Working hard on the new website to coincide its launch with the first releases of the 2011 THWines vintage. The Pinot Gris Viognier and Rose are both ready to drink. Check back for the good news later in May.

The Peach/Nectarine block

This block is just coming into bloom, and the cherries (white flowers) on the far left are further along. Dave’s farm down south is at least a week ahead of us in Summerland.

Wine Movements

Chalkboard diagram of the Rose moving from stainless steel and barrels into stainless steel.  We avoid unnecessary movements of the wine as this can damage it.  

Food Sovereignty Forum

Last night’s forum in Oliver was relevant to the wine industry because wineries compete for the food-bearing land. It was relevant to everyone else because our society avoids thinking about where food comes from.   Key Points:   (1)The MP [...]

Filtration Sunday

This is filtration day, running the wines through a plate and frame filter. Nice work to do when it’s warm outside. Note here that the hardworking winemaker turns down a taste of ham, eggs, kale, and shallots from local farms [...]

Sap’s flowing in the vines

This is a pruning cut on last year’s growth . At this time of year the sap starts to flow in the vine, particularly on sunny warm days. This Pinot Blanc vine will heal the wound.  

No bloom yet in the valley…

This is Dave’s pear block after pruning. Nothing is budding out in the valley yet and night times are still consistently dropping below freezing. However, the birds are getting animated and insects are buzzing.

Filtration Trials

Here’s a look at the wines after a filtration trial. The process involves pumping the wines through a paper-like filter. We assess the wines pre- and post-filtering, making sure that the taste hasn’t been compromised and the colour is still [...]

Soul of Soil

The farm supply store hosted a grapegrower seminar in Oliver. After a soil scientist’s presentation, I asked him for book recommendations. He said that there wasn’t much new out there, and then suggested this old chestnut: The Soul of Soil. [...]

Sir Johny A

Sir Johny A’s getting a polishing in preparation for receiving the newly blended white.