Travel BC: Phantom Creek Estates
Phantom Creek Estates is a sought-after winery on the renowned Black Sage Bench in BC’s Okanagan Valley. Famous for its exquisite single-vineyard Bordeaux-style blends and Alsatian-style white wines, the winery continually sets new benchmarks for Canadian winemaking. It boldly explores innovative techniques while upholding traditional methods.
Guided by the consulting winemaker Oliver Humbrecht, Phantom Creek remains steadfast in its dedication to sustainable viticulture practices. Emphasizing environmental stewardship and utilizing organic and biodynamic methods, the winery prioritizes the well-being of the land and vines.
Phantom Creek Estate Winery recently achieved a significant milestone by garnering accolades at the esteemed Decanter Wine Awards. The winery proudly received ten medals, with the Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée 2020 achieving the highly esteemed Gold Award with 95 points. This accomplishment celebrates the winery’s unwavering dedication and ardour, a source of pride for all.
Mark Beringer, the Director of Winemaking, expressed gratitude and pride in the team’s steadfast commitment to excellence.
“We are honoured to have our wines recognized by such a distinguished panel of judges at the Decanter Wine Awards. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire Phantom Creek team. Every step of our process, from the careful attention to our vineyards to the expert craftsmanship in winemaking, has contributed to this remarkable achievement and reaffirms our mission to create wines that capture the essence of our vineyards.”
FIVE DECADES OF GROWING
In 1977, Helmut Becker led the groundbreaking Becker Project, which ambitiously introduced over 30 different grape varieties to the Okanagan Valley. This initiative not only proved that European reds could thrive in this region but also marked a pivotal moment for the local wine industry, catalyzing a shift towards cultivating higher-quality Vitis Vinifera grape varieties.
In 1993, Harry McWatters astutely recognized Becker Vineyard’s potential for cultivating late-ripening Bordeaux grape varieties. That same year, the inaugural planting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc vines in the southern Okanagan region took place; subsequently, Syrah was also integrated into the vineyard’s cultivation.
Viticulture expert Richard Cleave spearheaded the development of this vineyard in 1996. Since then, it has gained widespread acclaim as one of Canada’s most exceptional single vineyards, consistently yielding premium wines.
Kobau Vineyard traces its roots back to 1929, when it functioned as an apple orchard. In 2005, its significant potential was recognized, leading to the initiation of grapevine planting, with a primary focus on varieties from the Cabernet family, Viognier, and Syrah.
Fueled by a profound passion for Bordeaux-style wine, founder Richter Bai acquired the esteemed Becker Vineyard and Phantom Creek Vineyard, thereby laying the cornerstone for Phantom Creek Estates’ extraordinary legacy.
Phantom Creek Estates made a grand entrance onto the global wine scene in 2020. Shortly thereafter, the establishment commenced offering its exquisite culinary creations, providing a perfect complement to its exceptional wines.
The estate remains steadfast in its commitment to organic agriculture. By abstaining from the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, they are dedicated to improving the vineyard’s soil, enhancing biodiversity, and restoring the natural equilibrium of the land.
At Phantom Creek, the team places a strong emphasis on cultivating our vineyards in a sustainable and ecologically friendly manner. This involves the meticulous application of natural fertilizers and employing traditional artisanal techniques to nurture the vineyards.
Additionally, they prioritize the cultivation of cover crops to prevent erosion, enrich soil health, and promote biodiversity. This holistic approach stands as a testament to their steadfast dedication, all vineyards at Phantom Creek Estates received organic certification in 2021 from Ecocert.
PHANTOM CREEK VINEYARD
Sharing its nomenclature with the renowned winery, Phantom Creek Vineyard is situated on the lower terraces of Black Sage Bench and is a relatively modest 8-acre expanse.
Respected wine critic John Schreiner lauds Phantom Creek as “one of the highest quality vineyards in the Okanagan.” The exceptional wines derived from this unique vineyard have been awarded with over 85 wine awards and clinched the title of “Best Wine in Canada” on three occasions.
BECKER VINEYARD
Tucked into the embrace of the Okanagan Highland mountains, Becker Vineyard is nestled on the steep slopes of the upper terraces of the Black Sage Bench.
The vineyard benefits from its lofty altitude, granting its vines an extended growing season. The prolonged sunlight and invigorating cool breeze from the north work in harmony to shape its distinct microclimate. The wines that emerge from Becker Vineyard are imbued with pronounced flavours yet manage to retain an exquisite vibrancy and refreshing crispness.
Helmut Becker, a distinguished German viticulturist and former chief of the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute, laid the foundations of Becker Vineyard in 1977.
It was an ambitious endeavour, especially considering that viticulture in the Okanagan regions at the time predominantly focused on cultivating Vitis Labrusca and other hybrid grape varieties. Becker’s pioneering project showcased that Vitis Vinifera could not only survive but thrive in BC, ultimately leading the local wine industry toward a transition to this higher-quality grape variety.
KOBAU VINEYARD
Nestled in the southern region of the esteemed Golden Mile Bench, this expansive 63-acre vineyard is strategically positioned to benefit from the gentle embrace of the morning sun.
Kobau Vineyard is dedicated to the cultivation of an array of international grape varieties, including the illustrious Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Viognier. Enriched by the fertile gravel soil, the wines that emanate from the Kobau Vineyard are celebrated for their distinctive mineral nuances, intricate structure, and harmonious equilibrium, all of which are a testament to the unparalleled terroir of the Golden Mile Bench.
Notably, the Kobau Vineyard Syrah captivated judges and enthusiasts alike at the illustrious ‘Judgment of BC 2015,’ spearheaded by the esteemed Steven Spurrier, securing distinguished acclaim and the highest honours.
EVERNDEN SPRING VINEYARD
The Similkameen Valley, situated beyond Kobau Mountain, boasts unique geological features that create the perfect environment for viticulture.
The soil in this region holds a rich glacial history marked by intense rock metamorphosis. The interplay of abundant stones, granite, gravel, and silty soil provides a robust foundation for the root systems of the vineyards.
In 2017, under the expert guidance of Olivier Humbrecht MW, Phantom Creek Estates made the decision to introduce two noble Alsatian varieties, Pinot Gris and Riesling, to the prestigious Evernden Spring Vineyard.
Painstaking adjustments were made to accommodate the growth characteristics of these distinguished varieties.
Furthermore, careful consideration was given to the vineyard design. The precisely distributed 2-acre parcel ensures that the grapes reach optimal ripeness, aligning perfectly with the Austrian Foudres barrels. This meticulous planning ensures that each 2-acre batch of grapes undergoes complete fermentation in a single barrel, allowing for the unique terroir expression of each plot to shine through.
UNIQUE TECHNIQUE
Phantom Creek Estates employs the world’s most advanced optical analysis sorting machines to select the highest quality grapes at the beginning of the winemaking process. The winery was conceived in accordance with the ‘gravity flow’ philosophy, which leverages the natural force of gravity.
With three different production areas arranged vertically and automatic juice transfer pipelines, each stage of wine production ensures minimal external influence on its quality. This architectural design safeguards the wine’s inherent flavours and guarantees exceptional quality.
Different types of oak fermentation barrels and stainless-steel fermentation tanks are used to achieve various styles of wine. Every fermentation tank has a temperature control system, allowing the winemaker to monitor and adjust it 24 hours a day.
The winery has its state-of-the-art laboratory, where almost all tests can be conducted in-house, enabling the winemaking team to receive reports immediately. The winery has an annual production capacity of 50,000 cases of wine.
BIODYNAMIC FARMING PRACTICES
Since 2017, Phantom Creek Estates has dedicated itself to the exploration and implementation of biodynamic farming practices.
At the vineyard, this entails a steadfast avoidance of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, with agricultural activities guided by a series of natural remedies and an astronomical calendar. This holistic approach is aimed at fostering a self-sustaining and flourishing ecosystem, extending from the soil to the grapevines and culminating in the wine itself.
Biodynamics epitomizes a profound contemplation of wine production, striving for the utmost purity in expression.
Each bottle authentically captures the terroir of its origin, the intricacies of the vintage, and the distinct characteristics of the grapes.
Embracing biodynamics is more than just a choice for producing exceptional wine; it is a tribute to nature, contributing to the preservation and sustainability of the planet.
Furthermore, beyond the vineyards, Phantom Creek Estates upholds the principles of sustainable development.
OFFERING TOURS & TASTINGS
Embark on a bespoke exploration of Phantom Creek Estates. Guided tours are available seven days a week, providing an intimate and personalized experience that delves into the estate’s storied past and the latest in winemaking techniques.
Guests are invited to book a custom-tailored tasting session, where they can savour the most exquisite wines while surrounded by stunning views of the vineyards.
A visit to Phantom Creek Estates guarantees to be a standout experience of your journey. It delivers a harmonious blend of opulence, tradition, and exceptional wine.
To read the original version of this story in Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine flippable version HERE!
