Tales from the legends of the Okanagan Valley:
‘Decanting Memories’ uncorks a lifetime of stories
The true story of wine industry pioneers Trudy and George Heiss will make you laugh, cry and, most importantly, sip out loud.
Long before the Okanagan Valley became a global wine destination, it was a blank canvas for those with enough grit to believe in it. Today, a limited run of Decanting Memories is released, revealing the true story of Trudy and George Heiss, the pioneers who built the BC wine industry from the ground up when they founded Gray Monk Estate Winery more than 50 years ago.
George, trained by his father – a world champion hairdresser from Vienna – arrived in Edmonton in 1960 with a pair of wooden skis, a suitcase of smuggled salami, and no winter coat. Trudy, who escaped across the East/West German border as a child, also a hairdresser, met George in Edmonton. Together, they eventually found their way to a plot of land in Lake Country that promised nothing but “potential”.
Decanting Memories is a gritty, poignant, and often hilarious firsthand account of what it really took to build the iconic Gray Monk Estate Winery. From turning the first stones to navigating the wild early days of the industry, this story captures the ingenuity, stamina and humour that defined a legacy and changed BC wine forever.
“Decanting Memories is a testament to the days of digging trenches by hand, tractor repair through welding and long, uncertain winters,” says Barb Wild, DipWSET, wine writer and educator championing this project. “It’s a story about the true value of the bottle in your hand, and the pioneers who refused to take no for an answer.”
A Legacy of Giving In the spirit of the hospitality industry they helped build, proceeds from the sale of Decanting Memories will be donated to the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), supporting those who keep our industry thriving.
Where to Purchase With only a limited number of copies available, this is an opportunity to own a foundational piece of BC history. Hardcover copies are available for $32.95 while supplies last, through:
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- BC Wine Information Centre – 553 Vees Drive, Penticton, BC. Available online, in-person or by phone (250-490-2006). Link to purchase
- Gray Monk Estate Winery 1055 Camp Road, Lake Country, BC. Available at the Wine Shop in person, email wineshop@nullgraymonk.comor by phone (1-888-414-2354)
- Intrigue Wines – 2291 Goldie Road, Lake Country, BC. Available in-person or by phone (250-980-3233). Please call ahead or stop by.
Retail Inquiries
Wineries, retailers and hospitality outlets interested in carrying Decanting Memories are invited to contact Barb Wild. Participating retailers receive a wholesale ordering link through BCHF, with delivery arranged subsequently.
About the Project
This release is championed in support of Trudy Heiss – The OG Woman in Wine in BC. The wine community holds deep admiration for her foundational contribution to the BC wine industry. It is undertaken with the support and blessing of the Heiss family, with proceeds supporting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).