Okanagan Wines: How Much Does Terroir Matter?

Every wine is unique. Distinctive qualities are often attributed to terroir – how the wine’s flavours and characteristics are expressed through the soil, location and climate. How do vineyard managers and winemakers make the most of their specific terroir? In what ways do the unique and diverse micro-climates and regions of the Okanagan and Similkameen influence the wines made here? To what extent are distinct qualities of wines attributed to terroir? And how can we taste the difference terroir makes?

Recorded November 25, 2015, in Kelowna, BC.

Moderator

Chris Walker – Host, CBC’s Daybreak South

Panelists

Howard Soon, BSc’74 – Head Winemaker at Sandhill Estate Vineyard
Dr. Patricia Bowen, BSc’80, MSc’83 – Whole-plant Physiologist and Viticulture Researcher, at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC)
Gordon Fitzpatrick, BA’83 – President of Greata Ranch Reserve Winery
Tony Holler, BSc’74, MD’79 – Majority Owner & President, Poplar Grove Winery