A History of Prohibition and Persistence
Back Door Winery's roots trace back to an era when Summerland grappled with the strictures of prohibition. Despite the stringent regulations, the community found ways to indulge in forbidden pleasures, with local legends of booze runners and secret meetings in orchards under the cover of night. The winery celebrates this defiant spirit by drawing on its historic past, where locals went to great lengths to ensure that wine continued to flow behind closed doors. Today, Back Door Winery stands as a tribute to those who dared to defy, turning once-clandestine activities into a proud, thriving tradition.
The vineyard's story began when Jesse Gill, previously engaged in the lumber and berry farming industries, ventured into winemaking. The property on Jones Flat Road—historically significant for its clandestine wine production—was purchased and transformed it into Back Door Winery in 2020. With a nod to its spirited past, the winery now produces wines that reflect the quality and unique characteristics of the local terroir, ensuring the rebellious roots of the area continue to enrich each bottle.
Smugglers Wine Club and Tasting Experience
For those looking to get a deeper taste of Back Door Winery's offerings, the Smugglers Wine Club provides an enticing proposition. The club offers two shipments per year, with members enjoying the freedom to select their preferred wines. Additionally, an optional summer shipment ensures that members have a steady supply of their favourite vintages. Perks of the club include a 15% discount on bottles, early access to new releases and special vintages, and special pricing on alternative packaging such as slim cans and Bag-in-Box options.
Tasting sessions at the winery offer a curated experience of six wines for a nominal fee, which is waived with a minimum purchase. Wine Club members and their guests enjoy complimentary tastings, making it an attractive option for those who visit frequently. The winery welcomes walk-ins, though reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups. These tastings not only provide a glimpse into the winery's diverse offerings but also immerse visitors in the rich history and vibrant present of Back Door Winery.
Current Offerings: A Look at the Selections
Back Door Winery's current selection showcases a variety of wines, each with a story to tell. The white wine lineup includes the crisp and aromatic 2021 Muscat and the full-bodied 2020 Okanagan Hills Reserve Chardonnay, among others. The rosé and red wine selections are no less impressive, featuring the easy-drinking Secret Stash Rosé and the robust 2018 Okanagan Hills Reserve Pinotage. For those with a taste for something sweeter, the Behind Closed Doors Fortified presents a luxurious option.
Each wine is crafted to reflect the innovative spirit of Back Door Winery, with careful attention to maintaining the high quality and unique profiles that have become the winery's hallmark. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the selection at Back Door offers something to capture your palate and intrigue your senses.
Back Door Winery not only celebrates the rich history of winemaking in Summerland but also embraces the adventurous spirit of its past. It stands today not just as a producer of fine wines but as a reminder of the area's colourful legacy of defying the odds and celebrating the finer things in life, even when they were once forbidden.
