Summerhill Pyramid Winery, established in 1986 by the Cipes family, is a renowned winery located in Kelowna, British Columbia, within the Okanagan Valley. It stands out as Canada’s most visited winery, celebrated for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices, and its unique pyramid-aging process.
Organic and Biodynamic Practices
The winery is certified organic and Demeter-certified biodynamic. It employs minimal intervention winemaking techniques, allowing the natural terroir to shine through in its wines. This approach ensures purity, nuance, and a true expression of the Okanagan Valley’s unique climate and soil.
The Pyramid Aging Process
A distinctive feature of Summerhill is its use of a 13-meter (43-foot) glass pyramid to age its sparkling wines. Inspired by the French tradition of aging sparkling wines in a dark, cool place, the pyramid is believed to enhance the wine’s flavor and quality. This process involves placing the wines in the pyramid for 30 days, allowing the cuvée and dosage to “marry,” resulting in a more refined and harmonious taste.
Wine Varietals
Summerhill produces a diverse range of wines, including:
Sparkling Wines: Notably, the Cipes Brut, a flagship sparkling wine.
White Wines: Varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer.
Red Wines: Including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah.
Icewine: A Canadian specialty, produced from grapes naturally frozen on the vine.
Biodynamic Wines: Crafted from grapes grown using biodynamic principles.
