Located just south of Peachland, and just north of Summerland, Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards offers a tranquil escape with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. It's a serene spot, perfect for wine tasting and relaxation. Fruit of one kind or another has grown at the location of the Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards since 1901. The Fitzpatrick family’s journey here started in the 1940s when they fell in love with the peaches from this land. In 1994, they bought the abandoned orchard, cleaned it up, and planted vines to revive its agricultural heritage.
The Fitzpatrick Family Legacy
The Fitzpatrick family has deep roots in Okanagan agriculture. Their journey began in 1913 in Rutland, north of Kelowna, and continued through the decades. Ross Fitzpatrick’s experience with his father’s packing house business, Mac & Fitz, ignited his passion for the land, eventually leading to the purchase of the Greata Ranch.
The Restoration Project
In 1994, Ross Fitzpatrick undertook a massive cleanup of the Greata Ranch, clearing debris and planting grapevines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This laid the foundation for their renowned traditional method sparkling wines.
It took nearly two decades of nurturing the vineyard to truly understand its potential. The vines need time to mature, and quality wine can't be rushed. The Fitzpatrick family realized their site was perfect for producing wines with intense focus, crispness, and natural acidity, leading to their exceptional sparkling wines. This led to the decision to create traditional method BC sparkling wine, a process that also takes time and patience.
Cool Climate Wines from a Warm Place
Although the summers can get quite hot, the vineyard benefits from the cooling influence of Okanagan Lake and the shade of Mt. Eneas. This balance helps retain the freshness and acidity typical of cool climate wines, which is crucial for creating exceptional sparkling wines.
Sustainable Practices
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards is deeply committed to sustainability. They use estate-made compost, integrated pest management, and inter-row crops to promote soil health and biodiversity. This low-intervention approach allows the wines to truly express the unique character of the vineyard’s terroir.
Thoughtful Winemaking
Purpose-built for traditional method sparkling wine production, the winery is located within the estate vineyard. This hands-on approach means that every step, from harvest to fermentation, is carefully managed to maintain the highest quality with minimal interference.
Sparkling Wine with Patience
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards' sparkling wines are crafted using estate-grown grapes and the Traditional Method, a process that takes up to three years. The result is a refined sparkling wine worth the wait. You can visit the wine shop which is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, offering tastings of five wines for $10 per person, with reservations recommended for the best experience.
19 Bistro @ Fitz
Located at the vineyard with amazing views of the surrounding vineyard and lake, the 19 Bistro @ Fitz offers dishes that feature locally sourced ingredients from farmers and producers who share a commitment to quality. They are paired with a selection of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyard wines and local wines, ciders, and cocktails that are designed to highlight the very best of what the region has to offer. The bistro is open daily from 11 AM, with the last seating at 4:45 PM.
Wedding and Event Bookings
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards is an idyllic venue for weddings and special events. The 2024 wedding season is fully booked, but dates for 2025 are available. The venue offers stunning views and exclusive catering services for unforgettable celebrations. Join Fitzpatrick Vineyards for evenings of music on the crush deck such as Jim Cuddy & his band on Sunday, July 7th, 2024 where you can enjoy an open-air concert with food from the Bistro and a selection of local beverages. Tickets are $160, with dinner and drink options available.
Experience the unique charm and quality of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, where every bottle tells the story of their land and dedication.
