The 2024 harvest was one of the most challenging seasons Deep Roots Winery has ever
faced. Following the mid-January cold snap, it looked as though no wine would be produced
that year, a grim prospect for any winery. Yet, against all odds, a small ray of hope emerged.
A 3.5-acre Gamay block yielded 100 cases of wine, a far cry from the usual 3,000+ cases
produced annually but still a significant achievement under the circumstances.
Despite the challenges, the team at Deep Roots refused to give up, finding ways to adapt
and persevere in the face of uncertainty.
A Year of Unknowns
Winemaker Will Hardman described the start of 2024 as “the most bleak of states” he had
ever experienced. Following the devastating cold snap, uncertainty lingered through the
winter and into spring. “We were trying to forecast the year ahead, but we didn’t know what
was going to happen,” he explained.
By June, signs of life returned to the vineyards. Week by week, the greenery filled in,
bringing cautious optimism. However, the syrah and malbec vines on the Rayner property
showed no recovery, and fruit production across the board was minimal.
“My thinking shifted from doom and gloom to, ‘How do we ride this year out until the 2025
season?’” Will shared.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
A turning point came in August, when government regulations were relaxed, allowing
land-based wineries like Deep Roots to source fruit and juice from outside Canada. This
flexibility provided a crucial lifeline, enabling Will and other winemakers to adapt to the
season’s challenges.
Will and his friend Matt, a fellow winemaker from 3 Sisters Winery, traveled to Washington
State to source grapes. This trip opened up new creative possibilities. Walking through
vineyards and meeting growers, Will was inspired to experiment with varietals rarely seen in
the Okanagan.
The opportunity allowed him to explore grapes like Roussanne and Marsanne, which are
often blended together, as well as Chenin Blanc, a popular white grape he worked with
during his time in South Africa. Pinot Blanc and Grenache rounded out his selections, with
plans to create Bordeaux-style red blends.
Exploring New Horizons
The chance to hand-pick grapes directly from Washington vineyards brought a refreshing
perspective to a difficult season. Will’s selections were driven by curiosity and a passion for
crafting unique wines. Deep Roots ultimately partnered with three growers, bringing back 11
varietals for future production.
Preserving Deep Roots’ Integrity
While the opportunity to create new wines was exciting, Will emphasized the importance of
maintaining the integrity of Deep Roots’ existing portfolio. “We’re super proud of our Deep
Roots wines and didn’t want to muddy those waters,” he explained. To preserve this
distinction, the winery will launch a new brand exclusively for wines made with Washington
grapes.
A Year of Resilience
The 2024 harvest is a testament to the adaptability and determination of the Deep Roots
team. From navigating the unknown to embracing new opportunities, the season was
defined by resilience.
Stay tuned for what’s in store as we reveal the new branded wines and share more exciting
stories from Deep Roots Winery
