Our goal is to make extremely high quality wines that do not cost a fortune,” says Matthew Sherlock of Lock & Worth Winery. “Or as we like to say—‘Single Vineyard Wines. Everyday’.”
The name of this Naramata Bench winery is derived from the last names of Matthew Sherlock and Ross Hackworth, who is also sole proprietor and winemaker at Nichol Vineyard. At Lock & Worth, their wine making is very “hands off”—there is minimal intervention in the winery with a focus on wines that are balanced and fresh as opposed to heavy and rich.
They started in 2011 and completed their third harvest last fall. Matthew and Ross make about 1400 cases of wine annually with a focus on Merlot and Cabernet Franc for reds and a Sauvignon Blanc (90%) and Semillon (10%) blend for their white. They also make a very limited Rosé from Cabernet Franc. The winery itself is on the original Poplar Grove property and the home vineyard for the reds is the original Poplar Grove vineyard planted in 1995 on the Naramata Bench.
The tasting room is a shared space with Poplar Grove Cheese. Visitors can sample all the wines as well as a selection of cheeses. “We have a lovely picnic area overlooking the lake,” says Matthew. “Visitors can buy a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers and enjoy the afternoon on the grass or picnic tables.”
Lock & Worth is open weekends until the May long weekend, and every day after until October, 11-5.
~ Dona Sturmanis