A Note From Chris Holler
As we celebrate our 30th vintage at Poplar Grove, I find myself reflecting on how far we have come, not only as a winery but as part of the Okanagan wine community.
The story began in 1993, when Ian and Gitta Sutherland planted the first five acres of Merlot and Cabernet Franc on Poplar Grove Road. Just two years later, those vines produced the first official vintage of Poplar Grove wine: 150 cases of Merlot and 100 cases of Cabernet Franc. At the time, few could have imagined how the Okanagan would continue its steady growth and advancement to take its place on the world stage.
When our family purchased Poplar Grove 
in 2007, the winery was producing about 2,500 cases annually. We came to the table as apple farmers with a bit of soft fruit and three acres of Merlot planted on our Old Davenport Vineyard. Farming was in our DNA, and the opportunity to grow Poplar Grove into an estate winery felt both humbling and inspiring.
The last 18 years have been a journey of transformation. Some milestones stand out: in 2008, Stefan Arnason joined us as Winemaker; in 2011, we completed our winery on Munson Mountain; in 2012, our production facility on Tupper Avenue came online; and by 2018, we had our own bottling line. Taking over operations of the restaurant in 2019 and building our warehouse in 2020 gave us even more ways to share our wines and hospitality. Today, our family farms 160 acres of vineyards, crafting wines that continue to receive recognition on the international stage, with awards from Decanter, and a Judgement of BC win for our Legacy. In 2024, we proudly released our first 10 year Library Collection.
Farming and winemaking are never without challenges. Over the years we have faced winter deep freezes, unpredictable seasons, and the steep learning curve that comes with stewarding the land. But each vintage has been a reminder that hard work, patience, and resilience pay off. We have seen our vines grow deeper roots, our team grow stronger, and our community of wine lovers grow alongside us.
At its heart, Poplar Grove has always been about family, farming, and a deep respect for this place we call home. Looking back, I would not change a thing. The journey has been full of long days and late nights, but also immense pride and joy in every bottle we share.
Most importantly, I want to thank you, our customers, for your continued support. You welcome Poplar Grove into your homes, at your dinner tables, during celebrations, and in the quiet moments that matter most. It is a privilege to be part of your lives in this way, and we look forward to continuing to share our wines with you.
Here is to 30 years of Okanagan winemaking, and to the next 30 still to come.