February 1, 2025

Exclusive Wine Concierge Program (Okanagan, BC)

Tailored Recommendations & Personalized Service

There is comfort in a well-organized home and knowing that BUILD Magazine is proud to introduce its exclusive wine concierge program, a partnership with Iconic Wineries of British Columbia and the expertise of sommelier Bram Bolwijn.

This program is available exclusively through a special access code provided to BUILD Magazine design-build partners and their customers. The complimentary service offers personalized guidance through the world of wine, with access to some of the region’s most exceptional offerings, including rare vintages, new releases, and large-format bottles.

Bram also specializes in staging wine cellars for presentation or real estate purposes, enhancing their appeal to prospective buyers.

With over 20 years of experience, Bram Bolwijn has developed a deep passion for managing wine collections and curating personal cellars. As both a sommelier and collector, he assists clients in organizing and expanding their cellars into unique collections. Bram also specializes in staging wine cellars for presentation or real estate purposes, enhancing their appeal to prospective buyers.

Whether clients are seeking expert advice for a specific occasion, looking to grow their collection, or exploring new possibilities in wine, Bram provides tailored recommendations and personalized service.

Whether building a cellar bottle by bottle or exploring new flavours, this partnership ensures that every wine enthusiast can enjoy expertly curated selections tailored to their preferences.

The story of wine

Wine is a journey through history, encapsulated in a bottle. A wine cellar reflects its owner’s travels and tastes, serving as a library of stories to be shared. From a sentimental bottle commemorating a honeymoon to an elusive vintage celebrated for its rarity, each wine holds a narrative.

Bram offers insights into the unique value of wine, highlighting its historical significance and the rarity that elevates certain bottles. A wine’s story enriches its value, making the act of opening and enjoying it a journey through time.

Care & curation

For wine cellar owners, key concerns often include maintaining optimal storage conditions and understanding the longevity of wines. Bram provides expert guidance on temperature, humidity, and organization to ensure wines are preserved in their best condition.

Large-format bottles, one of Bram’s personal favorites, age more gracefully and hold greater value over time due to their rarity and craftsmanship. For serious collectors, these bottles are akin to works of art, often individually numbered to reflect their exclusivity.

In some cases, as few as three large-format bottles are produced, making it an extraordinary experience to open one.

Enjoying the moment

Bram encourages wine enthusiasts to appreciate their collections while seizing opportunities to enjoy special bottles. Waiting for the “perfect moment” can sometimes mean missing it; instead, he advises making any moment the right one. With the proper organization of a collection, enjoying wine becomes effortless and meaningful.

He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a selection of “no permission needed” bottles for spontaneous enjoyment. This approach balances the joy of immediate indulgence with the satisfaction of preserving wines for aging and long-term value.

Access & expertise

Through this program, clients gain access to Iconic Wineries of British Columbia’s distinguished wines, delivered free of charge. Email wine@buildmagazine.com for your personal access code. Whether building a cellar bottle by bottle or exploring new essence, this partnership ensures that every wine enthusiast can enjoy expertly-curated selections tailored to their preferences.