Crafted in BC Releases with John Weber- Orofino & Benoit Gauthier – Noble Ridge
THE SHOW
When BC”s interior wine growing regions were devasted by two Winter cold snaps, Wine BC met with the provincial government to suggest that if their wineries could access vineyards from out of province for one year, they could begin replanting’s and still have wines to keep them working and selling.
Otherwise, many of the farmers, farms and wineries would be lost.
2025 brings those wines.
The wines grown, crushed and made from Washington and Oregon vineyards can now be found on our shelves.
All marked. Such as “Grown in Washington. Crafted in BC”
These are historic wines. One of a kind. Wait ’til you taste them.
This week’s guests are:
John Weber – Co-owner/Winemaker Orofino Vineyards (Similkameen Valley)
All the “crafted” wines are $24.95.
2024 Chenin Blanc – Few and Far Between Series
I was particularly interested in what plans John had made for his 2025 Crafted in BC releases.
He’s a 15-minute drive to the US border and surely had some farming friends down south.
John got my attention when I tasted his 2024 Chenin Blanc from 50-year old vines from the Ancient Lakes AVA high above the Columbia River Gorge. Aged in concrete and older oak barrels. 250 cases were produced.
Wonderfully bright with lemon/herbal notes and dusty minerality. John loves the outstanding waxy lanolin thing going on.
2024 Roussanne – Few and Far Between Series
Ancient Lakes AVA. Same as Chenin above. Engaging blend of tastes and textures. Stainless steel and older oak barrels. Flowers, herbs. Full round finish.
2024 Marsanne – Few and Far Between Series.
Also, Ancient Lakes AVA. Stone Fruit and a delicious finish.
Ripe Melon, minerals, light spice. Classic N. Rhone elements.
2024 Cinsault Rose – Few and Far Between Series.
From Naches Heights AVA.
Coller higher elevation. Notes of watermelon, John notes a saline streak, minerality.
Begs to be combined with summer foods. Only 150 cases.
2024 Cinsault Rose Mag Bag – Few and Far Between Series
400 bags. $44.90 – Perfect for picnics, fishing, camping etc.
Also, we talk
2022 Sparkling Gamay Noir
John mentions 3 Reisling’s.
Hendsbee Vineyards Clone 21B and Clone 239
And finally, The Home Vineyard Reisling
We finish with a reminder of their sensational Vineyard Suites and Guest House.
Benoit Gauthier – Director of Winemaking and Viticulture & COO Noble Ridge (OK Fall
Jon Adrian photo Benoit Gauthier
“As I walk through the vineyard, I can’t help but reflect on the past year. The Winter of 23-25 dealt us a tough hand, leaving many vines struggling to survive. But here we are, emerging stronger, with renewed hope and a vineyard that is well on its way to recovery” Benoit Gauthier Spring 2025.
Every vineyard and winery has its own version of the damage and recovery from two Winter cold snaps.
One element that stands out in all the stories is the resilience of the vines and the farmers.
Benoit Gauthier is a prime example.
Totally dedicated to supporting the vineyards struggle to survive and making sure he and his team did everything possible to save and strengthen the vineyards.
Each vineyard with damaged vines took the opportunity to head outside BC seeking replacement grapes to grow and bottle for 2025. Otherwise, some wineries could not/would not survive.
Benoit headed to Washington wine country. Below, the wonderful results, grown in Washington. Crafted in BC.
In ancient Rome, a vilicus was a steward/overseer of a large estate/farm, who managed operations.
All Vilicus wines are $21.00 in the tasting room .
2024 Vilicus Rose – Crafted with Malbec grapes from Wahluke Slope AVA Columbia Valley. (organic)
Strawberry, ripe cherries on opening. Strawberry and lime on the palate. Nice rich tones with appreciated texture.
2024 Vilicus Pinot Grigio– From Horse Heaven Hills AVA Washington. (sustainable)
Stone fruit on the nose. Followed by ripe peach, pear and apple on the palate. A long finish carried by minerality.
2024 Vilicus Viognier – What an opening! peach, orange and melon. All ripe. In the mouth, the texture contains ripe tropical papaya and stone fruit. It’s bright and inviting. Truly a treat. Goose Gap AVA (sustainable)
2024 Vilicus Pinot Gris/Viognier – Blending these two needs craftsmanship. Well done, Benoit. Floral notes followed by a crisp clean palate. Hello Summer. Horse Heaven Hills AVA (sustainable)
Benoit also touches on
2019 Reserve Meritage
2021 Blanc de Blanc
And some of the events they plan to create in 2025.
Details at www.nobleridge.com
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON
Crafted in BC releases from
Spearhead
Le Vieux Pin
Niche
Kismet
Clos du Soleil
And more.
Also Barnyard Natural Wine Fest in Victoria
