Our Vineyards
We grow our own grapes in the Similkameen and in Naramata - and we also work with growers in Kaleden and West Kelowna.
All the Pretty Horses
All the Pretty Horses is a 15-acre sprawling property set high on a flat bank above the Similkameen River in Keremeos, BC. Mostly sandy loam lies on top of a deep river deposit of gravel, making it ideal for producing crisp, mineral-rich wines. It is a southwest-facing, incredibly windy, and rugged site, with stunning views of 3 valleys in all directions.
This vineyard was purchased in 2022 and has undergone a significant recovery operation since the two freezes of 2022/2023. It has since been partially replanted with Gamay clones 509 & 222, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Melon du Bourgogne, Seyval Blanc, and Marquette.
Next year, the North face of the vineyard will be planted with Chardonnay 76 & 130, and more Pinot Meunier.
All the Pretty Horses is farmed organically and is also the site of the NEW manufacturing facility for Bella Wines & Ursa Major Winery.
Bella Homestead
This is the original Bella Vineyard, which Jay and Wendy have farmed for the last decade. It is 4 acres of Chardonnay and Gamay, situated on multiple aspects, facing the stunning Okanagan Lake, located high on the Naramata Bench.
This vineyard has been farmed regeneratively, meaning no tilling, soil removal, or chemical additions are used. The canes, grass and mulch are all left to decompose within the vineyard, providing natural nourishment to the soil.
Jay also experimented over the years with various natural sprays, including whey, comfrey, and nettle teas, which he fermented on the property himself.
This vineyard is cane pruned on a double guyot system and even has its resident chickens!
While we still use compost, straw and mulch, as well as plant mixtures in the vineyards, both vineyards have specific viticulture needs that we are amending this year to give our young baby’s the boost they need to grow up healthy and strong - and also the older vines at Bella Homestead to provide them with some extra TLC as the vines balance out after a few incredibly challenging years.
We use only OMRI-certified products in both vineyards, and do not and will not use systemic pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. SAY NO TO ROUND UP!
Our list of products is below for transparency and is linked for more information:
Our Vineyard Products:
KUMULUS DF
Sulphur product is used to control a wide range of mildews that affect soft fruits. This is a high-humidity year, and we want the grapes to stay fresh while also mitigating disease that can last in vineyards for decades.
STELLA MARIS
Our favourite product by far - organic sea kelp mixture that helps with root development, canopy development, photosynthetic capacity and drought resistance.
BIO FISH
Liquid fertilizer that helps with nutrient uptake for vines of all ages. Its primary function is to provide food for the microbes and worms in our soil, so the small animals that help with soil health have energy too!