Naughty and Nice at Blasted Church 20th Anniversary
You can still get naughty and nice even if your biggest sin is missing The Seven Deadly Sins Party at Blasted Church Vineyards.
The saints held off the thunderstorms to facilitate perfect weather overlooking Skaha Lake. From its heavenly setting on the eastern slopes between Penticton and Okanagan Falls, Blasted Church hosted a 20th Anniversary celebration like none other.
Let me take you there for a moment. Guests checked into the “Confession Booth” where smiling staff provided an “Unholy Passport” of the 7 Deadly Sins including Anger, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Sloth, and Vanity. Along with a commemorative glass on which you inscribed your name, you were challenged “How many can you do in one evening?”
With the backdrop of the kaleidoscope of Nature’s colours everchanging on the lake, hillside and skies, stations were set up featuring a specific sin where wine lovers could try a variety of wines paired with food or a mystery wine challenge. The site was festively decked out throughout. Guests were encouraged to arrive in a costume themed in a favourite sin.
Guests lingered at the upper level to slurp oysters presented by Shucked Oyster Co, witness the acrobatic prowess of Cosmic Co-Motion, indulge in decadent sparkling wine from the bubbly tower or pick their favourite of two mystery Bordeaux-style blends and guess the one from France. Spoiler Alert: Blasted Church’s Bordeaux-style blend beat out the one from France as the evening’s favourite.
A lovely commemorative display captured photographs and news items representing Blasted Church over its history.
A wander down to the lower level to be poolside revealed where Chef John Burke was set up with delectable creations.
Here’s where you found the source of the live music by Jon Bos heard throughout the property. Plus, DJ Lady of the Mist spinning tunes as Go-Go Dancers strut their steps.
Sean Morrison, property owner, took time out from mingling with the guests to speak to the future at Blasted Church.
Poolside, stations were decked out in Purdy’s Chocolate coins, more food and wines plus, Blasted Church’s hefty medal collection.
Viewing the awards is a great reminder a winery can take a playful and creative approach with its labels while never compromising the quality of the wines inside. In the 2021 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada for example, Blasted Church was rated as number two winery in BC and number three in Canada!
Accolades Are Continuous
In 2022, NWAC awarded Gold to Blasted Church 2019 Cross to Bear Cabernet Franc; 2021 Small Blessings Botrytis Affected Riesling: 2019 Nectar of the Gods Red Blend; 2018 Syrah; Silver to 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Small Blessings Cabernet Sauvignon; 2018 Cabernet Merlot; 2019 Nothing Sacred; 2020 Big Bang Theory; 2019 Holy Moly Petit Verdot; 2019 Small Blessings Malbec; and Bronze to 2018 Merlot; 2018 Nothing Sacred; and 2021 Viognier. Blasted Church’s many medals kept it in the Top 25 Wineries in Canada.
In the All Canadian Wine Awards 2022, Blasted Church received Gold for 2017 Nectar of the Gods; Silver for 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon; 2017 Nothing Sacred; and 2018 Nectar of the Gods; and Bronze for 2016 OMG Sparkling; 2017 Cross to Bear; 2020 Big Bang Theory. These illustrate the most recent of accolades and if you review Blasted Church’s track record of success, it’s apparent the quality is consistent.
Winemaker Evan Saunders started here in 2014 as a cellar hand, rose to Assistant Winemaker, and was promoted to Winemaker in 2017. Known for his contagious enthusiasm in the cellar, and his finely balanced artistic and scientific approach to winemaking, he is a driving force in pursuit of excellence in the Blasted Church wine program.
Of course, winemaking starts in the vineyard with the quality of the fruit. Viticulturalist John Bayley nurtures that process with a commitment to working with the soils of the Okanagan and to helping grow grapes that are a true expression of the land.
Missed the Party, No Need to Despair
If you missed this party, there’s no need to despair because plenty of fun and deliciousness is available if you plan your tour to Blasted Church. General Manager Tanya Martin has been instrumental in leading the organization through many changes and expansions since joining Blasted Church in 2007. Given her 28+ years in the industry, her involvement in the community is invaluable. She is in the director at large of the Okanagan Falls Skaha Bench Winery Association and director and treasurer with Highway to Healing Support Society in Oliver, BC.
Experience Manager Lisa Baxter-Burke recently arrived to bring her diverse hospitality skills honed for over 20 years. Her passion is bringing elevated customer service with a personal touch and ensuring that your experience at Blasted Church Vineyards will be enjoyable, fun, and one to always remember.
Chef John Burke joined Blasted Church in 2022 to develop the winery’s new food program for The House, the tasting room, and special events. The House is a new tasting space that is the venue for bespoke food and wine pairings. It will also showcase Chef Burke’s cooking demonstrations and be ideal for corporate party events.
The team has developed a new visitor experience that includes award-winning wines, food pairings and a big celebration of the winery’s 20th anniversary. You’ll learn how the winery got its name, about the artists behind the delightful labels, and most importantly, the care and craft that goes into the wines beginning in the vineyard. There’s even an option to enjoy BBQ snacks with a glass of your favourite Blasted Church wine by the winery’s poolside.
You’ll get the opportunity to tour those luscious vineyards and see the reverence applied to ensure progressive and sustainable farming provides the best fruit for Blasted Church’s small-lot wines that wow judges and keep wine lovers returning.
