Robin Ridge Winery
It was love at first sight when Tim and Caroline Cottrill visited the Similkameen in 1996. Attracted by the beauty and potential of the region, they decided to plant a dream on 10 rocky acres near Keremeos. Like so many things in this fertile valley, that dream grew (and grew!), and became so fruitful that turning to full-time winemaking was the clear path.
Now a mature, certified organic vineyard producing 5 varietals, the Robin’s Ridge estate has been putting out intense, flavourful wines since 2006. The Cottrills focus on developing character and quality in the vineyard, and practice minimal intervention in the winery. The result is a portfolio of delicious small-batch wines that express the unique personality of the amazing Similkameen.
Owners/Winemakers: Tim and Caroline Cottrill
What path led you to a career as a winemaker? Ultimately, it was the desire to make our own wine. When we bought this property and planted the first small vineyard, Caroline thought we would be grape farmers, and maybe we’d make a little wine for our own family for fun. I (Tim) had an ulterior motive, though. I’d always wanted a winery, and planted and maintained the vineyard with an eye towards that goal.
If you were a wine, which wine would you be? Pinot Noir. Our estate Pinot is exotic and fresh and earthy. Clearly, a direct reflection of the winemakers’ personalities!
If you could only drink one wine for the rest of your life, what wine would it be and why? Probably Meritage. It’s a perfect combination of richness and smoothness, with a ripe flavour concentration and an enduring finish. It’s like a taste of heaven!
What might people be surprised to learn about you? I love Craft Beer. Shhh!
What’s your secret food craving? Hot pickled peppers (maybe straight from the jar…).
What’s your favourite food to eat while watching movies? The classic –popcorn, of course!
What is your favourite grape, and why? Cabernet Franc. It’s very happy here in the Similkameen. Our Cab Franc captures the dark berry flavours and peppy floral notes of this terroir. It also picks up the minerality of our rocky soil and takes on the vanilla influences of the barrel really well.
What drives you? The next vintage!
If you couldn’t do this, what would you do? This is what we love! If we ever decide to stop making wine, we’ll still grow grapes. We could never give that up!
What is your favourite South-Okanagan/Similkameen activity? Floating the Similkameen River in the summer is the most relaxing and enjoyable activity. It’s social, beautiful, peaceful and refreshing. We look forward to it every year!
Describe your dream meal: A simple, homemade, slightly-imperfect-but-delicious margherita pizza.
What is your favourite food or wine film, and why? Bottle Shock. It was a triumphant story, and so inspiring to see someone’s winemaking dreams and hard work pay off. And we’re champions of little-known, phenomenal winemaking regions!
