This East Kelowna winery is closing down after 16 years

After 16 years of business in the Okanagan wine scene, Camelot Vineyards has bid farewell.

For owners Denise Brass and her husband Robert Thomas, this chapter of their life is ending. They will still be living on the property and hosting events in the summer, but they've decided they've earned a well-deserved break as they transition into a semi-retired phase. That will allow them to focus more on their roles as flight attendants at Air Canada.

Brass told Kelowna10 it’s been a bit of mixed emotions since they made the announcement.

“I've changed industries so many times and done so many things that this is just another stepping stone and we're still living on the property, so it still feels like we have the winery going,” she explained. “We've been preparing for this for a couple of years. So, in my mind I have already prepared for this day. But we've done it, we've succeeded, and we kept our head above water during all the trials and tribulations.”

The winery's history dates back to 1970 when it began as an apple orchard. However, when Thomas assumed control, he made the decision to shift away from the orchard industry. Instead, it was a journey of grape plantation and construction that would eventually become Camelot Vineyards.

Brass mentioned that when they finally list the property for sale, they'll be looking to get around $3.5 million. This price will include not only the five-acre property itself, but also all the essential wine-making equipment.

Since announcing the closure, their customers have been rushing to purchase the remaining wine inventory. The couple have been reminiscing with many of their former patrons about all the memories that have been created at the vineyard.

“Some people were upset with us, some people understood, and some people were sad that it was going to be the end of an era for them as well,” Brass explained. “We have a lot of customers that come back constantly and sit on our patio and enjoy drinks, and that's over now.”

She expressed her gratitude to the people of Kelowna over the past decade who have supported their business year after year.

“We just can't thank them enough for staying with us the whole time. Year after year they supported us and retained customers who brought other people with them every time has been our bread and butter.” she said. “We know they can go to the liquor store and buy cheaper wine, but to come and have an experience in a winery and take that bottle home with a story involved, it's been a fantastic trip for us.”