Yes, the times are indeed changing, and like all farmers wine growers are a resilient lot and seem to possess tenacious optimism. The last several years have been challenging for the wine industry for a variety of reasons, yet they bravely march on. Here is an update on the current outlook from Black Hills Master of Wine, Ross Wise (edited).
“If you have been following our new blog series, you’ll know that we’re making significant changes in our vineyards. As part of this transformation, we are replanting the majority of our estate. Initially, the plan was to complete this work over several years. The extreme cold events over the last two winters accelerated our timeline. It was a difficult but necessary decision.
We have an unwavering commitment to the unique terroir of the South Okanagan. We’re past talking about its potential. Our community of local wineries are producing wines that undoubtedly compete on the world stage. This didn’t happen overnight – we owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneers in our industry who helped pave the way.
Now it is our responsibility to continue to move the industry forward. We need to adapt to our changing climate and plan for the future. In doing so, we can also incorporate new technology, research, and best practices. Our wines will be better – and more sustainable – for it.
It will be three years before we get our first crop from these new plantings. That leaves us with a shortage in the interim. We explored numerous scenarios before concluding that the best path forward is to source fruit from Washington and Oregon for the 2024 vintage.
We will communicate the origin of these wines honestly and transparently. We are proud of the growers we are working with. After visiting numerous estates across Washington and Oregon, we have partnered with some of the top vineyards in Walla Walla, Horse Heaven Hills, and the Chehalem Mountains in the Willamette Valley. The vineyards will be meticulously farmed to our specifications and I will be spending a lot of time walking these vineyards leading up to and during harvest.
As a winemaker, it’s an exciting opportunity to work with exceptional new terroirs. Importantly, the fruit we’re working with honours the ethos and style of Black Hills. From harvest to bottle, the wines will be made with the same patience and precision that has guided our winemaking since 1999.
We can’t wait to share them with you as we await our next chapter in the Okanagan.”
So with your next glass of BC wine, please raise your glass and make a heartfelt toast to all those who work hard to make our industry what it is today.
Cheers!
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
