Okanagan Wines - the Beginning

The wine industry in Kelowna began in th 1930's I believe, with really bad really cheap 'Calona Wine'. I am often surprised at how many from far and wide remember it! Commonly known as 'gut rot' it was particularly popular through the '50's and '60's sold by the gallon jug!!

We have come a long way since then with world class wineries and award winning wines of international acclaim.

It is said that vines were initially introduced to the Okanagan by the pioneer Pandosy Missionary Oblate priests.

Italian farming families who immigrated here in the pioneer days lay claim to being the 'first'. There is some disagreement as to which family was the first to import and grow the Italian vines, so I will leave that alone. Assuredly we are proud of their legacy.

Modern wine production attracts visitors the world over, who load up with cases to ship home. Being at a similar latitude (the 50th parallel) to the wine regions of Germany and France, many vines over the years have been imported and transplanted to Okanagan Valley slopes. The well drained sloped valley sides promote just the right air convection to avoid fungus. Semi-arid climate and intense Okanagan sunshine provide near perfect growing conditions.

I have been very fortunate to live in the cusp of such abundance!

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