Harvesting Heritage: 25 Years of Family, Innovation, and Quality at Stag’s Hollow Winery

Celebrating over 25 years, Stag’s Hollow is a family-owned winery located in the picturesque Okanagan Falls region of British Columbia. Known for producing some of the highest quality and most distinctive wines in the province, Stag’s Hollow has become a beacon of excellence in the Canadian wine industry. With two vineyards, Stag’s Hollow Estate and Shuttleworth Creek, the winery has established itself as a pioneer in grape growing and winemaking in the Okanagan.

What sets Stag’s Hollow apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation and a desire to push the limits of grape cultivation and winemaking in the region. The team at Stag’s Hollow constantly explores new and old grape varieties that are best suited to the area’s unique soils and microclimate. By cultivating grapes like Tempranillo and Albariño from Spain, as well as Dolcetto and Teroldego from Italy, Stag’s Hollow offers wine enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. These varietals, though originating from different corners of the globe, yield wines that are unmistakably reflective of the Okanagan Valley.

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In addition to their distinctive grape selection, Stag’s Hollow employs a unique trellising system known as the Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) in both of their vineyards. This system divides the canopy into two pendent curtains, trained downwards from high canes. By reducing shade and increasing yield and grape quality, the GDC system has proven to be a pioneering technique in the New World.

Sustainability is a core value at Stag’s Hollow. The winery embraces environmentally friendly farming practices, including conservation, responsible water usage, and efficient energy consumption. Chemical fungicides are eschewed in favor of organic alternatives to control powdery mildew and rot. Canopy management is meticulously performed by hand, allowing for precision and reducing energy consumption. To foster biodiversity and control pests, natural vegetation buffer zones are grown, providing a sanctuary for beneficial insects. Stag’s Hollow Winery proudly achieved certification by Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC) in 2022, placing them among a select group of only six wineries in BC to earn this esteemed sustainable certification.

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Stag’s Hollow’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its vineyards. The winery proudly participates in the sub-geographical indicator (sub-GI) system, which recognizes the unique characteristics of specific wine regions within the larger Okanagan Valley GI. Okanagan Falls, the region where Stag’s Hollow is located, became the second designated sub-GI in British Columbia in 2018. Extensive research conducted by soil and viticulture experts determined that the area’s soils, topography, and climate significantly contribute to grapevine development and wine quality.

Stag’s Hollow’s vineyards perfectly exemplify the distinctive landscape elements of the Okanagan Falls sub-GI. Shuttleworth Creek, representing the northern section of the sub-GI, features alluvial floodplains and gently sloping sediments. The southern section, which constitutes the majority of the sub-GI, boasts undulating glaciofluvial soils and kettles formed by ancient glaciers. Remarkably, Stag’s Hollow’s vineyards are strategically situated within these distinct landscapes, harnessing the terroir to create wines that are truly unique to the region.

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As Stag’s Hollow Winery celebrates its legacy of innovation, sustainability, and exceptional winemaking, it continues to shape the future of the Okanagan Valley wine industry.

With their unwavering commitment to quality and a passion for exploration, Stag’s Hollow remains a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts seeking extraordinary wines that embody the spirit of the Okanagan.

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