JoieFarm: Inspirations, Stories and Old World Reference Points
May 17, 2009
“JoieFarm Revealed: Inspirations, Stories and Old World Reference Points of winemakers Heidi Noble & Michael Dinn”
News from Scout Supporter JoieFarm
This evening of charcuterie, cheese and four flights of wine will examine the wines and regions that have directly influenced our winemaking at JoieFarm. Six relevant old world wines from Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Spain will be poured alongside JoieFarm’s A Noble Blend 2008, Rosé 2008, Reserve Chardonnay 2007 and PTG 2007. These flights have been chosen to illustrate why we at JoieFarm have made the choices that we have about what and how to make our wines. This evening will also be an exclusive preview to the very limited production of our 2007 Reserve wines to be released in September 2009. $80 (includes food, wine, tax, gratuity). Monday June 8th, 2009 @ 7:00 pm. For reservations please contact Salt Tasting Room at 604.633.1912. Tickets also available online at www.salttastingroom.com/cellar Read more
Sustainability In The Vineyards At LaStella And Le Vieux Pin
May 12, 2009
News from Scout supporters Le Vieux Pin and LaStella
We take the environment very seriously; and to protect what Mother Nature has provided us with we maintain the following practices… Read more
Stoneboat Vineyards
October 5, 2008
Details
7148 Orchard Grove Lane, Oliver BC | MAP
(between Black Sage Road and Road 9)
Tel & Fax: 250-498-2226 | Toll Free: 888-598-2226
info@stoneboatvineyards.com | www.stoneboatvineyards.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/stoneboat
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/stoneboat
Hours: May – mid October: 10:00am – 6:00pm daily
Gallery
About Stoneboat Vineyards
Located along a winding country lane in Oliver, BC, on the rocky soils of the lower Black Sage Bench, Stoneboat Vineyards is one of the newest premium artisan wine producers in the South Okanagan Valley. The winery is owned and operated by two generations of the Martiniuk family, who have been growing vines on the since 1983.
Our focus in viticulture and winemaking is on Pinot varietals, which we believe are best suited to our unique location on the Black Sage. Our wines are sourced exclusively from three estate vineyards, which, unlike much of the South, thrive atop hundreds of feet of calcium encrusted stones. Their lower elevations and southwestern exposures balance warm days with very cool nights, enabling us to grow intensely flavoured whites with refreshing minerality and rich, layered reds.
Since its inception, Stoneboat has quietly earned awards and accolades for its balanced, character-driven wines. Over the past 25 years we have developed a close relationship with our land, following a farming philosophy that values integrity, minimal intervention, and sensitivity to the vines and soils. Our winemaking is inspired by this same approach; we strive to create wines that offer the most honest expression of their origins in our vineyards.
Nichol Vineyard
October 5, 2008
Details
RR1 S14 C13 -1285 Smethurst Rd | Naramata, BC | V0H-1N0
Telephone: 250.496.5962 | Fax: 250.496.4275
Email: info@nicholvineyard.com
Website: www.nicholvineyard.com
Twitter | Facebook
Gallery
People
While it was not always apparent to Ross Hackworth that he would one day be a Naramata winery owner, as a person who appreciates fine wine, he had enjoyed the wines from Nichol Vineyard for a number of years before he bought the winery from founders Alex and Kathleen Nichol.
It’s fitting that Ross would purchase a winery in Naramata, as he grew up there and his family ran an orchard in the area. Ross started his adult life with an education in business, and based from Vancouver worked as a sales executive for many years with a major pulp and paper company. Always interested in wine and attracted to the craft, Ross would spend his spare time making wine as a home winemaker. He would make enough wine to enjoy with family and friends, but with a full time career that involved much travel he could not get too serious about winemaking. Instead, Ross’ frequent business travel and entertaining with fine dining opportunities exposed him to wines from all over the world and helped him develop his palate.
While Ross was leading an executive lifestyle, meanwhile, the Nichols opened the Naramata winery in 1993 after converting an orchard into a vineyard; in doing so they planted the first Syrah in the Okanagan: the first Syrah in Canada. While skeptics of the then-new industry thought they were crazy to plant Syrah on a cold climate site, the resulting wines likely inspired many others to plant what is now one of the Okanagan’s important red varieties.
In 1999, Ross returned to Naramata to spend weekends helping his friend restore what is now the Heritage Inn and Spa. In the process, he reconnected with his roots and bought a home in Naramata. After making wine as a hobbyist for so long he decided to take the leap and as he says, legitimize his winemaking, by taking the step of winery ownership. As he sought his own vineyard, the Nichols were preparing to retire. Serendipity. Ross and the Nichols worked out an agreement for Alex to mentor Ross for a couple of vintages, as Ross recognized that home winemaking and owning a winery are very different things! Ross was an apt student, for the quality of Nichol wines quality of Nichol wines has continued to improve.
Together they worked on the 2003 to 2005 vintages. Ross also spent long hours with Kathleen Nichol and learned the specific viticulture requirements for managing this premier site. Transition to full owner operator was completed in February of 2006.
In the vintages since, Ross has remained true to the site and fundamental Nichol style. While investing in a new winery facility, equipment and plantings of Syrah, the focus has remained on the land and it’s unique cold climate location.
About Nichol Vineyard
Village Grown, World Class, True to Our Roots
Nichol Vineyard, known among Canadian wine lovers in the know, has been operating in Naramata Village in British Columbia using 100% Naramata fruit since 1993.
Owner and winemaker Ross Hackworth’s focus is to maintain a small estate winery, striving to grow world-class wines. The recognition Ross has been receiving for his wines is testament to the work he is doing at the tiny Naramata winery. Since 2006 he has been at the helm creating premium, limited vintage wines, carrying on the tradition of the winery’s original owners and namesake, Alex and Kathleen Nichol.
The vineyards sit on a pocket of land tucked against steep, heat-radiating red granite cliffs, and are perfectly situated: under the former Kettle Valley Railway and above the deep blue Okanagan Lake. This site offers the ideal place to grow grapes that produce wines with intense fruit and bright acidity.
Looking west across from the vineyard and over Okanagan Lake, you can see the shores of Summerland and the landmark Giant’s Head Mountain. The soils at Nichol Vineyard were created during the prehistoric time when volcanic activity and glaciation provided the till, granite, bedrock and silt, which all come together to create a unique, rugged site that generates fine wines.
Our Wines
Since 1993 Nichol has been creating wines exclusively from grapes grown in Naramata. Our vineyards, on a pocket of land tucked against steep heat-radiating rock cliffs, are the ideal place to craft wines demonstrating intense fruit and refreshing acidity. Our soils – glacial till, granite shards, bedrock and silt – create a site that is extreme and unique. Click here to browse and purchase our wines.
Le Vieux Pin
October 4, 2008
34070-73th Street Oliver, BC
Phone: 250-498-8388 | Fax: 250-498-8399
Email: info@levieuxpin.ca
Web: www.levieuxpin.ca | Facebook | Twitter
Gallery
The People Who Make It Happen
Winemaker: Severine Pinte
About Le Vieux Pin
The best wines come from the best vineyard sites; this is “terroir.” Fortunately for us (and you!), the Okanagan Valley happens to be one of the best wine regions anywhere with its unique climate and variety of latitudes and soils. There is a perceptible difference in temperature and greenery around the valley, from the lushness of the north to the sage ridden desert in the South. According to WineBC, the area between Oliver and Osoyoos is the northernmost tip of the northernmost desert in the world; the Sonora Desert. The summers are very hot; it is hotter in July and August than Napa Valley, but the evenings are markedly cooler. Osoyoos has 1450 growing degree days and a mere eight inches of average annual rainfall (WineBC.com). Low rainfall, high heat units and a dry environment allow us to farm in a sustainable manner with all the respect the land deserves.
Our vineyard management strategy is based on Old World techniques with a dusting of New World modernism added on top. Our focus is to make wine that is representative of its terroir. Non-interventionist and low-input viticulture is the method we use to get there. Deficit irrigation, on-site composting, high-density plantings and extremely low yields allow the vines to show us who they really are, deep down to their roots.
We have very distinct soil composition between our vineyards: some sites are very high in white silica sand while others are quite gravelly and rocky. Some sites show traces of schist and shale deposited by volcanic activities in the area. Along with our sister winery Lastella we own and cultivate 50 acres of vineyards scattered throughout the South Okanagan. We also source some grapes from a select group of growers who have certified organic vineyards or grow with sustainability in mind.
Passion, friendship, dedication and commitment are the recipe for our success.
Please visit the winery when you visit the Okanagan and join our email newsletter for the latest news from wine country. Visit us online at www.levieuxpin.ca on Facebook at www.facebook.com/levieuxpin and twitter at twitter.com/levieuxpin.
Á votre santé!
———————————————–
Road 13
October 4, 2008
13140 316A Ave., Oliver BC | V0H 1T0 | PO Box 501
Follow Road 13 on the west side of Hwy 97 between Oliver & Osoyoos
Toll free: 866.498.8330
Phone: 250.498.8330 | Fax: 250.498.8331
Email: winery@road13vineyards.com
Web: www.road13vineyards.com
Gallery
The People Who Make It Happen
Owners: Mick & Pam Luckhurst
Winemaker: Michael Bartier
About Road 13
Road 13 is the location of our winery and two of our vineyard sites: the Home and the Castle. Our land was first cultivated in the early 1920s, when BC premier Honest John Oliver turned the area into rich farmland by constructing an irrigation canal from Okanagan Falls.
Our terroir-driven wines are offered in three distinct tiers: a red blend and a white blend call Honest John’s, a varietal series of red and white wines under the Road 13 label, and a premium tier of small lots and blends named Jackpot.
Wines & Reviews
Honest John’s Red and White
Our blended red and white wines are a tribute to “Honest” John Oliver, BC Premier from 1918 to 1927. Honest John epitomized British Columbians’ pioneering values: hard work, self-reliance, dependability and neighbourliness. His greatest achievement was the construction of the irrigation canal that transformed the Golden Mile into outstanding farmland.
Road 13 Varietal Series
Road 13 wines express the special character of the South Okanagan’s renowned Golden Mile. Our motto, “It’s All About The Dirt,” reflects our belief that great wines start in the vineyard.
The Jackpot Lineup
Southern BC is home to hundreds of old gold mines with names that acknowledge the region’s past exploration. One, called Jackpot, inspired us. Evoking the joy of winning a hard-earned prize, it is a fitting title for our top wines – the reward for our hard work in the vineyard and cellar.
Old Vines Chenin Blanc (2007)
…the best BC white wine I’ve tasted this year and one of the best BC white wines I’ve ever tasted.
Gurvinder Bhatia
Tidings Magazine Dec 08/Jan 09
…It’s yummy stuff and we’re stocking as much of it as we can…
Larry Arnold October 20/08
Honest John’s White (2007)
…packed with honeyed white peaches, sage, melon and apple.
Edward Finstein (The Wine Doctor)
Beach Metro News October 21/08
….Road 13 has transformed into a winery that can outperform many a global competitor. Honest John’s White is a fine example the aromatic whites BC does so well…
Why buy Conundrum when this is half the price?
Christina Burridge
Vancouver Magazine Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
Jackpot Viognier (2007)
…Damn fine wine, and a wide palette of pairing options. Like maybe truffles.
Jurgen Gothe
Georgia Straight December 18/08
Cabernet Sauvignon (2006)
…very impressive…
Beppi Crosariol
Globe & Mail Dec 20/08
…infinitely quaffable…
Edward Finstein (The Wine Doctor)
Beach Metro News October 21/08
Zinfandel (2007)
…it’s arm-wrestling heavy California hitters like Caymus and Ravenswood or Seghesio and-are we surprised?-it thumps them good. Not to dwell too long on (yet another) Road 13 triumph, but this one is stunning….
Jurgen Gothe
Georgia Straight Dec 11/08
Pinot Noir (2007)
…charming and full-fruited dinner wine, light in body but deep in flavour – quite an achievement….
Riesling (2007)
…full and crisp, and simply a superb Riesling.
Jurgen Gothe
Georgia Straight Oct 23/08
Merlot (2006)
BC wine of the week,
Winemaker Michael Bartier is as concentrated and intense as his latest Merlot…
Anthony Gismondi – Vancouver Sun Jan 24/09
2008 JACKPOT HOME VINEYARD SPARKLING CHENIN BLANC
TOP 25 BC WINES 2012 — WINE ACCESS MAGAZINE
GOLD MEDAL — OKANAGAN FALL WINE FESTIVAL 2011
GOLD MEDAL — WINE ACCESS WINE AWARDS 2012
BEST SPARKLING WINE – 2012 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE
AWARDS (Vancouver Magazine)
2010 OLD VINES CHENIN BLANC
GOLD MEDAL — OKANAGAN FALL WINE FESTIVAL 2011
BEST WHITES – 2012 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS
2009 JACKPOT CHARDONNAY
BEST OF CLASS – 2012 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS
GOLD MEDAL — OKANAGAN FALL WINE FESTIVAL 2011
BRONZE MEDAL — WINE ACCESS WINE AWARDS 2012
2010 HONEST JOHN’S WHITE
GOLD MEDAL — OKANAGAN FALL WINE FESTIVAL 2011
March 2012 – Wine Access-Anthony Gismondi “..a big jump up in
quality. The palate is super fresh with pear, green apple and melon
fruit. There is perfect tension between the acidity and sweetness”
2008 JACKPOT PINOT NOIR
TOP 25 BC WINES 2012 — WINE ACCESS MAGAZINE
GOLD MEDAL — WINE ACCESS WINE AWARDS 2012
———————————————————————–
LaStella
October 4, 2008
8123-148th Avenue, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0 | MAP
Tel: 250-495-8180 | Fax: 250-495-8160
Email: info@lastella.ca
Web: www.lastella.ca | Twitter
Gallery
The People That Make It Happen
Viticulturalist: Severine Pinte
Vineyard Manager: Jody Subotin
General Manager: Rasoul Salehi
About LaStella
LaStella was created to capture our vision of la dolce vita: fine food, wonderful wine, great music, and the good things in life. At LaStella, we celebrate the sun that ripens our grapes and brings warmth to our life, and we share that with everyone who visits us.
LaStella is situated at Osoyoos Lake in the sunny South Okanagan valley of beautiful British Columbia. Here our vineyards produce great fruit and we craft them into such proprietary wines as Allegretto, Vivace and Maestoso. Each wine has its own story — and to convey this unique story we name our wines after Italian musical motifs.
LaStella has assembled an all-star cast to lead the production of BC’s best wines. Head winemaker and viticulturist Severine Pinte, Vineyard Manager Jody Subotin and General Manager Rasoul Salehi work tirelessly to deliver award winning wines vintage after vintage.
Please visit the winery when you visit the Okanagan and join our email newsletter for the latest news from wine country. Visit us online at www.lastella.ca on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lastellawinery and twitter at twitter.com/lastella_winery.
The History
LaStella was created to be the embodiment of the Tuscan way of life. For us, we are making more than wine. We are making our own fun. We are making something different yet reassuringly familiar.
LaStella is situated at Osoyoos Lake in the South Okanagan valley of beautiful British Columbia. The winery opened its doors in May 2007 with its first vintage of 2006. This included Vivace Pinot Grigio, Lastellina Rosato, Allegretto Merlot (Pie Franco) and the very low yield, highly complex Maestoso Merlot.
In 2008, 4 clones of Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso) have come to production. Soon the super Tuscan expression from the Okanagan will come to life.
In the Vineyard
Fortunately for us (and you), the Okanagan valley happens to be one of the best wine regions with its unique climate and variety of latitudes and soils. There is a perceptible difference in temperature and greenery, from the lushness of the north to the sage ridden desert in the south.
According to WineBC, the area between Oliver and Osoyoos is the northernmost tip of the northern most desert in the world; Sonora Desert. Summers are generally very hot with July and August being warmer than Napa Valley, but the evenings are markedly cooler. Osoyoos has 1450 growing degree days and 8 inches of average annual rainfall (WineBC.com). Low rainfall, high heat units and a dry environment allow us to farm in a sustainable manner with all the respect the land deserves.
In the vineyards we do a blend of organic and biodynamic practices, which we call ‘non-interventionism’. Along with our sister winery; Le Vieux Pin, we have around 50 acres of small parcel, prime vineyards in Oliver’s Golden Mile and Black Sage Bench as well as vineyards at Osoyoos lake. We have very distinct soil composition in our vineyards that result in very unique and distinctive wines. We also contract grapes from quality minded growers who grow organically and sustainably. We practice low input viticulture and employ dry farming. As a result our yields are very low and help concentrate the flavours and complexities in the fruit. Our average yield is 2 tons per acre and for some of our wines as low as 1 ton per acre, compared to the widely accepted 4-8 tons per acre yields used with quantity focused producers.
In addition to the above, the underpinning of our success is passion, friendship, dedication and commitment to excellence.
Blue Mountain
October 4, 2008
2385 Allendale Road, RR#1 Site 3 Comp 4 | Okanagan Falls BC
Phone: 250-497-8244 | Fax: 250-497-6160
Email: bluemountain@bluemountainwinery.com
Web: www.bluemountainwinery.com
Gallery
[imgset:72157617093632629,square,true]
photos by Andrea Johnson
People Behind the Passion
Family: Mavety Family (Ian, Jane, Matt & Christie)
Owners: Ian & Jane Mavety
Winemaker: Matt Mavety
About Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is a family run vineyard and winery located in the picturesque South Okanagan Valley, overlooking Vaseaux Lake. The Mavety family has farmed this fertile bench since 1971 and founded the winery in 1991, with a commitment to sustainable viticulture practices and using exclusively estate-grown grapes.
The Philosophy
Blue Mountain strives to produce complex, age-worthy wines, consistent in style while allowing the expression of both the terroir and the individual season. The grapes that are harvested for Blue Mountain wines are sourced solely from its own vineyard. In the winery, Matt combines new technology with traditional techniques. The wines are handled minimally to ensure that the delicacy and intensity of flavours cultivated in the vineyard are expressed in the wine. French oak barrels are used in the cellar to soften and add complexity. All of these factors combine to result in a style and finesse fitting to the varietals. The 12,000-case yearly production consists of Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and a méthode traditionnel sparkling wine, all from estate grown grapes.
Trade Contact
Christine Fawcett | Keystone Fine Wines
Metro Vancouver | Whistler-Squamish | Southern Vancouver Island
Mobile: 604.789.8232
————————————————————————–
