Introduction
Welcome to a journey imbued with the essence of nature and steeped in the tradition of craftsmanship— a journey about the tales of the winemakers and the vineyards they tend, specifically in Penticton. As your adventure uncoils, you'll uncover the stories behind the fragrant trellises, the earthy cellars, and the wine artisans who weave their magic in vineyards kissed by the Okanagan sun.
A Look Back: From Roots to Vines
Wine production in Penticton and its surrounding regions has a phenomenal heritage, rich with flavour like a well-aged Cabernet. Remarkably, the late 1800s saw French Catholic missionaries bringing wine production to British Columbia, marking its initiation into the world of viticulture. This early influence saw the province evolve from modest farming lands to world-class vines, setting the stage for modern-day Penticton's enological quest.
Notably, the city has witnessed the establishment of distinguished wineries that carry forward the proud tradition of their predecessors while bringing their unique approaches to winemaking. For instance, Bench 1775 is known for its philosophy of aligning talented individuals with the land, climate, and sun to craft some of Okanagan Valley’s most notable wines.
Tales of Tenacity: Old Vineyards, New Stories
Penticton vineyards carry tales of resilience and innovation that echo through the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley. Da Silva Vineyards exemplifies the spirit of these vineyards, which hold the narratives of families who entered farming with modest beginnings, only strengthening their connection with the land over time.
Their first family orchard on the Naramata Bench purchased in 1959 is the beginning of their journey. Today, with over six decades of farming in South Okanagan, they exemplify the intimate understanding many vintners have with their land. The vineyards have become more than just stages for growing grapes; they stand for the elaborate stories etched in every row of vines and every bottle of wine produced.
Innovation: The Sparkling Shift
Apart from their delectable wines, Penticton wineries have been the backdrop for several firsts in British Columbia's wine history. The wineries turned to innovation in their quest for excellent winemaking, investing in new styles and techniques. TIME Family of Wines, a portfolio of brands- TIME Winery, Evolve Cellars and the McWatters Collection set amidst Penticton’s cityscape, stands distinguished in this respect. TIME Winery’s timeline is etched by former President and CEO Harry McWatters, who had the honour of being an innovator in Canada to craft premium bottle-fermented sparkling wine, raising a glass to innovation and ardour for wine on a partially-treaded sparkling path. In 1989, Stellar’s Jay was released and it is one of the pioneering Traditional Method sweet sparkling wines in BC & one of Canada’s most awarded sparkling wines.
Conclusion
Every vineyard in Penticton, from the sprawling estates to urban wineries, is a world within a glass of rich history, innovative techniques, and stories of perseverance. The city’s vineyards are not merely locales where grapes transform into divine elixirs; they are spaces where the romance between art and science, tradition and innovation, and the mystique of the vine and the vintner’s touch, takes form to fill our glasses with tales of transcription from grapevines to wine. So, when you pour your next glass of Penticton wine, pause to savour the deeper essence, the story behind every drop. It might just make the wine taste that little bit sweeter.
