Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries is a name that carries weight in British Columbia's wine industry. With dual locations in the Fraser Valley and the Naramata Bench, this winery bridges the gap between tradition and modern innovation, producing wines that showcase the best of these distinct regions. Committed to quality over quantity, Township 7 has become a leader in small-lot production, focusing on crafting premium wines that reflect the unique terroirs of their vineyards.
Introduction to the Naramata Bench Location
On the other hand, Township 7's Naramata Bench location is in one of the Okanagan Valley's most celebrated wine regions. The Bench is known for its warm, dry climate, diverse soils, and long growing season—all of which contribute to producing bold, complex wines. The Naramata Bench's terroir is particularly suited to red varietals such as Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as rich, aromatic whites like Viognier.
The Naramata Bench location allows Township 7 to produce powerful yet refined wines with a depth of flavour from the region's ideal growing conditions. The contrast between the Fraser Valley and the Naramata Bench locations highlights the versatility of Township 7, showcasing their ability to craft wines that are true to the distinct characteristics of each region.
The History and Evolution of Township 7
Founding and Early Years
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery began its journey in 2000 with a singular vision: to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of British Columbia's Fraser Valley and Okanagan Valley. The winery's founders were driven by a passion for winemaking and a commitment to quality that remains at the centre of the winery's operations today. Over the years, Township 7 has become synonymous with premium, handcrafted wines celebrated for their ability to capture the nature of each grape varietal. This dedication to excellence has allowed Township 7 to carve out a respected place in the competitive British Columbia wine market.
The story of Township 7 is one of innovation balanced with tradition. The winemaking team is known for its meticulous attention to detail, from vineyard management to the winemaking process. The winery operates two locations: one on the Naramata Bench, offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake, and the other in South Langley, surrounded by the tranquil countryside. Both places serve as production sites and destinations for wine lovers to experience the warmth of Township 7's hospitality. Sustainability is a core value at Township 7, where every step is taken with respect for the environment, ensuring that their wines taste exceptional and are crafted with care for the land.
The Wines of Township 7
The Process
Township 7 Vineyards and Winery focuses on producing small-lot, high-quality wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their sustainably grown grapes. The winery sources fruit from its estate vineyards and select local growers, ensuring each grape is hand-harvested at peak ripeness and carefully sorted to maintain the fruit's integrity. This meticulous approach continues with gentle pressing and barrel aging in specially chosen French and American oak barrels, which add layers of spice and complexity to the wines.
The winery's blending process, which incorporates fruit from over 15 single vineyards, results in well-balanced and food-friendly wines, reflecting the diverse terroir of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. This commitment to excellence has earned Township 7 numerous accolades, including over 100 awards and several 90+ ratings from wine critics.
The Wines
The winery's portfolio includes a range of varietals and styles, with a particular emphasis on their Benchmark Series, which features some of their most sought-after wines. Standouts include the 2021 Cabernet Franc, 2020 Riesling, and 2022 Pinot Noir, each crafted to express the true varietal character of the grapes. The Benchmark Series also includes exclusive offerings for wine club members, such as the 2020 Black Dog, a complex blend of Bordeaux varietals, and the 2022 Reserve Chardonnay, known for its rich, nuanced flavour profile.
Additionally, Township 7 offers special releases like the McMillan Fortified Muscat, a dessert wine that showcases the winery's versatility. These wines, often available only in limited quantities, highlight the winery's dedication to crafting exceptional wines that resonate with the casual drinker and the discerning connoisseur.
Quality Focus
The focus on quality over quantity has earned Township 7 a reputation for producing consistently excellent wines. Each wine is crafted with attention to detail, from carefully selecting grapes to precisely controlling fermentation temperatures. This dedication to quality is evident in every sip, making Township 7 a favourite among those who appreciate the art of winemaking.
The Influence of Terroir on the Vineyard
Naramata Bench Location
The winery's three estate vineyards form the backbone of its premium wine portfolio. The Naramata Bench Estate Vineyard, located on the eastern bluffs of Okanagan Lake, spans 7 acres and is renowned for producing grapes with distinct minerality and vibrant acidity, thanks to its gravelly and sandy loam soils. This vineyard focuses on varietals like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Gris and has recently expanded to include Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for their sparkling wine program.
Okanagan Valley and Beyond
Beyond this estate, Township 7 collaborates with a select group of esteemed local growers whose vineyards stretch from Okanagan Falls to Osoyoos. Each of these vineyards contributes unique characteristics to the wines. For instance, with its warm, gravel-strewn soils, the Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver is particularly noted for its Reserve Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, where the terroir imparts a distinctive minerality and aids in thorough ripening. The Fool's Gold Vineyard, also in Oliver, is famous for its Riesling, which showcases racy acidity and abundant fruit thanks to its sandy clay loam soils and excellent drainage. By carefully selecting and nurturing grapes from these varied terroirs, Township 7 creates wines that reflect the diverse landscapes of British Columbia's wine country.
The Visitor Experience at Township 7
Tasting Rooms and Atmosphere
The tasting room at Township 7 Vineyards and Winery on the Naramata Bench offers visitors an intimate and engaging experience where the winemaking artistry is front and centre. Guests are welcomed into a warm, inviting atmosphere to enjoy a curated selection of the winery's finest offerings. The tasting room staff are knowledgeable and passionate, eager to share stories about the winery's rich history and the unique characteristics of each wine. Visitors can savour exclusive, limited-release wines, especially those available only to members of the club's seven or seven-star membership programs. The tasting experience at Township 7 is designed to leave a lasting impression and deepen your appreciation for the craft of winemaking.
Special Events and Community Engagement
At the Naramata Bench location of Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, various engaging events offer guests unique and memorable experiences that celebrate wine and community. The events calendar features something for everyone, from wine enthusiasts to those looking for a fun day out. Highlights include the Sparkling & Shuck Soirée, where guests can enjoy Township 7's traditional method of sparkling wines paired with freshly shucked oysters and live music in the vineyard.
For a more interactive experience, the annual Murder Mystery event on Halloween allows participants to immerse themselves in a thrilling storyline while enjoying wine tastings. The holiday season brings the Wine & Wreath Making workshop, where attendees can craft festive wreaths while sipping Township 7's wines, and the Holiday Open House offers tastings and festive treats. These events, the anniversary celebrations, and wine pairings provide a delightful way to experience the beauty of the Naramata Bench while indulging in the winery's exceptional offerings.
Recognition and Awards
Over the years, Township 7 has received numerous awards and accolades, both for individual wines and as a winery. These recognitions reflect the quality and consistency that have become hallmarks of the brand. The winery's success in national and international competitions has helped to elevate its profile, attracting attention from wine critics and consumers alike.
The awards and media coverage that Township 7 has garnered are a demonstration of the winery's dedication to excellence. From its early days as a small, local producer to its current status as a leading name in BC's wine industry, Township 7 has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in British Columbia's wine regions.
Conclusion
Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries exemplifies the best of British Columbia's wine industry. With a commitment to quality, a respect for tradition, and a willingness to innovate, the winery has earned its place as a regional leader. A visit to Township 7 promises a rewarding experience that reflects the dedication and passion of its winemaking team.
