About the Estate Vineyard
Estate Vineyard Story
I drove down this road, and it reminded me of a country lane from days not so long ago… The nostalgia of it all, no lines, no traffic noise, just a peaceful, meandering road.
This farm was for sale and being a Wine Grape Grower I saw endless possibilities… also coming from an Agri-Tourism perspective saw destination tourism events, rv campground & glamping written all over this place.
I often walk in the grassland nature park up the hill from us and from that vantage point it gives us inspiration …
The estate vineyard Vines shaping a Glass in the Vineyard was born as a fitting legacy…
About the Founder – In 1996 there were about 1200 acres were already planted and added 75 acres as well as the first successful commercial grower in the wine country Similkameen Valley.
I began my plan and planted the largest vineyard in the valley. Even more boldly with viniferagrapes and 70% reds to top it off! Big risk and everyone I knew at the time in the industry said it wouldn’t be successful!
Andres Wines agreed to purchase the fruit which launched theplanting and the project was very successful and following my success the many more vineyards and wineries have started in the valley.
- BC Grape Growers Association 1999 - 2012 I was a director - BC Wine Institute 2001 - 2007 I was a director - BC Agriculture Tour Alliance 2005 - 2009 I was a director - BC Starling Control Association founded in 2012 created. It is now funded by growers, regional districts, Provincial Government, Federal Government and 100% supported by BC-SPA, WWF as well as the birding associations across the province.
Through my affiliations as a director of these groups and knowing most of the wineries and growers in the Similkameen I was able to make introductions and created alliances that created Similkameen Wine Growers Association and have helped shape the industry to what it is today.
Generally speaking, that makes me a pioneer in the BC wine business and now I see a bright future in the winery business :)
Learn More
There is a peacefulness here that is hard to explain. Perhaps its the mountains embracing the valley that provides the feeling of comfort.
History
Lower Similkameen Nation
We respect the first people of this land. The Smalqmix people are valued friends
to the Similkameen Wild family..
Below is the Vision statement from their home page. Click the link above to learn more.
We the Sovereign and respected Smalqmix of the Sukwnaqin-x are committed to preserve our Land, History, Culture and Traditions.
To enhance the quality of life for ourselves and future generations.
Our Priority is to empower ourselves to build a holistic community that is healthy, self sufficient, independent and strong.
We will create a safe environment in which we have freedom to worship, work, and play as we choose for our Greatest Resource - Our Children!
Traditional first nations pit house. Click this picture to lean more about the Smalqmix nation.
Appreciate the nature. Glamping anyone
The vine glass
Traditional Pit House
Traditional Pit House
The vine glass is big enough to see from space. (Go to Google Earth to view.)
Future Plans are to build a real pit house and the "Village in the Vines" where events & glamping would take place
Traditional Pit House
Traditional Pit House
Traditional Pit House
Pit houses were traditional wintering dwellings and were used for gathering year round.
Village in the Vines
Traditional Pit House
Village in the Vines
In the future we plan to have Eight Teepees (tipis) surrounding a pit house. All developed with the help of the Lower Similkameen First Nation. One tipi is already accessible for glamping
Similkameen RV Camping Resort campground,Cawston Wine Countr
Resort's RV campground near the vines
Wine country camping, Beautifull wild rv campground with an amazing lakeside view near the resorts vines. We do offer rv camping on site but through our members programs only. Camp in the meadow, and wake-up to h the most amazing view of the Similkameen river and Chopaka mountains. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE RIZING BED OF THE RIVER IN SPRING, THE CAMPGROUND IS CLOSE MAY-JUNE
HipCamp Profile & Reviews
Please follow this link to book a campsite through HipCamp app and our HipCamp reviews. Teepee (Tipi) glamping available through resort booking
March: month of local artists
Come get inspired and creative. We supply creative space for staying artists