on the nose with lots of strawberry on the tongue.
Cannon: Rapture is a Bordeaux-Clairet-style Merlot Rosé Blend with Blackberry, White Pepper, Cassis, and Vanilla notes. With 12 hours skin contact is drinks more like a young, chilled red.
The Wick: Whizz Kid is a blend of Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Peppery on the nose with Green Pepper, Blackberry, Cherry Liqueur, Spice, and Vanilla notes. Easy drinking with plenty of tannis, this is their only unfiltered red aged in stainless steel.
The Wick: Bootstrapper is a Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot blend. It has notes of Black Pepper, Cherry, Sweet Tobacco, and Vanilla Bean. You get a nice spiciness to it, with the addition of some funk, similar to beer.
And we were given a bonus sip of the Cannon: Arbour, released on the day of our visit. This is their priciest bottle at $37.95. A High Premium Bordeaux-style Malbec and Petit Verdot Blend with Violet, Dark Cherry, Cocoa, and Blackcurrant notes. It was good as is, but I would have liked it aerated and allowed to breath and warm up.
In closing, Cannon is a must stop for your next Abbotsford winery crawl. A picturesque scene with plenty of options to please the different palates of all wine enthusiasts. I cannot wait to return and get the full experience with finished tasting room and food options.
Cannon Estate Winery
30523 Burgess Ave, Abbotsford, BC V4X 2A6
(604) 743-9425
cannonwinery.ca
