Wine connoisseurs can now enjoy a little taste of Stampede in the comfort of their home thanks to the launch this month of a limited edition, private-label Calgary Stampede wine.

For the past five years, the Sumac Ridge-created, VQA-approved wine, has been the Stampede's house wine. While supplies last, it's now available at local Calgary Coop Liquor Stores for $14.98.

"For years, our guests have asked where they could buy a bottle of the wine served at Stampede events they attended," says Sharon Garnett, Calgary Stampede Catering, Food and Beverage manager. "Our goal was to create a product that would be a nice gift or collector's item - that's why the label features the current Stampede poster."

The innovative project is one of the reasons why Duane Horpinuk, the Stampede senior manager of Food & Beverage, was recently named Food Executive of the Year for western Canada.

The award from the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals recognizes Horpinuk's leadership in establishing the Stampede's sterling reputation in providing a premium food experience, along with his commitment to developing young people in the food industry.

"We are always looking for ways to delight our guests and this special edition of our wine is a great way for guests to enjoy the Stampede experience at home," says Horpinuk.

Sumac Ridge is the oldest operating estate winery in British Columbia and an industry leader. The Calgary Stampede label white wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc with a crisp orchard fruit taste. The red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc - a complex bouquet of cherry and raspberry aromas with a hint of spice on the finish.

The Calgary Stampede, in partnership with wineries in the Okanagan valley, began bottling a red and a white house wine in the early 90s for catering functions and later in on-Park restaurants like Lazy S, ranahans and Mavericks during the 10-day Stampede.