Yvonne Turgeon
Tasting library wines is a humbling reminder of the value of waiting. At a recent Poplar Grove library tasting, I had the privilege of sipping not one but three perfectly aged vintages of bold Okanagan reds. The years spent resting quietly came alive with a story—one of craftsmanship, patience and an unwavering belief that time would bring out its best. It’s a lesson that extends far beyond wine, touching the rhythms of nature, the cycles of life and even the quiet months of winter as we prepare for a new season.
Patience, much like wine, is an art. In the vineyards, it’s the ability to wait for the right moment to harvest. (For vineyard manager and Poplar Grove’s GM Chris Holler, that often means waiting for a “Halloween pick”—allowing grapes to hang on the vine until late October, ripening to wrinkled perfection and developing deep, complex flavours.) In the cellar, it’s trusting the years to unlock hidden complexities.
And in our industry, it’s the recognition that some things—whether it’s a great wine, a challenging season or the changing rhythms of the land—are best understood in harmony with time.
The B.C. wine industry has been built on this principle. In just a few decades, it has grown into a globally-respected region. Yet, like a young wine, its full potential is still developing. Challenges—wildfires, climate change and economic pressures—have tested its resilience, but the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive comes from its patience and perseverance.
Winter is nature’s practice of patience, a reminder that growth requires rest. As orchards and vineyards retreat into dormancy, they conserve energy for the season ahead.
As the stillness of winter sets in, the lessons of the past season resonate. While the land rests, we, too, are invited to pause—not in idleness, but in thoughtful preparation. Just as fields recharge for the next season, the industry can use this time to reflect on its journey, embrace its achievements, and plan the steps that will shape its future.
Winter demands patience and trust in the process. Just as a winemaker sets aside bottles, believing that the years will deepen their character, we embrace this quiet season as a path to something greater.
It’s easy to rush forward, to demand instant results, but the best things in life—like wine—cannot be hurried.
As seen in: Year End 2024 Orchard & Vine