Timer Urban Winery
Unexpected news is sometimes the best news. That is surely the case for Harry McWatters’ bold move to take over and transform the abandoned, historic PenMar Theatre in downtown Penticton into a working urban winery with all the bells and whistles.
Photo by Chris Stenberg
Encore Wines
Lawrence Buhler, Christa-Lee McWatters Bond and Harry McWatters.
McWatters’ umbrella company, Encore Vineyards Ltd., home of Time Winery, McWatters Collection and Evolve Cellars, will add Urban Winery to its growing stable of companies and brands. Scheduled to open by September, the 12,000 sq. ft. multi-theatre complex will be turned into a working winery that has it all for custom production of wine and providing a total visitor experience. The production operation will consist of a crush pad in the large parking lot, a barrel cellar, a custom fermentation hall, lab, warehouse and administrative offices. A destination for wine tourism, visitor amenities will include a tasting bar, a small plates lounge, a 40 seat outdoor patio, as well as a wine shop.
Also planned is an onsite commercial kitchen for banquets and special events. As well, One of the PenMar theatres will be maintained as a 75-seat space for movies, concerts, lectures and non-profit events. “The location is superb, within a few blocks of accommodations, craft breweries and craft distilleries,” says McWatters. “Ultimately, this project will assist with the revitalization of the downtown.”
Time Penmar Sign
The road to Urban is far from direct. For anyone who has followed McWatters’ recent endeavours, the ambitious Time Winery project in the South Okanagan was the latest and greatest objective. But a substantial offer for the unfinished Time and Sundial Vineyards properties “changing the whole concept of our plan” was made, one that McWatters simply could not ignore. After prolonged negotiations, the deal was sealed and McWatters began a search for another venture.
Meanwhile, the historic PenMar Theatre stood vacant in downtown Penticton and attempts by PenMar Community Arts Society to raise enough money to restore the building - a cause that Encore Vineyards contributed to – came up short. Built in 1956, the theatre closed in 2012 after the owner, Landmark Cinemas, moved into a Multiplex location. With a large parking lot, a grand lobby and the potential for expansion, it has the space need plus the potential for future expansion, according to McWatters. “Our aim is to create a downtown destination that the South Okanagan can be proud of, while preserving the legacy of this vibrant cultural landmark.”
