Rajen Toor, the owner and winemaker of Ursa Major Winery, is making waves in the Similkameen Valley with his unique approach to winemaking. Located in Cawston, British Columbia, Ursa Major Winery is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines that showcase the terroir of the Similkameen region.
Toor’s journey into winemaking began in 2012 when he purchased a small vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. With no prior experience in the industry, Toor took a hands-on approach to learning the craft, immersing himself in every aspect of winemaking. He quickly fell in love with the process and decided to turn his passion into a business.
At Ursa Major Winery, Toor focuses on creating wines that are true to the land they come from. He believes that the Similkameen Valley has a unique terroir that is perfect for growing grapes with intense flavors and aromas. Toor’s commitment to showcasing the region’s terroir is evident in every bottle of Ursa Major wine.
One of the key factors that sets Ursa Major Winery apart from others in the region is Toor’s use of concrete tanks for fermentation. This method allows for a slower and more controlled fermentation process, resulting in wines with more complexity and depth. Toor also uses minimal intervention in the winemaking process, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves.
In addition to his focus on terroir and minimal intervention, Toor also takes a sustainable approach to winemaking. Ursa Major Winery is certified organic and Toor uses biodynamic practices in the vineyard. He believes that by working in harmony with nature, he can produce wines that are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly.
Ursa Major Winery offers a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Each wine is a reflection of Toor’s dedication to quality and his passion for the Similkameen Valley. The winery also hosts events and tastings, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the region and taste the unique wines of Ursa Major.
Toor’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Ursa Major Winery has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the top 10 wineries in Canada by WineAlign. Toor’s wines have also been featured in top restaurants and wine shops across the country.
As Ursa Major Winery continues to gain recognition and popularity, Toor remains committed to his vision of creating wines that are a true expression of the Similkameen Valley. With his unique approach to winemaking and dedication to sustainability, Toor is making a name for himself in the Canadian wine industry.
