Pentâge Winery, located on 23 acres overlooking Skaha Lake, has been a staple in the Okanagan wine scene since 1996. Founded by Paul Gardner and Julie Rennie, this boutique winery is renowned for its low-intervention wines. From the natural rock wine cellar to the diverse varietals, Pentâge offers a unique wine experience.
The Vineyards
Pentâge Winery’s vineyards are the backbone of its exceptional wines with 19 different varieties of grapes. Situated on the Skaha Bench overlooking Skaha Lake, these vineyards benefit from the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. The composition is glacial silt with good soil depth with boulders and sand below it which holds natural water from the snow packs and rains. The winery's two main vineyards, Vista Ridge and Dirty Dozen, are carefully managed to maximize grape quality and showcase the region’s diverse varietals.
Vista Ridge Vineyard
The Vista Ridge Vineyard was the first vineyard established by Pentâge Winery in 1997. Spanning 23 acres, it is home to a variety of grapes including Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gamay. The vineyard uses the Lyre trellis system, a method originating from Bordeaux in the 1980s. This system optimizes sun exposure, encourages airflow, and makes hand-tending easier due to its ergonomic height. The careful layout and management of this vineyard ensure that the grapes receive ample sunlight and airflow, essential for producing high-quality wines.
Dirty Dozen Vineyard
Affectionately named the “Dirty Dozen,” this 12-acre vineyard was acquired in 2006. Planted in 2007, it includes twelve distinct varietals such as Malbec, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, and Tempranillo. The vineyard employs the Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) trellis system, which features a horizontally divided canopy. This innovative system enhances sunlight penetration and airflow, crucial for grape development and health. The GDC system also allows for better management of canopy density, ensuring that the vines are healthy and productive.
Additional Vineyards
In addition to the main vineyards, Pentâge Winery leases a neighbouring two-acre vineyard that contributes premium Pinot Gris grapes to their portfolio. The winery also sources select varietals from local growers, allowing for a broader range of wines that highlight the finest fruits of the region.
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is at the core of Pentâge’s vineyard management. The winery adopts low-yield cultivation strategies and sustainable farming practices to maintain the health of the vines and the quality of the grapes. Onsite composting of grape pomace and vine prunings enriches the soil, promoting a healthy vineyard ecosystem. These practices not only enhance the vineyard’s productivity but also ensure that the wines produced are true to the terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
The combination of strategic vineyard management, innovative trellis systems, and sustainable practices ensures that Pentâge Winery produces some of the finest wines in the Okanagan Valley. Visitors to the winery can appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into every bottle, from the vineyard to the glass.
Winemaking Process
The winemaking process at Pentâge is meticulous. Grapes are carefully sorted before and after de-stemming, with gentle pressing and controlled fermentation to preserve the grapes' qualities. The winery uses minimal intervention and modern techniques to produce wines that are elegant, well-balanced, and true to their origins. Pentâge has won several Lieutenant Governor's General awards for their Gewürztraminer and Syrah and Double Platinum, Platinums and Golds for their Viogniers.
Wine Tasting and Tours
Visitors to Pentâge Winery can enjoy a personalized wine tasting experience in the wine shop and tasting room. The tasting fee is $12 per person, with $6 waived with a bottle purchase. The winery also offers a beautiful picnic area with stunning vineyard views, where guests can enjoy their own food or purchase local cheeses and meats.
Natural Rock Wine Cellar
One of the highlights of Pentâge Winery is its 5,000 square foot natural rock wine cellar. Carved into the mountainside, this cellar provides natural climate control for barrel aging. While tours of the cellar are currently unavailable, visitors can still appreciate its unique design through the glass doors.
Wine Clubs
Pentâge Winery offers two wine clubs: The Granite Club and The Nichol Club.
The Granite Club
The Granite Club includes three shipments per year, giving members first access to small lot wines like St. Laurent and Pinot Noir. Members can also enjoy a summer reception at the winery, featuring a barrel tasting and meet-and-greet with the winemaker.
The Nichol Club
The Nichol Club provides two shipments per year, featuring the winery's core portfolio. Members also gain access to library wines, large format bottles, and limited small lot wines.
Events
Pentâge Winery hosts various events for wine club members, including receptions and tastings. These events offer exclusive opportunities to connect with the winery team and enjoy the latest releases. Upcoming events include yoga sessions, long table dinners, and summer concerts.
Plan Your Visit
Pentâge Winery's wine shop is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with tastings available on a first-come, first-served basis. While cellar tours are currently unavailable, the winery offers a welcoming environment for a memorable wine-tasting experience in the picnic area or wine shop.
Visit Pentâge Winery to explore their exceptional wines and experience the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle. The Winery promises a unique and enjoyable journey through the Okanagan Valley's winemaking tradition.
