River Stone Winery will release two new wines from the Good Neighbour Series on June 27, 2025, International Rosé Day. In 2024, unprecedented weather challenges prevented their estate vines from bearing fruit. Undeterred, the Good Neighbours Series blends the exceptional terroir of their southern partners with River Stone’s signature fruit-forward, balanced winemaking style.
River Stone Sparkling White Merlot 2024
“Due to unforeseen and exceptional weather circumstances, our vines were unable to produce fruit in 2024. Instead, we looked south of the border to our Good Neighbours in Washington State. We selected vineyards and growers that shared our values, philosophy, and practices: growing the highest quality of fruit, similar to what we cultivate in our home vineyards.
The grapes for this wine were grown in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the larger Columbia Valley AVA in Washington State. Like the South Okanagan Valley, daytime heat was plentiful, with cooler nights allowing for optimal ripening while retaining vital natural acidity. Fruit was harvested to match the acidity, ripeness, and potential alcohol similar to previous vintages from our estate fruit. The quality of the fruit was exceptional, and we chose to vinify using the same method as previous vintages.
The grapes were pressed immediately after destemming, limiting colour extraction. The wine then underwent a temperature-controlled fermentation, and forced carbonation was used before bottling to preserve the fresh fruit character.” Winemaker, Ted Kane
This sparkling rosé captivates with a luminous salmon-pink hue. Delicate aromas of wild strawberries and rose petals unfurl, inviting exploration. Medium-bodied and vibrant, it dances on the palate with flavours of ripe cherries, juicy strawberries, tart raspberry, succulent peach, zesty pink grapefruit, and a subtle whisper of thyme. Effervescent bubbles lend a creamy yet lively mouthfeel, culminating in a crisp, enduring finish that refreshes and lingers. 92 Points.
Pair with freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops or simply with fresh burrata and crostini.
River Stone Malbec Rosé 2024
“The grapes for this Malbec Rosé are grown in a vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the larger Columbia Valley AVA in Washington State. Grapes were grown on wind-swept south-facing slopes, approximately 800ft above the Columbia River. Like the South Okanagan Valley, daytime heat was plentiful, with cooler nights allowing for optimal ripening while retaining vital natural acidity. The grapes were picked with slightly higher acidity and lower sugar levels to stylistically achieve a lighter-bodied, lively Rosé style.
We utilized the same vinification method as our previous vintages of Malbec Rosé, including a two-day cold soak, and temperature-controlled fermentation. We allow the wine to rest on fine sediment for a short time before filtering and bottling.”
One of the few Rosés made from Malbec in the Okanagan, this wine has a vibrant pink and orange colour. Aromas of strawberry, cherry and rose petals. Flavours of wild strawberry, pomegranate, Bing cherries and tart rhubarb with savoury notes. A dry light mouthfeel and long finish. 91 Points
Rosés & Summer Days at River Stone
Friday, June 27, 2025 | 11AM – 3PM
Celebrate International Rosé Day in true summer style! Join River Stone for an unforgettable afternoon of rosé tastings between the vines, an open-air artisan market, delicious eats, and live music in the garden.
✨ Sip & Savour
Be among the first to taste our new lineup of rosés and bubbles, including the debut of our 2024 Malbec Rosé and 2024 Sparkling White Merlot!
🍷 Bonus: Rosé slushie samples from South Okanagan Snacks!
✨ Shop & Eat Local
Stroll through the artisan market set right in the heart of the vineyard, featuring a curated lineup of talented local vendors and food trucks:
- Tak-OH Food Truck
- Hixzee’s Gourmet Food Truck
- South Okanagan Snacks
- Silver Spoons Vintage Jewelry
- Shore Farm
- Seams Sew Creative
- Hammock Hounds Pet Products
- Kewlchic Stylez Clothing
- Kreutopia Arts
- Unique Wood Art
- The Bear Necessities
- A Bit of Whimzy
- Okanagan Cookie Co
- Ogopogo Soap Co
- Curves’NConfidence
- Social Sarah
- …and more!
✨ Good Vibes Only
🎶 Live music by Lewis Cardinal will set the perfect vineyard soundtrack as you sip, stroll, shop, and snack your way into summer.
Here is the link for Rosés & Summer Days at River Stone Tickets.
Here is the link to buy these elegant BC wines – River Stone Estate Winery. For other Good Neighbour Series wines, please see – Drink River Stone Crafted in BC.
