What is terroir and how does it affect the taste of wine?
Terroir is one of the most used and least understood wine words. Originally it was associated with earthy notes in many Old World wines. Today, the definition has evolved to capture the sense of place — you can taste where the wine comes from. Here in the Okanagan Valley we have the most amazing diversity of terroir and it’s the secret ingredient to our wines.
Conviction Ridge Vineyard
Currently planted with Merlot, Pinot Blanc and Bacchus, Conviction Ridge Vineyard was originally planted with just Bacchus in the late 1980s. In the late 1990s, half of the vineyard was cut down to the roots and field-grafted with Merlot vines. About 7 years ago, a small block of Merlot was removed to make way for Pinot Blanc. Perched on an east-facing bench overlooking Skaha Lake, this vineyard enjoys the drying effects of morning sun, while benefiting from the temperature-moderating effect of Skaha Lake. Although not certified, this vineyard is farmed using sustainable and organic practices.
