My wife, Anita, had a meeting in Penticton recently, so I decided to make the most of the trip and take her to Evolve Sparkling House. I’d attended a media launch there in September and knew she’d be impressed by what this new winery has to offer. A quick call to Shelley, Evolves Wine Lead, and I had our visit arranged.
Evolve is the newest addition to the Penticton winery scene, joining the TIME Family of Wine portfolio, which includes Chronos Winery and Orolo Restaurant. Since 2020, owners Ron and Shelley Mayert have poured their passion into expanding their presence in the region. Their investment in Penticton is a testament to their deep commitment to both the local wine industry and the surrounding community.
Upon arriving, we spent some time wandering the beautiful grounds. The views are absolutely gorgeous—sandy beaches, the marina, iconic hoodoos, and a scenic panorama across the lake to Summerland. The newly refurbished building is striking, blending modern charm with natural surroundings. It’s a perfect setting, and the atmosphere reflects the dedication of the team behind it. The knowledgeable staff further elevate the experience, ensuring everyone feels welcome and engaged.
After being greeted by the warm and gracious Shelley, we made our way upstairs for a “Splash and Dash” tasting with wine host Darren, who will have you laughing throughout your visit. Some guests were enjoying a bottle of wine with friends, while others opted for more elaborate tastings, complete with beautiful food pairings that looked too good to pass up.
They nibbled on bites prepared by Executive Chef Bruno Terroso of Orolo. The offerings include: truffled parmesan popcorn, olives and nuts, salmon rillettes, squash gratin, salami, cheese, and fresh oysters. Each bite was expertly paired with the wines.
We started with the 2020 Brut Premier, a classic blend of 67% Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir. Aged for three years in the bottle on its lees, this sparkling wine offers incredible texture and character, with a long, smooth finish.
Next up was the 2018 Brut Rosé, a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Blanc, and topped with 1% Syrah for colour. Each varietal was fermented separately, then blended and subjected to secondary fermentation, followed by five years of aging. This wine recently won a gold medal at the 2023 Wine Align Awards. Its delicate balance of crispness and richness makes it a standout.
We also sampled the 2023 Small Lot Syrah Rosé, made with grapes sourced from a single vineyard in Osoyoos. This wine is whole-bunch pressed with minimal skin contact, resulting in a light, delicate colour with vibrant fruit on both the nose and palate.
The 2022 Small Lot Grenache is a special offering from the TIME Keepers Vineyard in Osoyoos. After ten days of skin contact, the wine was aged for 14 months in 20% new French oak, giving it depth and complexity. It’s a fruity and balanced wine that is easy to drink and works well with a slight chill.
We finished the tasting with the 2022 Pinot Noir from the Hayman Vineyard on the Naramata Bench. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, with 20% of that being new oak, this Pinot Noir is elegant and nuanced, showcasing the cool-climate influence of the Naramata Bench.
Winemaker Lynzee Schatz oversees operations at both Chronos Winery and Evolve, ensuring each wine is crafted with expertise and care.
As we already have quite a bit of wine in the cellar, I let Anita take the lead on picking a bottle or two to bring home. Of course, we ended up leaving with three. (It’s hard to resist when the wines are this good!)
If you find yourself in Penticton, make sure to stop by Evolve Sparkling House. You can find them at 245 Lower Bench Road, Penticton, B.C. During the off-season, they’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
It’s a place that’s definitely worth the visit—whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking to experience some of the best of what the Okanagan has to offer.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)