Annamarie, the visionary owner of Row Fourteen Restaurant and Klippers Organics, is no stranger to the importance of quality and sustainability in the culinary world. Known for her commitment to farm-to-table dining, Annamarie recently took her passion a step further by organizing an educational and immersive wine tour for her restaurant staff in the picturesque Similkameen Valley. The goal? To deepen their understanding of local wines and enhance the dining experience for their guests.
Straight from the Barrel at Corcelettes Estate Winery
On a sunlit spring morning at the end of May 2024, Annamarie, along with a few of her dedicated Row Fourteen team members, set out on a wine adventure. Their first stop was Corcelettes Estate Winery, nestled in the heart of the Similkameen Valley.
Corcelettes, located on 150 acres of prime viticultural land, is dedicated to crafting expressive small-lot premium wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The winery is owned and operated by Charlie and Jesce Baessler, who bring a blend of precision, passion, and environmental science to their viticulture and winemaking practices.
The staff was treated to an exclusive experience, tasting wines straight from the barrel in the intimate setting of the Corcelettes barrel cellar. Winemaker Brett Meier, who joined the team in 2019 and was promoted to winemaker in 2022, shared intricate details about each wine, from grape selection to the aging process, instilling a deep appreciation and understanding of the craft.
"Tasting straight from the barrel was new to many of my team members," said Annamarie. "For some, like Kiarah, it was a brand-new experience. It was amazing to see their excitement and how much they learned from directly interacting with the winemaker. This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable and gives our servers the confidence to speak knowledgeably about the wines to our guests."
Bordeaux-Elegance at Clos du Soleil Winery
The second destination was the charming Clos du Soleil Winery. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect; a barrel was set up outside by the vineyard, offering a stunning backdrop for the tasting.
Clos du Soleil, founded in 2006, is an artisan winery and estate vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. It merges Old World elegance with New World innovation, focusing on Bordeaux-inspired wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The winery is dedicated to sustainable viticulture, with organic and biodynamic practices central to its philosophy. Michael Clark, the Managing Director and Winemaker, brings a passion for producing wines that truly represent their place of origin.
Michael captivated Row Fourteen staff with stories about the winery’s history and the unique characteristics of each wine. This outdoor tasting experience provided not only knowledge but also a memorable connection to the land where the grapes are grown.
One particularly memorable moment for Annamarie and her team was when Michael took them to a lookout point overlooking the vineyards.
"It was incredible to experience wine in the vineyard, with our feet on the ground, truly understanding where the grapes come from," said Annamarie. "This connection to the land is something that really resonates with us and is something we bring back to Row Fourteen. It’s not just about tasting the wine; it’s about feeling the place it comes from."
Wild Fermentation & Minimal Intervention at Orofino
The final stop of the day was Orofino Vineyards, where the staff enjoyed a diverse tasting experience both inside the tasting room and outside on the patio.
Orofino Vineyards, a small family-owned winery, emphasizes single-vineyard, terroir-driven wines. Founded by John and Virginia Weber in 2001, Orofino is known for its sustainable practices and straw bale winery building. John Weber, the winemaker, is dedicated to expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard in the wines he produces. This approach, along with the winery’s commitment to quality and environmental stewardship, defines the Orofino experience.
John's enthusiasm and expertise shone through as he guided the staff through the tastings, highlighting the distinct flavors and aromas of each wine. The combination of indoor and outdoor patio settings allowed the staff to appreciate the versatility and ambiance of the winery.
"Orofino's commitment to sustainability and expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard really resonated with us," said Annamarie. "The way John passionately described the wines and the terroir gave our team a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle. This kind of experience is something we can share with our guests, helping them connect with the story behind the wines we serve at Row Fourteen."
The Power of Collaboration for a Unique Experience
All of these businesses—Row Fourteen Restaurant, Corcelettes Estate Winery, Clos du Soleil Winery, and Orofino Winery—collaborate closely to offer an exceptional wine and food experience in the Similkameen Valley.
Each business operates independently but shares a vision of quality and sustainability, using their own approaches, supporting one another for the benefit of the entire region. This collaboration ensures that visitors enjoy a harmonious blend of exquisite wines and delicious dishes, making every visit a memorable one.
Bringing the Experience Back to Row Fourteen
This educational journey was more than just a day of wine tasting; it was an investment in providing guests with the most memorable dining experience possible. The staff returned to Row Fourteen equipped with a wealth of knowledge and stories to share with their guests. Annamarie’s initiative ensures that the restaurant’s patrons not only enjoy exquisite food and wine but also gain insight into the local wineries and the passionate individuals behind each bottle.
Annamarie emphasized, "This tour has changed how our servers talk to customers. They now speak from their own experience, encouraging guests to visit the wineries themselves and explore the wines in a new light. It’s not just about serving wine; it’s about sharing a story and connecting our guests to the land and the people who make these wines."
When asked if she plans to continue these tours, Annamarie responded, "I’ll definitely do it again. There’s so much value in having our team connect directly with the winemakers and experience the process firsthand. I’m also planning to take individual staff members to different wineries one-on-one, so they can really dive deep into the winemaking process and bring back that knowledge to share with our guests. Each of these experiences enhances the stories we can tell at Row Fourteen."
A Day of Fun and Learning
The tour was also a fantastic team-building experience, fostering camaraderie and a deeper appreciation for the local wine culture. The shared adventure strengthened the bond among the staff, creating lasting memories and a unified vision of excellence in service.
Reflecting on the experience, Annamarie noted, "It’s not just about the knowledge; it’s also about the bonding that happens during these trips."
Annamarie’s dedication to her team’s education and the guest experience at Row Fourteen exemplifies her commitment to quality and community. By bridging the gap between the vineyard and the table, she continues to elevate the dining experience, making each visit to Row Fourteen not just a meal but a journey of discovery.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual diner, the next time you visit Row Fourteen, you can enjoy the delicious wines crafted by Corcelettes, Clos du Soleil, and Orofino, paired with a delectable dish. Plus, you can learn from their knowledgeable serving staff what goes on behind the scenes from vine to table, making your Row Fourteen experience unforgettable!
