CheckMate Artisanal Winery in Oliver, BC, sets new standards for Chardonnay and Merlot in the Okanagan Valley. Established in 2013 by Anthony von Mandl, this winery focuses on producing premium, small-batch wines with a dedication to quality and innovation.
A Storied Beginning
Anthony von Mandl, the visionary behind Mission Hill Family Estate, founded CheckMate Artisanal Winery to craft exceptional wines that could stand alongside the best in the world. Drawing on his extensive experience in the wine industry, von Mandl transformed historic vineyards on the Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench into the home of CheckMate.
From the outset, the winery faced the challenge of proving that Canadian wines could compete internationally. The early vintages quickly gained critical acclaim, establishing CheckMate as a serious contender in the premium wine market. The winery's commitment to small-batch production and meticulous attention to detail has been a critical factor in its success.
Vineyards and Terroir
CheckMate's vineyards are in the prime viticulture areas of the Golden Mile and Black Sage Bench. Covering approximately 80 acres, these vineyards benefit from a unique terroir that includes a mix of sandy loam and gravelly soils. This soil composition, combined with the warm, dry summers and cool nights, creates ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Merlot.
The terroir's influence is evident in the wines' complexity and depth. The Golden Mile Bench provides the perfect environment for Chardonnay, yielding grapes with balanced acidity and rich flavours. Meanwhile, the Black Sage Bench offers conditions that enhance the structure and intensity of Merlot, producing wines with deep, dark fruit profiles and robust tannins.
Crafting Quality Wines
At CheckMate, winemaking is both an art and a science. The winery employs a philosophy that blends traditional techniques with modern innovations, ensuring each wine reflects the unique characteristics of its vineyard. Grapes are hand-picked and sorted, and the winery uses minimal intervention to let the natural flavours shine through.
Signature wines from CheckMate include the Fool's Mate Chardonnay, known for its richness and complexity, and the Little Pawn Chardonnay, celebrated for its elegance and mineral-driven profile. On the red side, the Opening Gambit Merlot stands out with its deep, structured body and notes of dark fruit. These wines have earned top honours at prestigious competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards and the WineAlign National Wine Awards, showcasing the winery's dedication to excellence. Most notably, the Little Pawn Chardonnay has been awarded 100 points from John Schreiner, Canada's most renowned author on books on wine, in six of the last seven years.
Tasting Room and Visitor Experience
Visitors to CheckMate Artisanal Winery can expect a sophisticated and memorable experience. With its modern design and panoramic views of the vineyards, the tasting room provides a stunning backdrop for wine tasting. Guests can choose from private, guided tastings and exclusive events offering more profound insight into the winemaking process. Unique experiences at CheckMate include vertical tastings of different vintages, allowing visitors to explore how the wines evolve.
CheckMate Winery in Oliver offers two distinct wine-tasting experiences. The Scholar's Mate Experience is a guided, seated tasting of their Chardonnays and Merlots. Guests will explore the vineyards and learn about the winery's philosophy in a stunning lounge setting. This experience costs $45 per guest and is complimentary for members. The Grandmaster's Table is a private wine tasting with a winery tour and a seated tasting for $85 per guest. This exclusive experience features a customized flight of library Chardonnay and Merlot paired with an elegant selection curated to complement the wines.
Exclusive Experiences
The private dining room at CheckMate Winery in Oliver, BC, offers an exclusive and intimate setting for guests looking to enjoy a unique wine and dining experience. Designed by Tom Kundig, the space combines modern architectural elements with the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley. The room features a curving bronze bar and custom wooden screens that mimic a chessboard, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. The dining area is part of a larger facility with interior and exterior tasting rooms, each providing stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. This private dining room allows guests to indulge in CheckMate's award-winning Chardonnays and Merlots, making it an ideal venue for special occasions and private events.
The Member Exclusive Veranda at CheckMate Winery in Oliver provides a serene and beautiful setting for wine club members to enjoy. Overlooking the estate vineyards, the veranda offers expansive views eastward across the valley to the Jagged Rock vineyard and southward to the Border Vista vineyard. This exclusive space is accessible to members who book one of CheckMate's signature experiences, such as the Scholar's Mate or Grandmaster's Table. These experiences are complimentary for members and provide an intimate, guided tasting of CheckMate's award-winning Chardonnays and Merlots.
Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives
CheckMate Artisanal Winery is focused both on producing high-quality wines, and also on pioneering sustainable practices. The winery uses advanced vineyard management and winemaking technology, ensuring efficiency and precision. Innovative packaging and presentation further set CheckMate apart in the industry.
Sustainability is a core value at CheckMate. The winery employs organic farming methods and minimal intervention to protect the environment. Water conservation efforts and eco-friendly packaging demonstrate their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. These initiatives ensure that CheckMate produces exceptional wines and contributes positively to the environment and the community.
Conclusion
CheckMate Artisanal Winery has significantly impacted the Okanagan wine scene, focusing on premium Chardonnay and Merlot. The winery's dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability has set it apart as a leader in the industry.
Plan your visit to CheckMate Artisanal Winery to discover their exceptional range of wines and experience the meticulous care that goes into every bottle. With its beautiful setting, innovative practices, and commitment to excellence, CheckMate is a must-visit destination in the Okanagan Valley.
