Heidi, Karnail and Hans
Heidi Lorch with past winners Karnail Singh and Hans Buchler.
Growing high-quality wine grapes is all about soil. As it turns out, the same appreciation and support of the land that leads to amazing grapes (and therefore wine) can come from just about any kind of farming, as Heidi Lorch can attest.
Farmers and their stewardship of the land are key to great results, regardless of the crop.
In May, the BC Grapegrowers’ Association (BCGA) honoured Lorch for the ways in which her background, education and labour in the field have led to spectacular grapes. About 40 growers came together at Heidi’s Peak Estate Vineyard, to celebrate her accomplishments as the third BCGA Viticulturist of the Year, as well as to learn about soil health; something she is deeply interested in.
Lorch’s family were dairy farmers in Ontario, so she was accustomed to the hard work of farming long before she studied agriculture at the University of Guelph and bought half the family farm.
“I focused on raising poultry and growing corn and soybeans,” she says. “I completely enjoyed doing that for 27 years.”
But something different beckoned. Lorch still wanted to farm, but she wanted to live in a scenic area. She also didn’t mind the idea of a little less snow during the winter months. Lorch purchased a neglected vineyard in Okanagan Falls, at the southern tip of Skaha Lake, and set out to give the 7.5 acres as much support as possible.
“I came to BC and took the viticulture course at Okanagan College,” she explains. “I love farming and being able to work outdoors while surrounded by beautiful scenery is a bonus.”
The view may be a bonus, but don’t expect to see Lorch idle in her vineyard. She’s very focused on her Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris vines.
“I completely enjoy tending to the vineyard,” she says. “The vines tell a different story each season or year, and it’s gratifying to see how I can be a part of that growth and maturation.”
This year, she was honoured for those efforts as the 2021 award recipient. Wild Goose Winery makes award-winning wine from her grapes, the vines of which have definitely recovered from their period of neglect. Lorch invested in new irrigation systems and worked with the soil to increase organic matter for strong, healthy vines.
“I’m extremely fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with Wild Goose Winery,” she says. “The Kruger family has been completely supportive and encouraging of my endeavours and I truly appreciate their expert guidance.”
John and Heidi
John Bayley, CEO of the BCGA, toasts BC Viticulturist of the Year, Heidi Lorch.
The proximity is a nice plus, as her vineyard is across the street from Wild Goose. Winemaker Nik Kruger says although he sees her in the vineyard every day and watches her take individual care of the vines, he was surprised at how quickly she was able to get the vineyard in top shape. Her vineyard canopies are meticulous and she incorporates mechanical innovation when it makes sense to the end-results. Wild Goose plans to purchase all of Lorch’s grapes for the foreseeable future and use them in the third-generation winery’s wines.
Her attention to detail and scientific approach won over the association’s judges when they were considering this year’s award recipient. Lorch says the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris blocks had soil specially manipulated from the initial excavation of her site. “Bulldozer-itis,” as she puts it.
“My main goal was to address vineyard blocks that needed upgrades in regards to irrigation and soil amendments,” she says. “To have my work be noticed and receive positive feedback is truly amazing for me.”
As a second-generation farmer, Lorch knows the importance of soil health to any crop. She notes that in addition to the excess manipulation, the base at her site is sandy and gravelly with low organic components and high pH.
“Over time, the soil health will improve and sustain cover crops to further rejuvenate the soil,” she says. “It’s all about working with the land for the future.”
The judges were impressed by her approach and her attention to detail in all the award’s criteria. Her extensive soil testing and record keeping as well as her long-term vision for the site were appreciated.
“I felt extremely excited and at the same time very humbled because there are so many amazing viticulturists in BC,” she says. “I’m appreciative that there is an award like this to notice the farmers behind the deer fences who often blend, unrecognized, into the vines. I’m grateful for all the encouragement and good cheer I receive from others in the industry.”
Winners like Lorch may be nominated by their peers and a committee of industry professionals evaluates the nominees based on their vineyard management and other factors. Kruger supplied a letter of recommendation for her nomination.