The British Columbia grape harvest is in full swing and despite a wetter than average September, B.C. winemakers are remaining optimistic that this yearsa国际传媒檚 vintage will be another good year.

According to the British Columbia Wine Institute, vineyards are embracing the lower sugar and alcohol levels that they are seeing in grapes across the Okanagan.

sa国际传媒淓very year presents challenges,sa国际传媒� notes Grant Stanley, winemaker and general manager at Spearhead Winery.

sa国际传媒淔or me, thatsa国际传媒檚 part of the fun of it. Particularly as cool-climate winemakers, adapting to the season is what we do.sa国际传媒�

Stanley also credited the moderate climate throughout 2019 as particularly good for crops.

sa国际传媒淲ithout a doubt, the moderate heat extending throughout the season has brought about grape ripeness without any sun burning or threat of over-ripeness. The yields have been similar to have what wesa国际传媒檝e seen in the past as well. We had a lot of small berries and good pulp to skin ratio which is perfect for making Pinot Noir. Isa国际传媒檓 really looking forward to the Pinot Noirs this vintage.sa国际传媒�

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In Osoyoos, where itsa国际传媒檚 much warmer than the rest of the valley, Chris Tolley, owner and winemaker at Moon Curser Vineyards said it was worrisome at first to see frost in September, but he is pleasently surprised with the harvest so far.

sa国际传媒淲esa国际传媒檝e had a very good season. Our whites, the Arneis and Viognier, were all quite ripe in both sugar and flavor. Isa国际传媒檓 happy so far with the reds as well. The Tempranillo came in really nice. Isa国际传媒檓 happy with the Malbec and Carmenere as well. We havensa国际传媒檛 seen it all yet, but Isa国际传媒檝e tasted the berries and Isa国际传媒檓 pleased with the quality.sa国际传媒�

In the Naramata Bench, Kathy Malone, winemaker at Hillside Winery, said she has seen lower sugars and alcohols in this yearsa国际传媒檚 vintage, which she is optimistic about.

sa国际传媒淚 think vintage variation makes it more interesting for the wine drinker because they can look at what was happening during that year and experience it through what theysa国际传媒檙e tasting in the glass. It adds an element of sophistication to the region.sa国际传媒�

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daniel.taylor@kelownacapnews.com
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