Road 13 Vineyards in Oliver points out, “On our road, there are no shortcuts.” It is all about farming to protect the land and keeping the cycle of farming in this manner for generations to come to make honest wines. While the work is hard, the philosophy is simple: Taking care of the dirt means it’ll take care of the roots, and thus, produce the best fruit possible.
The secret is in the soil and Road 13 farms it organically. Says Winemaker Barclay Robinson, “Respecting the land and farming organically is our way of ensuring we will be successful here for decades to come. This kind of farming also produces outstanding fruit.”
Dig Into Winemaking at Road 13
Robinson has a background as a Sommelier, which influences his way of making wine. He believes in making approachable, easy-drinking wines. Therefore, in the vineyard, he picks grapes with just the right mix of balance and brightness to deliver “true, honest-to-goodness wines” season after season.
When he took the winemaking helm of Road 13 in 2020, he came from the Niagara Peninsula where he had made wine and honed his craft for 10 years. Before that, he spent over 10 years as a sommelier which has provided him an edge in blending and refining his wines from berry to bottle. His approach is about time and tradition. Given some of the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in North America are planted there, and they produce less fruit than younger vines, to respect that means bottling with tradition to elicit complex, concentrated flavours.
The John Oliver Experience
This special tasting is a tip of the hat to hardworking British Columbia Premier, politician and farmer John Oliver (1856 to 1927), who helped develop the Okanagan Valley’s produce industry and for whom the town of Oliver is named.
This experience, $65 per person, showcases Road 13’s new John Oliver Selection paired with a mouthwatering charcuterie board of local delicacies reflecting the Valley’s farming legacy. These wines are the result of heroic levels of hard work, dedication, and good dirt. It is a demonstration of Road 13’s passion for making great wines, reflecting its unique terroir and its commitment to quality. Through this rare opportunity, you’ll see how the wines are crafted from vine to bottle with a tour of the land and a tasting of some of Road 13’s finest creations.
More Tasting and Experiences
Road 13 invites you to make the most of your visit by joining them for a tasting or tour. Through these tastings and experiences, select a personalized opportunity to taste Road 13 wines, and enjoy vineyard views. Sip on the prized portfolio through options like the Winemaker’s Selection, Vineyard Patio, and Road (13) to Reds. Check for current hours on the website. “Pull up a chair, fill up your glass, and let’s talk about what makes this valley great.”
The Vineyard Patio experience is a relaxing and enjoyable time on the patio where you taste two wines by the glass carefully selected to showcase the Road 13 winemaking style and South Okanagan terroir. Winemaker’s Selection Experience presents four distinct wines, each one a reflection of the passion, dedication, and terroir. Road (13) to Reds Experience is designed with the big bold red lover in mind and introduces a tasting of five of its favourite red wines, accompanied by a selection of artisan crackers.
Latest Accolades
In the National Wine Awards of Canada 2023 (WineAlign), which is Canada’s largest and most respected competition involving 100 percent grown and produced Canadian wine, Road 13 soared to sixth place in the Top 25 Wineries in Canada, and ranked third in the Top 10 Wineries in BC. Placement is based on the number of medals received in the various wine categories with judges comprised of a select group of Canadian wine writers, educators, sommeliers and two international judges.
No matter the tasting, curated wine experience or visit to purchase wine, “A road worth travelling,” awaits you at Road 13 in the heart of the South Okanagan.