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Second Okanagan winery sold in two months

Maverick Estate in Canada’s Okanagan Valley has become the second winery in the region to undergo a change in ownership in recent months.

Image: Maverick Estate

The boutique winery has been bought by Jan Nelson, a wine consultant and former brand manager, and Andrew Windsor, the former winemaker at Tinhorn Creek.

It follows another acquisition in the wine region by Mission Hill winery, which is owned by the founder of seltzer brand White Claw, Anthony von Mandl. The winery acquired Liquidity Wines for C$12.5 million in early March.

Okanagan locals Nelson and Windsor said in a statement that Maverick was the “perfect fit for their philosophy and approach to winemaking”.

The wine estate was founded by South African winemaker Bertus Albertyn and his wife Elzaan, and produced its first vintage in 2011.

Bertus Albertyn commented: “We would like to thank everybody for their enthusiasm and support for Maverick over the past almost decade. Without them, Maverick would not be possible. We believe that Jan and Andrew will continue to build on our success.”

The Albertyns said they plan to stay in the vicinity and remain engaged with the wine industry.

New co-owner Jan Nelson explained that he had grown up in the area, later returning after spending 20 years abroad.

“I met winemaker Andrew (Windsor) at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, and we are excited to bring our passion and experience to build upon the amazing wines and winery experience that Bertus and his team have created,” he said.

Maverick Estate winemaker and co-owner Andrew Windsor said: “I have long since admired Maverick and respect the amazing brand Bertus and his team created. I am looking forward to building upon the winery’s success and continuing to craft ultra-premium wines that Maverick’s fans and customers have come to love.

“Maverick Estate Winery will continue to make delicious wines with an attention to sustainability and run our business with our employees, our customers and our community as a top priority.

Located just south of Oliver, Maverick has four vineyards and uses low-intervention and natural winemaking techniques to produce a range of wines, from sparkling white and red to still red and white as well as two fortified wines.

It grows Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Maverick also producers a range of apple and pear ciders.

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