Orchard & Vine Magazine

14/06/2024

Have you seen our Replanting for Resilience issue + top Canadian wine industry leaders?

See the issue at https://orchardandvine.net

Grape Growers of Ontario British Columbia Grapegrowers' Association
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

09/05/2024

We’d love to share that news Paynter's Fruit Market

It’s here. Fresh from

$5.25 lb

Spread the word!

09/05/2024

Very excited for bud break… precious!

23/04/2024

1 of 5 apricot blossoms so far. 🥲
If you haven’t heard, the trees took a pretty hard hit over the winter. Definitely won’t be any apricots or peaches coming out of our orchard this year and it looks like most of the valley is in the same boat 🛶

The buds for all of the tree fruits we grow are formed on the branch in the summer of the year before. Which means they are very susceptible to cold snaps over the winter. The cold snap we had in January was a bit too much for them.

But, good news. The Apples, Pears and some plums are starting to push out some blossoms. 🌸 If you are looking to come for blossom photos, keep an eye on our stories for when they are in full bloom!

Other good news. 2025 peaches and apricots are going to taste so good.

18/04/2024

excited to taste the new releases... I believe there are still tickets:

Thursday April 18th, 5pm. Preview some of the Valley's latest wines paired with bites from some of your favorite restaurants.

21/03/2024

Yes, this sap is an early sign of bud break! Spring has arrived, but after the extreme cold event in January, what’s in store for the 2024 season? Read our latest blog to learn more (link in bio).
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This weather event means many vineyards in the Okanagan will not have a harvest or much of a harvest this year.
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This doesn’t mean all of the vines are gone, but rather, the tender grape producing buds were damaged.
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Most of these vineyards are likely to be back up and producing next season, although some wineries are choosing to replant with more cold hearty varietals.
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The good news… the wineries still have plenty of wine!
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And small pockets of other good news….
We have our eye on a vineyard in Osoyoos that’s showing early signs of bud break. Pictured above, you can see sap weeping from freshly pruned vines, meaning bud break is around the corner. In spite of the widespread bud damage across the valley, there will be small pockets of vineyards with much less damage and others with simply low yields. These are certainly the exception, but it’s good news nonetheless!
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You might wonder why is this vineyard different? One factor is likely to be this vineyards location and sunny days warming the air during the cold snap as it saw less than 11 hours of cold in the danger zone, rather than the multiple days many other vineyards experienced. Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses!
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Let’s continue to support local and when possible buy direct!

19/03/2024

Hopeful news…

Pinot noir clone 459 at our Solum Rosa estate vineyard with bleeding buds…we’re keeping an open mind this season for green growth 🤞🏻

Similkameen Independent Winegrowers

19/03/2024

We’ve missed you! We will be opening for the season March 29th. Join us for a wine tasting🥂
Our wine shop and tasting room will be open Friday to Sunday, 11am-5pm.

18/03/2024

AI and automation are helping farms of all sizes produce more while using fewer natural resources: Bayer announced the launch of a pilot for its GenAI system, aimed at benefiting farmers and enhancing agronomists' daily work.

× Expand Bayer announced the launch of a pilot for its GenAI system, aimed at benefiting farmers and enhancing agronomists' daily work. “Our unique GenAI system has the potential to serve agronomists and benefit farmers all over the world, further advancing AI as an indispensable technology for a...

09/03/2024

The BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) has hired Melissa Tesche as the new general manager. She takes over from retiring general manager Glen Lucas, following Lucas’ 25-year tenure.

Expand The BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) has hired Melissa Tesche as the new general manager. She takes over from retiring general manager Glen Lucas on March 4, 2024, following Lucas’ 25-year tenure. Tesche joins the association from her current position as general manager of the Okanag...

09/03/2024

Reflections on a quarter-century🍎 🍒 "When I arrived to take on the role of BCFGA general manager in 1998 (yes, last century), the apple sector was in a downturn and cherries were a new, exciting crop. The industry has had its ups and downs in the past 25 years, with the current apple and cherry challenges caused by markets or weather..."

Expand As my retirement from the BC Fruit Growers’ Association nears — and with the start of a new year — it is time for retrospection. When I arrived to take on the role of BCFGA general manager in 1998 (yes, last century), the apple sector was in a downturn and cherries were a new, exciting ...

06/03/2024

Yes Spring is just around the corner. Be listed! 🌱

Target the decision makers you want to reach – 🍎🍒🍇orchardists, berry and vineyard growers, wine, cider and spirit makers, plus industry leaders and suppliers in Canada’s agricultural industry.

Spring is just around the corner, and Orchard & Vine is preparing for our annual Buyers Guide. We've been Canada’s trusted industry magazine for 65 years.

05/03/2024

Pre-season equipment tune-up tips
Consider it spring training for farmers. Ensure readiness for the field with this 101 on equipment prep for the upcoming season🚜https://orchardandvine.net/articles/pre-season-equipment-tune-up-tips/ Kalala Organic Estate Winery Little Straw Vineyards Similkameen Independent Winegrowers Wines of British Columbia Kubota Canada

Consider it spring training for farmers. Ensure readiness for the field with this 101 on equipment prep for the upcoming season.

04/03/2024

🌱https://orchardandvine.net/articles/help-nematodes-help-your-crops/ 🌱

Beneath the soil, lies a tiny but vital world of friends and foes: nematodes. These tiny organisms play dual roles, serving as both allies and adversaries to growers, who are now learning to harness their potential for healthier crops.

04/03/2024

Stay ahead in agriculture with Orchard & Vine's Pre Spring 2024 feature on equipment maintenance and innovation. Read here: https://orchardandvine.net/magazine/orchard-vine-pre-spring-2024/ Wines of British Columbia BC Strawberries BC Tree Fruits

26/02/2024

Positive progression
by Yvonne Turgeon

As I sat in on the agri-tech and innovation session at the Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference in January, I felt the buzz of anticipation not just for the coming year but for the entire decade ahead.

“We’re at a place right now where I believe we’re going to see an explosion of all kinds of solutions,” says Dean Maerz, operations manager of Klaassen Farms, a family-owned blueberry farm in Rosedale, B.C.

He and fellow blueberry growers Newton Sahota, grower and CEO of Twinberry Farms, and Bryan Van Hoepen from Stoney Creek Farms shared their journey of innovation and adopting smart solutions for their operations...KEEP READING here: https://orchardandvine.net/opinions/voices/positive-progression/😀

12/02/2024

Our latest issue is now out. Find the digital edition at orchardandvine.net

10/02/2024

Okanagan Speciality Fruit is seeking an Orchard Operations Manager to overseeing fruits orchard operations in Washington State. Location: Remote/Summerland, B.C
https://orchardandvine.net/news/tree-fruit/job-posting-orchard-operations-manager/

06/02/2024

🍓🫐 Exciting updates from the 2023 Fruit Report from Orchard & Vine Magazine

Despite challenges, our raspberries are thriving, and it's been a promising year for blackberries. While we faced some ups and downs with strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries, our dedication to quality and sustainability shines through. Cheers to our hardworking farmers for their resilience and innovation. Let's celebrate the fruits of their labor! 🍒🍇 For the full juicy details, check out the complete report here.

The growing season was defined by many issues that challenged the positivity of farmers

08/01/2024

Winter Sips - South, presented by Valley First, part of the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival, is set for Jan. 20, marking the start of a week-long indulgence in the region's finest wines.

The grand tasting event, held from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, promises to be a night of discovery and enjoyment, featuring an impressive lineup of 25 renowned BC wineries. Okanagan Wine Festivals

Visit Penticton
Photo taken at Black Market Wine Company

× Expand Here Black Market staff toast to the 2023 harvest. Taste their award-winning wines at the Winter Wine Festival. The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre is gearing up for a celebration of local viticulture with Winter Sips - South, presented by Valley First. Part of the Okanagan Winter Wi...

12/12/2023

A portal has been set up to collect donations that will directly support Kane’s young family. Rust Wine Co. would like to encourage any and all individuals who knew Kane or who would simply like to support his family to make a donation.

The winery general manager, Kane Morgan, was involved in a vehicle incident on the evening of Friday, December 8 on Hwy 97 outside Kaleden while on his way home from the winery.

Rust Wine Co. is devastated to announce the passing of winery general manager, Kane Morgan. Morgan was involved in a vehicle incident on the evening of Friday, December 8 on Hwy 97 outside Kaleden while on his way home from the winery. Details of the incident have not been released at this time. emi...

09/12/2023

Congrats Ronda!

🌟 Thrilled to announce that BCFWA President Ronda Payne was named 2023 Garden Communicator of the Year at last night's BC Landscape & Nursery Association AGM! 🌿🏆

07/12/2023

Our annual Open House is just around the corner, save the date of December 16th. Noon-3pm.

Stop by and enjoy a steaming cup of our famous mulled wine. Enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese tasting in our cosy wine shop. Our shelves are stocked with everything you need for your holiday entertaining.

We have over 10 different types of cheese in our deli cooler, something for everyone. If you are a fan of the Farmer, we are down to our last few rounds.

We were also able to score a few more bags of Chef Bongos delicious African Peanut soup!

And of course Award Winning 🥇 Wines!

Our team is looking forward to seeing you.

Yes, Emma our loyal vineyard pup/patio greeter will also be there to shake a paw & have a pat or two.

07/12/2023

ALL ABOARD! 🚂

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for the 2024 Grand Sommelier Express are now available! Just in time for Christmas - give the gift of a one-of-a-kind experience!

This event, known for its rapid sell-outs, promises an unforgettable experience celebrating the best of Summerland’s wine, craft beers, premium cider & spirits + more. 🍷🍎🍺🥃

This year we have made some changes to the event format, offering TWO afternoon dates in lieu of an evening event.

What else is new? Optional add-on dinners at member venues

🗓️ 2024 Dates:

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 + SATURDAY, JUNE 22

2:00pm to 5:00pm

Purchase your tickets here 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/GSE2024

22/11/2023

🍷❄️🎅🎄 Kick off the holiday season with the Naramata Bench Wineries November 24 & 25 from 3 to 7 PM. Take in winery, cidery, and distillery tastings set against a backdrop of dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Warm up by the fire pits, savour seasonal cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in one of BC’s most scenic wine regions.

Experience the inaugural Naramata Bench Winterfest on November 24th and 25th from 3 to 7 PM. Join us for exclusive winery, cidery, and distillery tastings set against a backdrop of dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Enjoy special events and unique holiday shopping. Warm up by the fire pits,....