B.C.’s WINE INDUSTRY GREW UP WITH US.

Sumac Ridge was the very first operating estate winery in British Columbia and we’re proudly celebrating 36 years in 2017. Our winery was founded by Harry McWatters in 1979 in the aptly named town of Summerland in the Okanagan Valley. Since the 1800s, the area’s combination of sparkling water, brilliant sun and fertile land has made it ideal for growing grapes.

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery has been dedicated to producing wine from 100% BC grown grapes since its inception, and have set the standard for high quality in fine wines. There were only 17 operating wineries in BC in 1990, when the BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) was established. Today, there are 341 wineries, growing more than 75 different grape varieties.

Grapes grown in our vineyards include Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. We also source additional grapes from other respected vineyards throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. To learn more about our history, visit our timeline.