Time to head north and to mid-Okanagan Lake my friends! Let’s check out some cooler climate growing conditions and visit the South East Kelowna region where BC’s wine industry pretty much got its start. French priest Father Pandosy planted the first vines around here in 1859 (for sacramental purposes of course) and more widespread cultivation started from 1928. Some of the oldest BC plantings of Riesling are in these parts. 

But this TTWC spotlight is on some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir plantings in the area which I love and which illustrate how Burgundian varieties can thrive here.

Ok, so maybe you’re thinking: “But T, I already know that BC can do Chardonnay and Pinot Noir well”. Right, but how many wineries have you visited recently where you get to sit down at a table in their small idyllic farmland spot and taste a flight of 4 to 6 different styles of Pinot Noirs which they’ve made during one vintage? (and not counting your cellar door visits in France, Oregon or New Zealand!).

Enter SpearHead Winery. This relative newcomer has become a Pinot Noir specialist since opening in 2010. Elevated in the East Kelowna benches, SpearHead’s seven acre “Gentleman Farmer” Home vineyard is a converted apple orchard benefiting from moderating effects of nearby Okanagan Lake, a south facing aspect, mixed rich soils and low risk of frost – so pretty ideal conditions for the “heartbreak grape” (as well as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay which they also produce).

SpearHead’s mission is to make “vineyard designated” wines which express the sense of place from which they come. In addition to using their own Estate fruit, SpearHead also sources quality grapes from West Kelowna, Summerland and Naramata vineyards. Layered on top of that careful site selection is the artistry of choosing which clones to grow and use to make their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Some of their wines come from single clones, some are blends of clones (including Dijon, California heritage and Pommard clones). Each clone brings its own set of attributes to that liquid art in your glass. That’s why a tasting flight of wine made from the same grape variety can be such an amazing experience – no two vineyards or medley of clones are alike and you can see and feel the difference.

Some of my legal buddies may know Vancouver based lawyer and SpearHead co-founder Bill Knutson QC, who with his wife Dame Marina Knutson (Les Dames d’Escoffier) (both on the winery’s patio in the image on the right) have been building this vision. Highly regarded winemaker Grant Stanley (seen amongst the barrels in the image above right) came on board in 2017, bringing years of experience in New Zealand, Oregon and with other BC Pinot Noir makers.

Awards are rolling in and I feel that SpearHead’s just getting started. Watch that space.

With the SpearHead three-bottle pack I’ve curated, you get to experience a few different vineyard sites and clones through award-winning Chardonnay and two very different styles of Pinot Noir. I love the elegance and complexity here wrapped with our BC hallmark fresh acidity.

Speaking of accolades and being wrapped, did I mention that a DELICIOUS handcrafted chocolate is included in the mix? Yes, a beautiful Madagascar Dark Cherry & Tonka Bean Bar from Karat Chocolate – a small but mighty award-winning chocolatier  based in Kelowna (and about a fifteen minute drive from SpearHead). Can’t get more local than this pairing.