An Update on Our 2024 Vintage from River Stone Owner & Winemaker, Ted Kane
To our valued River Stone customers,
Almost a year ago, the devastating cold snap of 2024 caused widespread crop damage across the Okanagan, impacting not just the grape industry but agriculture as a whole. As farmers at heart, we faced this challenge head-on, seeking innovative ways to navigate the grape shortages while staying true to our values.
In 2024, we found our solution south of the border. After careful selection, we partnered with growers in Washington State, choosing vineyards that share our terroir and commitment to quality. This collaboration has allowed us to create a 2024 vintage of wines we are incredibly proud of and are excited to share with you in the next few weeks. We’ve named this collection Good Neighbours, a tribute to the camaraderie and partnership within our industry.
Our grapes were sourced from two renowned AVAs: Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope. The vineyard we selected in Horse Heaven Hills is part of the Columbia Valley AVA. The fruit grows on a wind-swept, south-facing slope with hot days and cool nights—mirroring South Okanagan’s conditions. From here, we crafted our Good Neighbours Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec Rosé, Sparkling White Merlot, Chardonnay, and a portion of our Splash blend. Wahluke Slope AVA, known for its heat and deep, well-drained volcanic soils, has provided us with expressive, fruit-forward Chenin Blanc.
Meanwhile, our estate vineyards—River Rock and Boulder City—are undergoing renewal, with roughly 11 acres set for replanting in 2025. This presents an exciting opportunity to expand our portfolio with popular wines like Sauvignon Blanc and introduce new varietals like Chenin Blanc. With a focus on the future, we are committed to long-term growth and excellence.
While our vineyard returns, we remain dedicated to offering exceptional wines. In the short term, our 2024 portfolio includes a range of whites, rosés, and sparkling wines crafted through our partnerships. These wines will be available first to our club members on April 1, followed by our tasting room and select retailers. Additionally, our BC VQA and estate reds from the 2020-2022 vintages will also be available.
Looking ahead, our vision remains clear: to evolve, adapt, and maintain our commitment to quality and consistency. This past year has highlighted both challenges and opportunities, inspiring change within the industry including advancements that will benefit not only River Stone but the broader wine community.
As we step into 2025, we do so with optimism, resilience, and gratitude. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to share what’s next.
Ted Kane
Owner and Winemaker
River Stone Estate Winery
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