Our vineyard is located in the Fraser Canyon across the Fraser River from the town of Lillooet. While Lillooet is one of the "Hot Spots" in Canada, our average summer temperatures are slightly lower than the South Okanagan, because our night time temperatures are lower. These cool nights are ideal as they allow the vines to rest before another hot day in the summer sunshine. The Cascade Mountains to the west keep rain and clouds away, ensuring that the vines receive plenty of sunshine.
The vineyard is located on a bench above the Fraser River. The bench was created millennia ago when glaciers dominated the valley, depositing gravely soils while winds brought a thin loamy and sandy capping. These rapidly draining soils, poor in organic materials, provide a great foundation for our vines, which will need to work hard to produce quality fruit.
In May 2009 we planted 20 acres with six varietals: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. After careful consideration, we have chosen various rootstocks and clones to ensure early ripening and increase the complexity of our wines.
In 2011, we expect our vineyard to hang ripe with grapes for the first time, ready to be turned into carefully crafted wines.
