River Stone Estate Winery in Oliver, BC, is a small, family-owned boutique winery known for its hand-tended 7-acre vineyard on rocky, gravelly soils, producing premium Bordeaux varietals (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot) and whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer). Its unique features include a full-bodied Malbec Rosé, a cozy tasting room in the family home’s basement, and a focus on terroir-driven, single-vineyard wines. The winery offers intimate tasting experiences, a wine club with a 10% discount, and a private cottage for stays, all set against the scenic Okanagan River and vineyard views.
Introducing River Stone’s ‘Crafted in BC’ Good Neighbours Series. In 2024, unprecedented weather challenges prevented their estate vines from bearing fruit. Undeterred, the Good Neighbours Series blends the exceptional terroir of their southern partners with River Stone’s signature fruit-forward, balanced winemaking style.
River Stone 2024 Good Neighbours Series
“The grapes for these wines were grown from two AVA’s in Washington State. Our Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc were sourced from a single vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the larger Columbia Valley AVA on south-facing slopes 800ft above the Columbia River. The Chenin Blanc was sourced from Wahluke Slope AVA just outside of the town of Mattawa, known for its consistent heat and growing conditions. Precipitation is minimal, and natural winds allow for consistently smaller sized berries with concentrated fruit flavours. Both vineyard sites were selected for similar conditions to our home vineyards in Oliver, BC.” Ted Kane, Owner and Winermaker
Splash ($23.90)
Equal Parts Chemin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 13.4% Alcohol.
This vibrant vintage bursts with lively tropical fruit aromas and playful charm, balancing a touch of sweetness with crisp natural acidity. Dive into a wave of fresh tropical fruit, zesty citrus, and subtle mineral undertones. 90 Points
Sauvignon Blanc ($24.90)
Enticing aromas of vibrant citrus and tropical fruits, interwoven with delicate floral whispers. On the palate, crisp green apple dances with zesty Meyer lemon and Key lime, unfolding into a tropical medley of pineapple, honeydew melon, and passionfruit. Silky, beautifully textured mouthfeel, culminating in a long, lingering finish. 91 Points
Unoaked Chardonnay ($24.90)
This is River Stone’s first Chardonnay. It was vinified in stainless steel to preserve the fruit’s freshness, lively acidity, and bright varietal character. 13.2% Alcohol
This Chardonnay showcases vibrant fruit flavours, unmasked by oak. Its enticing nose bursts with tropical pineapple, mango, and citrus, accented by delicate white floral notes. The palate delivers crisp green apple, juicy stone fruit, and melon, culminating in a refreshing grapefruit finish. Dry, with a sleek, medium-lean mouthfeel that balances richness and finesse, this wine is a testament to elegance and clarity. 91 Points
Chenin Blanc ($25.90)
In 1993, Washington was home to 600 acres of Chenin Blanc. While the state’s grapevine acreage has increased by over 500% in the ensuing 25 years, Chenin has not shared in the success. A scant 67 acres remain.
This Chenin Blanc was harvested at optimal ripeness, allowing the winemakers to craft the fruit-forward, balanced, single-vineyard wines consistently made from River Stone.
The Chenin Blanc captivates with vibrant aromas of quince and lemon verbena. The rich, layered mouthfeel unfolds into a symphony of Key lime, passion fruit, and ripe peach, accented by a whisper of chamomile. A zesty, refreshing finish lingers. 90 Points.
Here is the link to buy these elegant BC wines – River Stone Estate Winery. For the previous River Stone vintages see – 2023 Whites, 2023 Rosé, 2022, 2020 Reds.
Winery News
Winemaker’s Dinner with Backyard Farms on June 7th (tickets on sale now)
Rosés and Summer Days artisan market and rosé party is on June 27th.
Tickets can be found here.