You ever find yourself sipping a glass of red wine and thinking, “You know what this needs? A 200 MPH muscle car screaming down the track.” No? Well, buckle up—because someone did. And that someone was Apricus Cellars and the untamed crew behind Helluvachevy.
In a fusion so bold it makes a double shot of espresso look tame, Apricus Cellars has teamed up with drag racing Outlaw Rookie Chevy Reeves, Canada’s only Street Outlaws driver, to launch a wine that’s anything but delicate. On Wednesday, July 23, at District Wine Village in Oliver, BC, the 2018 Zephyr Red Blend rolls into the fast lane—and trust us, you’ll want a front-row seat.
Where Rubber Meets Rose (Well, Technically Red Blend)
Let’s get this straight: this isn’t some polite vineyard affair where you swirl, sniff, and comment on “gentle legs” while pretending to understand French. This is a high-horsepower head-on collision between refinement and raw adrenaline.
On one end, you’ve got the Apricus 2018 Zephyr Red Blend, a finely aged beast cradled in French oak barrels for a full 24 months. On the other? The 1970 Chevelle YETI—a pavement-shredding monster that looks like it eats Teslas for breakfast. The kind of car that makes grown men weep tears of octane joy.
And guess what? Those 24 months are more than coincidence. That’s exactly how long it took to build the YETI from scratch. Call it destiny, or just call it bloody brilliant branding.
Tasting Notes with a ‘Red’line Rush
The Zephyr Red Blend isn’t your average bottle of crushed grapes. It’s a punch of juicy red fruit, tempered with dates and violets for just the right amount of “I’m fancy.” Then bam—enter toasted pine nuts, smoked venison, and savory spice, just to remind you this wine doesn’t come to play. It comes to throttle.
Pair it with a thick-cut, flame-kissed steak, throw on something that pairs well at the race track, and prepare for taste buds that rev like a small-block V8.
Born in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region, the Zephyr is steeped in sun-drenched vineyards and crafted with the same intensity it took to build the Chevelle YETI. It’s where altitude meets attitude.
Oh, and the bottle itself? Wrapped in the “Bad Ass” copper YETI design by motorsport creative Blaine Durward—because of course it is. Because normal labels are for normal people, and this collab isn’t in the business of being ordinary.
Live Loud at District Wine Village
The launch event isn’t just a party—it’s a statement. Starting at 11AM, the Chevelle YETI will be posted up at District Wine Village like a gleaming, thunderous alter to speed. Chevy Reeves himself will be on deck, with scheduled fire-ups at 2PM and 5PM. That’s right, people—you’ll hear the beast snarl before you even taste the wine.
This is where the wine world meets the drag strip—and makes them both a hell of a lot more interesting.
Behind the Madness: The Crew That Pulled it Off
Kelly and Willy Sabo, owners of Apricus Cellars, aren’t your standard wine folk. Sure, they love the soil, the sun, the fruit—all the good stuff that makes wine worth pouring. But they also love speed. Big speed. So when long-time friends Rob and Kimberly Reeves (legendary race track owners and wine connoisseurs themselves) and son Chevy came knocking, the Sabo crew didn’t hesitate. Because why choose between fast cars and fine wine when you can have both?
Apricus Cellars was built on sunshine and flavor—the name itself means “basking in sunshine” and “delectable.” Add in a little rubber smoke and engine growl, and you’ve got a new kind of sunshine. One that burns a little louder.
And yes, the Reeves family knows a thing or two about torque and tannins. They live in Napa part time, race throughout North America, and move through life like a nitrous bottle just got hit. They’re not here to slow down. They’re here to change the game.
Fueling the Future-One Bottle at a Time
As if this event wasn’t fire-breathing enough, every bottle sold supports the Torqued & Twisted Youth Empowerment Initiative. That’s right: your wine purchase fuels programs that help young visionaries get behind the wheel—both metaphorically and literally.
Because passion is contagious. And sometimes, the spark that launches a dream starts with a smoky burnout and a bold pour of red.
Why This Event is Not for the Faint of Palate
If you’re looking for a gentle afternoon sipping riesling under a lace parasol, you’re gonna want to sit this one out. This is for those who believe a wine should roar before it’s poured. For those who feel most alive with a little gravel flying. For those who ask, “Can I pair this with velocity?”
Here’s what you can expect:
- Engine thunder and oak-aged wine
- A car so bold it makes most supercars look like go-carts
- An atmosphere charged with horsepower, heat, and hedonism
- Wine so perfectly tuned, sommeliers will either cry or cheer
Crossing the Finish Line: Why You Need to Be There!
Let’s be clear—this isn’t just a winery launch. It’s an experience. One that grabs you by the collar, hands you a wine glass, and dares you to keep up.
Whether you’re a race fan, wine aficionado, or someone who just likes their events loud, bold, and slightly unhinged—July 23 at District Wine Village is your destination. Come thirsty, come curious, come caffeinated.
And bring earplugs… or don’t. Live a little.
Can’t make it to the winery?
Grab your bottles online.
Sorry, Canada-only shipping—this wine packs too much torque for the lower 48.
