Welcome to Garnet Valley Ranch Winery, where nature's untouched beauty meets sustainable winemaking. Just a short drive from downtown Summerland, this winery opens its doors to the public for a season of exploration and delight in a setting that preserves the serene wilderness of the area. With a limited number of visitors each day, the experience here remains intimate and impactful, perfect for those looking to enjoy wine in its most natural setting.
Sustainable Practices and Biodiversity
Garnet Valley Ranch is not just a winery; it's an example of environmentally conscious agriculture. Spanning several acres, the ranch integrates organic vegetable plots, vibrant lavender fields, and active bee hives into its vineyard landscape, promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. The aim is clear: to protect and enhance the natural ecosystem while producing high-quality wines. This dedication ensures that the ranch remains a bastion of tranquility and natural beauty amidst the Okanagan Valley.
The Outlook and Property Exploration
The Outlook is a cozy tasting room and visitor centre that offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. From here, visitors can embark on various adventures across the property. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike or bike ride, Garnet Valley Ranch offers multiple ways to explore its expansive landscapes. For a unique experience, guests can saddle up and explore the vineyards on horseback, adding a touch of cowboy charm to the wine tasting adventure.
Wine Tasting and Culinary Offerings
Every visit to Garnet Valley Ranch culminates in a curated wine tasting session at The Outlook, where visitors can sample wines that are as expressive and dramatic as the landscape from which they originate. The winery specializes in sparkling wines made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, reflecting the cool-climate terroir of the highest elevation vineyard in the Okanagan. These tastings provide an intimate understanding of the ranch's winemaking philosophy, which focuses on minimal intervention to showcase the true character of the grapes.
Wine Portfolios
Garnet Valley Ranch Winery showcases a diverse range of premium wines under two distinct portfolios: Free Form and Garnet Valley Ranch. Both portfolios reflect a minimal intervention philosophy, emphasized by Chief Winemaker Matt Dumayne’s careful oversight. This approach allows the organic grapes to express the unique characteristics of their terroir and vintage.
Traditional Method Sparkling Wine 2016: A flagship offering, this sparkling wine blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, aged for 72 months to achieve a complex profile with classical fruit-driven aromatics and a savoury edge. It’s celebrated for its balanced acidity and full body, making it suitable for any special occasion.
Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay 2021: Produced from estate-grown Chardonnay, this wine features a bright, golden hue and rich tropical fruit aromatics, complemented by a lush minerality. It is aged in a mix of concrete and stainless steel, yielding a wine with dense palate structure and a long, mouth-watering finish. Ideal with seafood or creamy cheeses, this Chardonnay is also designed to age gracefully.
Pinot Noir 2021: This varietal is fermented with a significant portion of whole clusters and aged in a mix of concrete and neutral barrels. It presents a clear, garnet red hue with a nose full of berries and floral notes, and a palate that blends flavours of raspberry, dark cocoa, and anise. Its silky, balanced finish pairs well with diverse dishes from steak salad to BBQ salmon.
And under the Free Form label:
Blanc de Blanc 2018: Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this sparkling wine undergoes a lengthy 36-month aging process before disgorging, resulting in a vibrant expression of Garnet Valley Ranch’s high-elevation vineyard. It features a pale straw colour with an explosion of ripe stone fruits and a delicate, focused acidity, perfect alongside luxurious foods like oysters or caviar.
Riesling 2019: This Riesling, started with organic grapes, offers a plush texture balanced by mouth-watering acidity, showcasing tropical candied fruits. It’s a fresh, vibrant wine that has been carefully aged to enhance its complex profile.
Cabernet Franc Rosé 2019: From organic Cabernet Franc, this rosé highlights red berry aromatics with a balance of sweet and savoury notes, resulting in a juicy, refreshing wine.
Cabernet Franc 2019: This wine features dark plum and blackberry flavours with a smoky, mocha nuance, embodying a robust yet refined character that is enjoyable now but will continue to develop.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: A pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine foregoes additives and oak aging, focusing instead on the varietal’s natural characteristics. It combines vibrant red fruit with a textured palate, supported by supple tannins and a lengthy finish.
Each wine from Garnet Valley Ranch displays the winery’s dedication to sustainable practices and authentic representation of the Okanagan Valley’s unique wine growing conditions.
Experiences at Garnet Valley Ranch
For those planning to visit, Garnet Valley Ranch offers a variety of structured experiences:
Explore and Taste: A guided tour on the electric people mover includes stops at scenic points around the property, followed by a seated, curated tasting of six wines. This experience is available for $60 per person, perfect for small groups wanting to learn more about the ranch’s offerings.
Picnic and Hike or Bike: Starting with a 90-minute hike or bike through the ranch's diverse terrain, this option allows guests to enjoy a picnic of local cheeses, meats, and fruits paired with wines, culminating in a portfolio tasting. Priced at $75 per person, it’s a great way to combine physical activity with culinary pleasure.
Whoa, Pony!: For $250 per person, guests can engage in an exclusive horseback riding experience available on Fridays and Saturdays. This adventure includes a guided ride through the property and a seated wine tasting, providing a perfect blend of outdoor activity and relaxation.
Garnet Valley Ranch offers more than just wine; it provides a gateway to experiencing the natural splendour of the Okanagan Valley. From its sustainable practices to its exquisite wine tastings, every aspect of the ranch is designed to offer guests a moment of peace and a taste of the land's true essence. Whether you are a seasoned wine lover or a nature enthusiast, a visit to Garnet Valley Ranch is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for thoughtful winemaking.
