Valley Commons, a new BC winery, launches at the new District Wine Village in the south Okanagan this August. New to the wine scene, but no strangers to the world of hospitality, winery owners Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff have chosen the District Wine Village in Oliver, BC, to be the first brick and mortar location of Valley Commons. The winery will start welcoming guests to gather and taste its 2020 vintages in-person at District Wine Village in early August 2021 and online at the end of August.
Family-Owned and Operated
he names Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff may sound familiar to you – that’s because for the past decade they have competed internationally as part of Canadas Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball teams. The couple have always dreamed of owning a business together – something that involved bringing people together, coming as you are, enjoying delicious food and drink. Perhaps it would be a café or a restaurant or a winery. On their return to Canada in 2020, an opportunity arose to purchase land in the Fraser Valley and they decided to plant a vineyard and create a winery. In September 2020, Valley Commons Winery was born.
Part of the foundation work in setting up the Fraser Valley vineyard involved trips to the Okanagan to gain insight and learn from others in the industry. It was during these trips that the couple decided it was essential to be part of the Okanagan wine community. The decision was made to base the new winery out of the soon-to-open District Wine Village just outside of Oliver, BC in the south Okanagan.
Where We Gather
The Verhoeff family wanted Valley Commons to be a place to gather, where friendships and family ties are strengthened, community is created, and where people enjoy a glass of wine and good food. In their search to find its first physical location, District Wine Village seemed to be the perfect fit – as a village IS a community. The District Wine Village, complete with wineries, an eatery, a brewery, event spaces, and a beautiful open plaza, also aligned with Valley Commons core values of community, connection and conviviality. It was a perfect pairing.
In August 2021, District Wine Village visitors will be welcomed into the Valley Commons tasting room to sample a lineup of delicious wines. With its inaugural vintage crafted by Mark Simpson of BC Wine Studio, the winery introduces its first releases: Garden Society, a premium red blend; Harvest Table, a white table blend; a Cabernet Franc, a Pinot Gris, and a Rosé. These wines will also be available for purchase online at www.valleycommons.ca as of the end of August.
