If you knew the wine in your glass was exposed to herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, would you think twice about the bottle of wine you reach for from the shelf?
The term ‘organic’ has been closely associated with the food we eat and grow. But what about the wine we drink?
What does organic mean to you and how important is it when it comes to buying wine?
For Stephen Cipes, Proprietor of Summerhill Organic Winery, the term means, “Free of chemicals, all natural and working in concert with nature,” a philosophy that he shares with Winemaker, Eric von Krosigk.
With conventional farming practices chemical fertilizers are used and absorbed through the roots that damages the soil, vine, air, and water that triggers a vicious cycle of environmental destruction. A vineyard needs more than just water and sunlight – it requires balance and harmony.
Steward of the land and a leader in organic farming and winemaking practices, Summerhill Winery has been forging the way in producing 100% organic wines. Operating a vineyard free of chemicals and using renewable resources as part of their sustainable viticulture practices since 1986, the winery became BC’s first certified organic cellar in 2007. “The expense alone in operating an organic cellar is huge, but is well worth it,” says Cipes. “If we didn’t look after the environment, who would?”
Sharing his passion for this growing phenomenon, the winery has been re-branded as Summerhill Organic Winery & Bistro. “Everything we serve at the winery is organic, right down to the coffees and teas we serve at the on-site restaurant,” says Cipes.
Under the watchful eye of Eric von Krosigk, Winemaker and viticulturist, a scrupulous approach is taken in the handling of the grapes as soon as they reach the cellar doors. As he explains, “We record everything that goes into the wines and ensure that non-organic inputs do not occur throughout the winemaking process. To meet the strict standards of a certified organic winery, we keep transparent records and provide detailed reporting of the wine including date, time, location, and the individual handling the fruit, to where the wine goes. This allows us to trace the steps and provide accurate reporting during inspection.”
The winery undergoes extensive scrutiny. As members of the Certified Organic Association of British Columbia (COABC) and Pacific Agricultural Certification Society (PACS), a combination of random and regularly scheduled inspections is conducted by independent inspectors from PACS that covers a comprehensive examination of the vineyard and cellar.
From cultivating and harvesting organic grapes to winemaking, it’s a painstaking process that requires a meticulous approach to ensuring cross-contamination from non-organic elements between equipment and tanks does not occur. As von Krosigk explains, “The paperwork is huge and the extra handling can be extensive. We have to rinse, wash and sterilize the equipment. As an organic winery we choose to make vegan wines; that means zero egg whites and no animal products like gelatin are added. We work with only a few fininnig ingredients. It’s challenging no doubt, but with organic practices we’re farming smarter, better and ecologically sound - the way it should be.”
Paving its way from farmland to winery an environmental movement is taking shape as vintners are realizing the impact conventional farming practices have on the earth and the food we consume.
Organic wines are the fastest growing segment of the industry worldwide. The local liquor distribution branch is responding to the growing demand of savvy consumers who look beyond price and reach for the au natural in a section dedicated to ‘O’ wines.
Promoting sustainable renewable resources, health and productivity of the ecosystem, from soil, plants, animals and people, Summerhill Organic Winery & Bistro implements environmental sustainability and socially responsible practices from vineyard to wine.
Operating an organic vineyard and cellar is a feat - combined with producing award winning wines is a crowning glory. Gold medal standing and accolades reflect the quality and purity of wines at Summerhill Organic Winery and Bistro.
This summer take the ‘O’ challenge. Drop by Summerhill Organic Winery & Bistro for the full organic experience.