6816 Andrew Ave., RR2, S68, C15
Summerland, BC
This attractive, adobe-hued winery occupies a commanding site at the top of a long, sloping vineyard. The patio here is a relaxing stop for wine tourists. Thornhaven was launched originally by Dennis Fraser, a former grain farmer from Peace River. Subsequently, he sold it to cousins who are grape growers in the Summerland area.
The winery draws its grapes entirely from vineyards near Summerland, including five hectares leased last year, which produce syrah and the three major Bordeaux reds. As a result, Thornhaven is adding three big reds to its portfolio in 2010 – a syrah, a merlot and a Bordeaux blend.
The winery also has raised its production of gewürztraminer to 1,700 cases (up from 1,200) to meet the demand for that wine ever since the winery won the 2006 Lieutenant Governor’s Award with the varietal. Increasingly successful in competitions, Thornhaven was a fifth-place finisher last year as Canadian Winery of the Year at the Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards.