B.C. Back in Balance
Earlier this week I joined others in the B.C. Wine industry to experience the first spring releases. Hosted by Wines of British Columbia and moderated by This is Wine School with a panel of winery people.Grant Stanley from SpearHead Winery, Stacy Hornemann from Blue Grouse Wines, Laurent Fadanni from Whispering Horse Winery, Dylan Roche from Roche Wines and John Weber from Orofino Winery.
This was an opportunity to taste some of the wines from a seleect group of wineries. In a couple of cases the wines were presented as barrel samples as the wines had not yet been bottled. It was definitely an interesting experience. Each winery representative gave an update on the status of their vineyards and some thoughts about what their expectations are for the coming season. Also it was interesting to hear about the process of the 2025 vintages and how they are developing.
Please note that not all of these wines have been released yet, some winery notes may be for previous vintages that are currently available online from the wineries. Any previous vintage winery notes used are noted below.
What we tasted:
Whispering Horse Pinot Gris
100% Pinot Gris
Vineyard: Sustainably farmed on our 0.5 acre plot of 14 year old vines.
Wine making: Grapes were hand-harvested on October 9, 2025. The grapes were then de-stemmed, crushed and left on the skins for 24 hours prior to gently pressing. Fermentation and aging in stainless steel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in March, 2026.
Tasting Notes: Delicate aromas of raspberry, melon, papaya, citrus, and orange blossom. Dry on the palate, with a smooth mouthfeel, and a lingering citrus finish.
An interesting orange colour wine with lovely fruit scents of mandarin orange, stone fruit, honeysuckle, jasmine. In the mouth honey, brioche notes. As it sits awhile flavours of peach on the palate. The wine is fairly light with light acidity, some salinity and minerality on the finish.
Whispering Horse L’Acaie Wild
100% L’Acadie
Vineyard: Grown on our 3 acre plot planted in 2012-6 in alluvial soil.
Wine making: Grapes were hand-harvested on September 21st at 21.4 brix, crushed, destemmed, then gently pressed prior to fermentation and aging in stainless steel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in May 2024
Tasting Notes: Wonderfully aromatic, this vintage displays aromas of nectarine, orange zest, gooseberry, and white blossoms. Beautifully balanced and smooth on the palate with notes of mandarin, orchard fruits, and a delicate saline mineral finish.
Note: winery notes and availability is currently the 2023 vintage
$25.00 available online
A clear yellow in the glass. Beautiful scents of stone fruit. Opening with a touch of tropical notes, pineapple, coconut with a background of salinity. A touch of Oak to finish.
Blue Grouse Charme De L’ île – White Blend
At Blue Grouse, we believe wine should reflect its origin. Our approach is rooted in the Cowichan Valley, where we farm with care and intention, allowing the land and climate to guide our process. Vancouver Island offers a wild and layered landscape, shaped by ancient seabeds, volcanic and seismic activity, and glacial movement. The Mediterranean-like climate encourages slow, even ripening and helps preserve the
bright natural acidity that defines our wines.
CELLARING
Made with a blend of 100% Vancouver Island grapes from both Blue Grouse Estate and growers this bubbly white blend is comprised of Vancouver Island’s zestiest aromatic white varieties – Ortega, Schönburger, Pinot Gris, and Bacchus are the usual components – however each bottling varies a bit. The grapes are destemmed, juice pressed off the skins and then fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve
aromas. The dry, finished wine was then mixed with a bit of sugar and yeast and allowed to ferment in a sealed tank. With nowhere for the carbon dioxide to escape, as the wine ferments for a second time, the pressure climbs as more bubblers are created. The bubbly wine was moved carefully to bottle and finished with a cork.
VINEYARD
Vancouver Island is a cool growing region producing wines with natural acidity. The maritime influence helps keep the vineyard warm in the winter and cool in the summer, allowing for steady ripening and protection from very cold temperatures. The slow ripening during the growing season produces a fun and zesty sparkling wine with intense aromas and juicy flavors of melon, lychee and peach candy.
A very pale gold in the glass. Opening very predominantly with scents of yellow grapefruit followed by stone fruit wit a touch of spice followed by red apple, almond and star anise. Finishing with a bit of sweetness and a bit of spice. An intriguing wine.
Blue Grouse Pinot Noir
PHILOSPHY
At Blue Grouse, we believe wine should be a true reflection of its origin. Our approach is rooted in the Cowichan Valley, where we farm with care and intention, allowing the land to guide our process. Vancouver Island offers a wild and layered landscape, shaped by ancient seabeds, volcanic shifts, seismic activity, and glacial movement. The Mediterranean-like climate encourages slow, even ripening and helps preserve the bright natural acidity that defines our wines.
WINEMAKING
Fermented in amphorae and stainless steel before being aged for 18 months in a selection of new and neutral French oak barrels and puncheons.
VINEYARD
100% Pinot Noir –Cowichan Valley vineyards from our own Estate and valued Growers
VINTAGE NOTES
Despite a winter cold snap, our coastal climate protected the vines, leading to a normal to slightly late budbreak. Warm spring temperatures encouraged early flowering, and a hot, dry summer created ideal ripening conditions to develop flavour concentration without compromising acidity. Grapes were harvested throughout October from our estate vineyards and grower vineyards. The 2023 vintage was exceptional for Pinot Noir, producing wines with structure, vibrancy, and intriguing aromatics.
A light purple red tone in the glass. Opening with red fruits, cranberry and blueberry notes. Some scents of cider, lightly dill pickle. In the mouth some blackberry notes with a touch of the cider that follows from the nose to the palate. Excellent acidity and a good finish.
The 2023 vintage is currently available.
SpearHead White Pinot Noir
WINEMAKING
Grapes from select lots of Pinot Noir were gently whole bunch pressed, and the free-
run juice was captured with minimal skin contact. Fermented dry in stainless steel tank. Bottled February 2026.
TASTING NOTES
The nose is lifted with white grapefruit, pear and orange blossom, underpinned by a
subtle wet stone minerality. The palate reveals white peach and delicate stone fruit,
layered with bright Femminello lemon. Dry, with a gentle beeswax nuance, it finishes with crunchy acidity and a medium, beautifully balanced close.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Pair with fresh shucked oysters, shellfish platter, and a summer salad with a light
vinaigrette
VINTAGE NOTES
The 2025 growing season in the Central Okanagan marked a strong rebound, with
vines responding exceptionally well after recent challenges. Warm, favourable
conditions supported steady flavour development and even ripening throughout the
valley. Yields surpassed the historical average, and the fruit showed impressive
expression and quality — a reflection of both excellent weather and diligent vineyard
management.
The wine presented as completely clear in the glass (unlike the previous vintage pictured above). Scents of stone fruit and dusty rose with a touch of cooked egg. In the mouth apricot, peach, honey with a touch of tropical notes. The wine is light bodied with good acidity with a finish of white peach.
Winery notes for currently available 2024 vintage. Grapes were sourced from De Vries Vineyard located in southeast Washington State in the Yakima Valley.
SpearHead 2025 Pinot Gris
WINEMAKING
The grapes were hand-harvested and gently pressed. 90% was fermented in
stainless steel, 10% was fermented in neutral French puncheon to add texture to the
final wine. Bottled February 2026.
TASTING NOTES
Pale lemon in the glass, bursting with baked pear, pink grapefruit and a hint of
orange marmalade. The palate layers poached pear, cantaloupe and just-ripe
nectarine, carried by a beautifully balanced interplay of sweetness and acidity. Juicy,
vibrant, and irresistibly drinkable.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Pair with seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, Thai green curry (mild to medium
spice), and Triple-cream Brie.
VINTAGE NOTES
The 2025 growing season in the Central Okanagan marked a strong rebound, with
vines responding exceptionally well after recent challenges. Warm, favourable
conditions supported steady flavour development and even ripening throughout the
valley. Yields surpassed the historical average, and the fruit showed impressive
expression and quality — a reflection of both excellent weather and diligent vineyard
management.
Scents of cut grass, hay and some light barnyard, hazelnuts, some dust with a slight tastiness. The wine is light and finishes with a nutty flavour.
Roche Wines Pinot Gris ‘Artist’ 2025
Pinot Gris 100%
This release marks the return of BC fruit with the 2025 vintage. Laden with fresh
orchard fruit, including russet apple and ripe Bartlett pear, alongside a delicate
savoury accent of ginger and beeswax. But just as compelling is the texture, rich
and creamy against the generous fruit.
WINEMAKING
Collaboration | Honouring the French tradition of supporting the arts, the Roche family has collaborated with Canadian artists to create the Artist collection.
TASTING NOTES
Crisp, defined white. Lifted aromas of just-ripe orchard fruit. Lean, with long mineral finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Salade niçoise with rare tuna steaks. White fish ceviche with sweet potato
chips.
AGING POTENTIAL
Drink Now 2026-2028
Artist: Marina Billinghurst, Penticton, British Columbia | www.artofmarina.ca | @artofmarina
Lovely scents of rose, floral notes with some dust. The aromas are lingering with luscious stone fruits. The wine is light but tasty with citrus notes. Medium acidity and some salinity on the finish.
Roche Wines Pinot Noir Rosé ‘Artist’ 2025
TASTING NOTES
Delicate, floral and perfumed. Morello cherry and zesty pink grapefruit are
heightened by fragrant orange blossom and hibiscus. There’s a mineral undercurrent to complement the restrained, elegant fruit, leading to a taut, chalky finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Spinach salad with sliced strawberries, almond slivers and lemon yogurt dressing. Fresh spring pea risotto.
WINEMAKING
Cool fermentation in stainless for fruit preservation, lees stirring for body and
breadth. Bottled Spring 2026.
A pleasant orangey blush in the glass. Strong notes of strawberry, sap and plum skin. Great, flavourful strawberry and cream. Rich but with medium body, good acidity. Some salinity and a herbaceous finish.
Orofino Vineyards Pozza Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé 2025
THE VINEYARD
This Rosé from Orofino is a fine example of careful site selection and the diversity of the Similkameen Appellation. The Pozza Vineyard is like no other site in the Valley. It is situated on a big slope at high elevation with a Northerly aspect tucked
around a mountain just off of Highway 3A in the Olalla Gap. It is hidden from morning sun and is one of the coolest sites around, yet surrounded by true desert conditions. This allows for long hang times for mature phenolics and slow sugars
accumulations. Soils are typical sandy loam over gravel and round river rocks.
THE VINTAGE
2025 was a very good growing season in the Similkameen Valley. It was consistent and very nice to see the vines bounce back from 2 difficult vintages. Quality was good and most varietals produced average yields. The season was also marked by
September heat and harvest decisions had to be made quick to retain freshness and reasonable sugar levels.. Good farming resulted in high aromatics and lovely ripe tannins.
WINEMAKING NOTES
This small block of Cabernet Franc was picked solely for the purpose of making a Rosé. De-stemmed and lightly crushed, then left for a short period of time on the skins before being pressed off. The wine was fermented at cool temperatures to help
preserve the delicate aromatics. After fermenting until dry, the wine was filtered and bottled. No fining additives were used.
TASTING NOTES
Pouring a pretty shade of pink, this stylish, dry Rosé displays classic bright red fruits and high citrus tones with a hint of Jalapeño pepper, sage and crushed rock. It is a terrific food wine that begs to be added to a picnic basket.
A pale orange in the glass. Scents of pineapple, plum, red apple, ad lighter red fruits. Flavours of cranberry, oak, Italian plum, red apple with some salinity. The wine has good potential.
Orofino Gamay 2025
THE VINEYARDS
2 vineyards were used to create this wine. our Home Vineyard on the Cawston Bench has soil that is quite rich and rockless for 2-4 feet depending on where one digs. But once you hit the rock, it is all gravel and river rock. It would be classified as sandy-loam with considerable organic matter. Soils are loaded with Calcium Carbonate contributing to defined flavour profile in the grapes grown here. The Johal Vineyard is on the valley floor just a 10 minute walk from our winery. Soils are
fertile, rockless, and produce flavourful grapes.
THE VINTAGE
2025 was a very good growing season in the Similkameen Valley. It was consistent and very nice to see the vines bounce back from 2 difficult vintages. Quality was good and most varietals produced average yields. The season was also marked by September heat and harvest decisions had to be made quick to retain freshness and reasonable sugar levels.. Good farming resulted in high aromatics and lovely ripe tannins.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The grapes were de-stemmed leaving a lot of whole berries where internal carbonic fermentation happens within each whole berry for the first 5 or 6 days. throughout the fermentation we did Daily punchdowns to extract and breakdown whole berries slowly. The fermentation took place in open top fermenters, using ambient natural yeast. It was then gently pressed off to age in older French barrels and concrete tanks before bottling without fining or filtration.
TASTING NOTES
The Orofino Gamay style is always light, bright, juicy and gulpable. Pouring with a slight haze, this versatile and fun wine is best slightly chilled and poured all summer long. Notes of cranberries, red peppercorns and herbs.
In the glass the wine is a pale, clear red. Scents of kabocha, cooked plum . Light clay with light cranberry finish.
Please note: not all 2025 vintage wines are currently available. For those wines not yet available tasting notes for prior vinitages have been used and noted.
Winery notes were provided by Wines of BC, or courtesy of the winery websites. Images: bottle shots (except as noted) courtesy of the wineries. Feature image and Blue Grouse images MyVanCity.