“Our wines stand out because of the seasoned farmers who are dedicated to producing the best grapes possible from their special vineyard sites. We work closely with each grower and have chosen to partner with them because of their mad skills and their particular terroir. We celebrate this relationship and feel it is a real strength of our business. Their work is acknowledged on the many single vineyard designated wines that we produce.” ~Virginia & John Weber
Scroll down to learn about our vineyards.
The Orofino vineyard was first planted in 1989 making these vines some of the oldest in the valley. It still has some original blocks including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling and Muscat. Replacement blocks include some Merlot (1999), Pinot Noir (2002 and 2008), and Petit Verdot (2010). 2 acres of Gamay were added on our new 3 acre property adjacent to the existing vineyard. Vines are grown in sandy loam with no rocks found for at least 2 feet. After that it is all river rock and gravel. The bench is prime agricultural land and has a proven track record for growing premium grapes.
Cawston Bench
1 acre Merlot (clone 181)
2.2 acres Pinot Noir (clones 113, 115, 828, 777)
.6 acre Riesling (clone 21B)
.7 acre Cabernet Franc (clone 327)
.6 acre Petit Verdot (clone 400)
.4 acre Muscat (orange)
2 acres Gamay
This vineyard was purchased by us in the fall of 2018. 1.9 acres of the 10.45 acre Passion Pit was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon for us in 2007. The rest was an orchard and was converted to grapes in the spring of 2019. We are super excited to be able to add to the existing plantings and consider this site to be a future cornerstone of Orofino wines for years to come. It just may be the hottest site in the Similkameen Valley with perfect slope to catch the sun and backed by steep granite cliffs that capture and retain the summer heat. The soils in this site vary dramatically from the Hendsbee and Orofino vineyards that are just a stone’s throw away. Passion Pit is full of angular granite rocks and shallow soils. A former commercial gravel pit is right beside the vineyard.What’s with the name? The remote gravel pit was named “The Passion Pit” by locals who used it as a spot for late night romantic rendezvous. Ask any local about the Passion Pit and you will likely get a shy smile or see a twinkle in their eye.
Cawston Bench
5.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon (multiple clones)
4 acres of Syrah (multiple clones)
Top Cawston orchardists Lee and Cheryl Hendsbee started to convert their mixed orchard to grape production in 2006. Grape varieties were chosen to maximize the site’s potential and meet Orofino’s production needs. The vineyard is right beside Orofino and it shares the same soil profile. Two to four feet of rich sandy loam sits on top of fist-size river rock and then gravel for 100 feet or more. In its infancy, the vineyard has produced exceptional, multi-award winning wines for Orofino. All of the work in the vineyard is done by the Orofino vineyard team.
Cawston Bench
3.5 acres Riesling (clones 239 and 21b)
1.6 acres Merlot (clone 181)
1.0 acre Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 191)
.9 acres Pinot Gris (clone 52)
.6 acres Petit Verdot (clone 400)
.6 acres Muscat Blanc
Added to our family of vineyards in 2016 this is a unique and isolated site at high elevation in the cool Olalla Gap tucked around the mountain off of Highway 3A. Just 7km away from Orofino but completely different growing conditions. Less direct sunlight hours, especially in the autumn results in a cool site perfect for a dry and savoury Rosé. The site also features serious slope to shed the Olalla winds and frost and river rock soils mixed with shale and sandy loam. Unbelievable beauty and truly unique growing conditions are the hallmark of this vineyard site.
The Olalla Gap
3 acres Cabernet Franc
.5 acres Pinot Noir