The Baccata Ridge Winery located at 184 Monk Road, Grindrod between the Shuswap River and the Enderby Cliffs just 20 minutes north of Vernon. The winery has been in production for the past twelve years. The Robertson family acquired the winery and vineyards in September of 2016. The Robertson family has a strong agriculture background.
Vineyard and More
The winery specializes in the production of premium cool-climate grapes, Blueberry and Honey wines. We have a fine selection of Gamay Noir, Zweigelt, and Marechal Foch grape varieties.
The winery produces around 2000 cases annually. The property is 45 acres, of which 11 acres are planted with Draper blueberries, we have beehives throughout the interior of BC. This allows the bees to produce honey on large acreages of spray-free fields.
The vineyard is situated on steep, south-west facing slopes and the mineral-rich soils ensure high-quality fruit production.
Michelle Robertson is the winemaker and was mentored by Sheldon Moore the former owner.
History
We first visited the winery in May of 2016 on a drive back from Calgary.
Baccata Ridge Winery sits in the shadow of an extinct volcano. The winery has a number of Yew trees (botanical name Taxus Baccata). This inspired the original owner, Sheldon Moore, to name the winery after the trees that dominate the landscape.
Wasp Challenges
Sheldon mentioned that the biggest challenge for the winery was limiting the impact of wasps eating the maturing grapes. The wasp’s favourite grape is Zweigelt! Fortunately, the Gamay Noir ripens later when the wasps are going dormant.
BC Harvest 19
“The 2019 harvest was very abundant and the sugar level was awesome. We are expecting some really good vintages in both the grape and the blueberry wines from this year.”
Michelle Robertson – Winemaker Baccata Ridge Winery
The Wines
Baccata Ridge Northern Expressions 2013
Northern Expressions Red is a blend of Zweigelt, Foch, and Gamay Noir. Medium-bodied and lightly aged on Oak.
Baccata Ridge Marechal Foch 2014
The Foch is an early ripening fruity red grape that does well in the vineyard’s calcium-rich soils. Fermented to dryness and lightly oaked, this wine has strong acidity, aromas of black fruits, toasted wheat, mocha, fresh coffee, bitter chocolate, vanilla bean, and musk.
Baccata Ridge Blueberry Wine 2016
The wine is made from Draper Blueberries grown right on the estate. Approximately 3 pounds of Blueberries per bottle. While this wine is fruity, it is drier than the Blueberry Reserve and is meant to be enjoyed during dinner.
This wine has scents of floral, tastes comparable to a glass of red wine. Pairs well with most Asian foods, this wine steals the show with Thanksgiving Dinner.
If you love blueberry wine please see these earlier fruit wine posts – Northern Lights Estate Winery & New Wave Wine Society and Award-Winning BC Fruit Wines to buy
Baccata Ridge Royal Buzz 2017
Step into history with Royal Buzz and enjoy this mead made from 100% BC Honey from the hives on the farm. Best served chilled for a nice smooth flavoured after-dinner drink.
For more information on the Baccata Ridge Winery BC Wines please visit the winery website
Future Plans
“Our plans for the future is to continue to make high-quality wines. We are recently expanding into making organic honey wines that are going over very well. We are also just getting into renting the facilities for special events and weddings.”
Michelle Robertson – Winemaker Baccata Ridge Winery
Make sure you check out Baccata Ridge the next time you are driving through Northern Okanagan.