What's been a nightmare on many levels for the British Columbia wine industry is turning out to be somewhat of a godsend for growers in Washington state — especially with news that the 2024 harvest in the Evergreen State is projected to surpass 200,000 tons, up from the 159,500 tons picked in 2023. And some of these young relationships between British Columbia winemakers, … [Read more...] about Lightning Rock Winery in British Columbia helps blaze trail to Washington vineyards
British Columbia wine
Van Westen Vineyards continues to succeed with old-school approach on Naramata Bench
NARAMATA, British Columbia — Rob Van Westen is about as old-school as it gets in this modern era of the British Columbia wine industry, and he believes that not enough people realize how difficult farming of any kind is in the Okanagan Valley. “Some people think we all have helicopter pads and drive Lamborghinis,” he says. “I drive a 1997 Dodge pickup truck.” These aren’t … [Read more...] about Van Westen Vineyards continues to succeed with old-school approach on Naramata Bench
The tenuous state of British Columbia wine
PENTICTON, British Columbia — To say that British Columbia’s wine industry is on edge at the start of the 2024 vintage is either a gargantuan understatement, an unwelcome doom-and-gloom sentiment or a distant curiosity for those neither a part of the industry nor adjacent to it.I’ve been a supporter in a variety of ways since I returned to my hometown of Penticton, about an … [Read more...] about The tenuous state of British Columbia wine
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery set for more history with next-gen winemaker
OLIVER, British Columbia — No one has shined more brilliantly more often with white wine throughout the 24-year history of the Platinum Awards than Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. And if not for the closed border between British Columbia and Washington state during the pandemic, pioneering winemaker Walter Gehringer might still be … [Read more...] about Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery set for more history with next-gen winemaker
High hopes for high-elevation Garnet Valley Ranch Winery in Okanagan Valley of British Columbia
SUMMERLAND, British Columbia — The word winery is perhaps a misnomer for this wild, rustic and environmentally immersive experience above Summerland, British Columbia. Yes, there are wines produced under a “less is more” philosophy by New Zealand native Matt Dumayne. But to paraphrase a Broadway musical, chicks and ducks may scurry as you make your way over the unpaved road … [Read more...] about High hopes for high-elevation Garnet Valley Ranch Winery in Okanagan Valley of British Columbia