Cowichan’s Rocky Creek Winery is the first in the area to release  an island-grown Tempranillo wine.

On September 9, 2011, Rocky Creek welcomed the José’s Tempranillo to their line up. Their Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Ortega have always been sustainable and estate grown, and when an opportunity presented itself to purchase a nearby vineyard’s crop of Tempranillo,  winemaker Mark Holford realized his dream to create another red.  José Rodrigo, the first who had the vision to plant the traditional Spanish variety in the region sadly passed away before the commercial harvest, but Holford kept his dream alive with the release of Jose’s Tempranillo.

Because of Jose Rogrigo’s battle with cancer, Rocky Creek Winery has donated a portion of sales to the cause.  The wine is sold out and a cheque was presented to the Regional Director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Kathy Ilott, in the amount of $1400.

Rocky Creek is estate-grown and has been sustainable from the very beginning.  Mark Holford, winemaker, is pleased to have had the opportunity to release something special.

There are a few bottles still available for those interested.   The wine is $50 for a 500 mL bottle and can be reserved through the winery with partial proceeds continuing to be donated for the life of the wine.  For further information about the winery, please call 250-748-5622 or see www.rockycreekwinery.ca