The British Columbia grape harvest is in full swing and despite a wetter than average September, B.C. winemakers are remaining optimistic that this year鈥檚 vintage will be another good year.

According to the British Columbia Wine Institute, vineyards are embracing the lower sugar and alcohol levels that they are seeing in grapes across the Okanagan.

鈥淓very year presents challenges,鈥� notes Grant Stanley, winemaker and general manager at Spearhead Winery.

鈥淔or me, that鈥檚 part of the fun of it. Particularly as cool-climate winemakers, adapting to the season is what we do.鈥�

Stanley also credited the moderate climate throughout 2019 as particularly good for crops.

鈥淲ithout a doubt, the moderate heat extending throughout the season has brought about grape ripeness without any sun burning or threat of over-ripeness. The yields have been similar to have what we鈥檝e seen in the past as well. We had a lot of small berries and good pulp to skin ratio which is perfect for making Pinot Noir. I鈥檓 really looking forward to the Pinot Noirs this vintage.鈥�

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In Osoyoos, where it鈥檚 much warmer than the rest of the valley, Chris Tolley, owner and winemaker at Moon Curser Vineyards said it was worrisome at first to see frost in September, but he is pleasently surprised with the harvest so far.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had a very good season. Our whites, the Arneis and Viognier, were all quite ripe in both sugar and flavor. I鈥檓 happy so far with the reds as well. The Tempranillo came in really nice. I鈥檓 happy with the Malbec and Carmenere as well. We haven鈥檛 seen it all yet, but I鈥檝e tasted the berries and I鈥檓 pleased with the quality.鈥�

In the Naramata Bench, Kathy Malone, winemaker at Hillside Winery, said she has seen lower sugars and alcohols in this year鈥檚 vintage, which she is optimistic about.

鈥淚 think vintage variation makes it more interesting for the wine drinker because they can look at what was happening during that year and experience it through what they鈥檙e tasting in the glass. It adds an element of sophistication to the region.鈥�

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daniel.taylor@kelownacapnews.com
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