Nice time for ice wine

Snow and frigid weather at the beginning of November may not be a welcome sight for many – but it is for ice wine makers. 

Summerhill Pyramid Winery staff have been picking the last two nights. 

"We are very fortunate, as this is probably the earliest outbreak of cold we have seen since 1993,"  said winemaker Eric von Krosigk. 

"Traditionally, in the Okanagan, we don't see snow until Christmastime," he added.  

"It needs to get to -8 C or colder. Normally, we pick in the middle of the night and then we put them in our presses," said assistant winemaker Michael Alexander. 

The pressing process can take up to 48 hours. 

The grapes picked this week will take up to two years before they're enjoyed at the dinner table.