Red Barn Winery belongs to the Iconic Wineries of British Columbia (IWBC) portfolio, which includes wineries like CheckMate, Martin’s Lane and Mission Hill. Red Barn Winery produces small lots of unique wines, making only about 1000 cases each year. What really distinguishes Red Barn from the rest of the IWBC portfolio though is their free rein to experiment; they don’t have the pressure to make the same wines vintage-after-vintage.
The winemaker at Red Barn Winery is Okanagan native, Kaylee Barss. Born and raised in Vernon, BC, Barss visited many of the local wineries with her parents growing up. They also vacationed in European wine regions as a family. Barss went on to earn an undergraduate degree in biology with a focus in plant biology. During her studies, she spent her summers working at Okanagan wineries, fostering an interest in wine. This interest was also influenced by instructors who showed a keen enthusiasm for Oenology. As a result, Barss decided to pursue winemaking at Brock University in Ontario. After graduation her first vintage was at an Ontario Winery, called Fielding Estate. In 2020, Barss returned home to the Okanagan, where she first worked at CheckMate as Assistant Winemaker, before becoming Winemaker at Red Barn Winery.
At Red Barn, Barss produces fruit-forward wines. The wines are aged in stainless steel and concrete (no oak), showcasing the fruit without any dressing. Barss and her team also have the freedom to grow grape varieties that are not widely planted in the region, including Barbera, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Red Barn is an estate winery, sourcing grapes from 5 acres at Jagged Rock Vineyard, on the Black Sage Bench. The vines are subject to sandy, porous soils, that drain water away quickly, producing small grape clusters with concentrated flavours. The western facing slope of the vineyard captures the heat of the hot summer days in Oliver, producing beautiful, ripe fruit. In the vineyard there is a focus on canopy management and biodiversity. Jagged Rock is a certified organic vineyard, employing a responsible irrigation system.
Although Red Barn Winery only opened in 2023, Jagged Rock Vineyard was planted in 1999. Hidden amongst these vines was a red barn used for equipment storage. The old barn has since been completely recreated by Seattle-based architectural firm, Olson Kundig. The new building now houses the Red Barn tasting room and production facility. Although it is painted a striking, rich red colour, it still manages to integrate into the landscape. Visitors to the winery can take in the stunning vistas that surround the winery through strategically placed, floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to this, interior windows offer guests a glimpse into the productions where the wines are produced.
Red Barn Winery is currently closed for the winter, but check back with them in 2025 to find out when they will reopen for the season. Until then, their wines can be purchased online or through Artisan Wineshops.
In the meantime, here are my thoughts on two of the current releases from Red Barn Winery.
2022 Stand Apart Barbera $75.00
Barbera grows on the periphery of Jagged Rock Vineyard, thriving in the heat of the south Okanagan. The grapes were organically farmed and this wine was aged in concrete. 140 cases were produced.
I feel this wine would benefit from some time in a decanter. I opened the wine for the photo shoot, but did not write my tasting notes until the next day, at which point the wine was softer and more expressive.
Aromas of violet, lavender, black pepper, black plum, warm rocks and dusty earth, with hints of cherry. This is a dry, medium bodied wine with high acidity and low tannin. The palate offers notes of cranberry, sour cherry, under ripe strawberries and black plum, with mineral and savory black pepper notes on the medium finish.
2022 Discordian White Blend $32.00
This organic wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were co-fermented and aged in concrete and stainless steel. 250 cases were produced.
Vibrant aromas of thistle, gooseberry, peach, yellow grapefruit and green melon pith. Medium in body, this dry, white wine has medium+ acidity. The palate offers gooseberry, peach, sweet, yellow apple and grapefruit pith with mineral and saline notes on the medium finish.
References
Helou, J. (May 9, 2023). Colouring Outside the Vines. Retrieved from: https://vitamagazine.com/2023/05/09/colouring-outside-the-vines/
Hopkins, M. (September 1, 2024). Breaking Barriers: Women Winemakers Redefining Tradition. Retrieved from: https://bcliving.ca/food-drink/drinks/breaking-barriers-women-wine-makers-redefining-tradition/
Morrow, F. (July 28, 2023). The Okanagan’s Red Barn Takes a No-Rules Approach to Experimental Wine. Retrieved from: https://montecristomagazine.com/magazine/volume-16/red-barn-winery-okanagan
Starr, L. (December 3, 2021). Keeping Score. Retrieved from: https://vitamagazine.com/2021/12/03/keeping-score/
(November 23, 1999). Summit Recommendations Support Mission Hill Winery Expansion. Retrieved from: https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/archive/pre2001/1999/nrs99/mission%20hill%20release2.asp