Getting the winery ready for the fruit.
My biggest win from Week 1 as a harvest intern? I survived! And trust me, it wasn’t just physically—mentally, Day 1 hit the hardest. Everything was brand new. And I mean everything. I knew cleaning would be a big part of my first days—winery sanitation is the backbone of quality winemaking—but I wasn’t prepared for just how steep the learning curve would be.
Take the power washer, for example. I had no idea how to even turn it on or hook up the propane tanks! To be fair, there are 5 steps involved in turning it on, but learning my way around the winery has been a crash course in machinery, tools, and a whole lot of patience.
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Celebrating 10 years of AdVINEtures.
I’m not entirely sure when I decided that experiencing my first Harvest over the age of 50 was a good idea, but here I am committed to being a full-time intern for the next several weeks.
They say timing is everything, and it turns out that this new adventure happens to coincide perfectly with the 10-year anniversary of our wine blog AdVINEtures. While most people in the industry might celebrate with a special bottle of wine, it seems I’ve opted for a more unique way to mark this milestone!
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Aaron & Tracy Kendall.
In life, they say nothing is certain, but in the world of wine, few things come as close to a sure bet as two accomplished winemakers teaming up for their own project. The duo we’re discussing happen to be husband and wife Aaron and Tracy Kendall. Aaron was the assistant winemaker at Beaux Freres, now head winemaker at Compris Vineyard, and Tracy was the associate winemaker at Nicolas-Jay.
After recently purchasing an established vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, together they bring a wealth of wine expertise to their own project, Folly of Man.
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Mark Beringer, GM & Director of winemaking.
Eight years may be a brief span in the world of wine, but in that time, Phantom Creek Estates has quickly risen to prominence in the BC wine industry, earning a reputation as a top destination winery in the South Okanagan.
The winery is now extending its reach to Vancouver’s Lower Mainland with the launch of a new 4,075 square-foot multi-purpose space at 6928 Pearson Way in Richmond, B.C. This expansion was recently revealed along with the release of its first ultra-premium Halo wine, a Bordeaux-style blend called Baoshan.
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Chris Czarnecki & Levi Seed.
Joel Palmer House, a venerable institution in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is celebrated for its distinctive focus on wild mushrooms and aged Oregon Pinot Noir. Dining at the restaurant is a culinary journey through the valley’s finest offerings, presented in an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet unpretentious. At the helm are Executive Chef/Owner Christopher Czarnecki and Director of Hospitality/Lead Sommelier Levi Seed, whose shared passion and expertise continue to elevate the Joel Palmer House to new heights.
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Quiddity Wines, a small production winery located in Woodinville, Washington, represents the fulfillment of a lifelong passion for its winemaker and proprietor Greg Peiker.
Greg Peiker.
After years of adhering to the traditional route of success—earning good grades, obtaining the right degree, working diligently, and climbing the corporate ladder—he found himself questioning the destination of this path and ultimately decided to pursue his true passion: winemaking.
Establishing Quiddity Wines was his way of taking control of his destiny, focusing on what brings joy and satisfaction. His mission is simple: to create excellent wines that bring smiles to people’s faces, all while having fun and not taking life too seriously. He eschews the pretentiousness often associated with wine culture, opting instead for a straightforward approach to winemaking.
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Just one of the many incredible views at Ghost Hill Cellars.
Deep in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where rolling hills are blanketed with lush vineyards and the air is perfumed with the scent of ripening grapes, lies a winery shrouded in legend and steeped in tradition: Ghost Hill Cellars. This unique vineyard not only produces excellent Pinot Noir but also offers a story as rich and intriguing as its wines.
The name “Ghost Hill” isn’t just a catchy moniker; it carries a spine-tingling tale that has been passed down through generations.
A cross marking where the miner’s horse’s bones were found.
According to local legend, in the late 1800s, a miner traveling through the area struck gold on what is now Ghost Hill Cellars. Tragically, the miner met an untimely end before he could claim his fortune, and it’s said that his restless spirit still roams the hill, guarding his hidden treasure. On misty mornings and moonlit nights, locals have reported eerie sights and sounds, adding an extra layer of mystique to this already enchanting location.
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Surrounded by the striking scenery of rugged, towering mountains, BC’s Similkameen is an excellent place for viticulture. Renowned as the “organic capital of Canada,” this region boasts numerous small farms and producers who are committed to crafting high-quality food and award-winning wines.
Clos du Soleil winery.
The unique climate here is characterized by the retention of heat from the reflective rock surfaces, a very diverse soil composition due to glacial formation, and persistent winds that reduce moisture. These arid conditions, coupled with less disease pressure thanks to the winds, creates an ideal environment for wine production enabling vineyards to thrive with minimal intervention.
Despite these attributes and providing high-quality fruit for many Okanagan Valley wineries, the Similkameen Valley remains somewhat overshadowed by its neighboring regions, much like the towering mountains that encircle it. However, with wineries like Clos du Soleil consistently producing wines that rival some of the best in the province, critics and wine lovers alike are finally taking notice and appreciating the exceptional quality of the Similkameen Valley.
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