Bartier Bros Winery, located on the Black Sage Terrace in Oliver, British Columbia, embodies the spirit of the Okanagan Valley with its commitment to producing wines that reflect the region's unique terroir. Founded by brothers Don and Michael Bartier, this boutique winery combines tradition, innovation, and a great love for their homeland.
History and Background
Bartier Bros Winery was founded by Don and Michael Bartier, with vast roots in the Okanagan Valley. With a background in accounting and management in Calgary's oil and gas industry, Don returned to the Okanagan to plant the first Bartier Bros. estate vineyard in Summerland with his wife, Sheila. After earning a degree from the University of Victoria and gaining experience in wine sales, Michael returned to the Okanagan and became a renowned winemaker. His philosophy emphasizes sustainable farming, proper grape selection, and showcasing the vineyard's natural character. Together, they focus on producing distinctly Okanagan wines that reflect the region's unique terroir.
Vineyard and Wine Production
Bartier Bros Winery's vineyards are located on the Black Sage Terrace, known for its mineral-rich soils and ideal grapevine growing conditions. The vineyards benefit from the region's high altitude, desert climate, and low humidity, creating a perfect environment for producing high-quality grapes.
The winery grows various grapes, including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine. Sustainable farming practices are at the core of Bartier Bros' operations, focusing on minimal intervention and organic methods to maintain the health of the vines and soil. The winemaking process involves careful hand-harvesting, fermentation using natural yeasts, and aging in a mix of French oak barrels, enhancing the complexity and depth of the wines.
Signature wines include Merlot, known for its dark fruit flavours and smooth tannins, and Sémillon, which showcases bright acidity and fresh citrus notes. Each wine is crafted to highlight the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley, offering a true expression of the region's potential.
Tasting Room and Visitor Experience
The tasting room at Bartier Bros Winery in Oliver, BC, provides various engaging wine-tasting experiences. Guests can choose from options like the Discovery Bar Tasting, which includes five wines of your choice for $8 per person, or the Signature Experience, featuring a tasting flight paired with gourmet cheeses for $25 per guest. Additionally, the Flavour, Texture, Time experience, available on Fridays, offers a look into five wines focusing on these themes and includes one library wine for $35 per person. Reservations are recommended to ensure a personalized and seamless visit, especially for larger groups.
Visitors to Bartier Bros can also enjoy a seated tasting on the outdoor patio, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyard and mountains. This experience costs $18 per guest and includes a guided tasting of five wines, with the option to relax in the picnic area afterward. The winery's tasting room, open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, offers an intimate setting to explore their award-winning wines, with walk-ins accommodated as space permits. Bartier Bros also hosts special events and food truck picnics, enhancing the wine-tasting experience with delicious food pairings and an atmosphere.
Conclusion
Bartier Bros Winery is a significant contributor to the Okanagan Valley's wine industry, known for its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community. A visit to Bartier Bros offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the region's best wines in a welcoming and scenic environment. Bartier Bros Winery promises a memorable and enriching experience.
