Oh Canada Q2 2025

Stoneboat Vineyards

Okanagan Valley, BC

The story of Stoneboat begins many decades ago, in 1979, when the original founders, Lanny and Julie Martinuk, left their careers in Vancouver, packed their dog, their savings, and some furniture into an old Ford truck, and drove to the Okanagan where Julie had grown up.

Following his hopes to plant a vineyard, Lanny was one of the first growers in the Okanagan to convert orchard over to vinifera in 1983. In 1998, Lanny purchased the Orchard Grove vineyard on a handshake, where the winery is now located. This site would be planted primarily in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinotage. This vineyard gave Lanny and Julie the resources to finally unite their grapes in their own bottle in 2005.

Our vineyard is located on what we call The Black Sage Gravelbar.

The defining characteristic of the Black Sage Gravelbar soils is the rocks that lie beneath them. Two to three feet of sandy, gravelly loam give way to hundreds of feet of rounded, similarly sized stones that were deposited by ancient glacial meltwater. They provide excellent water drainage and keep vine vigour in check. Most importantly, these stones are frosted with a coating of calcium and other minerals, known as carbonate skins, which integrate with the soil. Because of their southwestern exposure, the vineyards take full advantage of the South Okanagan’s desert sun & heat, which develops rich, earthy flavors in the grapes.

Winemaker, Bill Adams joined the Stoneboat family following a year as a cellar master at Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars. His discerning approach to winemaking, coupled with his extensive experience with Pinot varieties, uniquely aligned with Stoneboat’s commitment to crafting quality and expressive wines.

Stoneboat 2022 Pinot Noir

Gold Medal - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024

The 2022 Stoneboat Pinot Noir is an elegant, fruit-forward expression of the South Okanagan. In the glass, it shows a delicate ruby hue with aromatic layers of raspberry, cranberry, and sour cherry. On the palate, it’s lively and well-balanced, offering flavours of red plum, a hint of pomegranate, and subtle earthy undertones. The tannins are smooth and supple, complemented by a bright acidity that lifts the fruit and carries through to a clean, medium-length finish.  Alcohol 13.3%. 

Food Pairing
This Pinot Noir is versatile and food-friendly. It shines with roast duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon. For a vegetarian pairing, try wild mushroom risotto or a beet and goat cheese salad. It's also an excellent partner for charcuterie boards with mild cheeses and cured meats.

 

Little Engine Winery

Okanagan Valley, BC

Little Engine Winery is a standout gem nestled on the Naramata Bench in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Founded on a vision of producing wines that reflect ambition, precision, and elegance, Little Engine crafts small-lot, estate-driven wines with uncompromising quality. Their portfolio showcases expressive Pinot Noir, structured Chardonnay, and bold Merlot—all shaped by the unique microclimate and terroir of the region. With meticulous vineyard practices and a hands-on approach in the cellar, Little Engine wines reflect both power and finesse, making them a true representation of New World craftsmanship with Old World soul. Their motto, Dreams don’t come true, they are made true, speaks to the passion and resilience behind every bottle.

At the helm of Little Engine Wines are proprietors Steven and Nicole French, a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose shared entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for this visionary winery. Steven, whose career began in Oil & Gas with a focus on Marketing and Business Development, brought his drive and strategic acumen to the world of wine after graduating from the University of Western Ontario. Nicole, rooted in a family of entrepreneurs, transitioned from a career in Education into Real Estate Design, Development, and Brand Marketing—bringing a creative edge and thoughtful design sensibility to the Little Engine experience. Guiding the winery’s portfolio is Scott Robinson, an accomplished winemaker with a Master’s in Oenology with Distinction from the University of Adelaide. Having honed his craft across New Zealand, Australia, and the Okanagan, Scott has been with Little Engine since its inception, shaping its wines with precision, elegance, and a deep respect for terroir. Together, this trio has built a boutique winery defined by passion, ambition, and world-class quality.

Little Engine 2022 French Chardonnay

The 2022 French Chardonnay from Little Engine is an elegant and expressive wine that reflects both precision winemaking and the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. On the nose, it opens with lifted aromas of ripe orchard fruit—pear and golden apple—layered with lemon zest, white blossoms, and a delicate note of vanilla and toast from well-integrated oak. The palate is rich yet balanced, with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and flavours of stone fruit, citrus, and subtle minerality. The finish is long and refined, with a graceful touch of spice and a lingering freshness.

Food Pairing
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood and creamy dishes. Think seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc, butter-poached lobster, or herb-roasted chicken. It also complements creamy pastas, like fettuccine Alfredo, and soft cheeses such as Brie or Triple Cream. Ideal for elegant dinners or slow weekend lunches.