Mike Boyd purchased Therapy Vineyards in 2017 and started immediately to upgrade the facilities. With a winery, vineyard, tasting room and inn, guests can enjoy days of wine touring along the Naramata Bench. Peaceful evenings can be spent on their suite patio with a bottle of wine overlooking Okanagan Lake and the Therapy vineyard. The annual production for Therapy Vineyards is about 6000 cases and Silhouette Estate Winery produces 2000 cases. The majority of the fruit is now under Therapy and Silhouette management.
The Winemaker – Jacq Kemp
“Formally a research nutritional scientist, I put aside my lab coat in 1998 to follow a passion for winemaking and completed a Viticulture & Oenology degree at Lincoln University, New Zealand. In 2000, I began building my practical experience working multiple vintages in Burgundy, Western Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Jacq Kemp, Winemaker
Since having a family and moving to Canada in 2008 I’m now actively involved in winemaking in the Okanagan Valley focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot Blends. My future endeavour with Therapy Vineyards opens up a new and exciting door for me to expand my interest and love for sparkling wines. My goal for Therapy wines is to make vineyard-focused wines that are balanced, elegant and distinctly varietal. Cheers.”
Before joining Therapy Vineyards, Jacq was the winemaker at Moraine Winery. Previously she was the consulting winemaker for Privato Vineyard and Winery in Kamloops, Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna and helped establish River Stone Estate in Oliver.
The Vineyards
There are 6 acres of Therapy Estate Vineyards planted with Merlot, Chardonnay and blended white.
Silhouette Estate Winery and Silhouette Cellars, located at the northern end of the Naramata Bench, has approximately 23 acres in production with an extra 11 acres recently planted. This vineyard produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir for traditional Méthode sparkling wine as well as Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc for still wines.
Therapy Vineyards Inn
The Inn is open all year and includes five modern boutique suites. These luxury accommodations offer extraordinary views of Okanagan Lake, Giant’s Head Mountain, and gorgeous vineyards, providing the perfect escape.
The new rooms have been designed to provide guests with the utmost therapeutic experience. This includes premium king-size beds, soaker tubs, huge walk-in showers, fireplaces, granite countertops, and more.
All rooms have access to the dining and sitting area and a massive outdoor hot tub and fire pit patio. Perfect for watching the Naramata sunsets. A delicious homemade breakfast is included.
Here is the link for more information and to book a room.
For other Naramata wineries with accommodation, see – Vacation Planning. BC Winery Accommodation.
The Wines
Therapy Riesling 2020
The 2020 Riesling grapes were sourced from two distinctly different but important vineyards from the Naramata area. One of these vineyards is located in a small gully which is integral in preserving the austere acidity which Riesling is known for. The other is from a higher elevation vineyard which slowly but seamlessly ripens our grape’s aromas.
The 2020 Riesling was whole-bunch pressed at low pressures to maintain fruit purity and acidity. This juice then underwent a slow and cool fermentation for 15 weeks resulting in a crisp, aromatic, and textural wine.
The intensity of aromas is clear from the moment you open the bottle. A lacework of limes, orange blossom, and lily aromas mingle with an intensely mineral and textural palate. This minerality will develop further with extended bottle ageing. Cellaring potential 5 to 7 years.
Therapy Pinot Gris 2020
12.9 % Alcohol. Aromas of Golden Delicious apples, peaches, honey and crushed walnut hulls intertwine with the flinty chalky acidity. A hint of natural residual sugar balances the vibrant acidity leaving a lengthy impression on the palate.
Therapy Pinot Noir 2018
The 2018 Pinot Noir grapes are grown on the Naramata bench and from a high elevation vineyard in Summerland. The grapes were cold-soaked for up to a period of 10 days prior to inoculation and were fermented in small batch fermenters. The small fermenters allowed the pinot noir to be pushed and pulled in different directions aiding in the overall complexities of this wine. Once fermented and pressed the wine rested in French oak barrels, 46% new oak, and was then blended and bottled.
13.1 % Alcohol / pH 3.72 / TA 6.8 / RS 1.8
Vibrant aromas of red cherries, cranberries, raspberries, and rose petals. A medium-bodied Pinot with flavours of red cherry, raspberry, mellow oak tones with a hint of the classic forest floor. The bright acidity adds freshness and balance. 92 Points
Therapy Super Ego 2018
The Super Ego is a marriage of two distinctively different regions in the Okanagan Valley. The intense heat in Oliver helps develop the big fruit aromas while the Naramata fruit helps in the wine’s elegance and acid storyline.
43% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot from Silhouette Estate Vineyard.
Dark ruby red colour sets the ambience in the glass of 2018 Super Ego. Extended ageing time in oak intermingles with the wine’s abundant aromas and structured palate. Aromas of mocha, dark chocolate, cassis, loganberries and a hint of tobacco dance in the glass while the palates inviting tannins and juicy finish entice you to want more.
A Silver Medal winner at 2020 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards.
To purchase these excellent BC wines please visit the Therapy Vineyards website.
Note: Tasting notes provided by Therapy Vineyards unless the wines are scored.