Sandhill

The primary focus at Sandhill wines is in the vineyards. Each of the estate’s Okanagan Valley vineyards have unique characteristics that are expressed in wines made from that vineyard. Which is why Sandhill makes only single vineyard wines and the specific vineyard name appears on the label of each wine made.

The largest vineyard by far is the Sandhill Estate vineyard, located in the far south of the Okanagan Valley. The vineyards was originally leased from Burrowing Owl, before being purchased outright in 2002. Other vineyards travelling north include, Phantom Creek, Osprey Ridge and King Family, just north of Penticton.

These Okanagan Valley vineyards are each different in soil composition, slope, exposure to sun and drainage. The grapes are farmed to maximum ripeness, extracting the best qualities that each vineyard offers, resulting in exceptional Okanagan Valley VQA wine.

Working with single vineyards is about showing off the lineage of the wines. The style will progress but the fundamental fruit flavors will remain the same, an assurance of consistency and high quality. The winemaking techniques are designed to enhance, not interfere with, fruit flavors. Two words you will hear frequently from Howard Soon to describe his winemaking technique are “gentle” and “non-interventionist”. Great fruit, helped along only when necessary using a soft touch, will result in great wine.