FARM NOTES

Sometimes it really feels like you are up against it. A wicked cold snap in late November has wreaked havoc with Okanagan farms. Crops yields will likely be significantly diminished because of bud and plant loss. Operationally ‘uncertainty’ seems to be the catch phrase for 2023 …

But we have Del.

Del is unfailingly positive. And funny. If you ever walk into the cellar when Del’s working you most likely will hear singing. Loud. Britney Spears to the Tragically Hip, Del will rock it.

In honor of Fathers Day, we wanted to recognize the power of Del. Of positivity and humor (and wine). It truly builds resiliency.

Mother’s Day – not a simple day.

Relationships are complex, life is a journey and Mom’s come in many shapes and forms.

Julia

Many of you have likely visited with her in the Tasting Room … she is my Mom and the Winery’s proverbial ‘Mother Earth’. She is one of the hardest working of our Troupe (and she is the oldest). She is thoughtful, kind and has a thumb greeener than Mr. McGregor, keeping the winery picnic fridge stocked with the freshest veggies in Naramata. In her previous life she was a primary school teacher.

Collectively we celebrate Julia, who’s heartbreaks as a Mom have been profound, but whose love drives her to soldier on.

Wishing all mom’s, mom’s of choice or in spirit, moments of laughter, joy and beauty this Mother’s Day.

The ebb and flow of life, and the seasons, is front and center in our day to day at Elephant Island. It’s a perspective that is equal parts inspiring and overwhelming.

Monday, for us, was a milestone. On Monday, we were awarded certification by Sustainable Winegrowers BC.

It’s difficult to articulate why this checkbox is so meaningful – but it comes down to commitment. By formalizing our responsibilities as land stewards and establishing a framework for measuring and setting goals as a Team, the road beneath us feels stronger, and the direction we are going clearer. We are grateful to Sustainable Winegrowers BC and those who have come before us in creating this important process for our industry.

Here’s to making our farm, our business, our community, and our environment a healthier place.

Hear Dan chat about one of our core projects last year: eliminating the use of glyphos on the farm.

February. For some it is the month of love, for others the longest month of the year. On the farm it is a month bundling up, of pruning and planning, of keeping the water defrosted and of slow cooked meals with lots of red wine on the table.

The town we call home – Naramata – is blessed by a community of amazing cooks. People that love good food and drink, and love coming together to share it. I am blessed to call many of them friends, and one of the best is my sister-in-law Dawn (Dawn’s alter-ego is Legend Distilling – check them out their Whisky is, no lie, legendary). Dawn’s slow cooked leg of lamb is on heavy rotation in our house this time of year, along with a glass of Cab Franc.

In the event you need some soul warming slow cooked inspiration or Valentines Day meal planning, I have attached the link to Dawn’s recipe here.

Enjoy!

It’s funny what a difference a day makes. The simple act of flipping the calendar from 31 to 1 has brought for us a flood of hopefulness, of reflection and of gratitude.

Despite the size of our namesake animal, the Elephant Island team is lean. Our core staff of myself (Miranda), Del, Lauren, Alex, and Bea is complimented by essential seasonal staff in Vreni, Jen, Dan and the Tasting Room crew. Prioritizing projects is a reality. In 2022 that meant getting sweaty. And dirty. To make the best wine our land can grow, our focus landed on the farm. On compost, on hand weeding, on cover crops and on sheep!

It also meant that our communication and connectivity to all of you incredible supporters fell short.

In 2023, we are aiming to do a better job of sharing. Sharing the moments, the efforts and the camaraderie that goes into the growing and making of every bottle of Elephant Island Wine.

To that end, we raise a glass of Blanc de Blancs Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling and say THANK YOU. Thank you for visiting, for buying our wine and for bringing us into your special moments.

Talk soon

We filled our bucket with good friends, good food, great wine and mind-bending magic. In the process over $1,000 was raised for the Naramata Playschool.

If you have any images from this magical night give us a shout out on Instagram or Facebook and tag @elephantislwine. If you’re old school reply to this email with your reflections on the evening. And the biggest win for this event would be for you to tell 10 friends to join you here in 2023 (date TBA).

Happy Summer Nights!

Miranda, Del, Lauren, Jen, Bea and the rest of the Elephant Island Team