Recently my wife and I visited two new-to-us wineries in West Kelowna. Each had appeared on my radar a year or two ago, but the opportunity for a visit never seemed to happen. Our first stop was at The Gallery, located at 2233 Witt Road, just off Gellatly Road.
Perched on a scenic rise that gently slopes south and eastward towards Gellatly Bay on Lake Okanagan, the 25-acre parcel is an oasis in a rapidly developing area.
We pulled into the parking lot on a sunny August afternoon and the charm of the Gallery was immediately apparent. The tasting room is open and bright, adorned with chandeliers and vibrant, eye-catching art. The space is filled with an array of prints, cards, gift bags, and fresh-cut bouquets.
The winery is owned by sisters Kirsten Wakal and Natasha Campbell, two artists turned farmers. Kirsten has a passion for gardening and photography, while Tasha shines as a talented artist whose works grace the winery’s walls and wine labels.
Many people dream of owning a winery. The vision of rolling vineyards, fall harvests and the age-old tradition of making wine is romantic no doubt (I confess it happened to me many years ago), but what few understand is, that not only is it hard work farming and dealing with all the weather challenges Mother Nature can throw your way, there are actually many more jobs that need to be done, each with its own skill set.
Knowing how to grow the best grapes possible on your plot of land, knowing how to craft the best wine possible, knowing how to market the wine (names and labels do matter), as well as having the necessary skills to run a business – billing, payroll, government forms, managing social media . . . and so it goes. It’s not easy navigating all these logistical challenges as a mom-and-pop or family-run operation.
The sisters, a tenacious pair, spent years getting the place up and running and faced numerous challenges along the way. But finally, with a lot of reassurance and encouragement, they triumphed, thanks to the help from friends and mentors which included consultant Gary Strachan, Michael Bartier of Bartier Brothers Winery, Daniel Bontorin from Botegga Wine Studio, and Jason Parkes who owns the nearby Crown and Thieves.
Clearing their land in 2013, they planted their first grapes in 2015 with the intention of selling them to other wineries. Their initial plantings included Riesling, Ehrenfelser, Orange Muscat and Malbec – a plot of Malbec representing the most northerly planting in BC. The first harvest occurred in 2018 and by 2021, they added a block of Cabernet Franc. That same year, they completed renovations on the winery amid the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
In addition to the winery, Kirsten manages the Sanctuary Gardens, an event centre located at 3792 Carrall Road. This venue, featuring winding paths and a gazebo, is a sought-after location for weddings and special events. Offering comprehensive concierge services, it stands as a testament to Kirsten’s dedication and passion for creating memorable experiences.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
