The Perch Winery stands out among British Columbia's wineries with a focus on family, sustainability, and exceptional wine quality. Situated on a ten-acre farm in Vernon, The Perch has carefully cultivated five-and-a-half acres of estate vineyards with modern, disease-resistant grape varieties, creating a distinctive experience for wine lovers. This article explores what sets The Perch Winery apart, from its vineyard practices to the wines themselves, capturing the details that make it worth a visit.
Sustainable Vineyard Practices
At The Perch Winery, sustainability is woven into how they grow and harvest their grapes. Their choice of grapevines, mostly from disease-resistant, cold-hardy varieties developed by institutions like the University of Minnesota and Cornell, means they can use fewer pesticides while still producing high-quality wines. The vines' resistance to diseases also allows for a cleaner, safer working environment, benefiting the soil, air, and the surrounding wildlife.
The Pinot Noir 777, the winery's only non-disease-resistant variety, showcases the commitment to organic practices. Though it requires more management due to its susceptibility to pests, The Perch Winery uses certified organic products to keep the vineyard as natural as possible. This approach shows how careful selection of modern grape varieties, combined with organic practices, leads to healthier vineyards and, ultimately, a purer wine.
A Rare Selection of Grapes
The Perch Winery's offerings extend beyond the common varieties found in most wineries, featuring a selection of reds and whites that bring unique flavours to the Okanagan Valley. These include the Pinot Noir 777, an intense, aromatic version of the classic, and Regent, a deeply pigmented red originally developed for the German organic wine industry.
Regent's intense colour and flavour have quickly made it popular among visitors who enjoy fuller-bodied wines. Its Syrah-like flavours and Merlot-esque body are complex yet approachable, providing a satisfying glass with layers of depth. For fans of the lighter-bodied yet richly aromatic reds, the Pinot Noir 777 stands out with its velvety tannins and balanced structure. This specific clone's small, tight clusters produce a darker, more concentrated wine than typical Pinot Noir varieties, appealing to those looking for a powerful yet refined red.
Corivese, is a scarce red wine variety combining a high percentage of Vitis Vinifera heritage with impressive disease resistance, a feature viticulturists value. Its small leaves, upright growth, and deep black-blue berries contribute to a robust wine with pronounced tannins and a flavour profile between Sangiovese and a quality Bordeaux blend. Corivese's unique character and limited availability make it a must-try for those exploring something outside traditional varietals.
Unique White Varieties
The whites at The Perch are just as intriguing. La Crescent, developed by the University of Minnesota, has a distinct taste profile that has captured the interest of white wine lovers. This off-dry wine, known for its stone fruit and honeyed aromas, presents flavours of apricot and peach that are lively and inviting. With each sip, the acidity and aromatics come through, reminiscent of Riesling but with a slightly different twist that keeps people returning for more.
L'Acadie Blanc is another specialty at The Perch. This wine brings flavours of apple, pear, and honey, balanced by an underlying earthiness that highlights its Canadian roots. The winery even experiments with adding bubbles to the L'Acadie Blanc, which enhances its fruity aromas and adds a celebratory feel to the tasting experience. These whites showcase the versatility of The Perch Winery's approach, offering something different and exciting for every preference.
Modern Grapevines and Superior Wines
The Perch Winery's focus on modern grapevine varieties translates directly to the quality of its wines. These vines have been bred specifically for resilience, flavour, and minimal intervention. This means the grapes require fewer sprays, preserving the natural characteristics of the soil and the grapes. The result is a wine that reflects the unique terroir of Vernon while requiring fewer chemicals that can alter the taste and impact the environment.
Visitors to The Perch will find a direct correlation between these advanced grapevines and the wine's vibrant flavours. The vineyard's investment in sustainably grown, modern grape varieties enhances each bottle's flavour and quality, giving guests a taste of what advanced viticulture can offer. This dedication to superior, low-intervention farming provides the Perch with a reputation for wines that are not only delicious but responsibly produced.
Tasting Room and Picnic Areas
The Perch Winery has a relaxed atmosphere and some picnic areas set within the vineyards where visitors can enjoy wine while enjoying the view. The cozy tasting room is approachable, making it a welcoming spot for seasoned wine enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Vineyard rows surround the outdoor picnic spaces and offer a spot for visitors to unwind, savouring their wine while observing the local birdlife that often graces the area. These birds provide a pleasant, natural backdrop, adding an immersive quality to the experience that kids and adults can both appreciate. It's a place where guests can sit back with a glass, breathing in the fresh air, surrounded by the rows of vines and observing the variety of bird species that enjoy the vineyards. This relaxed setup offers an experience not found at more commercial wineries, allowing guests to enjoy the moment fully.
A Visit Worth Making
The Perch Winery is where wine, sustainability, and family-run friendliness come together to create an accessible yet distinct experience. With its commitment to sustainable practices, an unusual selection of grape varieties, and a welcoming space, The Perch Winery is a compelling choice for anyone exploring BC's wine country.
