Solvero winemaker Alison Moyes.

Last year, Solvero Wines burst onto the Okanagan wine scene, instantly winning us over with their inaugural release. Now, just over a year later, a return visit has left us even more impressed. The synergy of Matt Sartor’s clear vision and winemaker Alison Moyes’ craftsmanship in the winery has quickly elevated them to a level of excellence typically seen in seasoned veterans.

Their intensely focused approach, paired with a brand new tasting room featuring one of the best views in the valley, makes it clear that Solvero Wines is destined for a long and successful journey.

The Garnet Valley estate vineyard.

A stop along Summerland, BC’s ‘Bottleneck Drive,’ Solvero is a hidden gem that is both easily accessible and breathtakingly beautiful. Just a short distance from Highway 97, a turn onto Jones Flat Road leads to this winery tucked away in a serene valley. The stunning views and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit, offering a refreshing escape from the well-trodden wine routes of other Okanagan regions.

Their new tasting room exudes a modern and sophisticated elegance yet remains warm and welcoming. It strikes the perfect balance, avoiding the coldness that can often accompany ultra-chic designs. The outdoor patio seating has tables as well as a long bar, allowing ample vantage points to take in the Garnet Valley views.

The roof purposely covers just half of the outdoor area, providing shade from the hot afternoon sun while preserving a sense of connection with the natural surroundings. Inside, plush velvet chairs, rich hardwood floors, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows create an inviting and tranquil ambiance. It’s the perfect setting to unwind with their seated tasting and locally sourced charcuterie.

WInemaker Alison Moyes.

Solvero’s wine focus is on four primary grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gamay Noir. The Garnet Valley site consists of 16 acres planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with a block of Gamay Noir they planted last year, that they hope to begin harvesting in 2026.

Fortunately, they are looking very strong despite the harsh cold snap that has pretty much wiped out any hope for a harvest in BC this year. “Intuitively, I would have thought that the younger vines would have been harder hit by the winter,” Alison tells us, “But in this case, perhaps snow cover may have had a lot to do with it because they are low to the ground and insulated with snow to a greater degree.”

They also plan to expand their portfolio very soon with a traditional method Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine from base wine that is currently in barrel and almost ready for the tirage stage.

The current wine lineup.

Lastly, Alison aspires to create a series of Pinot Noir red wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the different vineyards from each sub-GI (geographical indication) of Summerland, potentially even exploring various clones.

“I think I might have one [more pinot] for 2023 in barrel right now, and then as I get to know the vineyards more and more, we’ll expand that series as we go.”

At Solvero, Alison carefully manages every stage of the winemaking process. Her philosophy is rooted in capturing the vineyard’s unique essence in every bottle, by embracing minimal intervention. She does so brilliantly, ensuring that each wine reflects its place of origin, allowing the grapes to narrate their own story. [Our article here delved deeper into her background, her move to BC from Ontario in 2008, and how she ultimately ended up at Solvero].

Alison showing us the soil composition at the estate.

We sat down with Alison again a year after our first visit and tasted through the latest vintages. We started with the 2023 Pinot Gris, followed by the 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir, the 2022 Chardonnay, and the 2020 Pinot Noir. We were impressed not only by the consistent quality across all four wines but also by how, in just two vintages, her style has already emerged as both wonderfully approachable and seriously complex.

Each of the wines are very high quality and available at ridiculously fair prices (see tasting notes below). The Chardonnay & Pinot Noir are standouts not just within the lineup but also in comparison to its peers throughout the Okanagan Valley.

A stellar example of BC Chardonnay.

But don’t just take our word for it. It came as no surprise to us after our tasting to find out that the 2022 Chardonnay won a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, and both it and the 2020 Pinot Noir won gold medals at the All Canadian Wine Championships.

Sixteen years in BC, marked by some of the most challenging harvests in recent memory, have provided invaluable lessons for winemakers across the province. Alison has shown that she has weathered these storms well and has quickly absorbed these lessons. Judging by the first two years of offerings from Solvero, her steadfast commitment to their vision promises nothing but continued great outcomes.

Tasting Notes

2023 Solvero Wines Rosé

2023 Solvero Rosé

Made from 100% Pinot Noir. Lovely coral/salmon colour. This is a serious rosé that shows red fruit flavours of strawberry , watermelon and a hint of dried herbs on the finish. The body is medium and the texture is round with a nice dryness on the finish. Medium+ acid brings precision and makes for a great companion to the dinner table. Very refreshing, this is a very complete rosé. Very good/Excellent ($25)

2023 Solvero Wines Pinot Gris

We are tasting more and more Pinot Gris from the Okanagan and this is a trend that we applaud. This juicy and refreshing wine shows a bunch of different orchard fruits (mainly pear) and small hints of tropical fruits as well.

2023 Solvero Pinot Gris

Medium body with medium+ acidity, this wine is much more in the Alsatian camp than the Italian. The flavours come across with a great intensity and there hints of honey on the finish. Excellent ($25)

2022 Solvero Wines Chardonnay

The star of the line up, we are pretty sure you won’t find a better Chardonnay at $30 ANYWHERE. Beautiful round texture with medium+ body and medium acidity. Very intense, this wine shows apple, pear, hints of honey and peach. The finish is long and mineral infused. Already complex, this will no doubt bring additional pleasure and development for at least 5 years. Terrific effort! Excellent ($30 *particularly good value for this quality level)

2020 Solvero Wines Pinot Noir

2020 Solvero Pinot Noir.

Medium garnet/red in colour. Bright cherry flavours gain added complexity from the secondary notes of dried herbs and earth. The body is medium and the structural components are in perfect proportion to the fruit. This precise balance creates the sensations of finesse and elegance on your palate. This is a Pinot Noir lovers Pinot Noir! This wine is still on the way up and while delicious now, we will put away a bottle to see how much further it develops over the coming 5 years. Excellent ($35 * particularly good value for this quality level)

A must-visit stop in BC’s Okanagan Valley.

Solvero Wines

25585 Wildhorse Road

Summerland, BC

T: (250) 404-4109

E: admin@solverowines.ca