Our family was thrilled to introduce the first line of Beeswing private label wines from Foncalieu in 2003, the Papillon Merlot and the Libellule Chardonnay. After months of inspired brainstorming ( or arguing!) the Ross family, along with Vision Design Communications, created a unique and memorable brand name with eye-catching product packaging, the "bug wines" were born! The enthusiastic reaction received by these first private labels compelled us to go for it again. Together with the Follet family of the Lake Breeze Vineyards in Australia, Beeswing introduced 3 more private labels in 2005: the Mirli Mirli Chardonnay, Bindi Bindi Shiraz and Kuri Kerti Cabernet Sauvignon. Erin Ross illustrated all 5 labels which received numerous awards including an Award of Excellence in Illustration from prestigious American design magazine, Communication Arts. 2 of the labels were also featured in Communication Arts 2005 Design Annual.
Beeswing Limited Wine Imports started as a family owned and operated wine import agency. Although there is still a strong emphasis on family, Erin Ross has taken on the business as hers. She still looks to her family for support and advice, and knows she always has a part time agent when she needs one. We wanted to keep you posted on what everyone has been up to over the last couple of years. There has been a lot of travel, a lot of school work, and a lot of changes! From our family to yours, thank you for your continued support,
Cheers!
Erin is the second born, and is currently the wine rep, manager and owner of Beeswing Limited. She graduated in 2006 from the University of Alberta with a Fine Arts Degree, and illustrated all 5 of the private labels. Erin enjoys traveling, creating art, eating great food and spending time with her friends and family. If she could recommend one wine from our portfolio it would be the 2007 Lake Breeze Moscato, "I fell in love with this wine on my most recent trip to Australia. The perfect balance of tropical fruit, sweetness and bubbles, this is my pick for the perfect summer beverage. Look for it in May 2009, you won't be disappointed!"
Pat is the patriarch of the family as well as the original founder of Beeswing Limited Wine Imports. He splits his time between a handful of cities including New York, Toronto, Medicine Hat and Edmonton. He is constantly travelling and working, and in his spare time is desiging and developing the Ross Family Ranch. If he could recommend any wine from our portfolio it would be the 1999 Lake breeze Bernoot Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, "This is just a great wine. It has cellared beautifully, displaying fresh fruit and smoky oak. The Bernoota is an amazing value wine with unparralled quality."
Sherry is the matriarch of the family. She loves travelling the world in search of her newest adventure whether it be fly fishing in Chile or bat caving in Santa Fe. She lives in Medicine Hat but spends a lot of time travelling and visiting all 4 of her daughters. If she could recommend one wine from our portfolio it would be the 2004 Kuri Kerti Cabernet Sauvignon, "This cab has really come into its own this year. Outstandingly smooth with flavors of chocolate, mint and cassis I love this wine with just about anything!"
Katie is the oldest (and apparently the wisest!) finishing her last two years of medical school at the University College of Dublin. She loves being active outdoors and travelling around Europe on her weekends off. She has always loved wine, especially when she can share it with friends and family. If she could recommend one wine from our portfolio it would be the 2006 Monte Volpe Primo Rosso, "This Italian style wine is such a great blend of unique varietals. I love the balance of fruit and acidity, and that it drinks so well alone and pairs beautifully with food."
Emily is the third Ross daughter and is currently working towards her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alberta. You will see her smiling face at wine tradeshows across the province and in your local wine stores sampling our products on the weekends. If she could recommend one wine from our portfolio it would be the 2004 Bindi Bindi Shiraz, "This is a classic Aussie Shiraz, and never fails to impress. Flavors of ripe berries and spice combined with smooth tannins make Bindi Bindi hands down our best selling wine!'
Becky is the baby of the family. She is currently living in Toronto where she is finishing her last year of Culinary Arts at George Brown College. She is already an accomplished chef, winning a variety of awards and making a name for herself in the big city. She is just learning the subtleties of wine and is working at appreciating its presence in the world of fine dining. If she could recommend one wine from our portfolio it would be the 2006 Monte Volpe Pinot Grigio, "I love the crispness and fresh citrus fruit in this wine, I drink it while I cook and I cook with it while I drink!"
Stella is our newest addition to the family. She is a pure bred "pointing" black lab and was born in Wisconsin. She loves chasing up birds and playing on the Ross Family Ranch. She also loves jumping as high as she can and snacking on Sherry's homemade pumpkin biscuits. She doesn't drink wine, but she can't wait to check out a vineyard one day.