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Covert Farms Family Estate was established in 1959 on the plateau just south of McIntyre Bluff by George Covert, a Californian who came to the Okanagan to grow tomatoes, onions, tree fruits and, ultimately, grapes. The vineyard was large enough in the early 1980s that a mechanical harvester was tested (with indifferent results, for the early harvesters mangled the vines). Except for 15 acres of table grapes, vines were pulled out in 1988 to make way for new apple varieties.

The Vineyard

The farm is 650 acres with 300 acres leased to Peller Estates and 40 acres leased for the production of organic fruits and vegetables. 

Wine grapes returned, beginning in 2005. Gene Covert, a third-generation owner of the farm, planted a 30-acre vineyard that includes the five Bordeaux reds as well as Syrah, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Zinfandel.

Farming is in Gene’s blood. Born in 1971, he is the grandson of the farm’s founder. He joined the family business after getting a degree in physical geography. His wife, Shelly, an Edmonton-born teacher, runs the farm’s market which sells organically-grown produce directly to the public. The 650-acre Covert Farms property, which is in the lee of McIntyre Bluff north of Oliver, achieved organic certification in 2010 and the 142 acres of certified organic fruit, berries, vegetables and wine grapes is the largest organic farm in the Okanagan Valley.

The winery’s appeal encompasses the farm’s many other attractions, ranging from farm festivals, guided tours and shopping at the farm market or picking your own produce. There is a hiking trail to the top of McIntyre Bluff. New since 2013 is a growing agricultural museum called the Covert Farms Agricultural Preservation Society.

Secrest Organics at Covert Farms

In season, wine customers are encouraged to visit Secrest Organics at Covert Farms and try pick-your-own. The friendly staff at Secrest Organics can assist with your selections and guide you along the way. They grow more than 40 different crops, so you can try something new. Freshly harvested produce is also available in their farm store, steps from our Wine Lounge. Many crops are available from late spring until the first frost.

International Recognition

In 2018, Covert Farms Family Estate won five gold medals and one silver for its 100 per cent organic estate grown and produced wines at the 9th annual International Organic Wine Award in Germany.

Competing against more than 1,000 organic wines from a record 28 countries, Covert Farms’ wines earned high marks in the growing international competition.

The British Columbia Wines

Covert Farm Amicitia Red 2015

Over the Christmas holidays, we were able to try Covert Farm Family Estate Amicitia Red 2015. This is a blend of 45% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 3% Syrah. The wine almost meets the Red Meritage definition (except for the Syrah) “ a blend of two or more of the red “noble” Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and the rarer St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère. If the blend includes any other grape variety, it is, by definition, not a Meritage. Also, to qualify as a Meritage, no single grape variety can make up more than 90% of the blend.

Winemaking Notes: Maturation 25-day open-top fermentation, daily hand punch-downs, barrel-aged 14 months

This is a bold, smooth red (13.9 % alcohol), with aromas of spice, plum, stewed cherries and blackcurrant. On the palate, the flavours matched our Christmas fruitcake, with notes of plum, fig, black cherry and vanilla. The long ripe tannins give the wine a silky finish, but with enough structure to age.

From the winemaker: “The wines have pure and natural flavours that emulate their sage and grassland origins.” 92 Points

Covert Farm Sauvignon Blanc/ Semillon 2017

12.6% Alcohol – a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon. Clean and crisp, orange blossoms and dried herbs that relax into a lingering mineral finish. 90 Points

For the complete portfolio of Covert Farms Family Estate Wines please visit their website.

Conclusion

Covert Farms is a diverse and prolific winery, their wines are fruit-forward and leave no room for ambivalence. The reds are juicy and bold and the whites are crisp and clean. Organic and 100% estate-grown, you simply cannot go wrong with these award-winning British Columbia wines!