Pea chl a n d HISTORY IS HONOURED AND IN THE MAKING AT HAINLE VINEYARDS Roslyne Buchanan
Through the diligence of its new owners, Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery’s proud legacy as BC’s eighth estate winery in 1971—as well as the birthplace of North American ice wine and Canada’s first certified organic winery in 1988— is being honoured and elevated. Hainle Winery’s historic attributes aligned with Bella Huang and her husband Tony’s values when they purchased it in 2017. The Huang family own property, including a winery, in China, and aspire to create a better image for Chinese products. Going organic is a central focus as part of Bella’s passion for nature, good food and good produce. When Bella learned the history of Hainle Winery as she was looking to acquire vineyard property in the Okanagan, its historic assets were the perfect fit. Work commenced immediately to restore Hainle Winery’s former glory, make it sustainable and leverage it to greater things.
New Winemaker, Revitalized Vineyards
The first order of business was to restore some love to the vines, which were planted by Walter Hainle and nurtured by Walter and his son Tilman, Hainle’s winemaker, until the winery was purchased by Walter Huber. The Huangs
brought in Anthony Buchanan, “highly esteemed as a natural winemaker,” who acted as a consultant and mentor their new winemaker, Scott Ingram. Scott’s wife, Colleen, was instrumental in reviving the vineyards, and this remains her pet project as she reinstates organic practices. This year a small crop was yielded, and as the vines are whipped back into shape, there will be more fruit produced.
Refreshed Tasting Room
While the building offered some old Germanic charm, some renovations were completed to clean up its look and freshen the design. Next year a reception centre is planned to be open in the vineyards, showcasing the fantastic views overlooking Okanagan Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park beyond. Until January, the wine shop is open Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm, for sales. Tastings are available Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm. Verify hours, shop for wine, book private tastings and learn about Hainle’s wine club at hainle.com.
Scott Ingram, winemaker, at Hainle Vineyards
Memory Lane Sales
Before January, board a time capsule down memory lane to explore back vintages that are being made available in case lot sales. Scott’s first vintages will launch in February to March and will continue to focus on classic coolclimate varietals such as aromatic reds, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. Until then, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the catalogue with red and white wines, ice wine and late harvest vintages from 1983, 1984, the 1990s and the 2000s.
Rediscover Hainle Vineyards Note for Sydney: If you use the photos with people in them please name them in the cutline
The Okanagan's most historic winery
New owner, Bella Huang, working in the vineyard Scott Ingram, winemaker, at Hainle Vineyards
Open Monday through Saturday 11am to 3pm for tastings & purchases
5355 Trepanier Bench Rd., Peachland www.winetrails.ca
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