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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
BC’s independent wineries are vital to the industry.
It’s recently been well-documented how the deep freeze that hit the Okanagan Valley in January has dealt a severe blow to vineyards, leaving them devastated and unable to produce grapes for this year’s harvest. This setback is especially difficult for small, independent BC wineries, which already grapple with a myriad of challenges. Our latest article for the Daily Hive HERE takes a look at how these wineries are overcoming the obstacles despite the odds.
Read More
Support BC Wine
BC’s wine industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the global pandemic, back-to-back record winter deep freezes, and annual wildfires. These events have impacted grape yields, production, and the overall viability of wineries across the region. Consumers can play a crucial role in supporting the BC wine industry during these challenging times. Our latest article for the Daily Hive HERE explains how.
Read More
Recent Comments