Winemaker Seth Jex [Credit: Fort Berens]
For any winery, succession is one of the most delicate moments in its evolution. Consumers may focus on the name on the label, but behind every bottle are countless decisions shaped by the people guiding the vineyard and cellar. When a respected winemaker departs, uncertainty can often follow.
At Fort Berens Estate Winery, however, the transition from Alex Nel to Seth Jex feels less like a changing of the guard and more like the continuation of a carefully plotted journey.
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Some stories feel like they were meant to unfold a certain way.
Manpreet Dhaliwal.
At Kismet Estate Winery, the idea of destiny isn’t just in the name, it’s in the soil, the vines, and the family who built it. Brothers Sukhi and Balwinder Dhaliwal didn’t just plant grapes, they helped shape the future of BC wine, growing fruit for some of the Okanagan’s most respected wineries before launching their own label.
Now, a new chapter begins. Manpreet Dhaliwal, Sukhi’s daughter and Balwinder’s niece, stepped into the role of head winemaker in fall 2023. She’s believed to be the first South Asian female winemaker in Canada, and while that might sound like a lot of pressure, she’s taken it all in stride with plenty of hard work, a strong sense of curiosity, and a willingness to learn by doing.
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Alison Moyes.
By our third visit with winemaker Alison Moyes of Solvero Wines, we already knew what we were walking into: an earnest conversation packed with thoughtful insights, layered with the kind of honesty that makes you lean in, and beautiful wines in the glass that over-deliver on every level.
Solvero may still be young in the BC wine scene, but their clarity of vision, precision in execution, and ability to adapt under pressure have quickly made them one of our absolute favourites in the region.
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Peter and Kajsa Henricsson.
Our first sip of Henricsson Chardonnay was a revelation. Wait—this is from BC? Rich yet lithe, with acidity and texture dancing in perfect harmony, it was a wine that stopped us mid-sentence. Moments later, their Pinot Noir poured into our glass and again: stunned silence, followed by disbelief. How had we never heard of these wines? How were more people not talking about them?
As we mapped out our next trip to the Okanagan, Peter and Kajsa Henricsson quickly rose to the top of our must-meet list. When we reached out, they replied almost apologetically: there was no formal tasting room, no scheduled hours. But if we were willing, we could share a bottle at the vineyard with them. It was, to us, the perfect invitation.
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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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