Chris with winemaker Andrew Etsell.

If you’ve ever driven through the rolling farmland of Mt. Lehman in Abbotsford, British Columbia, you know there’s something special about this pocket of the Fraser Valley.

Quietly tucked into a hillside, surrounded by forest with Mt. Baker rising in the distance, Singletree Winery feels like one of those places where everything just fits—the land, the people, the wine. It’s clear from the moment you arrive that this is a family affair; and at the heart of it all is the Etsell family, who were farming here long before vines were in the ground.

One of the 15 year old estate vines.

Originally turkey farmers, Garnet and Debbie Etsell decided to plant a vineyard in 2010, a decision rooted in their love for wine and a desire to grow something different than the traditional orchard crops that once dominated the region.

Their son Andrew, who was studying horticulture at the time, played a pivotal role in shaping that vision.

“The property had been an orchard back in the early 1900s, so we knew we wanted to do something fruit-related—but different.” says Andrew. “Wine just made sense. My parents loved it, I was already studying plants, and with a winery already established nearby, we knew grapes could grow here. It was just a matter of figuring out which ones.”

The flagship “Siggy”.

That curiosity launched Andrew into a deep dive: talking with established wineries across the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island—regions with similar growing conditions—and tasting as much local wine as he could get his hands on. From the start, it was clear that making wine here would take both experimentation and patience.

“Fraser Valley has its own set of challenges,” Andrew explains. “More humidity, more rain, and a bit fewer heat units than the Okanagan. So we started small—just 2 acres—with Siegerrebe, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris to see how they’d do. It was a lot of trial and error, especially figuring out which rootstocks could handle our conditions.”

With no winery on-site in the early days, Singletree relied on Okanagan Crush Pad for production, collaborating with winemaker Matt Dumayne for about five years. “We’d transport everything to the Okanagan,” Andrew recalls. “It wasn’t ideal, but it let us focus on learning and getting the vineyard right.”

A beautiful spring day in the Home Block .

By 2017, Singletree was able to bring winemaking fully home to Mt. Lehman. That year marked their first complete vintage produced on-site, a milestone for the family and a turning point for their growing reputation.

Today, Singletree’s estate vineyard spans 16 acres, and while they once had a few acres up in the Okanagan, they’ve since sold that land to double down on their commitment to the Fraser Valley. Reds, which need a little more heat, are still sourced from trusted growers in the South Okanagan.

The bordeaux-blend Harness.

Singletree’s portfolio reflects a cool-climate personality with a bit of flair: the aromatic and slightly exotic Siegerrebe (or “Siggy,” as it’s affectionately called), Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Petit Milo, a Bordeaux-style red blend named Harness, a sparkling wine dubbed Victory, a dessert Viognier, and a Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Andrew doesn’t come off like someone trying to chase trends or prove a point with his wines. He grew up working the land, then studied horticulture at the University of the Fraser Valley before taking his wine studies further at UC Davis. In similar fashion his winemaking philosophy is straightforward and uncomplicated. “I’ll use commercial yeast, but I do as little as possible with the must. It’s really about letting the grapes do the talking.”

The winery’s name, “Singletree,” is a nod to the single harness yoke early settlers used—a symbol of simplicity, strength, and the kind of practical, grounded work ethic the Etsell’s live by. That spirit still runs through everything they do.

Singletree has also become a favorite for locals and visitors alike, thanks in part to its welcoming, unhurried vibe.

The Di Vini domes.

Whether you’re relaxing in one of the sunny wine cabanas or huddled inside the cozy clear-sided Di Vine Domes during cooler months, there’s a sense that you’re part of something familial and intentional.

But the real charm is in the details—the kind you only get when the people running the show are the same ones walking the vineyard rows and pouring in the tasting room.

Winemaker Andrew Etsell.

Talking to Andrew, it’s obvious that he doesn’t see this as just a job or a product. It’s a continuation of a family story, and the wines are simply one way of sharing that with others. The winery isn’t trying to be flashy or overly polished; it’s about creating a place where people feel at home, where wine is part of the conversation but not the only focus. In that way, it reflects the kind of authenticity that’s sometimes hard to come by.

Visiting Singletree feels less like stepping into a business and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. It’s a reminder that wine, at its best, is a connector—not just of flavors and aromas, but of people and places.

And here, just an hour outside Vancouver, the Etsell’s are proving that the best wine stories often begin with family.

Tasting Notes

2023 Singletree Sauvignon Blanc

2023 Singletree Sauvignon Blanc.

A lovely Sauvignon showing the varietal characteristics of cut grass and grapefruit, and managing to stay away from any of the overtly gooseberry notes that plague so many in the category these days. Some subtle background notes of green pepper add complexity. The body of the wine is medium and the acidity is high. This is bracing and juicy with a green apple infused finish. Very refreshing. Very Good+

2023 Singletree Grüner Veltliner

We don’t see much Grüner grown in BC and this wine makes us wonder “why not”?

2023 Singletree Grüner Veltliner.

This is a great example of the grape and shows the green apple and citrus characteristics that typify the varietal. There is lovely texture created by the correct balance between body and acidity. The finish is medium and has a hint of spice. Very Good/Excellent

2023 Singletree Siegerrebe

This is the workhorse at Singletree, their biggest seller. One of the aromatic grape varieties this wine’s aroma had plenty to say to us. Hints of lychee prompted memories of Gewurztraminer, though it does not have that wine’s oily texture. Melon notes with hints of spice make for an interesting and refreshing glass of wine. The grape’s early ripening characteristics make it ideal for the east Fraser Valley. Very Good

2023 Singletree Petit Milo

2023 Singletree Petit Milo.

Valentin Blattner, a Swiss agricultural scientist created this grape as a cross; it is well suited to cooler climates. As a result, even in cooler climates like the Fraser Valley, this grape fully ripens providing its wines with glycerine and texture, and in that way reminded us of some Alsatian Pinot Gris we had tasted. Primary notes of orchard fruit with a subtle hint of marzipan. Interesting and tasty. Very Good+

2023 Rosé 

Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine stays in contact with the skins for a full three days, giving it a bright ruby colour. Flavours of strawberry and rhubarb come across on a sturdy frame that shows high acidity which gives it a very fresh profile. Subtle hints of apple skins and jolly ranchers add interest. Very Good+

2018 Singletree Harness

The sole red in the Singletree portfolio is Harness, a blend of Bordeaux varieties. The blend each year generally reflects their relative plantings and consists of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

The 2017 and 2018 Harness Bordeaux Blends.

This wine is medium garnet red in the glass with a slight fade at the rim, showing its age. Flavours of blueberry and cherry gain complexity from the subtle notes of earth and forest notes. Medium+ tanning and good acidity keep it well structured and the earthy notes are prominent enough to add a note of rusticity. This is impressive and shows that Bordeaux varieties can make great wine in cooler climates. Very Good/Excellent

2017 Singletree Harness

This was a great comparison to taste the 2 right after each other. Same blend, same vineyard, same winemaker, just a different growing season. And what a difference a vintage makes! Both are great wines and the 2018 showed that vintage’s power and heft while the 2017 revealed the elegance and finesse of that vintage. Both of these wines will be great, and frankly show their best, when paired with food. Ideal match for your next summer barbeque. Very Good/Excellent

Singletree Winery

Just an hour outside of Vancouver, a BC gem awaits.

5782 Mt Lehman Road

Abbotsford, BC

Canada V4X 1V4

T: + (604) 381-1788

E : Abbotsford@singletreewinery.com

H: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm – 5:30 pm