Exploring a winery devoted to sparkling wine and how it reflects the Okanagan’s evolving story
British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley has earned global attention for its expressive wines, but one winery has chosen to narrow its focus entirely to bubbles. Evolve Sparkling House, a family-owned spot on the Naramata Bench, has built its identity around sparkling wine, aiming to show just how naturally the region lends itself to crafting lively, elegant wines.
The vision behind Evolve Sparkling House is rooted in a belief that sparkling wine should be a part of everyday enjoyment, not just reserved for milestones. Owners Ron and Shelley Mayert, alongside winemaker Lynzee Schatz, have put this vision into action with a portfolio that captures both the elegance and playfulness of sparkling wine. With the winery now officially open on the Naramata Bench, visitors can experience firsthand the lakeside views, curated food pairings, and a space designed for delicious discovery.
Winemaker Lynzee Schatz.
A story that has ‘evolved’
Evolve Sparkling House is part of the Mayert family’s broader TIME Family of Wines story, one that has seen growth and transformation over the years. What began with the acquisition of TIME Winery has now expanded into a focused celebration of sparkling wine with Evolve—a natural progression for a region whose climate and terroir mirror those of the world’s most renowned sparkling regions. As we’ve written previously about winemaker Lynzee Schatz, her global perspective and technical precision have become key assets to the brand, ensuring every bottle reflects both artistry and authenticity.
And though this feature is not about awards, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that Evolve Sparkling House has already earned impressive acclaim. At the 2024 All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC), the winery swept the sparkling category, with its 2018 Brut Nature named Canada’s Best Sparkling Wine of the Year. Additional Gold and Silver medals reinforced what many already suspected: the Okanagan is carving out a serious place for sparkling wine on the world stage. The recognition has even gone global, with the 2020 Brut Premiere earning a Silver Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London.
The lineup: Sparkling and beyond
Evolve Sparkling House.
At its core, Evolve Sparkling House is all about bubbles. The winery produces both traditional method sparklers and a few crafted in the Charmat method, offering a diverse expression of style while maintaining a strong commitment to quality.
2018 Brut Nature
Crafted in the traditional method with zero dosage, this wine delivers purity and precision, a testament to the Okanagan’s terroir. On the nose, it offers notes of green apple, lemon zest, and chalky minerality, while the palate is taut and focused, with racy acidity and a long, bone-dry finish. This is a sparkling wine for purists, highlighting structure and terroir expression above all else.
2018 Brut Rosé
Elegant and fruit-driven, this sparkling rosé offers finesse and freshness. Aromas of wild strawberries, red currants, and rose petals leap from the glass, complemented by subtle hints of pastry. On the palate, it’s vibrant and mouthwatering, with juicy red berry fruit layered over a fine, persistent mousse. The balance between freshness and depth makes it both versatile at the table and indulgent on its own.
2020 Brut Premiere
A lively and expressive sparkling that has already caught international attention with its bright, crisp character. Citrus blossom, orchard fruit, and a hint of brioche mark the aromatic profile. The palate is energetic, with brisk acidity underscoring flavours of green pear, white peach, and citrus peel. Its refreshing style and elegance make it an easy go-to for celebrations and casual sipping alike.
Evolve Sparkling House is now open for tasting appointments.
While sparkling is the headline, Evolve also produces a thoughtful collection of still wines that showcase the depth and versatility of the Okanagan, offering guests a broader taste of the region beyond bubbles. The below wines demonstrate that while bubbles may be Evolve’s calling card, their approach to still wine reflects the same commitment to quality, terroir, and expressive winemaking:
2023 Small Lot Rosé (Club Exclusive)
This limited-production rosé is crafted with precision and designed for members who crave something special. Pale salmon in the glass, it delivers lifted aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon rind, and hints of citrus blossom. The palate is bright and crisp, with a juicy core of red berry fruit that’s framed by refreshing acidity. There’s a subtle herbal undertone and mineral edge that adds sophistication, making it both patio-friendly and food-versatile.
2022 Pinot Noir
A classic example of cool-climate pinot noir, this wine reflects the nuanced character of the Okanagan. On the nose, expect red cherry, raspberry, and delicate floral tones, with a whisper of clove and forest floor. The palate is silky and layered, balancing juicy red fruit with subtle spice and earthy undertones. Supple tannins and vibrant acidity carry the flavours through a lingering, elegant finish. It’s a pinot that speaks of both finesse and regional identity.
2022 Grenache
Grenache in the Okanagan seemingly takes on a vibrant and expressive personality. The wine opens with aromas of ripe plum, raspberry compote, and cracked pepper, accented by hints of dried herbs and violet. The palate is medium-bodied yet powerful, with plush fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and a touch of savoury spice. There’s an elegance to its structure that makes it as intriguing as it is approachable, showing that (winemaker) Lynzee Schatz isn’t afraid to explore varietals outside the expected regional norms.
All wines mentioned in this article were sent to VineRoutes for the purpose of sampling. Coverage and reviews are provided at the discretion of our editors and are never guaranteed.
