Quail’s Gate Winery Receives Sustainable Winegrowing Certification

Quails’ Gate Winery Estate in Okanagan Valley, B.C., has achieved certification from Sustainable Winegrowing B.C. (SWBC) in recognition of the estate’s sustainable practices.

The certification complements Quails’ Gate’s 2022 vineyard certification, and makes it the sixth winery in British Columbia to receive full certification.

The winery uses low-impact practices and a holistic ecosystem management approach to grape growing, focusing on efficiency and waste reduction in winemaking and sourcing farm-to-table ingredients.

“Environmental stewardship has always been one of the foundational pillars at Quails’ Gate,” said CEO Tony Stewart. “We feel a personal responsibility to protect this land for future generations to enjoy.”

Senior Winemaker Jeff Del Nin added that the winery’s commitment to sustainability “is not just a philosophy, it’s a way of life.”

The Arrowleaf Cellars in Lake Country is marking 20 years in the wine industry this year.

Arrowleaf is a family-owned business that was founded in 2001 by the Zuppiger family.

Arrowleaf was born from the family’s passion for organic farming. Joe and Margrit Zuppiger moved to Canada from Switzerland in 1986 and established an organic orchard and dairy farm.

After ten years in the dairy business, they moved to the Okanagan and purchased Suncrest Vineyard and the Carter Farm. The family grew grapes for Gray Monk Winery for five years before establishing Arrowleaf Cellars.

The family sent their eldest son, Manuel, to Switzerland to complete a three-year apprenticeship program in wine making. Manuel gained industry experience by working as a cellar hand for three seasons in Australia and the Okanagan.