Farewell Beloved Viognier

Limited Packs Available

 In 2017, we became the lucky stewards of Elysia Vineyard, a steep-sloped, super windy, eastern-facing site, perched on the Summerland Bench, above Okanagan Lake on bedrock and glacial deposit.

Viognier has been planted at the tippy top of this vineyard since 2006, and although it is one of our yummiest and best selling wines, these vines have been operating at about 50% efficiency for years.

This is a warm weather grape, originating from the southern regions of France. With the intense cold in our Okanagan Valley region over the last two winters, we knew these vines were going to struggle.

At the beginning of February when the snow first starts to melt, our team collects cuttings from each block to examine the health of our vines and predict yields for the coming season. A handful of plants showed promise of life, but as we moved through the rows, we were met with 95% bud loss - devastation.

After a few years of debate, we decided it was time to pull them up. This fan favourite will undoubtably be deeply missed from our portfolio.

Our Owner, Ron Kubek, says, “It’s always tough to make these calls, but it’s part of farming and the renewal process, and we will be better for it. We’re excited to start again.”

And, pardon the pun, but everything happens for a Riesling.

This spring, we will replant with Riesling, a more winter-hardy grape that will better suit this resilient block for years to come, and (fingers crossed) bequeath us delicious wines to share with you soon.

To celebrate the life of our beloved Viognier, which has graced our portfolio since the winery's inception to it's newest release, we're offering the final bottles in a farewell vertical. Packs are super limited - Order here.

We hope you will savour every last sip and share with the people you love the most.

Please share your favourite memory about our beloved Lightning Rock Viognier in the comments below!