The covered patio at the Outlook.

A visit to the Okanagan Valley’s Garnet Valley Ranch in Summerland, BC, reveals a 320-acre property that blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. Purchased by Okanagan Crush Pad in 2012, it saw its first vines planted in 2014. Pinot Noir is the main variety on site, accompanied by Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Meunier, Chenin Blanc, and Gamay Noir. Okanagan Crush Pad’s Free Form label offers a Blanc de Noir sparkling wine, a Pinot Noir Rosé, and a Riesling, all crafted from fruit sourced from Garnet Valley Ranch. Last year, the inaugural release under the Garnet Valley Ranch label featured the 2016 Traditional Method Sparkling wine, the 2021 Chardonnay, and the 2021 Pinot Noir.

Vines at the highest elevation at Garnet Valley Ranch.

The breathtaking scenery at the Ranch is both wild and beautiful, certified organic and dedicated to regenerative agriculture. This farming approach focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and polyculture. The ranch encompasses nearly 70 acres of certified organic farmland, including 60 acres of vineyards, 8.5 acres for produce, and a 2-acre lavender farm. Additionally, the property hosts beehives, several chicken coops, and a pond that serves as an essential watering hole for wildlife.

Winemaker & Sustainability Officer Kat D’Costa.

Winemaker Katrina D’Costa, is proud to be a part of Garnet Valley Ranch and Okanagan Crush Pad’s overall commitment to organic and regenerative farming. She strongly believes that these farming practices have not only shaped the vineyard’s approach but have had a profound impact on their wines and the land they cultivate. Her passion and dedication to these practices have manifested an additional role as sustainability officer which includes speaking at environmental conferences and finding ways to collaborate with like-minded organizations.

“Our main priority is in organics and then the secondary key focus is that when you look across the landscape we don’t till, we don’t move the landscape, we don’t bother the natural habitat unless we absolutely have to,” says D’Costa. “We’re trying to bring back the birds and the bird populations, we’re trying to bring back the native species and making sure that it’s native species that are coming in up here, not invasive species.”

Some of the wines from Garnet Valley Ranch.

Being certified organic in the cellar has influenced D’Costa’s winemaking approach, requiring constant attention to detail and a deep understanding of both the wine and the vineyards. “It’s more about listening to what the wine wants to be, not what you want it to be,” she explains. This organic approach has fostered stronger relationships with growers, creating a sense of pride and ownership in the care for the grapes and their origins.

D’Costa’s collaboration with Matt Dumayne, Okanagan Crush Pad’s chief winemaker, showcases a dynamic partnership where differing views converge to create exceptional wines.

Chief winemaker Matt Dumayne.

“Coming from commercial, non-organic winemaking and growing, I initially had ideas of what high-end wines should be. Matt was able, time and time again, to break down those walls and show me that there are many ways to create wines that are beautiful and elegant, showing depth of character and longevity,” she shares. Their philosophy is centered on letting the grapes express their true nature, resulting in wines that reflect the unique terroir of Garnet Valley Ranch.

Certified organic, practicing regenerative.

While Garnet Valley Ranch is not yet Regenerative Organic Certified, they practice regenerative farming with a focus on soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. “At the heart of our philosophy has always been a commitment to socially responsible initiatives, including investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and the implementation of innovative environmental practices within our vineyards,” D’Costa emphasizes. This approach leads to stronger, more resilient vines, improved soils, and better wine, creating a balanced ecosystem where natural wildlife thrives.

The pond on the Garnet Valley property.

Converting to organic practices has brought significant changes to pest, weed, and disease management, avoiding synthetic chemicals in favor of natural alternatives. This promotes soil health and biodiversity, resulting in a vineyard that looks more integrated with its natural surroundings. D’Costa highlights the importance of soil health, noting, “Everything begins with the ground. By replenishing what you take from the soil, the land will continue to provide everything necessary to grow the grapes that sustain the entire business.”

As the Sustainability Officer, D’Costa’s role is extensive, encompassing sustainable viticulture, eco-friendly packaging, carbon neutrality, and more. Engaging with guests about their commitment to organic and sustainable practices is one of her favorite aspects, revealing strong community support for their efforts. She aims to host educational dinners to discuss climate change, sustainability, and ecology, showcasing the importance and impact of their work.

Garnet Valley Ranch’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship is a testament to their commitment to leaving the land in a better state for future generations.

A sparkling view.

Their practices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the production of high-quality wines that reflect the true essence of the Okanagan Valley.

The Outlook visitor centre and tasting room was completed last year with the objective of providing a premium and exclusive experience for. The location of the Outlook within the property is nothing short of spectacular. It features floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vineyards offering up sweeping views without being overtly noticeable itself. The focus here is on the land and the Outlook serves as the perfect observation point.

The property is open by appointment only from Wednesday to Saturday, between mid-May 17 through the end of September.

The Outlook.

Visitors are encouraged to book well in advance due to limited daily availability, which helps preserve the ranch’s environment. Experiences include a seated tasting, a tasting plus tour of the property (in an electric cart), and a recently added horseback riding experience for those seeking a more adventurous tour. Whichever way you choose to enjoy Garnet Valley Ranch, we highly recommend a visit to what we consider one of the very best places to enjoy a glass of wine in the Okanagan Valley.

Tasting Notes

2020 Free Form Pinot Gris

2020 Free Form Pinot Gris.

A light copper/orange hue imbues this wine. The 9 months it spends in amphorae help round out and fill in the texture of this wine. A lovely mineral streak finishes off the apple and pear notes of the attack. Very refreshing. Very Good+

2020 Garnett Valley Ranch Rosé

This is a rosé made of 100% Pinot Noir. Quite textured and round, this has a charming texture as the medium level of acid creates just the right balance. We get flavours of cherry, some gum drops with a savoury element that evokes dried herbs. A rosé that would go very well at the table with an appetizer or a main. Very Good+

2019 Free Form Cabernet Franc Rosé

It was interesting to taste these 2 wines following each other to see the contrasts in style. Here we are tasting 100% Cabernet Franc. The Free Form also has a rounded texture but with some added zip. Flavours move more towards strawberry and the dried herbs stand out a tad more. Medium body with a long finish. Very good complexity. Very Good/Excellent

2018 Free Form Sauvignon Blanc.

2018 Free Form Sauvignon Blanc

BC is not particularly known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but this wine should go a long way towards changing that perspective. Whole bunches are fermented and left in amphorae for 9 months. This textured beauty shows flavours of grapefruit enhanced with spice notes of ginger and tea. More body than most Sauvignons but balance with some zippy acidity. Really great texture coupled with intense flavours. Excellent

2021 Garnett Valley Ranch Chardonnay

Flavours of apple and other orchard fruits are delivered on a medium body with medium+ acidity. Raised in concrete tanks, this wine has good texture. There is a lovely flint or mineral element which accentuates the long finish. Very Good+

2021 Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir.

2021 Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir

Grown from estate grapes at the back of this gorgeous property at an elevation of 2600 feet, among the highest vineyards in the valley. Raised in stainless steel and then concrete, this is medium to light red in colour. Strawberry and raspberry flavours are joined with supporting notes of dried herbs, earth, wet stones hints of spice. Lighter in body, this shows elegance and purity. Very Good+

2019 Free Form Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Free Form Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a rare “unoaked” version of Cabernet that only sees 3,000 litre neutral foudres in its elevage. This keeps it well within the natural wine ethos that permeates the Free Form line. Medium/light red in colour, this shows flavours of tart raspberry and hints of dried herbs. The body is light with medium+ acidity and medium tannin. A unique approach to this grape variety, it strives for elegance and finesse. Very Good+

*Garnet Valley Ranch Experiences >>> Click HERE