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Seven Stones Winery is an estate winery located in the pristine Similkameen Valley. The winery is known for full-bodied reds, spectacular valley views and its mysterious caves.

George Hanson produced wines in an elegant French style that shows the best of the grape character. Seven Stones Winery produces about 4200 cases from estate grapes that are carefully harvested by hand. George believed that from vineyard to barrel, the care and control of his grapes translate to the quality of wines that he crafts.

It is with sadness that we note the passing of George Hanson, the owner/winemaker of Seven Stones Estate Winery. George passed away suddenly in his home on the evening of Sunday, February 7, 2021.

The caves provide precision temperature control for the ageing of the wine. This is needed as the summer heat in the Similkameen Valley can be extreme, reaching more than 40 degrees. The depth of the caves allows the temperature to remain a constant 10.5 degrees, perfect for ageing their premium wines.

Baroque-style chamber music is played in the caves 24/7 to support the wine ageing. There’s a scientific reason: this style of music is a vibrational match to the ageing wines. So, it actually helps the ageing process.

Now for the Legend behind the Winery name!

The Legend of the Seven Stones

The mural prominently displayed in the Seven Stones Winery tasting room is a local artists’ depiction of the Seven Stones of the Similkameen Valley. The formations are large boulders that were left behind by glaciers and are the basis of local folklore based on an ancient culture’s values of unity and magic.

Centuries ago the local Okanagan and Similkameen indigenous people, who were semi-nomadic at the time, used them as landmarks as they travelled throughout the Similkameen Valley. As very spiritual people, they considered the stones to be a reminder from their creator of the seven most important things in life. So each of those stones became symbols of certain values the tribes held dearly and became places to commemorate, celebrate or practice these values. Eventually, each stone developed its own set of stories that became legends. The sum of the legends is “The Legend of the Seven Stones”. The winery honours this fascinating legend by paying homage to three of the stones: Speaking, Standing and Bromley rock.

The Vineyard

Seven Stones vineyard has 20 acres under vines on benchland overlooking the Similkameen River.   The varietals include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah and Orange Muscat. The majority of the vines were planted in 2000 and 2001.

The Winemaker

Making wine was Seven Stones’ owner and winemaker George Hanson’s greatest passion. He took great pride in his wines and making blends is where his creativity shines.

George first fell in love with the wine culture while visiting family in Australia. The family’s neighbour had a vineyard and winery. After seeing a winemaker/ owner’s lifestyle first-hand, George realized it was one he’d love to have after he retired from the telephone industry in Yukon. George was a quick and enthusiastic study and it didn’t take him long to go from amateur to professional vintner.

Ten years later George retired and moved to Osoyoos. A few weeks later he found the land that would be the home of Seven Stones Estate Winery.

The Wines

Seven Stones Speaking Rock Cabernet Franc ($26)

Fragrances of plum, black pepper, raspberry and toasty vanilla introduce our Cabernet Franc. Layers of elegant and well-structured flavours of raspberry, chocolate and coffee on the mid-palate and a soft and spicy supple finish.

Awarded a silver medal in the 2018 WineAlign National competition.

Seven Stones The Legend 2014 ($43.40)

The Legend blends the best barrels creating a superior wine composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of ripe dark fruit, spicy sage, coffee, green olives and cedar “Leap out of the glass”. The astounding complexity of flavours, the satisfying mouth-feel and exquisite finish will leave you with a “legend” to remember.

Awarded a gold medal in the 2018 WineAlign National competition.

For the complete portfolio of Seven Stones wines please visit the winery website.

Future Plans

We are a sustainable winery at present.  Seven Stones’ is planning to export wines to the USA and the United Kingdom to share our popular Canadian wine. We intend to continue to age our wines in our underground caves and maintain a continuous flow of classical music to the ageing wines.

Note: Seven Stones Winery provided the vineyard information, photos and BC wine tasting notes. The original article was updated in April 2021.