Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery: Crafting a Legacy of Tradition and Innovation
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery is a blend of history, innovation, and quality. From being the birthplace of North American Icewine to becoming Canada’s first certified organic winery, Hainle has a legacy worth exploring. Let's explore what makes this winery a must-visit in Peachland.
Hainle Winery's Journey
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery was founded in 1972, making it one of BC’s oldest estate wineries. The Hainle name is synonymous with quality winemaking, thanks to Walter Hainle’s expertise. In 1978, Walter turned a potentially devastating early frost into an opportunity. He harvested the frozen grapes and crafted North America’s first Icewine. This ingenuity resulted in the first 156 bottles of commercial Icewine in North America, setting a new standard in the wine industry.
The winery's commitment to tradition goes beyond its early innovations. Hainle continues to produce wines using recipes and methods from the mid-1800s, ensuring each bottle is free from chemicals and additives. This dedication to natural winemaking has been a cornerstone of their legacy.
In 2017, Bella Huang acquired Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery, bringing with her 30 years of business experience. Bella’s vision for Hainle included a significant renovation of the vineyards in 2019 and the winery itself in 2020. With the help of skilled local artisans, the winery was transformed into a welcoming destination for wine lovers. Visitors now enjoy a refined wine tasting experience paired with stunning views of the vineyard.
As Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, it marked the occasion with redesigned labels that subtly incorporate the numbers “7” and “2” into an “h.” This new look symbolizes a fresh chapter in their ongoing story.
Looking ahead, Hainle aims to expand its organic vineyards across the Okanagan, ensuring the continuation of their chemical-free winemaking tradition. The winery is also focused on making its wines more accessible through liquor stores and restaurants while maintaining their high standards of quality. Community support and sustainable practices remain at the heart of Hainle’s future plans.
Honours and Awards
Hainle has had the unique honour of serving at the 80th Annual Oscar Awards in 2018 and serving at the European Royal Wedding in 2011. It has been awarded many awards in the past including the Global Excellence Award for "best icewine" in 2017 and the Lux Award for "best range of high quality wines, BC." Most recently in 2022, Hainle Winery was awarded Business Of The Year at the Peachland Business Excellence Awards Night and Hainle owner Bella Huang was nominated for “Enterpreneur Of The Year.” As you can see, this winery is a must visit on your wine touring.
Wine Club and Specials
Joining the Royal Wine Club offers a 15% discount on all wines, access to rare vintages, new releases, and exclusive events. It’s an excellent way to stay connected with Hainle’s ongoing innovations and enjoy some fantastic wines.
Wines to Try
The winery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a warm and educational visit. Guests can explore the vineyard, learn about local wines, and immerse themselves in the rich history of Hainle. This focus on visitor experience has made the winery a favourite spot for families and friends alike. Hainle Vineyards offers a diverse selection of wines. Here are some highlights:
Red Wines
2021 Syrah: This dry wine features aromas of peppercorn, bacon fat & mint with flavours of dark fruits. It’s available for $39.99 per bottle.
Rosé Wines
2021 Bella Frizzante Rosé: This semi-sweet wine has aromas of stone fruits and strawberry, with flavours of red fruits and minerality. It’s available for $18.99 per bottle.
White Wines
2021 Oaked Chardonnay: With aromas of citrus peel, buttery biscuit, and vanilla, this dry wine offers flavours of crème brûlée and hazelnut. It’s priced at $34.99 per bottle.
Sparkling Wines
Hainle No. 72: With aromas of lemon, lime and green apple, this sweet wine has flavours of citrus with a creamy tone and balanced acidity. It's available for $37.99 per bottle.
Icewines
2010 Gewürztraminer Icewine: Though sold out, this wine exemplified the best of Gewürztraminer in an Icewine form, previously priced at $369.99.
Conclusion
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery is proof of the Okanagan Valley’s rich winemaking history. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, it continues to be a leader in the industry. So, the next time you find yourself in Peachland, make sure to visit Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery. You’ll not only taste some amazing wines but also become a part of a storied tradition that dates back over 50 years.
