Lunessence Winery
Spectacular Wines & Stunning Views
LOCATED IN SUMMERLAND, BC
Lunessence Winery, located in the picturesque town of Summerland, invites you to experience the harmonious blend of nature, tradition, and innovation. With a dedication to organic farming and low intervention winemaking, Lunessence crafts exceptional wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
Lunessence Winery
VISIT LUNESSENCE WINERYLunessence Winery captures the essence of the Okanagan Valley, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and exceptional vineyards. This connection to the local terroir is evident in every bottle produced, reflecting the winery’s deep roots in the community and its passion for the land.
Since its inception in 2014, Lunessence has passionately cultivated its estate vineyard using organic farming methods, achieving organic certification in 2020. “We embrace a low intervention approach, focusing on organic fruit and wild yeast to let the natural qualities of the vineyard shine,” says General Manager Cameron Walker. This dedication to organic practices not only enhances the flavour and quality of their wines but also underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Operating in the Okanagan Valley comes with its own set of challenges, from extreme weather conditions to the intricacies of maintaining organic vineyards. However, Lunessence faces these hurdles with resilience and innovation. “If you start with really good fruit, our job becomes much easier because we can focus on letting the natural flavours shine without heavy manipulation,” explains Cameron Walker. This philosophy underscores their approach to winemaking, ensuring quality even in the face of adversity.
The Philosophy of Low Intervention Winemaking
At the heart of Lunessence’s winemaking approach is a commitment to minimal intervention. “We’re pragmatic, not dogmatic about our approach to it. So we need a commercially sellable product at the end of the day,” Cameron notes. This balance ensures that while they strive for natural processes, the end product remains of the highest quality.
Foot-trodden Wine:
One unique aspect of their winemaking process is the use of foot-treading. “Foot trodden for us is it allows us to be really gentle on the fruit initially,” Cameron shares. This traditional method exemplifies their gentle approach to winemaking, preserving the integrity of the fruit and enhancing the wine’s character.
Family Legacy and Winemaking Expertise
Brandon Lawrence, the winemaker at Lunessence, comes from a family deeply rooted in the wine industry. “My dad’s actually been with Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards for 31 years. He just stepped back as a vineyard manager,” Brandon shares. Growing up around vineyards and working various roles in the industry has shaped his philosophy on winemaking. “A lot of my experience has been with small operations… the overarching theme from all of them was kind of the typical low intervention. Focus on the vineyard and then let the wines and yeast do what they do to make the wine.”
Brandon’s journey took him across the globe, including a stint in New Zealand. “In 2020, I did a harvest over in New Zealand. It was an amazing experience despite the challenges of COVID. I learned a lot about different winemaking techniques and the importance of adapting to new environments,” he recalls. This international experience, combined with his deep family roots in the Okanagan, has given Brandon a unique perspective on winemaking. “I prefer small setups where everyone knows everyone and helps out where it’s needed. It’s about being part of a tight-knit group that all has the same motives and drives.”
Lunessence Tasting Experience
Visitors to Lunessence can enjoy personalized wine tastings and tours, exploring different vintages and varietals under the guidance of the winemaker or knowledgeable staff. This immersive experience allows guests to connect deeply with the wines and the stories behind them. Guests can also take in the stunning views of Okanagan Lake from the winery’s gorgeous patio, making the tasting experience truly unforgettable. The serene landscape, combined with the carefully curated wine selection, creates a perfect setting for both casual sippers and connoisseurs.
Lunessence Wine Club: Amadeus
For those who want to deepen their connection with Lunessence, the Amadeus Wine Club offers a host of exclusive benefits:
- One Spring shipment per year of 12 bottles
- Customize your order to select the wines you want
- All orders include 10% off regular pricing, plus complimentary shipping
ADDITIONAL MEMBER BENEFITS:
- Complimentary tastings at the winery for you and up to four guests
- Complimentary shipping anywhere in Canada on orders of 12 bottles or more
- 10% discount on any wine purchases in the tasting room
- Access to exclusive pre-release wines, pick-up parties, and library wines
Membership in the Amadeus Wine Club ensures that you are always among the first to enjoy Lunessence’s latest releases and special offerings. It’s an excellent way to experience the full range of Lunessence wines, while also enjoying exclusive events and perks designed to enhance your appreciation of their craft.
Dim Summerland and Charcuterie
In July and August, Lunessence offers charcuterie boards on the patio to enjoy with your favourite Lunessence wine. These boards feature locally sourced meats, cheeses, and pickles from esteemed purveyors such as Hand Cut and Cured Meats, Poplar Grove Cheeses, Terroir Cheese, and Local Motive Market.
Additionally, in collaboration with chef-in-residence Van Doren Chan, Lunessence hosts dim sum evenings on select Saturdays and Sundays. Van Doren’s handmade dumplings are steamed outside on the patio and served in bamboo steamers, creating a delightful fusion of culinary and vinous pleasures. Visit the Events page for dates and to make a reservation.
Food & Wine Pairings
Cameron and Brandon offer expert recommendations for pairing Lunessence wines with various dishes:
Steak: Merlot or Cab Franc
Fish: Chardonnay or Vin Gris
Pasta: Rosé
Dessert: Brut Riesling
One of my personal favourites is the Chardonnay Small Lot Series. This exquisite wine is a staple in our household, enjoyed regularly for its exceptional flavour and quality. It’s also my go-to gift to showcase the remarkable wines of the Okanagan region.
Enjoy The View
The panoramic views of the lake and surrounding vineyards provide a breathtaking backdrop, inviting visitors to linger and savour their wine. For those who wish to extend their stay, Lunessence encourages guests to bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy on the patio, enhancing the overall experience with a personal touch.
Visit Lunessence Winery
Looking ahead, Lunessence remains committed to innovation and excellence. The winery’s vision is to continue producing wines that not only reflect the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley but also set new standards for quality and sustainability. “We’re always learning and adapting to ensure our wines are the best they can be,” Cameron says, highlighting their dedication to maintaining a dynamic and evolving winemaking process.
Lunessence Winery stands as a testament to the harmony between tradition and innovation. Through their organic practices, low-intervention philosophy, and deep connection to the Okanagan Valley, they offer a wine experience that is both unique and deeply enriching. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Lunessence invites you to explore the essence of their exceptional, award-winning wines and the beautiful region they call home.