One Faith Vineyards in Oliver, BC, redefines excellence in Canadian winemaking. Known for its unwavering commitment to quality and ambitious goal of producing a "First Growth" wine, One Faith stands out in the renowned Okanagan Valley wine region.
History and Background
One Faith Vineyards was founded by Bill Lui, whose passion for wine led him to establish the winery in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. With a background in winemaking studies from UC Davis and experience in Bordeaux, Bill aimed to create a First Growth quality wine in his homeland. Viticulturist Richard Cleave, a pioneer in BC viticulture, manages the vineyards located on the Black Sage Bench. This area, known for its warm climate and complex soil structure, is ideal for producing premium Bordeaux varietals that reflect the region's unique terroir.
Vineyards and Terroir
One Faith's vineyards are located on the Black Sage Bench, one of Canada's warmest and most prestigious wine-growing areas. The region's unique terroir, characterized by its sandy and gravelly soils, contributes to the complexity and elegance of the wines. These conditions force the vines to dig deep for nutrients, producing smaller berries with concentrated flavours.
The vineyard management practices at One Faith are highly meticulous. Each vine receives individual attention, with careful monitoring to ensure optimal health and fruit quality. Sustainable practices, such as minimal irrigation and organic fertilizers, are employed to maintain the health of the vineyard and the surrounding ecosystem.
Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques
At One Faith Vineyards, the winemaking philosophy combines traditional and innovative techniques. The winery employs a hands-on approach, focusing on small-batch production to maintain quality control. Key figures in the winemaking process include Anne Vawter, a renowned Napa Valley winemaker and viticulturist Richard Cleave, who oversees the vineyard operations.
One Faith uses first-use French oak barrels for fermentation, enhancing the wine's complexity and depth. The barrels are regularly turned on specialized racks to ensure even fermentation and integration of flavours. Additionally, the winery draws off 10-15% of the juice during fermentation to concentrate the final blend, a practice known as saignée. This attention to detail results in wines with fine-grained tannins, rich mouthfeel, and perfect oak integration.
Signature Wines and Awards
One Faith Vineyards offers a variety of premium wines, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Their Certitude blend combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, showcasing a harmonious balance of flavours. The Grand Vin is their flagship wine, a Bordeaux-style blend renowned for its depth and complexity. The Pristine series includes a range of white wines, such as Chardonnay that reflect the purity of the Okanagan Valley terroir. Each wine is designed to express the unique characteristics of the vineyard and the meticulous care taken during production.
One Faith Vineyards has received numerous accolades for its exceptional wines. The Grand Vin has been mainly celebrated, earning high scores from wine critics and prestigious awards at international wine competitions. These recognitions highlight the winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines that stand out in the competitive landscape. The vineyard's dedication to excellence and innovation garners praise and solidifies its reputation as a top-tier winery in the Okanagan Valley.
Wine Tasting Experience
One Faith Vineyards offers a premium wine-tasting experience at their tasting room in the District Wine Village, Oliver, BC. Guests can enjoy the "Fleet of Four Wines" tasting, which includes a selection of current releases for $10 per person. For a more exclusive experience, the "Grand Vin Tasting" features a guided tour, barrel sampling, and tastings of club-exclusive releases and Grand Vin wines, paired with appropriate food bites, for $50 per person. The tasting room is open seasonally, with varying hours throughout the year.
Conclusion
One Faith Vineyards is a demonstration of the potential of the Okanagan Valley to produce world-class wines. Focusing on quality, innovation, and sustainability, One Faith has established itself as a premier wine producer in Canada. A trip to One Faith Vineyards promises an exceptional and memorable experience.
