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When we last visited Quails' Gate in the summer of 2021, one of B.C's original modern-day pioneers, the Stewart family management team was planning an orderly hand off to the third generation.
The team identified innovation as essential to its survival in today's fast moving wine world. This is particularly challenging for a winery that has built its reputation on consistency and exudes a sense of establishment. The changes included a new line of wines that would be vehicles for experimentation, igniting a sense of discovery and creativity for the winemaking team [Watch: Quails' Gate: Journey of Distinction]. It was also a hedge against climate change and its effect on the vines, which were addressed by undertaking B.C.'s sustainable winegrowing certification.
This summer, we continued the conversation on sustainable certification. Quails' Gate certified its vineyards in early 2022, and we set out to investigate what that means for the people, the place, and its wines. It turns out a replanted vineyard, and new outdoor tasting bars in the vineyard are part of the story. Ultimately, the winery is focusing on its ability to adapt to a whole host of changing conditions. While their applications are unique to the challenges Quails' Gate faces, the intention and underlying themes of quality of life, understanding that we are part of a larger, global community and preservation of the land for future generations, are universal.
Learn more about Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia.
