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Our Story

DISCOVER OUR HISTORY & TERROIR 

The Rust Wine Company is a new vinous project born of the dirt and inspired by rejuvenation.

Our wines are sourced from five exceptional vineyards planted as far back as 1973. Located in the appellations of Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Okanagan Falls, and the Golden Mile Bench, we seek to showcase these distinct terroirs with small lot, single vineyard wines of purpose.

OUR HOME VINEYARD

Our home vineyard 'South Rock' was originally purchased from the Crown in 1963 by John Tokios. In 1968 it was planted to Okanagan Riesling, Bacchus, Chancellor and other hybrid varietals that have since been replaced. This makes it one of the earliest established sites in British Columbia.

In the early 70’s the first vinifera was planted – Gewürztraminer, which was recommended through the Becker Project, often considered the second stage of BC wines evolution. The vineyard continued to be upgraded with more suitable varieties and now grows Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and some of BC’s only Zinfandel.

This is a truly special site located at the most southern end of the Golden Mile Bench – BC’s first sub appellation. Visitors to Rust will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the valley overlooking the Black Sage Bench to the east and Osoyoos to the south, as well as the rolling hills behind the winery that bathe in the Okanagan light.

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OUR HERITAGE HOUSE

Beside the Rust tasting room is a truly unique house originally built in the 19th century as a bunkhouse for miners at Sally Silver Mine near Beaverdell.

In 1964 Mr. Tokios relocated it to where it stands today on Golden Mile Drive. Log by log, through the tricky Anarchist Mountain switchback roads, and with nothing more than a Volkswagen truck and a trailer, this pioneer created a unique setting on what would become one BC’s finest grape growing areas.

The most striking feature is a one of a kind live desert roof that was sourced from the surrounding hillsides. Today it blends into the surroundings and winery with its constantly changing natural colours.

Today the house serves as

INFO@RUSTWINE.COM
Rust Wine co. Heritage House Accommodation
Rust Wine Co. Wine Labels Unique

OUR LABELS

Our labels are photos taken of various interpretations of rust found all over British Columbia and beyond.

Guests of the winery submit their artistic rust shots over the year and we choose those that we feel match a specific varietal best. We then feature the photographers name on the back label along with the subject and location. The labels will change yearly as we find the many shades of rust that strike us as beautiful moments in time.

To submit your photo please contact;

INFO@RUSTWINE.COM