Episode 5: Winemaking On The Edge - Pinot Noir Specialist, Grant Stanley (SpearHead Winery)

Join Tania for her discussion with Grant Stanley, “pinot noir pioneer journeyman” and winemaker at SpearHead Winery, Wine Align’s 2022 Best Performing Small Winery in Canada (www.spearheadwinery.com). Tania and Grant discuss his journey of becoming a Pinot Noir specialist, some of the building blocks of winemaking, and how “heartbreak grape” Pinot Noir can work in British Columbia - a region situated on “the edge” of the global wine map. Tania and Grant also consider the acute challenges currently facing British Columbia wine producers in light of the deep freezes suffered by vines in the Okanagan Valley over the last two winters, and the consequential devastating loss of more than 50% production for the 2023 vintage (and close to 70%-80% loss in some areas). As part of local industry stabilising and striving for business and economic sustainability, is it time for us to reconsider aspects of site selection, and/or how we source some of our grapes? This episode is for cork dorks, Pinot Noir lovers and everyday consumers alike. It’s about the passion and pursuit driving us humans to continue to make and love wine “on the edge”.