The seeds for owner Luke Smith’s (shown in photo) passion for fine wine were sown early. Luke’s Mom was secretary of the Vancouver chapter of the International Wine and Food Society so he was exposed to extraordinary wines and fine food growing up.
His love of wine, food, and sharing both, sustained him through a career as an investment advisor until he bought the Naramata Bench property in 2003.
“It all starts with striving for perfection in the vineyard,” Luke says. “To have perfect grapes I believe you must grow them yourself and that is what we do.” Luke’s goal is to produce small lots of fine wines. “My son and I are building a family winery for future generations.”
Luke’s push for perfection is already reaping rewards. Last year his 2012 Sauvignon Blanc was selected for West Jet’s Encore Promotion. It also won a Gold Medal at the Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada and rated among Wine Diva’s Top 100 wines of the year. His Estate Pinot has won many awards including two Lieutenant Governor Awards, Canadian Red Wine of the Year Wine Access Award, and placed Howling Bluff as one of the wineries to participate in the Okanagan’s First Annual Pinot Celebration in 2013.
~ Lorne Eckersley