It was fun to catch up with our friend Roslyn Buchanan from BC Wine Trails and fill her in on what we’ve done around here. In case you missed the article, here it is:
HISTORY IS HONOURED AND IN THE MAKING AT HAINLE VINEYARDS
Through the diligence of new owners, Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery’s proud legacy as BC’s eighth estate winery in 1971, the birthplace of North American Icewine and Canada’s first certified organic winery in 1988 is being honoured and elevated. Hainle Winery’s historic attributes aligned with the values of Bella Huang and her husband Tony when they purchased it in 2017.
The Huang family owns property including a winery in China and aspire to create a better image for Chinese products. Going organic is a central focus as part of Bella’s passion for nature, green food and good produce. When Bella learned the history of Hainle Winery as she was looking to acquire vineyard property in the Okanagan, its inaugural assets were the perfect fit. Work commenced immediately to restore Hainle Winery’s former glory, make it sustainable and to leverage it to greater things.
New Winemaker/Revitalized Vineyards
The first order of business was to restore some love to the vines planted by Walter Hainle and nurtured by him and his son Tilman (winemaker) until the winery was purchased by Walter Huber. To lead in that initiative, Anthony Buchanan – “highly esteemed as a natural winemaker” – was brought in as a consultant and to mentor young winemaker Scott Ingram.
Scott’s wife Colleen was instrumental in reviving the vineyards and remains her pet project as she reinstates organic practices. This year a small crop was yielded and as the vines are whipped back into shape, more fruit will be produced.
Refreshed Tasting Room
While the building offered some old Germanic charm, some renovations were completed to clean up its look and freshen the design. Next year a reception centre is planned in the vineyards to share the fantastic views overlooking Okanagan Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park beyond.
Until January, the Wine Shop is open Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm, for sales. Tastings are available, Thursday to Saturday, from 11 am to 3 pm. Verify hours, shop for wine, book private tastings and learn about the wine club at hainle.com
Memory Lane Sales
Before January, board a time capsule down memory lane to explore back vintages that are being made available in case of lot sales. Scott’s first vintages will launch in February/March and will continue to focus on classic cool-climate varietals such as aromatic reds, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. Until then, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the catalogue with red and white wines, icewine and late harvest vintages such as 1983, 1984, the 1990s and 2000s.
– Roslyn Buchanan
To check out the whole edition and catch up on news around the valley, you can read it here:
https://issuu.com/bcfoodandwinetrails/docs/wine_trails_december_2020