{"id":2822,"date":"2023-12-06T16:42:19","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T00:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/?page_id=2822"},"modified":"2025-01-16T13:56:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:56:14","slug":"winemaking","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/winemaking\/","title":{"rendered":"Winemaking"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_2db7d21f height_medium with_shape\"><div class=\"l-section-overlay\" style=\"background:rgba(245,243,240,0.85)\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-shape type_tilt pos_bottom hor_flip\" style=\"height:20vmin;color:var(--color-content-bg-alt)\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 8\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\">\r\n\t<path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 7.9 L64 10 L0 10 L0 0 Z\"\/>\r\n<\/svg><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row via_flex valign_middle type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1\/5 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_680c4182 us_animate_this align_center\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/demeter.net\/\" aria-label=\"DEMETER-LOGO-BLACK\" class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"708\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/DEMETER-LOGO-BLACK.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/DEMETER-LOGO-BLACK.png 708w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/DEMETER-LOGO-BLACK-600x915.png 600w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/DEMETER-LOGO-BLACK-197x300.png 197w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/DEMETER-LOGO-BLACK-671x1024.png 671w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1\/5 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_90ce0a34 us_animate_this align_center\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/pacscertifiedorganic.ca\/\" aria-label=\"PACs Certification-logo\" class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"183\" height=\"168\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/PACs-Certification-logo.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1\/5 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_71a0ce99 us_animate_this align_center\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/canada-organic.ca\/\" aria-label=\"Organic-logo\" class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"805\" height=\"808\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Organic-logo.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Organic-logo.png 805w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Organic-logo-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Organic-logo-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Organic-logo-600x602.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 805px) 100vw, 805px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1\/5 vc_col-xs-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_ba3b9b19 us_animate_this align_center\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vegansociety.com\/the-vegan-trademark\" aria-label=\"Vegan Certification\" class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Vegan-Certification.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Vegan-Certification.png 400w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Vegan-Certification-300x242.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-1\/5 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_59d0d52a us_animate_this align_center\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/certification\/\" aria-label=\"Certified_B_Corporation\" class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1826\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Certified_B_Corporation.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Certified_B_Corporation.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Certified_B_Corporation-600x913.png 600w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Certified_B_Corporation-197x300.png 197w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Certified_B_Corporation-673x1024.png 673w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_86cb65aa\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>Organic &amp; Biodynamic<\/h2>\n<p>Biodiversity plays a key role in organic farming.\u00a0 Since we don&#8217;t use any synthetics in our vineyards, we must encourage nature to fill ecological niches and maintain balance.\u00a0 By allowing flowering plants to grow between the rows, we provide a home for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises.\u00a0 The natural flora also help to improve our soil life and water retention, important elements to growing quality grapes!<\/p>\n<p>Our home vineyard is 17 hectares and the only Demeter certified biodynamic vineyard in British Columbia.\u00a0 Natural springs emerge on the property, and join with creeks to create a beautiful wetland nature sanctuary that supports a variety of species.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_huge\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_c70c97eb height_small width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_middle type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-video align_none ratio_16x9 has_iframe\"><div class=\"w-video-h\"><iframe title=\"Youtube video player\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6PRZlvfEgfE?autoplay=0&controls=1&origin=https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us&loop=0&mute=0\" allowfullscreen=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div><div class=\"w-video-icon\" style=\"font-size:1.5rem;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);color:#fff\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_bdae86f8 parallax-block align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"658\" height=\"575\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Grape-Vine-Gaussian-Crop-1.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Grape-Vine-Gaussian-Crop-1.png 658w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Grape-Vine-Gaussian-Crop-1-600x524.png 600w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Grape-Vine-Gaussian-Crop-1-300x262.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_ff61d356 us_animate_this\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h4>At the core of biodynamic farming is living in harmony with nature, harvesting soulful, beautiful food and returning nutrients back to the earth.<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_c70c97eb height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_86cb65aa\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Organic winemaking practices have been an integral part of Summerhill since the Kelowna vineyard was purchased by the Cipes family in 1986. Producing wine organically has a very meaningful benefit to the environment, and some scientists suggest that eating organic foods greatly benefits our health as well.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from these benefits, we believe that organic practices allow for the grapes in our vineyards to honestly express their surroundings, providing deep, terroir-driven qualities that are a true articulation of Okanagan terroir.<\/p>\n<p>Summerhill is committed to producing 100% organic wine. Our Kelowna vineyard entered the certification program in 1988, and has received Demeter Biodynamic certification in 2012. In addition, our winemaking is also certified organic, allowing us to display the Canadian certified organic logo on our bottles, ensuring you can expect a high level of quality and purity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-hwrapper valign_top align_center\" style=\"--hwrapper-gap:2rem\"><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_2 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/wine\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Taste Our Wine<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_5 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/tastings-experiences\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Take Our Tour<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_c70c97eb height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-tabs style_default switch_click accordion type_togglable has_scrolling remove_indents\" style=\"--sections-title-size:2.6rem\"><div class=\"w-tabs-sections titles-align_none icon_triangle cpos_right\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"pa0c\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-pa0c\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">Organic Winemaking Chart<\/h3><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-pa0c\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\" id=\"organic-winemaking-chart\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-1\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">Conventional<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">List of inputs that may be used in Summerhill organic winemaking:<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Summerhill Biodynamic Wine<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Potential Wine Additions (ingredients)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Grapes, yeast, yeast nutrient (e.g. diamonium phosphate, thiamin [vit B1]), milk and milk derivatives, malolactic bacteria, tannins, sugar, corn syrup, stabilizing agents (e.g. CMC, gum arabic), enzymes, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, calcium carbonate, fining agents (e.g. egg whites, gelatin, isinglass fish bladders), sulphur dioxide in quantities under 350 parts per million, various other adjuncts and additives. For an example list of what is available to winemakers please see: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aebusa.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">www.aebusa.com<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Organic grapes (definitely), natural yeast, natural yeast nutrient (yeast hulls), malolactic bacteria, fining agent (e.g. bentonite), highly rectified organic grape sugar (for sparkling wine process), sulphur dioxide where needed in quantities under 100 parts per million<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Demeter certified biodynamic grapes, sulphur dioxide where needed in quantities under 100 parts per million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Facility and Equipment Sanitizers<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">caustic soda, quats, phosphoric acid<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">ozone, steam, scrub brushes, citric sulphite<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Same as organic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Certification Standards<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Adhere to CFIA standards, all other accreditation and inspections voluntary<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Third party inspection to Canada's national organic standard, ISO 65 accreditation, trace backs on all ingredients and all finished wines, adherence to CFIA standards<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Same as organic + inspection by Demeter BC to biodynamic standard.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1 from cache -->\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"vbe7\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-vbe7\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">Organic vs Conventional Vineyard Management<\/h3><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-vbe7\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-2\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-2\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">Summerhill Organic and Biodynamic<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Conventional<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Fertility<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">compost, compost teas, green manure, cover crop, fish-fertilizer, mineral dust, biodynamic preparations<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">synthetic fertilizers, non-organic compost (may contain heavy metals and pharmaceutical residue)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Weed Management<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mowing, weeding, mulching, companion cropping<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Herbicides, Pre-Emergent Herbicides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Powdery Mildew<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">biodynamic preparations, herbal and compost teas, bacterial preparations that occupy the ecological niche of the mildew, certified organic sprays (sulphur, lime sulphur, mineral oil, vegetable oil, potassium, baking soda)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">systemic fungicides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Botrytis<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">early leaf removal, prevention<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">systemic fungicides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Leaf Hoppers<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">biodiversity from wild areas surrounding vineyard, flowering ground cover to give habitat fornatural predators, mineral oil<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">insecticides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Cutworms<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">leave extra buds, graze chickens under vines, flashlight and a pair of gloves to pick them off one by one at night if things get bad in an area<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">insecticides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rodents<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">traps, natural predators<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">poisonous bait<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-2 from cache -->\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"sd3c\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-sd3c\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">Organic Glossary<\/h3><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-sd3c\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>Wildcrafting<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Wildcrafting\u00a0is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or &#8220;wild&#8221; habitat, for food or medicinal purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas.\u00a0 Examples of wildcrafting include picking wild berries, rosehips, or nettle, or harvesting maple syrup.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Permaculture<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Permaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that mimic the relationships found in natural ecologies. Permaculture is sustainable land use design. This is based on ecological and biological principles, often using patterns that occur in nature to maximise effect and minimise work. Within a Permaculture system, work is minimised, \u201cwastes\u201d become resources, productivity and yields increase, and environments are restored.<\/p>\n<p>Permaculture aims to create stable, productive systems that provide for human needs, harmoniously integrating the land with its inhabitants. The ecological processes of plants, animals, their nutrient cycles, climatic factors and weather cycles are all part of the picture. Inhabitants\u2019 needs are provided for using proven and ever improving innovative technologies for food, energy, shelter and infrastructure. Elements in a system are viewed in relationship to other elements, where the outputs of one element become the inputs of another. Permaculture principles can be applied to any environment, at any scale, from a farm, to an individual home, to a dense urban settlement.<\/p>\n<p>Here is an example of Permaculture design principles in practice: building a chicken coop on the north side, and a greenhouse on the south side of the same structure. These two functions work in relationship to each other. The heat produced by the chickens helps heat the green house, the pecking of the chickens prevents plant pests, and their manure can fertilize the plants.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Biodynamic Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Biodynamic\u00a0agriculture\u00a0is a method of organic farming that treats farms as unified and individual organisms, emphasizing balancing the holistic development and interrelationship of soil, plants, and animals as a self-nourishing system without external inputs insofar as this is possible given the loss of nutrients due to the export of food. By creating a closed system, nothing is extra or wasted.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Biodynamic Preparations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Biodynamic preparations\u00a0aid in fertilization and prevent plant diseases. The prepared substances are numbered 500 through 508. The first two are used for preparing fields, and the latter seven are used for making compost. Biodynamic preparations have influence on soil structure and micro-organisms, enhancing soil fertility and increasing biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Field preparations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>500: (horn-manure) a humus mixture prepared by filling the horn of a cow with cow manure and burying it in the ground (40\u201360 cm below the surface) in the autumn. It is left to decompose during the winter and recovered for use the following spring.<\/li>\n<li>501: Crushed powdered quartz is stuffed into a cow horn, buried into the ground in spring and taken out in autumn. A mixture of the powder with water is sprayed under very low pressure over the crop during the wet season, to prevent fungal diseases and increase photosynthesis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Compost preparations, used for preparing compost, employ herbs which are frequently used in medicinal remedies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>502: Yarrow blossoms<\/li>\n<li>503: Chamomile blossoms<\/li>\n<li>504: Stinging nettle<\/li>\n<li>505: Oak bark<\/li>\n<li>506: Dandelion flowers<\/li>\n<li>507: Valerian flowers<\/li>\n<li>508: Horsetail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All compost preparations are added to heaps in homeopathic quantities. Each compost preparation is designed to guide a particular decomposition process in the composting mass.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Demeter International<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Demeter International\u00a0is the largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture, and is one of three predominant organic certifiers. Demeter Biodynamic Certification is used in over 50 countries to verify that biodynamic products meet international standards in production and processing. The Demeter certification program was established in 1928, and as such was the first ecological label for organically produced foods.<\/p>\n<p>Demeter\u2019s \u201cbiodynamic\u201d certification requires biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, soil husbandry, livestock integration (this requirement is exempt In biodynamic vineyards), prohibition of genetically engineered organisms and viewing the farm as a living \u201cholistic organism\u201d. The certification verifies the fulfillment of the standards on behalf of the farmers, which in turn guaranties high quality food products to the consumers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compost<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Compost\u00a0is composed of organic materials derived from plant and animal matter that has been decomposed largely through aerobic decomposition. The process of composting is simple and practiced by individuals in their homes, farmers on their land, and industrially by cities and factories.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compost\/Herbal Teas<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Compost teas\/Herbal teas\u00a0are liquid solutions or suspensions made by steeping compost and\/or certain herbs in water.\u00a0They are used as both\u00a0fertilizers and to prevent plant diseases. The liquid is applied as a\u00a0soil-drench (root dip) for seedlings, or as a surface spray.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto width_full with_img parallax_ver\"><div class=\"l-section-img\" role=\"img\" data-img-width=\"2137\" data-img-height=\"1426\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/20160526-142040_91390_by-Kevin-Trowbridge.jpg);background-repeat: no-repeat;\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default reversed stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-8 vc_col-lg-6 wpb_column vc_column_container has_text_color has_bg_color\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_050ba2f2\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 class=\"w-text us_custom_7e20fa79 us_animate_this\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Okanagan Valley Terroir<\/span><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the last decades, producers in the Okanagan Valley have undertaken great efforts to establish this unique and breathtakingly beautiful valley as North America\u2019s newest premium wine\u2010growing region. The diversity of vines that thrive in varied microclimates here provides winemakers with a multitude of options to express their creative talents and technical expertise. The region has attracted winemakers from around the world and is now home to vintners from France, Australia, California, New Zealand and South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Okanagan Valley is a 124 mile\u2010long trough that extends north from the 49th parallel into the central southern interior of British Columbia. The valley is lined with multiple bedrocks, their floors and lower slopes overlaid with the rich silt, sand and gravel over 10,000\u2010year old glacial deposits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The northern end of the Sonoran Desert eco-zone, which extends all the way south to Mexico, just barely reaches across the United States\u2010Canada border to British Columbia, up to the south Okanagan towns of Osoyoos and Oliver. Referred to as Canada\u2019s only pocket desert, the arid climate of the southern British Columbia interior shapes the geographical landscape for viticulture.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-4 vc_col-lg-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_custom\" style=\"height:40vh\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_a2ebf4ae height_auto width_full with_img parallax_ver\"><div class=\"l-section-img\" role=\"img\" data-img-width=\"1920\" data-img-height=\"1282\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/20160526-151915_91587_by-Kevin-Trowbridge.jpg);background-repeat: no-repeat;\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-4 vc_col-lg-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator size_custom\" style=\"height:40vh\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-8 vc_col-lg-6 wpb_column vc_column_container has_text_color has_bg_color\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_050ba2f2\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 class=\"w-text us_custom_47474b22 us_animate_this\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Climate<\/span><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>The climate of the Okanagan Valley is governed by the region\u2019s location in the lee of the Coast Mountain Range. These mountains, with peaks of over 8,000 feet, are effective weather blocks. While the weather west of the Coast Range in Vancouver is wet, a rain shadow effect is produced eastward in the Okanagan Valley. Rainfall is lowered to an annual average 16 inches in the north, near Kelowna, and eight inches in the south, around Osoyoos. Summer months are dry and warm with rainfall usually in the form of brief showers. June is the wettest month. Hot periods occur when dry continental air invades the area from the desert region to the southeast, in the United States. Temperatures can often reach 95\u00b0 Fahrenheit or more. The average temperature during the warmest month in the south Okanagan is 71.6\u00b0F. By way of comparison, the average temperature during the warmest month in Bordeaux, France is 67.3\u00b0 Fahrenheit, and annual precipitation is 31 inches. In the Napa Valley, California, the average temperature in the warmest month is 66.4\u00b0 Fahrenheit, and the annual rainfall is 25.6 inches.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_f6bddca4 height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_middle type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-7 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 class=\"w-text us_custom_7e20fa79 us_animate_this\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Geography<\/span><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Okanagan Valley falls in the Northern Hemisphere\u2019s wine\u2010growing belt and shares the same latitude as Northern German and French vineyards. While referred to as a cool\u2010climate wine region, unique microclimates exist throughout the valley. The northern tip of the Okanagan Valley is at 50\u00b0N, and the southern tip is at 49\u00b0.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A chain of pristine blue lakes, fed by several rivers, runs the length of the Valley, moderating both the intense summer heat and chilly winter air. Viticulturists throughout the Okanagan depend on the moisture moderated climate. Intense sunlight and minimal rainfall allow the grapes to ripen to their full maturity, while cool nights help them to retain high acidity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-hwrapper valign_top align_none\" style=\"--hwrapper-gap:2rem\"><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_2 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/wine\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Taste Our Wine<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_5 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/tastings-experiences\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Take a Tour<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-5 wpb_column vc_column_container stretched\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-image us_custom_42f280a3 us_animate_this align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Summerhill-Bottle-Mockup-920x1024.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Summerhill-Bottle-Mockup-920x1024.png 920w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Summerhill-Bottle-Mockup-600x668.png 600w, https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Summerhill-Bottle-Mockup-270x300.png 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_b25ac19e height_huge\"><div class=\"l-section-overlay\" style=\"background:rgba(255,255,255,0.50)\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h5 class=\"w-text us_custom_e22d6cb6\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">THE<\/span><\/span><\/h5><h2 class=\"w-text us_custom_eb849559 xl-h\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Pyramid<\/span><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_0c95c754\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>We have a twenty year experiment proving the effect of sacred geometry on liquids with a twenty year track record of international gold medals. The goal from the beginning was and is to make the finest wine in the world, especially sparkling wines.<\/p>\n<p>The French tradition of putting sparkling wines in a dark cool place for thirty days for the cuvee and dosage to \u2018marry\u2019 was the original inspiration to achieve this goal. The wines are made using only minimal intervention winemaking, and the clarification in this True Pyramid is the final step in production. These are alive wines full of nature\u2019s grandness, made in the most unique winery in the world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_center\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_5 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/the-pyramid\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">About the Pyramid<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto width_full with_img parallax_ver\"><div class=\"l-section-img\" role=\"img\" data-img-width=\"1920\" data-img-height=\"1281\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/20160526-145025_91505_by-Kevin-Trowbridge.jpg);background-repeat: no-repeat;\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default reversed stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-8 vc_col-lg-6 wpb_column vc_column_container has_text_color has_bg_color\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_050ba2f2\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 class=\"w-text us_custom_210a814b us_animate_this\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Composting<\/span><\/span><\/h2><h5 class=\"w-text us_custom_7e20fa79 us_animate_this\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">&amp; Chicken Coops<\/span><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>We compost all non-wine production outputs (grape solids, stems, seeds, skins, and yeast sediments), landscaping outputs and kitchen compost. If you dine in our restaurant and don\u2019t finish your plate, it will be scraped into a compost bucket rather than into the garbage.<\/p>\n<p>Summerhill uses no animal byproducts in its winemaking, and is therefore vegan friendly. Some animal byproducts commonly used in winemaking include fish bladders, gelatin, egg whites, milk, and milk byproducts. Summerhill uses none of these ingredients in our wine.<\/p>\n<p>We were once asked whether our Biodynamic practices are vegan friendly. Some biodynamic preparations are made with animal parts, and our farm composts are made with animal manures. These animal parts are not in the wine or in any way touching the grapes. They are used as a medium to create beneficial soil bacteria that aid processes in the grapevine&#8217;s immune system. We must leave it to each individual vegan to decide whether the biodynamic preparations are a deal breaker or not.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-hwrapper valign_top align_none\" style=\"--hwrapper-gap:2rem\"><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_3 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/wine\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Taste Our Wine<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_3 icon_atright\" href=\"\/us\/tastings-experiences\/\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Take a Tour<\/span><i class=\"fas fa-play\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-4 vc_col-lg-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_mobiles size_custom\" style=\"height:40vh\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><style data-type=\"us_custom-css\">.gform_required_legend{display:none!important}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_05d50fc1 height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_middle type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h3 class=\"w-text us_custom_6df4bc3a has_text_color\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Summerhill Newsletter<\/span><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_6df4bc3a has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Sign up for our occasional email and be one of the first to take advantage of limited offers and upcoming events.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-6 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-html\"><div class=\"klaviyo-form-Xvg2mM\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_7f6c6d28 height_auto width_full with_img parallax_ver\"><div class=\"l-section-img\" role=\"img\" data-img-width=\"1920\" data-img-height=\"1440\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Summerhill-Overview.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-overlay\" style=\"background:rgba(0,0,0,0.55)\"><\/div><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"g-cols wpb_row us_custom_83326cc4 via_flex valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"vc_col-sm-4 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_b62fc58e\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-ibanner us_custom_95279e77 has_text_color us_animate_this animation_caeros ratio_2x1 easing_ease\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-h\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Grapes-Gradient-768x1024.jpg)\"><\/div><div class=\"w-ibanner-content\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-content-h\"><h4 class=\"w-ibanner-title\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.5rem, 2vw, 2.6rem);\">Wine<\/h4><div class=\"w-ibanner-desc\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"\/us\/wine\/\" aria-label=\"Wine\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-4 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_b62fc58e\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-ibanner us_custom_6de5d5c1 has_text_color us_animate_this animation_caeros ratio_2x1 easing_ease\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-h\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Dine-Card-1024x683.jpg)\"><\/div><div class=\"w-ibanner-content\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-content-h\"><h4 class=\"w-ibanner-title\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.5rem, 2vw, 2.6rem);\">Dine<\/h4><div class=\"w-ibanner-desc\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"\/us\/dine\/\" aria-label=\"Dine\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_col-sm-4 vc_col-xs-4 wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner us_custom_b62fc58e\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"w-ibanner us_custom_8c8b116c has_text_color us_animate_this animation_caeros ratio_2x1 easing_ease\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-h\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Events-Space-Gradient-Map-1024x724.jpg)\"><\/div><div class=\"w-ibanner-content\"><div class=\"w-ibanner-content-h\"><h4 class=\"w-ibanner-title\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.5rem, 2vw, 2.6rem);\">Gather<\/h4><div class=\"w-ibanner-desc\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"\/us\/gather\/\" aria-label=\"Gather\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_huge\"><\/div><h6 class=\"w-text us_custom_81574282 has_text_color\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Experience<\/span><\/span><\/h6><h2 class=\"w-text us_custom_4dfe7824 xl-h has_text_color\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Summerhill Pyramid Winery<\/span><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"w-separator size_huge\"><\/div><div class=\"w-image us_custom_3fb22478 hide_on_mobiles align_none\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/Black-Pyramid.svg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Organic &amp; Biodynamic Biodiversity plays a key role in organic farming.\u00a0 Since we don&#8217;t use any synthetics in our vineyards, we must encourage nature to fill ecological niches and maintain balance.\u00a0 By allowing flowering plants to grow between the rows, we provide a home for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises.\u00a0 The natural...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2823,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2822","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2822"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2822\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerhill.bc.ca\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}