Clarity Wine Magazine

One of my favorite projects I’ve ever had the pleasure of contributing to was Clarity Wine Magazine, an annually released catalog highlighting wineries in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Throughout this collaboration, I learned so much about wine - the region, varietals, terroir - and most importantly, the wine makers and viticulturists who create and deliver such wonderful products from our BC soil. Below is an article that I wrote, featured in Clarity Wine Magazine, about the unique terroir of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

Terroir of the Okanagan & Similkameen Valleys

The Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys have established some of the most impressive and unparalleled vines and varietals over the past few decades. Medals and accolades for prestigious wines are being awarded to the region provincially, nationally, and internationally; this includes recognition for the uniqueness of the terroir.

In comparison to deep-rooted, worldwide wine regions, the Valleys have only gone through one generation of wine growing. After a government-funded grapevine pull-out in the 1980s, Okanagan and Similkameen wineries had to start from scratch. In addition to its youthful roots, the region encounters several variables that effect product success rates—an outcome of the area’s unusual yet valuable terroir. From the minerology of the soil to the extreme swings in weather, the Valleys’ vines encounter a 20-25% life span.

While early Okanagan and Similkameen grape growers experimented with different varietals, the second generation of wine makers are focussed on what kind of quality they can get from their vineyard. This is starting to indicate the reason for so many of the region’s wine makers paying attention to their unique soil and climate, allowing for depth of quality, rather than breadth of selection.

Planting the right vine is no easy feat; however, in the Okanagan or Similkameen, there are countless positive characteristics, like the raised bench in Summerland keeping the vines warm during the nighttime hours; or Lake Country’s frost-free environment provided by the nearby lake; or the rolling slopes of Naramata, helping with drainage and removing the threat of mildew or rot.

Certain sub-geographical indications are being acknowledged and awarded in various regions of the Okanagan and Similkameen based on unique soil types and the resulting wine styles. In Okanagan Falls, Noble Ridge Winery is celebrating the “kettles” found in the glacial soil of their area; kettles are geological gullies scattered on the winery property. This has allowed Noble Ridge to apply for a sub-GI indicator, letting their winery become one of the rare establishments to obtain this identification, and for their wine to be widely recognized.

So many of the region’s viticulturists understand the uncommon conditions and the importance of doing their homework; experimentation can be a wonderful thing, but most wine makers in the Okanagan and Similkameen are doing as much research as possible before planting a vine, to ensure success and variety. Much of this attentiveness comes from the knowledge that any good wine takes time and dedication.

Jesce Baessler, at Corcelettes Estate Winery in Keremeos, proudly mentions that the wineries of the Valleys are making unique and outstanding products that represent the rare microclimate within a microclimate, allowing the area to become collectively more well-known for their specialties and terroir. Jan Nelson, Director of Tinhorn Creek Winery in Oliver, agrees: “We are sharing tips between growers and wine makers, working at understanding the soil and region. We learn from each other because we aren’t competing with our neighbours; we’re collaborating.”