The Vancouver Police Museum and Harry McWatters, founder of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, invite media to a history lesson and wine event like no other!

What:

Discovery two unique pieces of British Columbia’s history: tour the Vancouver Police Museum and glean key points from the history of lawlessness and law enforcement in Vancouver; then, in the unconventional setting of the museum’s autopsy suite (complete with two autopsy tables!), hear tales of the development of, and how Sparkling wine is an important component in, the BC wine industry.

McWatters will then saber open some Sumac Ridge Sparkling wine with the Police Museum’s ceremonial “Stewart to Stewart Sword” and teach attendees how it’s done. This sword was Commissioned in 1984 to commemorate the promotion of R.J. Stewart to Chief Constable (the first Chief Constable was also a Stewart, so the sword is dubbed the “Stewart to Stewart Sword”).

This promises to be an evening of taste, tales and sights to remember!

When: Wednesday, Feb 24 7:00pm

Where:

Vancouver Police Museum: 240 East Cordova St., Vancouver BC

There is metered street parking available on Gore or parkades a short distance away.

Who:

Harry McWatters, founder of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery “Grandfather of the BC Wine Industry”

Joanna Cramond, curator, Vancouver Police Museum

Chris Mathieson, executive director, Vancouver Police Museum

Why:

For a local or world audience, this evening will offer an informative and fun snapshot of two components of British Columbia’s storied history.

About Vancouver Police Museum:

The Vancouver Police Museum is non-profit organization and registered charity dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of the Vancouver Police Department and its context in Vancouver. The museum is housed in a designated heritage building that served as City Morgue, Coroner’s Court and City Analyst’s Lab for more than 50 years. Unlike many museums, the Police Museum is self-funded through its own admission fees, program revenues and gift shop sales, receiving no operational funding from any level of government. (It also happens to be the second most-followed museum in Canada on Twitter.) For more information, visit www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca.

About Sumac Ridge Estate Winery:

Founded by Harry McWatters in Summerland, British Columbia in 1979, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery is the oldest operating estate winery in British Columbia.

Notable wines crafted by winemaker Mark Wendenburg from Sumac Ridge’s vineyards (including its acclaimed 115 acre Black Sage Vineyard) include Gewürztraminer, Meritage, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, “Methode Classique” sparkling wines, and Icewine. Open year-round, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery offers tours, a retail shop, a wine tasting bar, and a private Founder’s Tasting Room. The winery is also home to the highly praised Cellar Door Bistro which offers exceptional regional cuisine. For more information, visit www.sumacridge.com.