There’s a lot of history in the deep roots at Hainle Vineyard and Estate Winery, and from those, exciting new possibilities are growing.

Peachland’s only winery – and Canada’s original source of ice wine – has undergone a major renovation to its main building, its equipment and its vineyard on the Trepanier Bench hillside. Owner Bella Huang says it’s time to unveil some exciting changes.

“We wanted to keep the history, but tie it in with the more modern life now,” says Bella, who has owned the winery since 2017, and in January moved to Peachland full-time to oversee all operations. She has big plans for the property, from making a walking trail alongside their vines, to one day, hosting community groups and winemakers’ dinners in their new VIP area.

A fresh new paint colour are just some of the changes at Hainle winery.

“It’s also the goal for us to tell people the history of this place,” Bella adds.

The Hainle legacy is built on original owner Walter Hainle’s winemaking expertise. Decades ago, in an attempt to salvage his grapes from an early frost, he produced the first bottles of commercial ice wine sold in North America. Since the 1970s, Hainle wine has been served at events, such as the Academy Awards and Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton. The winery is also the first in Canada to receive certified organic status, and to this day, sustainable winemaking practices continue. New vineyard plantings complement the original vines on the 12-acre property, half of which is dedicated to growing Pinot, Zweigelt, Reisling, and Traminer.

Bella says due to the sandy soil and their organic practices, Hainle wine has a unique minerality, and because of its traditional European style, you’re going to get a more earthy flavour without the added (and headache-inducing) sulphites.

“And because the roots go so deep, I think it’s also the reason we have more flavour in the wine,” Bella says.

With the renovation of the main building and installation of updated winemaking equipment behind them, and adjusted pricing to provide better value for your money, Bella’s team is hoping Peachlanders will come and see the change.

“It’s like a hidden gem here, and now is the time to come out and see it,” says Bella.

The wine shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery

5355 Trepanier Bench Rd

(250) 767-2525, or contact via email