Since 2019, the magnificent sculpture “Pro Terra et Natura” (For Earth and Nature) commissioned by Phantom Creek Estates has reached to the sky providing a passage from the parking lot to the winery. Given the familiar theme of additional barriers to travel throughout the COVID pandemic, it took until September 2023 for artist Wu Ching Ru to view her masterpiece in place.
Pablo Picasso was reported to have said: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Ru’s sculpture at Phantom Creek is a perfect transition to give visitors pause to put aside whatever earthly trials preceded. The two massive angels with delicate wings implore you to look to the skies to discover they are looking down in protection of our connection to earth.
Managing Director François Mateo says, “It is a reminder to Phantom Creek if we disrespect the earth, the angels might fly away.” Established in 1996 with a long-term vision to become one of the leading family-owned wineries, Phantom Creek is home to estate vineyards across two distinct Okanagan Valley benches – Becker and Kobau. Each are certified organic and farmed according to meticulous biodynamic techniques in respect of the terroir and Mother Nature’s gifts.
Imagine artist Ru’s emotion after all those years viewing her sculpture in place. She said, “I could not hold back the tears: I felt like a mother seeing her child successfully out in the world after a long time apart.”
Phantom Creek’s team offered opportunities, September 17 to 19, to meet the artist culminating in an exclusive artist dinner to properly mark the occasion. During her stay, Ru was provided with a collection of items such as grapevines and local flora to create a natural sculpture to be displayed during her visit.
Wu Ching Ru was a gracious celebrity and circulated with those in attendance answering many questions about her works. An international Taiwanese artist recognized for merging the artistic traditions of East and West into a unique and deeply emotional aesthetic, she accepted praise humbly. She genuinely shared praise for the event’s success, complimenting the winemaking, the cuisine, and the vision of Phantom Creek. Her work can be found in some of the world’s most prestigious private and royal collections. Her monumental public sculpture can be found in more than a dozen countries, and over three continents. It was such a piece in London, England that was catalyst for Phantom Creek art curator to envision an installation at the winery.
Living and working in the United States, Europe and China throughout the three decades of her artistic career, she has returned to Taiwan. Amid nature in the mountains of her homeland, she sculpts, paints and innovates from her studio.
Artistry and Culinary Excellence Dinner
Guests convened in the grand Tasting Room overlooking the amphitheatre and spectacular view all the way to Osoyoos Lake. Bubbly in hand, we were led back out to the sculpture for a related talk and toast. Enroute to the restaurant, we paused to admire Ru’s latest natural installation.
Phantom Creek Chef Alessa Valdez crafted an alluring, locally inspired menu presented in the picturesque restaurant to evoke a “harmonious fusion of artistry and culinary excellence”. Each course was exquisitely paired with some of Phantom Creek’s finest wines with Director of Winemaking Mark Beringer introducing the selections.
Valdez is one of the talented chefs invited to compete at the Great Kitchen Party in Kelowna, vying to move on to the Canadian Culinary Championships in Ottawa. The food prepared by her, and her kitchen colleagues spoke volumes about her culinary acumen.
Experience Phantom Creek
It doesn’t have to be a special event to appreciate the harmony of winemaking, cuisine, and artistry. The architecture is a piece of art itself and many of the art installations are readily accessible roaming the grounds. This is truly a world-class destination setting in Oliver.
The Tasting Room is open daily, 11 am to 5 pm, and you can reserve special experiences through the website. Currently, the restaurant is open for lunch, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, Thursday to Monday.
