This year we were fortunate to be among the few wineries in the province with BC-grown fruit. Our Keremeos Vineyard was significantly impacted by the cold snap this past winter, leading to minimal crop. However, our Thompson Valley Vineyards thrived due to the resilience of our cold-tolerant varieties and the extra measures we take to mitigate winter damage, such as using geotextiles and burying the vines. All in all, we harvested about 50% of last year’s tonnage, however, 2023 was a record year for us. The 2024 vintage was more in line with lighter harvests such as in 2020.
While the overall quantity was down, the quality of the fruit was exceptional. Typically, we face challenges like wildfires or drought, but this year we benefited from sufficient rain in June, followed by excellent conditions for ripening during late summer. We had a slightly later-than-normal start to harvest this year, though not drastically so. Although we experienced sporadic rain in the fall, our organic viticulture program proved its strength, resulting in healthy fruit. The Riesling grapes ripened just before the fall frosts while the other grape varieties enjoyed extended hang time on the vine, allowing them to reach optimal ripeness based on specific flavour, acidity, sugar, and tannin targets.
Typically, extreme heat can cause sugar levels to spike, but this year’s favourable conditions enhanced the overall profile of our wines, showcasing the depth and richness of their aromas. Moderate temperatures contributed to crisp, vibrant acidity that perfectly complements our signature style of fresh, fruit-forward, and balanced wines. The extended hang time, combined with the absence of extreme heat, allowed the bouquet of many varieties to flourish, resulting in complex and intense aromatics across our fermentations.
