Red Barn Winery [source: Red Barn]

Red Barn is the newest winery in the Iconic Wineries of British Columbia (IWBC) umbrella that also includes Mission Hill, CheckMate, Martin’s Lane, Cedarcreek, Road 13 and Liquidity Wines. It stands in stark contrast to the group’s flagship winery Mission Hill. Where Mission Hill is grand in every sense of the word, Red Barn quietly produces just under 1,000 cases and is very much on the other end of the spectrum; very small production using fruit solely from Jagged Rock Vineyard.

Black Sage Bench – the tenderloin district in Oliver, BC.

Red Barn is situated squarely in the tenderloin district of Black Sage Bench with Phantom Creek Estates on one side and Black Hills across the road. It benefits from 30+ year old vines that are among the very best in the Okanagan Valley, and is making wines that are anything but expected.

The approach at Red Barn is unconventional and experimental but still within the realm of tradition and taste. Think pushing the boundaries of consumer expectations but still maintaining quality and balance.

Winemaker Kaylee Barss {Source: Red Barn]

Red Barn’s uncommon strategy is also reflected in their bold choice of winemaker. Not many wineries would choose a 28-year-old local to lead one of their most intriguing projects. Kaylee Barss may initially seem like an unlikely choice, but one taste of the results and you’ll quickly put any preconceived notions aside. Her philosophy in the cellar is one of decidedly low intervention, opting for stainless steel and concrete vessels over oak for fermentation to enable the terroir and fruit to be expressed in its most natural form.

We first met Kaylee when she was the assistant winemaker at CheckMate Artisanal Winery. She was gracious with her time, wise beyond her winemaking years, and it was clear she was a rising star in the Okanagan Valley. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that she was leading the winemaking team when we first heard about Red Barn just a few months ago.

The two Red Barn Wines that got our attention.

While we haven’t visited the winery in person yet, we had the privilege of tasting two of their wines [see tasting notes below] and can state unequivocally that this is a winery to watch. We tasted the 2021 Discordian white blend made up of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well as their 2021 Silent Partner Cabernet Franc single varietal wine. Red Barn also produces a rosé made up of a blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese called Transfiction, a single varietal, whole cluster pressed Viognier, and a red blend of Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese called “Parts Unknown”.

Red Barn will be at the very top of our list for wineries we intend to visit on our next trip up to the Okanagan and we recommend that you do the same.

Tasting Notes

2021 Discordian White Blend

2021 Red Barn Discordian White Blend.

This is a somewhat rare set of blending partners in our experience: 70% Chardonnay and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Interestingly, we found the dominant flavours came from the lesser partner, the Sauvignon. Grapefruit, apples (bits of green and golden delicious) are delivered on a medium body frame that is punctuated with good acidity. The Sauvignon shows the flavour and the Chardonay gives the texture. This is crisp and precise, showing a lovely freshness. Very Good+ (CAD$30)

2021 Silent Partner Cabernet Franc

Over the last several vintages we have seen the Okanagan Valley move from strength to strength with Cabernet Franc.

2021 Red Barn Silent Partner Cabernet Franc.

And Red Barn is leading the charge doing it as well with this variety as anyone we can think of. Medium dark red in colour. The nose is composed of a delicious array of raspberry combined with spice and floral notes. On the palate we taste dark cherry fruit, plum, baking spices and hints of dried herbs. Such complexity from a young wine! The mouthfeel is plush but well defined, a result of the fruit being expertly balanced with the tannin and acid. Raised in 100% concrete – an interesting choice as this certainly has sufficient fruit to stand up to some barrels. But winemaker Kaylee Barss wanted this delicious fruit to shine through unadorned. The result is a more savoury expression that will definitely cater to low intervention palates. Delicious!  Excellent (CAD$50)

Red Barn Winery

Red Barn Winery [Source: Red Barn]

Oliver, bC V0H 1T1

E: info@redbarn.wine

T: (778) 739-1000

Tasting Room Hours

Monday & Thursday: 11am-5pm
Friday to Sunday: 11am-6pm
(Closed Tuesday/Wednesday)