Stoneboat Vineyards, located in Oliver, BC, demonstrates the rich winemaking heritage of the Okanagan Valley. This family-owned winery has carved out a niche with a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and an in-depth understanding of the unique terroir.
History and Background
Founded in 1979 by the Martiniuk family, Stoneboat Vineyards has grown from a humble beginning to a well-respected name in the wine industry. The winery's name, "Stoneboat," refers to the flat sled used to clear stones from the vineyard, symbolizing the hard work and perseverance required to cultivate the rocky, calcareous soils of the Black Sage Bench. In 2021, the Verhoeff family took over ownership, continuing the legacy of family-operated winemaking.
The ownership transition has kept the winery's core values the same. The Verhoeff family remains dedicated to maintaining the traditions and quality established by the Martiniuks. This dedication is evident in every aspect of the winery, from the meticulous care of the vineyards to carefully crafting each bottle of wine.
Vineyards and Terroir
Stoneboat Vineyards, situated on the Black Sage Gravelbar in Oliver, BC, boasts a unique terroir of sandy, gravelly loam layered over ancient glacial stones. These stones, integral to the soil's composition, facilitate excellent drainage and moderate vine vigour, while their carbonate skins enhance the soil's mineral content. This terroir, coupled with significant day-to-night temperature variations, helps preserve the grapes' acidity and aromatic compounds, which is ideal for their Pinot varietals.
The vineyard cultivates a range of grape varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinotage. Each varietal benefits from the terroir's distinct characteristics, producing wines rich in complexity and minerality. The winemakers at Stoneboat Vineyards emphasize sustainable viticulture practices, promoting biodiversity and reducing chemical inputs to maintain the natural balance of the vineyard ecosystem.
The Martinuk family, who founded Stoneboat Vineyards, profoundly appreciates the land, having worked for many years. Their hands-on approach to viticulture and winemaking, combined with their commitment to sustainable practices, ensures that the wines they produce genuinely reflect the unique terroir of the Black Sage Gravelbar. This dedication to the land and minimal interference in the winemaking process results in wines that are not only high in quality but also express the vineyard's unique characteristics.
Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques
Stoneboat Vineyards' winemaking philosophy centres on sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention. They prioritize biodiversity, reduce chemical inputs, and allow the vineyard to guide their decisions, ensuring the wines express the unique terroir of the Black Sage Gravelbar. Hand-harvesting grapes and utilizing traditional methods, they produce wines rich in complexity and minerality, reflecting their vineyard's natural balance and distinct characteristics. This approach results in high-quality wines that truly represent their origin.
Signature Wines and Awards
Stoneboat Vineyards offers a diverse range of wines, including whites and reds. Their notable white wines include the crisp and aromatic Pinot Gris, the rich and full-bodied Pinot Blanc, and the unique Chorus, a blend of several varietals. For red wine enthusiasts, Stoneboat features the elegant and complex Pinot Noir and the robust and flavourful Pinotage. They also produce a sparkling wine, the Bubbleboat Brut, celebrated for its fine bubbles and refreshing profile.
Stoneboat Vineyards has received numerous accolades for their exceptional wines. For instance, the Pinotage has been awarded gold medals at the All-Canadian Wine Championships, highlighting its superior quality. The Pinot Gris has also garnered recognition, winning silver at the National Wine Awards of Canada. These awards reflect Stoneboat's commitment to producing wines that truly express the unique terroir of the Black Sage Gravelbar in Oliver, BC.
Wine Tasting Experience
Stoneboat Vineyards offers a welcoming tasting experience that showcases their commitment to quality and the unique terroir of the Black Sage Gravelbar. Visitors can enjoy the Classic Tasting, which features a curated selection of four wines guided by a Brand Ambassador. This experience, costing $10 per person, comprehensively introduces Stoneboat's handcrafted wines and lasts about 20 minutes.
For a more in-depth experience, the Premium Tasting includes five wines, often estate-exclusive or small-lot productions, in a semi-private setting among the vines. Priced at $15 per person, this 45-minute session offers a deeper exploration of Stoneboat's portfolio. Wine Club members receive complimentary tastings for themselves and up to five guests. Both experiences allow guests to immerse themselves in the beautiful vineyard and mountain views, enhancing their appreciation of Stoneboat's wines.
Conclusion
Stoneboat Vineyards showcases quality and tradition in the Okanagan Valley. With its focus on terroir-driven wines, commitment to sustainable practices, and dedication to family values, the winery offers visitors a unique and enriching experience. Stoneboat Vineyards invites you to explore its offerings and discover the true nature of the Okanagan Valley.
