WITH TOWN HALL
STORIES, NEWS, AND BEST PRACTICES
The 2024 harvest has been one of the most challenging on record for British Columbia wineries. Winter cold snaps in 2022 and early 2024 caused extensive damage to vineyards across the region, reducing crop yields significantly and pushing many wineries to explore different solutions to maintain production and quality. As BC wineries work through a year like no other, let’s look at how some of them are navigating these challenges.
Swirl Around BC Wine Expo returns at the Pan Pacific hotel in Vancouver on September 24, 2024. The expo is a full-day event hosted by Wine Growers BC to celebrate the BC wine industry.
When in the tasting room, be sure to visit these BC wine booths to taste the wines and meet the people behind it:
· Blasted Church Vineyards
· Haywire Winery
· Garnet Valley Ranch Winery
· SpearHead Winery
Blasted Church Vineyards
Who to meet from Blasted Church:
· Lone Tree Cellars sale agents for Blasted Church Vineyards
Wine to taste:
· 2018 OMG, sparkling
· 2022 Viognier
· 2019 Syrah
· 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Regions: Okanagan Valley Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley
Social handle: @blastedchurch
Website: blastedchurch.com
About Blasted Church Vineyards
Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Blasted Church Vineyards is known for its premium wines and playful branding. For more than 20 years, the winery has amassed a loyal following of wine lovers who appreciate its unique approach to winemaking, commitment to quality, and ability to combine the serious business of producing high-quality wine with a fun approach to life and love of wine. Blasted Church Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia.
Haywire Winery
Who to meet from Haywire:
· Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad
· Andrew Raines, VP sales & marketing for Okanagan Crush Pad
· Kat D’Costa, winemaker and sustainability officer for Okanagan Crush Pad
Kat is a panelist at Seminar 3: Romancing the Clone: What We Talk About When We Talk About Wine
Wines to taste:
· 2018 The Bub, Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
· 2020 Switchback Pinot Gris
· 2022 Rosé Gamay
· 2022 Pinot Noir
Regions: Okanagan Valley, Summerland Lakefront
Social handle: @haywirewine
Website: haywirewinery.com
About Haywire Winery
In 2009, Haywire emerged as a virtual wine brand with the first harvest from Switchback Vineyard. Despite practical considerations, the compelling vision of crafting wine won out and the "haywire" plan gained momentum. Today, Haywire has become a recognized name not only across Canada but also in Europe.
With a bold label and modern year-round tasting lounge, visitors to Summerland are invited to unwind and relish in personalized service, with lovely views of the lake and vineyards as they savour their favourite Haywire wines.
Haywire boasts a diverse portfolio of wines that exquisitely capture the unique cool climate terroir of the central Okanagan, all while embracing a "less is more" approach.
Garnet Valley Ranch Winery
Who to meet from Garnet Valley Ranch:
· Andrew Raines, VP Sales & Marketing for Okanagan Crush Pad
· Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad
Christine is a panelist at Seminar 2: How to Wine Friends and Influence People
Wines to taste:
· Traditional Method Sparkling 2016, Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
· 2022 Chardonnay
· 2022 Pinot Noir
· 2020 Free Form Vin Gris, Pinot Noir
Region: Summerland Valley
Social handle: @garnetvalleyranchwinery
Website: okanagancrushpad.com/garnet-valley-ranch-winery
About Garnet Valley Ranch
Located in the secluded backroads of Summerland BC, Garnet Valley Ranch spans over 320 acres of breathtaking land, carefully divided into thoughtfully planned plots, surrounded by untouched native habitat. The farm operates in sync with the natural rhythms dictated by the Earth, its solar system, and the influential cycles of the moon. Garnet Valley Ranch offers classic cool-climate wines made from the highest elevation vineyard in the Okanagan Valley.
SpearHead Winery
Who to meet from SpearHead Winery:
· Marina and Bill Knutson, proprietors of SpearHead Winery
· Grant Stanley, winemaker and GM of SpearHead Winery
Grant is a panelist at Seminar 1: The Possibilities of Pinot
Wines to taste:
· 2022 Saddle Block Pinot
· 2022 Okanagan Valley Pinot
· 2022 Pinot Gris
· 2023 Chardonnay
Regions: Okanagan Valley, East Kelowna Slopes
Social handle: @spearheadwinery
Website: spearheadwinery.com
About SpearHead Winery
SpearHead Winery, located on the benchlands of Southeast Kelowna in the East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI, focuses on producing high-quality wines from estate-grown and select Okanagan Valley vineyards. Known for its vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, SpearHead showcases the unique terroir of its vineyards. The winery also produces aromatic whites, including Pinot Gris and Riesling.
The wine shop, nestled in the estate vineyard, features an inviting patio and lawn area for guests to enjoy during warmer months. Seated tastings are led by knowledgeable team members. Visit the SpearHead website for information on special events, promotions, and participation opportunities throughout the year.
The team at Blasted Church Vineyards, an independent winery in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, announces the promotion of Tanya Martin to director of operations.
Martin, who has been with the winery since 2007 and served as general manager since 2008, brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and leadership to her expanded role.
The Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel is delighted to announce a public celebration of its exclusive guest perk: specially labeled house wines created in partnership with renowned winemaker Matt Dumayne of Haywire Winery. This exciting reveal marks a decade of collaboration between the hotel and the winery, bringing a new look to the private label wines—a white, red, and rosé—designed to elevate the guest experience.
SpearHead Winery has earned the prestigious ‘Winery of the Year’ title at the 2024 WineAlign National Wine Awards where more than 1800 wines from 230 Canadian wineries were judged. Alongside this top honour, SpearHead also won the title of Best Performing Small Winery (for the second time in three years), collecting 12 medals in the competition.
Macaloney’s Island Distillery announces the inaugural release of the world’s first-ever sugar kelp infused peat-smoked whisky. This groundbreaking whisky, produced in limited quantities, is set to make waves in the whisky community with its unique blend of maritime and smoky flavours, while showcasing a remarkable collaboration between BC and Washington State businesses.
Now open! Solvero Wines is happy to announce the opening of its new tasting room. Tucked away in the hillsides of the picturesque Garnet Valley along the renowned Bottleneck Drive tourist route, after nearly a decade of meticulous vineyard development and construction, the winery team is ready to welcome visitors to experience exceptional wines amidst the stunning backdrop of Garnet Valley.
Summerland Waterfront Resort announces a strategic shift in leadership as Lisa Jaager, the resort’s general manager, takes the reins following the retirement of Tom Matthews, former president. This leadership change marks a promising future for the resort, which currently holds the ‘#1 Top Rated’ by guests and ‘#2 Best Value’ ranking on TripAdvisor in the Okanagan.
To kick off the summer event season, wineries and cideries along Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive are offering concurrent dinner events on June 21 and 22. From poutine & bubbles, a dim sum dining experience, or an Argentinian BBQ dinner – these Bottleneck Drive members are offering unique experiences and collaborations with one another that will spice up your Friday or Saturday evening (or both)!
Opening soon! The Solvero Wines team is preparing to open their brand-new tasting room. Tucked away in the hillsides of the picturesque Garnet Valley along the renowned Bottleneck Drive tourist route, after nearly a decade of meticulous vineyard development and construction, the Solvero Wines team is getting ready to welcome visitors to experience exceptional wines amidst the stunning backdrop of Garnet Valley this season.
The scenic and friendly town of Summerland is thrilled to announce a spring preview for its esteemed Bottleneck Drive Association members, comprising the finest wineries, cideries, brewery, and distilleries in the region. This year, visitors are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, indulging in the unique flavours and experiences offered by these local producers.
The team at Haywire Winery is thrilled to unveil its Certified Local program as a token of gratitude to the incredible residents who have steadfastly supported the Okanagan wine industry over the decades. The year-round visits and purchases from locals have played a pivotal role in transforming this region into a globally respected wine producer.
The team at Haywire Winery is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of its Lunar New Year limited edition wine, Haywire Lunar Red, in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. This release marks a continuation of a tradition that began with the winery’s first Lunar New Year wine in 2014, when the team at Haywire was the first BC winery to release a Lunar wine label.
As the curtains rise on the highly anticipated Hopscotch Festival of Whisky, Beer & Spirits and Craft BC Whisky Weekend, Vancouverites and whisky enthusiasts alike are in for a treat as Macaloney's Island Distillery joins as participants, offering attendees the rare opportunity to savor these coveted craft spirits. With an impressive lineup of globally awarded spirits, Macaloney's Island Distillery invites seasoned whisky connoisseurs and curious enthusiasts to embark on a rare and indulgent tasting experience.
The Bottleneck Drive Association is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of "Light Up the Vines," a signature holiday event that has become a beloved tradition in the Okanagan Valley. This year, the event is back for its 13th year, promising visitors an enchanting experience filled with wine tastings, sparkling lights, refreshments, and music. It's an ideal opportunity for guests to stock up on the finest wine, beer, spirits, and cider for their holiday entertaining and gift-giving needs.
