Located down a side road just east of Okanagan Falls, lies Meyer Family Vineyards. The winery began in 2006 with their first wines being released in 2008 with offerings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Gamay. Meyer had it’s origins in Naramata, but owners JAK and Janice Meyer soon relocated to Okanagan Falls when they realized the need for more land and their own winery. As a result of both personal preference and site suitability, the winery now specializes in Burgundian varietals – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though the site retains four acres of old vines Gewürztraminer.
As with most businesses, specialization tends to bring improved quality and this is the case with MFV. They make several Chardonnays and Pinot’s, all of which are impressive. Each wine comes from a single vineyard, which helps to reflect its terroir. Chris Carson, winemaker, is an experienced Pinot Noir maker with vintages in New Zealand, California, Burgundy as well as in the Okanagan.
JAK trusts Chris’ vision and gives him a lot of freedom in the winery. The only area where they may have a slight difference of opinion is when it comes to closures. Chris has been an advocate for screw caps, no doubt influenced by his time in New Zealand, while JAK is of the old school and prefers the romance and tradition of cork. Currently, about 80% of their production is under screw caps.
MFV has added a new product to their line up, a traditional method chardonnay and pinot noir sparkling wine. The 8000 bottles, which are currently quietly resting on their lees, with be released in 2016. Based on their reputation, I am expecting something special indeed.
They currently produce 6000 cases of wine, which is hand harvested and hand crafted. That is why they are among the best that BC and Canada have to offer.
Meyer Family has been a part of the BC Pinot Noir Celebration since its inception, three years ago. This year the event will take place on August 22 at Linden Gardens in Kaleden. Twenty-six wineries will take part and the event has attracted the eye of noted British wine expert Steven Spurrier of Judgment of Paris – Bottle Shock fame, who will be in attendance. Keep your eye out for more on this and get your tickets when they go on sale as the event does sell out. (You know those pinot geeks). Ticket sales will be limited to 300.
As a testament to the quality of their Pinot Noir, Meyer Family has been invited to the International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville Oregon this year. This is one of the most prestigious wine events in the world and participation is by invitation only.
Their successes have been many, having been recognized by many respected wine writers and having been ranked as Canada’s number one Chardonnay for the last two years (National Wine Awards), as well as several 90 point plus ratings from International critics like Steven Spurrier and Jancis Robinson.
JAK has been busy getting his wines wider recognition. They are now available across Canada and can be found internationally in better restaurants in seven countries, including England, the US, Switzerland and China. They even have a custom order for their entry level Pinot Noir from Marks and Spencer. After getting back from the German Prowein show, JAK might be making inroads into Germany as well.
The Meyer philosophy? “Maintain your commitment to quality. If you make good wine, people will find you. There will always be a push to sell through discounted channels or make and sell lower priced wines, but you have to just stay the course.” Since 2006, Meyer Family Vineyards has donated $5000 annually to charities through their Tribute Chardonnay wines. Recipients include art, sport and disability associations.
Meyer sells 60-70% of their wines in restaurants and private liquor stores and the rest from their tasting room, in contrast to many other wineries where it is the opposite.
On my last visit, Jeanna and Monica greeted me. Here are some brief tasting notes on the wines I tasted.
2012 Gewürztraminer – stainless steel fermented, 21-year-old vines that were on the OK Falls land when they made the move from Naramata. $18
2012 McLean Creek Road Chardonnay – 100% French oak, 32% of which is new oak. Toasty oak melds beautifully with the fruit. I love this wine. $30
2012 Tribute Chardonnay – from Naramata, 100% French oak, 35% new oak, higher in acidity. $40
2012 Valley Pinot Noir – Okanagan Falls and Kelowna, 100% French Oak, 33% new oak. 13%. Earthy, forest floor, well balanced, the flavours echo the nose, a medium-long finish. $25
2013 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir – this comes from a vineyard in SE Kelowna. Jammy fruit, minerality, spice and earthy. Delightful. $40
McLean Creek Pinot Noir – one of my favourites, fruit forward and clearly one of the very best BC has to offer $40
What’s in store for the future of Meyer Family Vineyard? JAK is looking at some Riesling in Naramata that he might add to their portfolio and he will likely reduce the amount of Gewürztraminer planted on their site. JAK also mentioned he is very proud of the growth of Meyer Family Vineyard’s wine club, which ships wines across Canada.
