Kettle Valley Winery

We saw heavy snow and cold temperatures throughout November and December 2022. This was our second cold fall and winter in a row and resulted in significant bud death. Some varietals were hit harder than others and we saw almost 100% primary bud damage in our Syrah and Malbec vineyards and about 70% bud death in our Merlot and some damage to the Pinot Gris vines. Our Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer escaped with little vine damage, but we did see significantly lower tonnage. We took a visit to Oliver, Osoyoos and over to the Similkameen Valley and the damage was extremely widespread. Our initial fears were that we would actually see plant death, but in our vineyards we saw secondary, non-fruiting buds pushout, and limited plant death. A normal or warmer than normal winter will be critical to allow the vines to recover and renew themselves. There will be a number of wines that you will not see a 2023 vintage from us, but don’t you worry as we still have lots of the prior vintages for your to enjoy. Hard to believe that all those years have come and gone since we started our fist commercial harvest in 1992.

As we start our 33rd year, as the oldest single-owner winery on the Naramata Bench, we still remain dedicated to making and sharing great wines from BC grapes. Our family’s commitment is as strong as ever to farming full flavoured grapes and to winemaking that brings out the best of those flavours and subtleties.

Whether you’ve known us for all these years or are just coming on-board, thanks for your support and raise a glass to fine fruit, family and friends.