Our Vineyards
There is a connection between farmer and plant, vigneron and vine. Giving sweat and time and taking the fruit each season.The memory created from farm to glass. The farmer knows the benefits of the bugs and hawks. The worms and weeds. The curses of fire and disease. Water is life. A breeze has a purpose... It takes real work. Real care.
We are the lucky stewards of three unique pinot noir producing vineyards in Summerland, BC. Each of them expresses very distinct terroir through the wines, despite being located mere kilometres apart. What we offer is an exploration of Summerland through wine.
Elysia Vineyard
Home to the winery, this vineyard was planted in 2006 with Pinot Noir, Viognier and Syrah. It overlooks Okanagan Lake to the east and gets the early and midday sun. Between the very steep slope and a mix of ldecomposed granite, alluvial soil and limestone, this is an ideal place for vines. Because it is basically a giant granite hill, it heats up and holds heat very well, acting as a thermal for many birds of prey. On any given day you can see the red-tailed hawks, rocky mountain bluebirds, robins, falcons, vultures, eagles and even a kestral.
Canyonview Vineyard
Planted in 2003 on the precipice of the Trout Creek Canyon, this vineyard has been immaculately cared for by vineyard manager Garth Purdy from day one, and he continues to do so to this day. This south-facing vineyard has sandy soil that is dotted with river stones, producing spectacular Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from two large terraces.
Waters & Banks Vineyard
Planted in the early 2000's, this 7.5 acre organic vineyard thrives in the caring hands of namesake owners, Terry Waters and Cathy Banks, two retired doctors. This south-west site sits adjacent to our winery in Summerland, so close to Elysia that the rows are barely distinguishable - very neighborly! Its rich alluvial deposits lay overtop quartz gravel on steep slopes, home to Pinot Noir (115, 667), Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.
These are the places we do the work we do. We are grateful to do this work. When we bring fruit out of the fields and into the cellar, it is with many careful hands. The skins and seeds and stems are composted, recycled, renewed back into the soil. Giving the energy back to the vine.