Solvero Wines, a new winery and tasting room in the South Okanagan, is set to officially open this weekend after over a decade in the making. Located in the Garnet Valley region along Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive, Solvero aims to introduce people to the region for the first time. Winemaker and General Manager Alison Moyes described the challenging process of transforming a dense forested mountainside into a 16-acre vineyard in 2016, followed by the construction of the winery in 2020 and the recently completed tasting room. The opening of Solvero’s new tasting room provides some optimism for the industry, which is still recovering from the impact of two severe cold snaps causing major crop losses across the Okanagan region.
As the extent of the damage from the cold snaps won’t be known until the spring, most wineries are predicting a crop loss of over 90%. Despite this, wineries are adapting and becoming more innovative in finding ways to attract visitors to their properties. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews acknowledges the challenges faced by wineries but emphasizes that there is still plenty of wine available for consumers to enjoy. Although some vineyards may need to plant different varietals in the future, Walker-Matthews highlights the various events, activities, and culinary experiences wineries are offering to attract visitors for different reasons.
Solvero winery has an intentionally focused portfolio that includes two main grape varieties – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a high elevation site specifically chosen for these grape varieties, Solvero also grows a small amount of Pinot Gris and has recently planted a block of Gamay. The tasting room will be open full-time starting next week, with reservations recommended for a seated tasting but walk-ins welcome. Moyes highlighted the four wines that will be offered for the seated portfolio tasting, including Pinot Gris, a new release of Rose made from 100% Pinot Noir, a silver medal-winning Chardonnay, and the flagship Pinot Noir.
Despite the challenges faced by wineries in the region, there are signs of recovery and growth. Red Rooster Winery, which had closed for the winter, has reopened on the Naramata Bench, offering a variety of products to visitors. The tourism association is encouraging people to visit wineries in the area and support the industry by enjoying the wines available at cellar doors. Walker-Matthews emphasizes the resilience of the agricultural industry, of which the wine industry is a part, and praises wineries for their ability to adapt and find creative ways to bring people to their properties. She also reassures consumers that there is a great selection of wine available for purchase and consumption now.
As wineries navigate the challenges brought on by severe weather events, they are looking towards the future and considering different strategies for the upcoming growing season. While the full extent of the crop losses won’t be known until later in the year, wineries are focusing on offering unique experiences and events to attract visitors. The opening of Solvero Wines’ new tasting room symbolizes a sense of hope and renewal for the industry, with the promise of more innovative and creative approaches to engaging with consumers and showcasing their wines. With a focus on quality and intentional grape varietals, wineries like Solvero are paving the way for the continued growth and success of the wine industry in the South Okanagan region.
