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In 2005 the extended Turner family began planting their seven and a half-acre lakeside property in five varieties of cool-climate grapes. The layout for the Sunnybrae Vineyard was designed by neighbour Chris Clarke. The craftsman-style winery building built in 2010 showcases vintage artifacts and photos of the Turner family and farmers in the Sunnybrae area for five generations. Visitors are invited to the second-floor wine tasting room to enjoy delicious white, red and rose wines made on our premises using 100% BC grown grapes. Beautiful glass doors open to our upper deck and provide a stunning view of the Lake and Mount Ida. You may even be lucky enough to have a birds-eye view of the ospreys that nest in the distant fir trees.

Sunnybrae Vineyard

The varietals planted in the vineyard are:

• 1.2 acres Kerner
• 1.2 acres Ortega
• 2.5 acres Maréchal Foch
• 1.2 acres Schönburger
• 1.4 acres Siegerrebe
• 0.6 acres Pinot Noir (planted 2017)

There are no outside purchases of grapes and all the Sunnybrae wines are made from their estate vineyard.  They produce 3 Reds (Marechal Foch, Bastion Mountain Red, Redneck Red) and 3 Whites (Siegerrebe, Ortega, Turner Road) and a Rose. They also offer Siegerrebe and Turner Road as boxed wine.

The Winemaker

James Clark is from Aberdeen, Scotland. He joined Sunnybrae Vineyards and Winery in 2012.

He worked closely with former Winemaker, Jesse Steinley and Wine Consultant, Mark Wendenburg through the majority of company operations from the vineyard through to the winery.

In 2019, James accepted the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager roles and continues to enjoy each and every vintage that comes along!

Harvest 2020

We experienced a rather cold and wet spring here in the Shuswap leading to late bloom, fruit set and lower yields across some varieties. However, some hot and sunny weeks in late August pushed our Siegerrebe and Ortega back on schedule for harvest. An overcast and misty start to Autumn led to an unusual break in harvest momentum and a frost on October 23rd coaxed us to bring in the final blocks but helped to bring up the sugar levels.  

On average, harvest dates were within a week of 2019 with the exception of Kerner which came in on October 29th, our latest end to the season since 2013!

The silver lining to this year’s weather was minimal wasp damage and no battles with Botrytis. A steady ripening phase also allowed for some very exciting balance between Brix and Acidity. The condition of the fruit was beautiful! 

James Clark

To read about the 2021 harvest please see – Winemaker’s thoughts on BC Harvest 2021 – Take 2

The Sunnybrae Wines

Sunnybrae produces some great value BC wines.  Here is the Wine Align 2021 National Wine Awards of Canada winners.

Sunnybrae Turner Road  ($15)

This versatile estate blend displays a medley of fresh fruit, citrus and hints of apple. Pairs well with seafood, fresh greens or pork tenderloin.

Sunnybrae Ortega ($19)

Lovely subtle aromas of white flowers and peach. Medium-bodied, savoury, and well-balanced acidity, with flavours lemon zest, orange, and white peach with a long finish. 

Try it with fresh caught fish from the Shuswap, or spicy Asian and Indian cuisine. Pairs well with most dishes.

Sunnybrae  Redneck Red ($18)

This is an off-dry Maréchal Foch wine with a glorious absence of sophistication. This wine invites you to celebrate the notion of keeping things simple. Pairs well with plaid, blue jeans, a barbeque and a couple of good buddies. 

Sunnybrae Bastion Mountain Red ($18)

Deep crimson in colour at the core, turning to scarlet at the rim, with plenty of violet tears. Share with friends and family, and be sure to make lasting memories that bring only tears of joy. Pairs well with lamb, pasta, wild game, beef and cheeses.

You can visit the Winery website for their complete portfolio of BC wines here.

Source: Sunnybrae provided the Winery and Vineyard information and tasting notes.

Note: The original post updated in November 2021.