Winery Review of Valley Commons
@District Wine Village
DWV Series 10 of 10
I was coming to the end of my second day of tasting at District Wine Village. It was close to closing time, so I called a taxi for transportation back to the hotel. Taxi has been reached, and I'm walking with my purchases from the wineries tasted today.
Walking to the car park and pick-up area, I see Blake closing up Valley Commons. We make eye contact, and I wish him a good evening. However, Blake then asks if we want a tasting at Valley Commons. I politely decline, stating that I've already got a text coming to collect me. Not missing a beat, Blake offers a quick tasting to kill time while waiting for my cab.
<insert slow clap here> Well played, Blake, well played. So, the final tasting of the day and this visit to District Wine Village will be at Valley Commons.
The origin story of Valley Commons begins with volleyball. The founders, Kayla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff, are both accomplished and well-known volleyball players at the national level, leading the Canadian Men's and Women's teams and even representing Canada in the Olympics.
Their business partnership started with the opening of The Bistro in Fort Langley, which has a wine-tasting room. This small first step led them on their current course, resulting in Valley Commons. The Bistro Cafe did realize a dream of opening a business together. An opportunity arose to purchase land in the Fraser Valley, where they chose to plant a vineyard and create a winery, Valley Commons. Opportunity knocked again, and they were able to take over Stoneboat Vineyards.
During their research of the wine business, they had heard of the District Wine Village project and knew this was the perfect place for Valley Commons. Fun fact: Rudy's brother founded Trading Post Brewing in Fort Langley. Not one to miss out on a good thing, they also grabbed a spot at District Wine Village.
None of the grapes they source originate north of Oliver. They also share some of their fruit with their sister winery, Stoneboat Vineyards.
My wine host is Blake. This is his first season with Valley Commons, and he controls the hospitality program here at District Wine Village. And from the casual conversation, he has some grand ideas to add to the guest experience while utilizing the space to its full potential.
Now, onto the wines.
As Blake was pouring the first wine, I couldn't help but notice the label artwork. They have amusing artwork for their labels. The fun element took away from the serious quality of the wines. In some of my research for this review, I discovered that Kayla is a photographer. I'd highly suggest considering some of her photography for the label if she ever reads this. But I am saying this without knowing what she snaps pics of. But that personal element could add to the overall story of their winery.
2021 Pinot Gris: Grown under sustainable practices. This wine has a delicious creamy mouthfeel. Blake shared that this wine is made in the French style and fermented to dryness with very little residual sugar. But that doesn't hinder the juicy acidity that opens into tropical flavours. This wine would go well with seafood, Alfredo pasta, and chowder. As Blake says - it's a very versatile wine.
2021 Rose: This rose may no longer be available as they roll out their 2022. What's the difference? This one is made of Merlot, and the 2022 will be Gamay Noir. I was impressed by how this one presented itself bigger in body and composition/structure. The acidity in this makes it very food-friendly. Blake suggested blue cheese, smoked salmon with cream cheese & capers, a charcuterie board, and even Thanksgiving dinner. I'd also recommend grilled food. I was shocked that this rose comes in at 13.5% alcohol because it was masked very well. This is also fermented to dryness with no residual sugar, and Blake shared that the creamy note is due to some malolactic fermentation. Because it was so well crafted, I had to take some home with me.
2020 Garden Society: This is their premium blend consisting of Merlot 58%, Malbec 25%, Petit Verdot 9%, and Cabernet Franc 8%. I found this loaded with rich, dark fruit. It stepped out the gate with a big boldness, an interesting savoryness, and herbaceous nuance. This wine saw an extended maturation of 20 months in barrel made of new oak. For a fresh and young winery, I was impressed that they came out with a wine that they say can be cellared for 12-17 years! So, of course, I grabbed some to see for myself.
Unfortunately, at this point, I got a call that my cab was not far away. 🥺
So, I don't feel it's fair for me to share my impressions of this winery. We didn't get a whole tasting experience, which was a rushed tasting, knowing that a taxi was coming. During the offseason, I plan on returning to District Wine Village to experience the remaining wineries I could not squeeze in during this visit. Top of the list and the first to taste on my return has to be Valley Commons.
I am looking forward to returning as Blake was a gracious wine host, and he made waiting for a taxi entertaining. So for now, I'll end this with…
To Be Continued…..
No, wait a sec. To Be Concluded….
Cheers🥂
-BC Wine Nerd
Website: Valley Commons
Address: District Wine Village
Phone #: 250-485-4905
Instagram: @valleycommons
Email: hello@valleycommons.ca
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