Oliver, British Columbia: Phantom Creek Estates started its inaugural sparkling wine harvest this week with Pinot Noir from East Kelowna. The harvest began with a celebratory toast from President Ingo Grady.

The 2017 vintage got off to a slow start after a cool, wet spring. However, warm summer temperatures quickly accelerated the pace of the growing season. This, combined with cool nights, resulted in fruit reaching optimal ripeness with balanced acidity.

“It is shaping up to be a very good sparkling wine vintage,” said Ross Wise, Winemaker at Phantom Creek. “Tasting the fruit, there’s a combination of exceptional balance and purity of flavour.” 

Grapes for sparkling wine are typically harvested early to retain crisp acidity. Phantom Creek will begin its harvest for white and red still wines in the next several weeks.

“Led by Winemaker Ross Wise, our talented, hard-working team is poised for our second harvest at Phantom Creek,” said Ingo Grady. “There’s no doubt it will be a memorable one.”

Phantom Creek’s sparkling wines will be made in the time-honoured traditional method, with prolonged aging in bottle. The winery’s first sparkling wine is anticipated to be released in 2020.


About Phantom Creek Estates

On the sunbathed Black Sage Bench, Phantom Creek Estates farms exceptional wines from historic vineyards with thoughtful precision. The winery, located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, is projected to open in Spring 2019.