Time Family of Wines is a cornerstone of the Okanagan Valley's wine industry, known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and a great respect for tradition. With a diverse Time Winery, McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars portfolio, this winery group represents decades of experience and a commitment to crafting wines embodying the region's nature. Time Family of Wines continues influencing the Okanagan Valley and the broader Canadian wine scene.
The Founding of Time Family of Wines
TIME Family of Wines, based in South Okanagan, has a rich history rooted in the legacy of the McWatters family, who were instrumental in shaping the Canadian wine industry. The story began with the late Harry McWatters, a pioneer in British Columbia's wine scene, who established the original TIME Winery to produce premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
Over the years, TIME Family of Wines has expanded its portfolio to include brands such as Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection, each dedicated to creating high-quality wines that embody the region's spirit. The winery's commitment to excellence and vast connection to the Okanagan has made it a beloved name among wine enthusiasts.
In 2020, TIME Family of Wines entered a new chapter when Ron and Shelley Mayert acquired the winery, bringing fresh energy and vision to the established brand. Under their leadership, the winery continues to honour the legacy of the McWatters family while introducing innovative projects and expanding the TIME Family portfolio.
The Mayerts are committed to preserving the winery's reputation for quality while creating memorable experiences for visitors, ensuring that TIME Family of Wines remains a cornerstone of the Canadian wine industry.
The Wines of Time Family of Wines
Time Winery
Time Winery is the flagship label of Time Family of Wines, known for its focus on producing high-quality, small-lot wines that showcase the best of the Okanagan Valley. The winery's portfolio includes a range of varietals, with standout wines such as the Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. These wines are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the winery's commitment to excellence.
The Meritage blends traditional Bordeaux varietals, offering rich, layered flavours of dark fruit, spice, and subtle oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and structured, with notes of blackberry, cassis, and a hint of chocolate, making it a perfect pairing for hearty dishes. The Chardonnay is elegant and balanced, with crisp acidity and citrus, apple, and vanilla flavours. These wines have earned numerous awards and demonstrate the skill and dedication of the Time Winery team.
McWatters Collection
The McWatters Collection represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship within the Time Family of Wines portfolio. This premium label is a tribute to Harry McWatters and his lifelong passion for winemaking. The wines are produced in limited quantities, focusing on classic varietals like Chardonnay. Each bottle in the McWatters Collection reflects Harry McWatters's legacy.
The Chardonnay is impressive, with a perfect balance of fruit and oak, offering notes of ripe apple, pear, and a touch of buttered toast. These wines are designed to age gracefully, making them a valuable addition to any wine cellar.
Evolve Cellars
Evolve Cellars is the more approachable and accessible label within the Time Family of Wines portfolio, designed to celebrate life's everyday moments. The wines under this label are fresh, fruit-forward, and ready to enjoy. Evolve Cellars offers a range of wines perfect for casual sipping or pairing with various dishes.
The Pink Effervescence stands out in the Evolve Cellars lineup, offering a lively, refreshing experience with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of citrus. It's a perfect choice for celebrations or as an aperitif. The Sauvignon Blanc is another highlight, with crisp acidity and tropical fruit flavours, making it an ideal pairing for Seafood and salads. Evolve Cellars captures the spirit of joy and celebration, making it a favourite for easy-drinking, high-quality wines.
The Winemaking Philosophy at Time, Family of Wines
At TIME Family of Wines, the vineyards and winemaking process are deeply rooted in the philosophy of showcasing the natural beauty and bounty of the Okanagan Valley. Under Winemaker Lynzee Schatz's guidance, the winery adopts a "less is more" approach, focusing on minimal intervention to allow the true character of each grape variety to shine. This commitment to quality is evident across all their brands—Chronos, Evolve Cellars, and the McWatters Collection—each offering balanced, poised wines rich in texture and flavour.
TIME Family of Wines also integrates cutting-edge technology by participating in the Barrelwise program. This innovative system, developed to monitor and enhance wine quality, provides real-time insights into barrel health, enabling the winemaking team to maintain optimal conditions and reduce waste. By leveraging this technology, TIME Family of Wines ensures that every bottle reflects their high standards and dedication to producing exceptional wines.
The Visitor Experience at Time Winery
Urban Winery and Tasting Room
The Chronos Tasting Room at TIME Family of Wines in Penticton offers a sophisticated and inviting environment for wine enthusiasts to explore some of British Columbia's finest wines. As the city's only urban winery, the tasting room is designed with comfort and style in mind, featuring plush banquettes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of wines from the TIME Family's renowned portfolio, including Chronos, Evolve Cellars, and the McWatters Collection, with tasting experiences tailored to different preferences.
Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting experiences, such as the Portfolio Tasting, which introduces a range of premium BC VQA wines, or the Signature Wine Thief Tasting, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process with barrel samples of upcoming vintages.
The Sabre School Tasting provides a unique opportunity for sparkling wine lovers to learn the art of sabring a bottle and enjoy the freshly opened sparkling wine. The tasting room's proximity to OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar also allows for seamless food and wine pairings, making it a comprehensive destination for those looking to deepen their wine knowledge while enjoying a memorable and relaxed tasting experience.
Dining at OROLO
OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar at TIME Family of Wines in Penticton offers a premium dining experience that complements the winery's exceptional wines. Named after the study of time, "horology," OROLO provides a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's menu is designed to elevate the dining experience with perfect wine pairings from the TIME Family portfolio and creative cocktails crafted to delight the palate.
Open seven days a week, OROLO offers a variety of themed dining events, including Seafood + Bubbles on Sundays, Steak Date Night on Tuesdays, and Wine Wednesday, where all wine bottles are half off. The restaurant also hosts live music every Thursday, adding to the lively ambiance. With menus that cater to lunch, dinner, and dessert, along with a popular happy hour, OROLO is a must-visit destination for food and wine lovers.
Awards and Recognition
Time Family of Wines has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, both for individual wines and as a winery. These recognitions reflect the quality and consistency that have become hallmarks of the brand. The winery's success in national and international competitions has helped to elevate its profile, attracting attention from wine critics and consumers alike.
The awards and media coverage that Time Family of Wines has garnered testify to the winery's dedication to excellence. From its early days as a small, local producer to its current status as a leading name in the Okanagan Valley, Time Family of Wines has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in Canadian winemaking.
Conclusion
Time Family of Wines showcases quality, innovation, and tradition in the Okanagan Valley. With a diverse portfolio that includes Time Winery, McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars, the winery group offers something for every wine lover, from premium, age-worthy selections to approachable, everyday wines. For those seeking to explore the best of the Okanagan Valley, a visit to Time Winery offers an opportunity to experience the rich history, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality that define this iconic winery.
