2026 Vineyard Update
One of the things I love most about farming is that every season tells a different story. This year has been an exciting one so far, with ideal growing conditions helping our vineyards get off to a strong start.
This past winter was the warmest I can remember. Aside from a small snowfall at the end of November, we saw very little winter weather. December, January, and much of February were remarkably mild, with several days warm enough to work outside in a T-shirt. Despite the warm temperatures, our vines stayed fully dormant and rested through the winter as they should.
Winter finally arrived on February 18, bringing a strong north wind and overnight temperatures dipping to -11°C. Fortunately, the cold snap only lasted a few days before temperatures returned to normal. One thing that stood out to me this year was the wildlife. Many of the robins and songbirds that typically migrate south seemed to stick around all winter, which tells you just how mild the season really was.
Spring arrived early. By March 20, apricot orchards throughout the valley were already in bloom, and warm conditions continued through April. Budburst began roughly two weeks ahead of average across our vineyards, putting us well ahead of a typical growing season. While some low-lying areas in the South Okanagan experienced spring frost events, our vineyard sites escaped without damage.
The first week of May brought a stretch of summer-like weather, with temperatures reaching 28°C. The vines responded quickly, and growth seemed to explode almost overnight. Warm conditions continued through most of May before a pattern shift arrived in early June, bringing cooler temperatures, rain, and a few lightning storms. The unsettled weather persisted through June 11, providing some welcome moisture after a dry spring.
As we move into summer, our vineyards remain healthy and vigorous, and we’re still tracking approximately two weeks ahead of a normal season. While Mother Nature always has the final say, we’re excited about how the growing season is shaping up and look forward to sharing more updates as harvest approaches.
Cheers,
Chris Holler
Vice President & General Manager
