History

1866 – The Birth of Byrrh: A Family Legacy Begins (First Generation)

In the charming town of Thuir, France, brothers Pallade and Simon Violet set out on a bold adventure in 1866—crafting an apéritif wine that would soon take the world by storm. Their creation? Byrrh—a unique and enticing blend of red wine, mistelle, and quinine, designed to be both delicious and invigorating.

What started as a family endeavor quickly became a sensation, with Byrrh captivating palates and establishing itself as a staple of French apéritif culture. Little did the Violet brothers know, they were laying the foundation for a legacy that would span generations.

1867 – A Vision Takes Shape with Gustave Eiffel

Just one year after launching Byrrh, the Violet brothers were already thinking big—literally. In 1867, they made a bold move by hiring none other than Gustave Eiffel, the legendary engineer who would later design the Eiffel Tower, to help expand their operations.

At the time, Byrrh was quickly gaining popularity, and the Violets needed a space that could support their ambitious production goals. Eiffel, known for his innovative ironwork and architectural genius, was brought in to design key structural elements for the Byrrh facilities in Thuir, including the framework for their massive wine cellars. His expertise helped create one of the largest wine storage spaces in the world, featuring gigantic oak vats and an intricate system of metal beams—a testament to both engineering brilliance and the Violet family’s vision.

1903 – The Birth of the Largest Wine Cellar in the World (2nd Generation)

As demand soared, so did the need for expansion. Although Simon Violet had passed, his legacy was carried forward by his son, Lambert Violet, who took the reins and continued to grow the family business. Under his leadership, the company built one of the largest wine cellars in the world in Thuir.

1910 – Byrrh’s Golden Age: A Thriving Empire

At this time, the company was operating at an unprecedented scale, boasting a workforce of more than 750 employees—a testament to its rapid growth and soaring popularity. To meet the ever-growing demand, Byrrh was distributing over 30 million liters annually, solidifying its position as the best-selling quinine-based apéritif in France.

1920 – A New Generation Expands Byrrh’s Legacy (Third Generation

Following the passing of Lambert Violet in 1914, the Byrrh empire faced a turning point. Stepping up to carry the family legacy forward, Lambert’s wife, Mary, and their children, Jacques and Simone, officially took over the business in 1920. As demand surged once again, the Violets embarked on a major expansion, further solidifying Byrrh’s place in history. Among their most ambitious projects was the construction of three massive concrete storage tanks, each designed to hold an astounding 680,000 liters of Byrrh. These new additions reinforced Byrrh’s status as having the largest wine cellar in the world.

1935 – Byrrh Producing One Million Bottles a Day

By the mid-1930s, Byrrh had cemented its status as France’s leading apéritif, reaching an astonishing production milestone—one million bottles per day. Fueled by clever marketing campaigns, iconic Art Deco advertisements, and a growing international demand, Byrrh dominated the apéritif market. At its peak, Byrrh was enjoyed across Europe, French colonies, and even the United States, where it was marketed as both a sophisticated drink and a tonic. This golden era solidified Byrrh’s place in history as a cultural icon of French apéritif culture.

1934 – The Birth of the Largest Wine Vat in the World

By 1934, Byrrh was at the height of its success, and with demand at an all-time high, the Violet family embarked on their most ambitious project yet—a colossal 1,000,200-liter oak vat, crafted from ancient oak and designed to be the ultimate symbol of Byrrh’s dominance in the apéritif world.

Post-War Construction & A Record-Breaking Achievement (1951)

However, history had other plans. With tensions rising across Europe and the fear of World War II looming, the Violet family took extraordinary precautions to protect their legacy. This massive oak, intended for the vat, was secretly buried underground—hidden away to prevent it from being seized or destroyed during an invasion.

After the war, the Violet family resumed their ambitious plan, bringing the vat back to life. In 1951, the construction was finally completed, unveiling a record-breaking masterpiece:

🔹 Base Diameter – 12 meters (39 feet)
🔹 Height – 10 meters (33 feet)
🔹 Capacity – Over 1 million liters

To this day, this extraordinary vat holds the world record as the largest oak vat ever built, standing as a testament to Byrrh’s incredible history, resilience, and commitment to craftsmanship. Visitors to Caves Byrrh in Thuir can still marvel at this engineering feat, a symbol of the family’s dedication to their craft and their ability to preserve history even in the face of war.

1977 – Byrrh Joins the Pernod Ricard Family

After more than a century of family-driven success, Byrrh entered a new chapter in 1977 when it was acquired by the Pernod Ricard Group, one of the world’s leading spirits and wine companies. This transition marked a turning point for the iconic apéritif, ensuring its legacy would continue on a global scale.

1982 – A New Chapter: The Violet Legacy Crosses the Atlantic (Fourth Generation)

in 1982, a bold new adventure began for the Violet family. Claude Violet, son of Jacques Violet, and his wife, Inge, made the life-changing decision to sell their vineyard in France and set their sights on a new frontier—British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.

At the time, winemaking in the region was virtually uncharted territory, but Claude and Inge saw untapped potential in the valley’s unique terroir. With a pioneering spirit and generations of winemaking expertise, they established what would become the first winery in the Fraser Valley—a vineyard that would later be known as Chaberton Estate Winery.

Starting with a modest 3,000 cases in the early 1990s, Chaberton Estate Winery quickly grew into a powerhouse in BC winemaking, now producing over 50,000 cases annually. Their success not only cemented their place in Canadian wine history but also paved the way for the emerging wine industry in British Columbia, inspiring future generations of winemakers.

2006 – A New Era for Chaberton Estate Winery

After more than two decades of pioneering winemaking in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Claude and Inge Violet made the decision to pass the torch in 2006, selling Chaberton Estate Winery to local businessmen, Anthony and Eugene. A key part of Chaberton’s continued success is Bacchus Bistro, its highly acclaimed French-inspired restaurant located on-site. Named after the winery’s signature grape, Bacchus Bistro has gained a stellar reputation for pairing exceptional cuisine with Chaberton’s award-winning wines. The winery has become a must-visit destination for both wine lovers and tourists, offering a taste of European winemaking traditions blended with the unique terroir of Canada’s West Coast.

2016 - New Generation Begins: Hands-On Winemaking & Formal Education

As Maddison began her career in wine at Chaberton Estate Winery, she wasted no time in deepening her knowledge beyond the vineyard and cellar. While gaining invaluable hands-on experience working with grapes and learning the intricacies of harvest, she simultaneously pursued numerous courses in winemaking, viticulture, and wine theory, balancing both practical work and formal education. Among her many pursuits, Maddison worked toward her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certifications, a globally recognized standard for wine education, equipping her with a strong foundation in wine tasting, production, and global wine regions.

Her education took her across the globe, working harvests in New Zealand, Australia, and California, where she learned from renowned winemakers and diverse winemaking traditions.

2019 – Maddison Earns Global Recognition: IWSC Future 50 Under 4

In 2019, while working in Australia, Maddison’s dedication to the wine industry earned her one of the highest honors for young professionals in the field—the IWSC Future 50 Under 40 award for wine. Selected from over 600 nominations across 14 countries, she stood out as a rising star in the world of winemaking, and notably, she was the only Canadian to receive the award in the wine category.

2019 – A Harvest That Changed Everything: Maddison & Laurent’s Story Begins

In 2019, Maddison returned to Chaberton Estate Winery for another harvest. That same season, Laurent, the grandson of Claude and Inge Violet, also arrived at Chaberton to work a harvest of his own. With deep family roots in the winery’s history, Laurent was continuing the legacy of the Violet family, unknowingly crossing paths with someone who shared not only his passion for winemaking but also a kindred spirit in adventure and ambition.

What began as a great friendship, forged through long days in the vineyard and late nights in the cellar, soon blossomed into something more. Their shared love for the craft —one that would carry them across vineyards, countries, and ultimately, toward building their own chapter in the Violet family’s legacy.

2021 – Finding Home: The Birth of Ve Oh Lay Acres

After an exhaustive search across British Columbia, Maddison and Laurent finally found the perfect place to bring their vision to life—a charming 11-acre property in Summerland. From the moment they arrived, they dedicated themselves to resculpting, replanting, and reviving the farmland, breathing new life into the property. They planted a vineyard, revived an old apple orchard and envisioned a thriving, sustainable ecosystem where nature and agriculture worked hand in hand. Instead of relying on conventional farming methods, they embraced regenerative agriculture, bringing in over 200 farm animals to play a crucial role in tilling the land, fertilizing the soil, and maintaining natural crop rotation.

From chickens and ducks fertilizing the soil to sheep grazing between the vines, each animal became an essential part of the land’s revival. Their approach reduces the need for machinery, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides, allowing the farm to regenerate naturally while enhancing soil health and biodiversity.

June 2021 – A Love Rooted in Wine & Soil (Becoming Mrs. Violet)

In June 2021, after years of chasing the seasons, working side by side in vineyards across the world, and building a dream from the ground up, Maddison and Laurent solidified not just their partnership in winemaking but also in life, having a private ceremony, just a union of two people – built on shared passion, adventure, and an unshakable commitment to their craft.

2023 – The Revival of the Violet Legacy: The Birth of Ve Oh Lay Acres (6th Generation)

The Violet legacy had traveled through generations, across continents, and through vineyards old and new—but in 2023, it found its boldest, most exciting chapter yet. Laurent and Maddison Violet took destiny into their own hands, launching Ve Oh Lay Acres—a name that’s both a nod to their family’s history and a playful spin on their own surname. With a deep respect for their heritage and a rebellious streak to make it their own, Laurent and Maddison are set to shake up the industry – one bottle at a time.

May 2023 – Ve Oh Lay Acres Opens Its Doors (First Season)

In May 2023, Ve Oh Lay Acres proudly swung open its Okanagan doors for the very first time, inviting guests to experience something truly different. This wasn’t just a winery opening—it was the beginning of a bold new chapter in BC’s wine scene, where winemaking meets whimsy, tradition meets innovation, and every visit is an adventure.

July 2023 – Archer Strikes Gold & Blueberry Shines

In a defining moment, our flagship wine, Archer, won gold at the National WineAlign Awards, setting a high standard for our winery’s future. But the celebration didn’t stop there—our Blueberry wine also made a mark, earning a bronze medal in the competition. This dual recognition reinforced our commitment to crafting wines that blend artistry with nature’s finest ingredients. Archer continued on to go International and win Double Gold at the Great Northwest International Platinum Awards.

September 2023 - Food & Wine Trails Feature

As our reputation continued to grow, Ve Oh Lay Acres was honored with a front-page feature in BC Food & Wine Trails, one of the province’s most respected publications.

April 2024 – Launch of Ve Oh Lay Roastery

Expanding our passion for craftsmanship beyond wine, Ve Oh Lay Acres proudly launched Ve Oh Lay Roastery in April 2024, bringing the same dedication to quality and flavor to the world of coffee. This new venture blends artisanal roasting techniques with ethically sourced beans, offering a selection of carefully curated roasts designed for coffee lovers who appreciate depth, balance, and complexity—just like our wines

June 2024 – Maddison Named One of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40

A moment of immense pride for Veohlay Acres, Maddison was honored as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, a prestigious recognition celebrating leadership, innovation, and impact across industries. This award is a testament to Maddison’s vision, dedication, and unwavering passion for crafting exceptional wines and elevating the Canadian wine industry on a global scale.

May 2024 – Tasting Room Reopens for Season Two with Exciting Enhancements

With the arrival of spring, Ve Oh Lay Acres proudly reopened our tasting room for its second season in May 2024, welcoming both returning guests and new visitors eager to experience our latest offerings. Building on the success of our first year, we introduced new wines, enhanced our guest experience, and expanded our space to accommodate the growing demand.

Maddison Named Finalist for Kelowna Women in Business Woman of the Year

Adding to a year of remarkable achievements, Maddison was honored as a finalist for the Kelowna Women in Business Woman of the Year award in 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding women leaders who demonstrate excellence in business, leadership, and community impact. Being named a finalist reflects not only her hard work and dedication but also the inspiring role she plays in shaping the future of the wine and hospitality industry.

Launch of the Winemaker Series: Small-Batch BC VQA Wines

As Ve Oh Lay Acres continues to innovate and refine its craft, we proudly launched our Winemaker Series in late 2024, a collection of small-batch BC VQA wines that showcase the artistry and precision of our winemaking team. This exclusive series celebrates the unique terroirs of British Columbia, featuring carefully curated, limited-production wines designed for discerning palates.

The debut of the Winemaker Series was met with immediate success, earning bronze and silver medals across multiple competitions.

August 2024 – Maddison Named Top 40 Under 40 by Penticton Chamber of Commerce

In yet another incredible achievement, Maddison was recognized as one of Penticton’s Top 40 Under 40 by the Penticton Chamber of Commerce in August 2024. This local honor celebrates young professionals who are making a significant impact in their industries and communities. This recognition underscores her dedication, innovation, and the inspiring journey of Ve Oh Lay Acres in just over a year since opening.

2024 – Maddison Featured in NYC Journal

Cementing her status as a leader in the wine and business world, Maddison was featured in NYC Journal in 2024, a prestigious platform that highlights influential entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry trailblazers. The feature spotlighted her incredible journey—from launching Veohlay Acres in 2023 to achieving national and international recognition for the winery’s award-winning wines, expanding into the coffee industry, and earning multiple business accolades.

2025 - Looking Ahead – Something New is on the Horizon…

At Ve Oh Lay Acres, we’re always exploring new ways to craft exceptional experiences in every glass. While we can’t share all the details just yet, let’s just say that something exciting is in the works for those looking for bold flavors with a fresh perspective.

From a new take on the everyday pour to an option for those who want all the taste without the alcohol, we’ve been busy behind the scenes perfecting something special. Whether you’re raising a glass to unwind after a long day or toasting to life’s big moments—there will soon be a Ve Oh Lay wine for every occasion.