From multi-generational estates to newcomers in the winemaking scene, discover the families who pour their heart into every bottle. Join us as we find out what makes Peachland’s wineries special.
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards
Running for over 100 years, the Fitzpatrick family's history in agriculture has a unique heritage. Initially starting with a farm just north of Kelowna, the Fitzpatrick family eventually moved into fruits and owned a packing house, Mac & Fitz. In the 1940s, Ross Fitzpatrick first visited Greata Ranch with his father while working with Mac & Fitz, seeking fruit for the packing house. Greata was famous for its high-quality, delicious fruit, and the peaches they bought were used in the premium Zenith line.
Ross's education and career took him away from the Okanagan Valley, but he always wanted to return. In 1986, he fulfilled that dream by purchasing a struggling winery east of Kelowna called Uniacke, which he transformed into CedarCreek Estate Winery, a two-time Canadian Winery of the Year award winner.
In 1994, Ross bought Greata Ranch and began a restoration project, clearing debris and planting grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, essential for their sparkling wine production today. In 1996, Ross persuaded his son Gordon to move to the Okanagan to manage CedarCreek Estate Winery, and together they elevated its quality, winning numerous awards and expanding to include vineyards in Osoyoos. By 2014, CedarCreek was sold, but Greata Ranch remained with the family, now receiving their full attention as the Fitzpatrick Family Vineyard
The Winery offers a stunning view as it sits directly on Okanagan Lake. Visitors can enjoy a tour, sample sparkling and still wines, and get a bite from their bistro. Traces of the past remain, but the Fitzpatrick family's artistry and devotion to winemaking forges new paths for this century-old family history.
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery
Another notable winery is the Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery which was established as BC’s 8th estate winery in 1972 and is the birthplace of North American Icewine. The Hainle legacy began with Walter Hainle's expertise in winemaking and his innovative response to an early frost in 1978. To salvage the grapes, he produced the first 40 litres of Icewine, drawing on his German tradition of making dessert wines from frozen grapes, resulting in North America's first 156 bottles of commercial Icewine.
Renowned as one of the best in Peachland, its rich history and elegant wine selection become an integral part of the town's local culture. The family's traditions and winemaking processes are meticulously preserved, ensuring that each bottle produced contains the rich family history mixed with unparalleled flavours. The winery also surprises visitors with stunning views and guided tours where the family's history, winemaking techniques, and wine sampling are shared. The family's personal touch on winemaking is evident and offers insight into the legacy and progress of their wine production.
Conclusion
Family-owned wineries in Peachland indeed possess unique stories, reflecting resilience, tradition, innovation, and intimate craftsmanship. Immersing in the narratives of these wineries culminates in a deeper appreciation for the wine they produce. Each vineyard breathes life to the Peachland's grape cultivation history, perpetuated by families whose lives revolve around creating the perfect blend of aroma, body, and flavour. Each sip is a taste of the town's heritage and inspiring familial journeys.
