APRICUS CELLARS ☆ Folio.YVR ☆ Issue 27 August 2024 ☆ Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Apricus Cellars was established out of a profound appreciation for the South Okanagan's climate, terrain, soil, and sunlight, as well as the exquisite fruit that thrives in this environment. The term "Apricus" (äˈpriːkʊs̠) is derived from medieval Latin, meaning both 'basking in the sunshine' and 'delectable.' It eloquently encapsulates the essence of our wines and the exceptional surroundings in which they are crafted.

At Apricus Cellars, the top priority is to showcase the exceptional quality of the locally grown fruit sourced just minutes away. They unwaveringly adhere to the belief that utilizing the finest grapes yields the finest wines. Their diverse selection, ranging from a crisp Pinot Gris to a robust Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Meritage blend, reflects the unparalleled quality of the grapes in every bottle.

Apricus's esteemed Vineyard Manager, Sam Baptiste, hails from the Okanagan and proudly belongs to the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB).

His profound connection with the land and the vines, coupled with a comprehensive education in horticulture, enology, and viticulture from esteemed institutions, including the University of Victoria, UC Davis, and other reputable colleges, enriches his unparalleled expertise and commitment to the craft.

Apart from his formal training, Sam brings an extensive wealth of knowledge about the land, the grapes, and the art of winemaking to the forefront. Beyond the vineyard, his passions encompass golf, automobiles, music, and wine. Since 1990, Sam has been the dedicated general manager at Nk'Mip Vineyards, from which Apricus Cellars proudly sources its grapes.

Apricus's accomplished Winemaker, Aaron Crey, was raised in the Fraser Valley and is a member of the Cheam Band within the Sto:lo First Nation. Initially drawn to environmental conservation work with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

It was Aaron's profound love for the South Okanagan that led him to the world of winemaking.

Embracing the challenge, Aaron has cultivated a fervent passion for the winemaking process, constantly striving to capture the finest nuances and characteristics of the grapes he works with. He honed his expertise through rigorous viticulture and enology studies at Lincoln University in New Zealand. He gained invaluable experience during his seventeen-year tenure with the winemaking team at Nk'Mip Cellars. Embracing the opportunity presented by Sam, Aaron now serves as the sole winemaker at Apricus Cellars and cherishes the creative freedom granted by his partners.

Then there is dedicated partner, Willy Sabo, a diligent entrepreneur with a background in salvage and surplus steel sales. Although venturing into the winemaking industry was not part of his predetermined business plan, Willy has always sought to collaborate with exceptional individuals.

The fortuitous meeting with partners Sam and Aaron set the stage for a truly harmonious partnership. Their shared appreciation for viticulture and a profound interest in the fruits of their labour now encapsulated within Apricus Cellars' bottles served as the foundation of their enduring friendship. Having spent summers in Osoyoos, particularly at Nk'Mip Resort, Willy and his family gained invaluable insights and cultivated a deep appreciation for Indigenous culture, laying the groundwork for their passionate involvement with Apricus Cellars

In recent years, Willy and his wife, Kelly, have embraced the South Okanagan as their year-round sanctuary. Willy brings a formidable sales background, a profound love for all things wine, and an innate talent for entertainment.

When greeting patrons at the winery, he often humorously refers to himself as the caretaker, passionately expressing that his involvement with Apricus Cellars in the District Wine Village is the perfect semi-retirement passion project.

Apricus Cellars / 104 - 100 Enterprise Way / Oliver, BC