Okanagan history, Okanagan future
OUR HISTORY
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery became BC’s 8th estate winery in 1972 and the birthplace of North American Icewine in 1978. The Hainle legacy is built on Walter Hainle’s winemaking expertise and his stroke of genius that resulted in the first production of Icewine in North America. In an attempt to salvage grapes from an early frost that threatened to obliterate an entire year of production, Walter Hainle produced the first 40 litres of Icewine. Hainle recalled his own Germanic tradition of turning frozen grapes into delicious dessert wines and proceeded to carefully collect the frozen grapes that yielded the first 156 bottles of commercial wine in North America. Today, it is estimated that a bottle of 1978 Hainle Icewine is worth as much as 1.5 million pounds at the London wine auction.
OUR PRESENT
In 2017, the lovely Bella Huang purchased Hainle Winery. With 30 years of successful business experience, Bella has a passion for nature and chose Hainle for its long-standing roots in the Organic sector. Good food and good produce are keys to Bella’s life; therefore, taking the hard work of the past and making it even better and sustainable is her main focus. With a renewed sense of dedication, she oversaw a renovation of the vineyards in November 2019. The renovation of the winery began in March 2020 during Covid 19. The team was made up of some of the best local woodworkers, electricians and painters, who worked hard for three months. The results shine through, making the winery a destination for families and friends to enjoy good wine, good food and a spectacular view. Our visitors will learn about local wine and the interesting history of the Hainle Winery.
OUR FUTURE
With all this history, it’s the future that is the most exciting. With a renewed sense of purpose in the vineyards and a fresh new cellar, things are looking up. Helping us get to that new reality, we’ve brought in the highly esteemed natural winemaker Anthony Buchanan as a consultant, as well as young winemaker Scott Ingram (whose wife Colleen has been instrumental in reviving the vineyards, thank you for that Colleen!) With new wines, labels and ideas coming soon we are very excited to share our progress with you!
OUR FIRSTS
FIRST
COMMERCIALLY
PRODUCED
ICE WINE
North America’s first icewine producer in 1978
FIRST
CANADIAN
ORGANIC
WINERY
1st Canadian Certified Organic Winery in 1988
FIRST
CANADIAN
GRAVITY FLOW
WINERY
1st Canadian Winery using Gravity Flow for winemaking in 1988
FIRST
CANADIAN WINERY
WITH A
PATIO / PICNIC AREA
1st Canadian Winery with a patio & Licensed picnic area
FIRST
CANADIAN WINERY
SERVED AT
THE 80th OSCARS
1st Canadian Winery which was served at the 80th Anniversary Oscar Awards
FIRST
TO WIN
BEST IN SHOW
FOR ZWEIGELT
1st winery to win best in show at the Los Angeles international wine competition in 2007 for Zweigelt, also first winery to plant Zweigelt grapes in North America.
OUR WINERY
Experience the Okanagan’s most historic winery. Our wines are traditionally handcrafted by winemaking recipes originating in the mid 1800’s, without the use of harsh chemicals or additives. We use only the finest estate grown grapes from our vineyard located in Peachland, B.C. Visitors are welcome year round. We offer award-winning wines and exclusive vintage wines, which can be tasted by appointment and purchased at the winery.
OUR PROCESS
Sustainable, organic and traditional grape growing practices have been crucial to our success. Our grape growing and cellar practices are in accordance with organic and sustainable practices first and foremost. When crafting white wine, grapes are required to have a minimum of 20 brix, 22 brix for red wine and 32 brix for icewine. We pride ourselves on preserving the high standards associated with proper wine growing and winemaking practices. As a result, we aim to produce the highest quality of handcrafted, small lot wines.
In 1972, Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery became BC’s 8th estate winery and began building the Hainle legacy on renowned winemaking expertise.
Walter Hainle produced the first 40 litres of Icewine and Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery became the birthplace of North American Icewine.
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery became Canada’s first certified organic winery and the 1st Canadian Winery using Gravity Flow for winemaking.
Under new ownership, there is a renewed dedication and passion towards quality and environmental sustainability.
Colleen Ingram whips the vineyard back into shape ushering in a new era of better grapes for better wines. Her husband Scott, along with consultant Anthony Buchanan, will be making an eagerly anticipated vintage.
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